If ever there were a moment to book decisively—or at least with a steady hand on the calculator, this is it. Airfares are creeping north in lockstep with jet fuel, yet the market remains peppered with tempting offers for those prepared to read the fine print and move quickly. Enter Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals, a seasoned traveller’s shortlist of genuine value, where European dreams jostle with closer-to-home escapes and cruise lines quietly sharpen their pencils. From cut-price Japan fares to generous cruise savings and hotel perks that actually deliver, this week’s round-up proves one enduring truth: the savvy traveller still wins provided they keep their wits, and perhaps their travel agent, about them.
Air fares continue to go up with the price of jet fuel. Now is the time to book a trip to Europe next year…. or perhaps you should be thinking about a holiday closer to home.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS free Solo Supplement is available on more than 240 voyages worldwide. Discover extraordinary destinations ranging from Antarctica to The Kimberley.
WEBJET has Japan on sale: one-way fares to Osaka from $499 and to Tokyo from $469. There are also six-day explore Japan tours priced from $1589 – that is a claimed saving of 25%. Look at the conditions carefully and check if your local airport is included.
BEST WESTERN invites you to stay three nights at its properties across Australia and New Zealand by 10 May 2026 and receive a US$50 (approx. A$75) gift card. Details here https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/offers/oceania/oceaniarewardsrush.html?aff=BAU&ssob=EMBWRAUSTRA02.
AEGEAN AIRLINES is offering up to 30% across its network – but you have to hurry – the deal ends on April 21. A Star Alliance member since June 2010, Aegean serves 23 domestic destinations and 97 international destinations in 46 countries. Book a flight/hotel package and enjoy up to 25% off on flight tickets.
FROM LAST WEEK:
VIKING cruises has the answer to long, tiring and increasingly expensive overseas flights. Adult-only cruises from Sydney circumnavigate Australia, New Zealand or Japan and journey through Southeast Asia. Book now and for a limited time, save up to 35% across selected ocean voyages.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES has a great deal if you are going to stopover in KL. Double your adventure and enjoy a flight to one of eight local destinations at no extra fare – just pay the taxes.
SILVERSEA has a suite upgrade deal going until April 30 – save up to $11,000 per suite and get an upgrade. Watch out for the conditions.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS has released special fares on 2028 Polynesian voyages aboard Le Paul Gauguin. Book your dream voyage and enjoy a bonus of up to 30% off all sailings – seven to 14-night itineraries.
TRAVELODGE HOTELS invites you to book now and save 20% at properties across Australia and New Zealand. Plus, make your booking as an eClub Member to receive an additional discount and instant rewards.
CHINA EASTERN heads back to Adelaide from June 21 2026. Enjoy free in-flight Wi-Fi and nonstop service to Shanghai and beyond, including great connections to Beijing from $680 and London from $962. Flights are on sale now via www.ceair.com. Conditions apply. How good is the service? I will find out in June.
TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel’s latest newsletter features eight pages of rates that were unavailable last week – Crystal releases latest specials – Alaska, South America and the Mediterranean included. Princess – World Segments – 22 nights Sydney to Cape Town. Solo Travellers, to get your own Newsletter, email [email protected].
ATIT’s Beyond Borders on the Road Sydney brought together 50 travel professionals for an evening of airline updates, advocacy intelligence, accreditation insights, surcharging news, and a hands-on marketing masterclass. Beyond Borders on the Road continues in Brisbane on 20 May, Adelaide on 20 July, and Perth on 22 July, before culminating in the flagship Beyond Borders Travel Summit later on 09 October in Melbourne. “Definitely attend. 100 per cent worth it. You’ll get to interact with great people, meet the ATIA team and learn some valuable lessons and insights.” Adam Israel, Envoyage
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: 2 minutes
About the Author.
Veteran journalist and publisher Ian McIntosh has spent a lifetime exploring the world and sharing its wonders. His nationally distributed, full-colour travel trade publication, Travelnews Australia, 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.
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