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There’s a certain old-world charm to a well-curated travel deal, the kind that doesn’t just save a few dollars but opens a door to somewhere unexpected. This week, Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals delivers exactly that: a passport to possibility. From the ancient arteries of the Silk Road to cut-price luxury cruises and airline sweeteners, the offerings span continents and styles, yet share a common thread: genuine value for those prepared to pack a bag and go. Whether you’re plotting a grand expedition across Central Asia or simply chasing a well-priced escape closer to home, there’s plenty here to tempt even the most seasoned traveller.

CROOKED COMPASS invites you to fully explore the Silk Road crossing Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Together, they form what historians have called the engine room of human civilisation: the crossroads where East met West. The 27-day tours have a max of 12 travellers. https://mailchi.mp/crooked-compass/europe-empties-this-is-where-you-go-instead-7515301?e=c4bb94f7cf.

ACCOR has a sale for members – get 25% off stays at 1,500+ hotels across Asia Pacific, Türkiye, Africa and more. Book by June 1.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES is offering a saving of $75 on flights – worth considering for a family holiday, I guess.

CLUB MED’S island hideaways across Southeast Asia are on sale – enjoy up to 20% off when booked before 31 May 2026.

EMIRATES and QATAR have buy-miles deals running at the moment, offering up to a 50% bonus on miles. Qatar seems to be best value. Emirates also has a special Cash+Miles rate of 2,000 Miles = USD 30 instead of USD 15 on flights and extras.

ATIA, the Australian Travel Industry Association, is urging Australian travellers to check that their travel agent or tour operator holds current ATIA Accreditation, following issues with Melbourne-based tour operator AVG Travels.

SNCF CONNECT is making it easier to travel even further by train, with Swiss and German regional services now available, expanding its international offer with routes operated by SBB regional networks across Switzerland and Deutsche Bahn across Germany. Details here https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/deals/new-operators?inApp=true.

JUST YOU, the solo tour operator, is offering savings on 2026 tours, including an eight-day tour of Slovenia and an eight-day tour of Eastern Europe from Czechia to Hungary. More details here www.justyou.com/au.

TAUCK has opened bookings for its 2027 European land itineraries, including a new eight-day journey through France’s Champagne and Alsace regions, and a reimagined exploration of Bordeaux and southwestern France. More info at www.tauck.com.au.

VIKING is offering savings of up to 35% on Iberian voyages. For instance, Portugal’s Rivers of Gold, Lisbon to Porto – 10 days from $5895pp. Or Bergen to Barcelona, 15 days from $ 6,945. Enjoy modern ships and no kids. Also released – four World Cruises, including the 170-day 2028 Viking World Voyage III. New voyages include the 15‑day Japan Discovery.

EUROPCAR has a deal if you need a van or truck for a big move. Right now, get up to 20% off.

FROM LAST WEEK:

QATAR AIRWAYS has released more award seats across its network for FF members, giving you greater flexibility to plan your next trip. Check availability using the award flight finder.

UTRACKS has expanded several of Europe’s classic long-distance walking trails in response to growing demand from travellers wanting to spend longer exploring a single route, rather than stopping at the popular finish line. In Spain, for instance, that means continuing west from Santiago along the Camino Finisterre to the Atlantic coast.

AATKINGS is backing the Go See Australia campaign by introducing an Early Bird 2027/28 season offer. Until 31st July 2026, you can secure up to 10% off selected 2027/28 tours (for selected departures between 1st April 2027 and 31st March 2028) with a deposit from just $200.

IEXPEDITION invites you to join the 21-day Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Peninsula Cruise. There will be just 130 guests aboard Heritage Discoverer. Dates are 19 November – 9 December 2026, Ushuaia Return. Returning travellers save up to 40%, and if it’s your first time, you’ll still save up to 30%.

RAILBOOKERS has some specials that could save up to $800 couple if you book by May 31. For instance, the Italian Treasurers and Swiss Mountains itinerary – 11 days from $5069. Have a look here https://www.railbookers.com.au.

ACCOR says to book an escape at a selected Pullman, Peppers, Mantra, The Sebel, BreakFree, and more, and save up to 30% when you stay for two nights. Book until 30 June 2026 for stays from 1 June to 31 December 2026.

NESUTO HOTELS and Apartments is offering travellers 25 per cent off winter stays across its Australian and New Zealand portfolio, including Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne, Nesuto Parramatta in Sydney, and Nesuto St Martins in Auckland. Discounted rates start from $185 at Nesuto Docklands (normally $240 per room per night). More details, www.nesuto.com/winterstays.

NT EVENT packages are on sale for the BASSINTHEGRASS music festival, the betr Darwin Triple Crown Supercars, Test Cricket and MXGP. The cost of from $919 includes event tickets. Here is the events guide: https://a.storyblok.com/f/286255898790625/x/c1d793ec19/tntcs-001458-festivals-_-events-2026-v10-april.pdf.

IMAGINE CRUISING has an excellent deal if you are interested in cruising from the UK to Sydney aboard Cunard’s new Queen Anne. Departing January 9, 2028 – prices start at $9,999pp for a 46-night full-board voyage, a one-night, four-star hotel stay in London, a complimentary flight from Australia, and all taxes and transfers.

AMAWATERWAYS is introducing a limited-time Cruise & Fly promotion that combines more than 300 selected river cruise itineraries across Europe and Asia with return international airfares. Examples include Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals (14 nights) – Cruise through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland, starting or ending in Amsterdam. The price of $ 9,678 pp includes the 14-night cruise and return international flights.

PELAGO has one-day tickets for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix from October 9-11. Use code RACE1000 and get a bonus 1000 KrisFlyer miles.

PONANT has released its 2028 Kimberley program with a special incentive. Explore one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers and enjoy 30% bonus savings.

WENDY WU TOURS has launched a global sale across its entire touring portfolio, offering savings of up to $2,000 pp across 2026/27 tours.

JUST YOU – the specialist solo tour operator – has unveiled its first collection of festive escorted tours for Australian solo travellers, offering the chance to enjoy a Christmas abroad, exploring destinations such as Malta, Portugal, Spain, India, or the UK.

FINNAIR will operate from Melbourne starting in October. The carrier invites you to experience the thrill of skiing in Kittilä or Kuusamo, admire the Northern Lights in a glass igloo in Ivalo, or enjoy the year-round Christmas spirit in Rovaniemi.

AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. The new service supports improved onward connections via Mauritius to destinations across Africa and Europe.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES has a great deal if you are stopping over in KL. Double your adventure and enjoy a flight to one of eight local destinations at no extra fare – just pay the taxes.

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:

Breakaway Travel Club has last-minute industry rates with Swan Hellenic. Included is one selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call (up to 2 expedition excursions for polar regions per day).

Travel Industry Club invites you to discover exceptional new industry rates on more than 90 cruises worldwide with Oceania Cruises.

AAT Kings is on the road with Helloworld Travel for a national trade roadshow, designed to connect the group directly with agents and travellers across Queensland, Northern New South Wales, the Hunter and the Central Coast.

nib Travel is reminding its travel agent partners there is still time to enter its nationwide Cash Blitz incentive campaign, with a share of $10,000 in prizes up for grabs. Running from 1 May to 5 June 2026, the campaign rewards eligible travel consultants who sell nib Travel insurance policies during the promotional period.

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. 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.