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Welcome to Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals, your trusty roundup of sharp savings and sensible choices. From the thunder of Hong Kong Sevens grandstands to the stillness of Antarctic ice, this week’s picks span smart Qantas fares, serious expedition-cruise discounts, elegant European sailings and well-priced city stays. As always, shop carefully, lean on a good travel agent, and travel insured because the best trips are adequately done.

CATHAY PACIFIC advises: The ultimate rugby weekend is back. Experience the thrill of the Hong Kong Sevens in 2026 with our online exclusive early-bird packages starting from $1,488. Book now with the discount code EARLYR7AU to lock in exclusive early-bird deals on Flight + Event Ticket packages.

HX EXPEDITIONS is the world’s longest-running expedition cruise company. With bookings now open for the 2026 Antarctica season voyages, HX offers great sales to incentivise travellers to take that next step with up to $7,635 off all-inclusive expeditions. Conditions apply. Itineraries include Highlights of Antarctica – 12 days with savings of $1264—book by December 3.

HURTIGRUTEN is discounting one of its top-selling tour packages: Oslo—Honningsvåg —Rovaniemi—Helsinki. Travel by rail, sea, and land through breathtaking Nordic landscapes and Arctic wonders, save $1000 per cabin, and receive $1000 in onboard credit.

QANTAS Red Tail international sale is on – but you only have until November 5. Discover spectacular sights and savings from the bright lights of Los Angeles to the lively beaches of Bali.

WQ HOTEL Wellington is celebrating its arrival with 20% off long weekend stays and complimentary breakfast. The hotel features 108 bright and contemporary rooms with sweeping city skyline views, equipped with modern amenities, including high-speed WiFi.

ACCOR invites you to save 20% or more and double your reward points. Book by 1 December 2025 and stay between December 8, 2025, and March 15, 2026. You’ll automatically enjoy both offers combined.

PONANT EXPEDITIONS’ latest offer means you can save 10% on combined itineraries next year in Europe. The itinerary includes 16 nights from Athens to Malaga, departing October 22, 2026.

FROM LAST WEEK:

VIKING: Book a 2026-2028 river voyage and fly free up to $5000 per couple. Use code FFR25.

LUXURY ESCAPES has a deal if you are heading to London. The hotel is near the Marble Arch in Hyde Park. From $649, you can get two nights in a deluxe room, buffet breakfast, and a bottle of wine.

ALDI HOLIDAYS: Yes, the supermarket people always have holiday deals. How about the Pacific Jewels holiday? It’s a 21-night fly/cruise/stay featuring Hawaii, Tahiti, and New Zealand, priced from $4999. Sail with Royal Caribbean in October 2026. Aldi claims the value is as much as $9,000.

TOURING: Launceston, Tasmania: Accommodation – you can spend the night and head for the Pump House or Stillwater. We have experienced both properties and give them a high five. However, I would recommend The Sebel Launceston if you want a very comfortable inner city property with a great restaurant. Very comfortable, very friendly – great food (excellent presentation) at Bluestone Restaurant. Don’t miss dinner at Black Cow Bistro (only for carnivores), but you have to book, and we recommend doing so weeks, if not months, ahead. Always booked out.

Touring: Don’t miss the Clover Hill Winery – an architectural surprise made out of rammed earth with lovely country views. The wines are exquisite – you can move from the flinty dry to a drop to your taste. We really enjoyed the Foudre – an oak-aged Chardonnay champagne. Next came Jansz – rather lovely sitting out overlooking a lake and the surrounding countryside and sipping more champagne, our favourite – the 2021 vintage cuvee. The next day, we visited the Callington Mill in Oatlands, Tasmania, which has a high-quality tourism infrastructure and a working mill driven by wind. If you’re off to Tassie and looking to do some distillery visits, this one is a must. Its Pedro Ximenez whisky has just beaten all other single malt whiskies to be crowned king at the 2025 London Spirits Competition. Next was a champagne tasting at Tamar Ridge cellar door, lunch at Stillwater and a lazy, sunny afternoon in pretty Evandale, where we seem to regularly head to browse a cluttered, old-fashioned store full of fabulous stuff. Finally, we enjoyed a day trip to Devonport – home to a truly amazing pile of collectibles called the Antique Aquarium, and on the way, we called into the Van Dieman Creamery at Elizabeth Town and ate a monster load of different flavours – then staggered across the road to the Raspberry Hills Cafe. You need at least four days to enjoy some of the goodies Launceston has to offer.

TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club invites you to experience the future of cruising with Celebrity Edge. Edge—one of the most talked-about ships at sea—is sailing in our waters this summer, and limited availability remains on select departures. According to Sue Francis, this ship offers revolutionary design with private spaces and dedicated service. Great deals on Azamara as well.

Remember, conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent, and travel insurance is essential. Finally, I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Please send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.