Each week, Ian McIntosh sifts through the noise to uncover the travel bargains actually worth your hard-earned cash, and this edition is a belter. From Wendy Wu Tours’ blockbuster savings and Qantas’ Red Tail specials to cheeky Blue Friday cruises, early-bird Hong Kong Sevens packages, luxe London stays, and serious expedition discounts to Antarctica, these are the sharp-end deals real travellers and seasoned agents are jumping on now. Conditions always apply, but the value is very real.
WENDY WU TOURS Big Deal Sale means savings of up to $4,000 per couple on over 900 departures in 2025 and 2026, plus savings on Japan’s cherry blossoms in 2027. Choose from tours to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, India, Central Asia, Africa, Latin America and more.
QANTAS Red Tail Aussie sale runs out soon. From reef dives in Cairns, to brunch dates in Melbourne or stargazing in the Top End, start planning your dream getaway. Sale ends 11.59 pm (AEDT) 13 November 2025.
PRINCESS CRUISES says forget Black Friday—Blue Friday Sale is full steam ahead. Until December 9 2025, you can book your next Princess cruise with 50% reduced deposits.
HELLOWORLD invites you to visit the Northern Territory with some great fares from Virgin and packages to Alice Springs and the Top End. A four-day Discover Alice special costs from $679pp twin share, or spend seven days discovering the NT from $1669
FROM LAST WEEK:
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 is offering some 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.
ACCOR invites you to save 20% or more and double your reward points. Book by 1st December 2025 and stay between December 8 2025, and March 15 2026. You’ll automatically enjoy both offers combined.
LUXURY ESCAPES has a deal if you are heading to London. The hotel is the Marble Arch near Hyde Park – get two nights in a deluxe room, buffet breakfast, and a bottle of wine from $649.
TOURING: Spain’s Alhambra is a lesson to us all about the power and beauty of simplicity and the importance of blending architecture with nature. In a beautiful hilltop setting of natural gardens, this haven for Sultans, dating back to 1238, takes you into another world—where architecture meets nature to create one of the world’s wonders. If you are thinking he must mean like the clipped, formal gardens at Versailles in France, think again. No, this is a garden nature intended —a garden of flowers, trees, pines, and roses —providing an excellent backdrop for the buildings and palaces. So, as you stroll about the site (not for people with walking difficulties, I am afraid) – heading as untold numbers of diplomats, government officials and even citizens did to see the almighty Sultan – you pass beautifully crafted windows time and time again with breathtaking views over these lovely gardens. Water also plays a vital part in the original plan. Beautiful little fountains are everywhere – and just before the entrance to the Suntan’s reception room, a long pool reflects the beauty of the entire scene. Stand behind in the King’s Hall and behold the wonder of it all. Our trip up and back from Malaga took three hours, and with the tickets and guide was costly – but the experience was priceless.
TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club has just updated all Silversea rates on its website — many have been significantly reduced. Now is the perfect time to secure your next voyage at the best possible price.
Breakaway Travel Club has some great deals aboard Oceania – check out Bali to Sydney, February 22, 2026 – 21 Nights aboard Riviera.
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 everyone else. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Please send us details to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller.
By Ian McIntosh – (c) 2025
Read time: 4 minutes.
About the Writer
Veteran journalist and publisher Ian McIntosh has spent a lifetime exploring the world and sharing its wonders. As the founder of Travelnews Australia, his nationally distributed, full-colour travel trade publication earned the esteemed Telstra Business Award.
Though now retired, Ian remains a passionate globetrotter with a soft spot for small-ship cruising and for discovering good-value hotels across Europe. His most recent adventure involved a rather enthusiastic Thai elephant named Bo, who promptly deposited him into a pond.
A true storyteller at heart, Ian continues to travel with humour, curiosity, and an unwavering love for the road less travelled.
