Few in the Australian travel trade can match Ian McIntosh’s knack for sniffing out a genuine bargain. In this edition of Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals, the veteran publisher casts a seasoned eye over polar expeditions, cruise windfalls, rail indulgences and airfare specials worth a second look. From Antarctica sailings and Greenland voyages to luxury rail journeys and airline sales, Ian delivers a brisk, witty wrap of opportunities tempered, as always, with a firm reminder to read the small print and trust experience over hype.
AURORA EXPEDITIONS is celebrating 35 years in the business with up to 35% off selected expeditions. As always, check the small print.
HX EXPEDITIONS is featuring Greenland – save up to $3,350pp off all-inclusive expeditions, plus enjoy $400pp onboard credit if you are a new guest.
EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS has a deal for solo travellers – experience the wonders of Malaysia on this luxury train with special fares available on journeys throughout 2026. As the train traverses Malaysia’s verdant jungles, timeless villages, and cities, guests savour innovative menus that bridge each chef’s home traditions.
HELLOWORLD TRAVEL is celebrating United Airlines 40th birthday with special premium economy fares ex Sydney. The deals include LA from $3245.
WEBJET invites you to fly to Wellington and unlock the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail—with up to $200 off flights. Check the details carefully – including which states are included.
CELEBRITY has more deals than a dog has fleas – the latest is called the Semi-Annual Sale. The book now bonus is $100, but watch out for the fine print. Lines like “on selected sailings.”
FROM LAST WEEK:
AAT KINGS and EVENTS NT have partnered to offer travellers a limited-time air credit delivering savings of up to $1,800 per couple on select Northern Territory Small Group tours. Available on new bookings made by 31 March 2026, for travel between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, the Air Credit is applied directly to the land tour cost – giving you the freedom to book flights your way and focus on soaking up the NT’s iconic landscapes and adventures.
IFLY has advised that if you book any eligible international flight by 28 February online @ iFly, you will receive a $150 travel voucher to use on your holiday with Europe Holidays, World Holidays or iFlyGo.
E CRUISING TRAVEL is featuring a Nordic Shores and Arctic Circle cruise departing in August 2026, including return flights, three nights in London and a 14-night cruise priced from $8399. This will be a last cabin deal.
PONANT invites you to steam south to Antarctica. Unlock your 2026 or 2027 polar expedition now and enjoy up to 30% off with an exclusive bonus.
AIRLINES:
CATHAY PACIFIC’s Fly Away sale is back – save on flights to destinations across the UK, Europe, the Chinese Mainland, Asia, North America and more. For instance, fly to Beijing from $941 round-trip in economy. Conditions apply.
CRUISING:
CELESTYAL has announced two new repositioning cruises for its 2026 program, sailing from Athens to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Celestyal Journey will depart on November 14, 2026 and Celestyal Discovery on November 20, 2026. Prices for the eight nights start at A$ 1269 per person, twin share.
VIKING is a great product that we have enjoyed several times. Book your next voyage now and choose from exclusive offers valued up to $5,000 per couple. Have a look at the site for more details. You could, for instance, grab free economy flights or upgrade to business.
TRADE ONLY: The Travel Industry Club is offering rates featuring one of the world’s most popular boutique cruise lines. Windstar is home to three iconic Wind Class sailing yachts. Every room is a spacious ocean‑view suite.
Interline Travel says there have been some big price drops with Oceania this week. Crystal and regent rates are also featured. Solo travellers now get their own Newsletter. Other deals: Expedition rates with some highlighted specials with polar expeditions, two very
tempting offers from HX, Heritage Expedition,s think Kimberley, Japan and the sub Antarctica, plus Coral Expeditions – Kimberley Barrier Reef and the Spice Islands.
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. Want to join our mailing list? Send a request to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller. We have no commercial relationship with any operator.
By Ian McIntosh – (c) 2026.
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.
