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Flight bookings from Australia through the Middle East have soared, according to Emirates. The Dubai-based carrier is back on top of the world – well, not quite – but the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world.

EMIRATES is offering value deals to Europe and free nights at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. Get one night when you fly in Economy or two if you are in Business. Book return flights by 12 July.

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE Kangaroo Island is an ideal base to witness the Aurora Australis. Removed from urban glow, the lodge creates compelling conditions for stargazers. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre has identified the following dates: July 12- 16 (peak July 14), August 10-14 (peak August 12), September 8 – 12 (peak September 10).

AUKO ECO-WELLNESS LODGES, located within the spectacular landscapes of Phong Nha, Vietnam, is a new name in South-East Asia. The complex will take bookings from 20 July, ahead of an August opening. Auko offers a new model of regenerative hospitality in which conservation, culture, wellness, and adventure coexist in harmony.

ARANUI CRUISES is a Tahitian cargo cruise line that encourages guests to go beyond Tahiti and see more of French Polynesia. As part of the Escape Beyond Tahiti sale, cruises are discounted by up to $2000 per couple, and an onboard credit of A$700 per room is on offer when select cruises are booked by July 31, 2026.

VIKING says there are only nine sailings available for its 23-day European Sojourn voyage between Amsterdam and Bucharest, traversing eight countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube. Sail through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, from the Netherlands to Romania or vice versa.

ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE in the Lower Zambezi and Lion Camp in the South Luangwa, ZAMBIA, have extended its value-for-money 8-night package into 2027. Details here: https://mcusercontent.com/70afcba1cac3a0107299ff970/files/140e49e3-15b2-9fd0-0469-daa1431afd52/Royal_Zambezi_Lodge_Lion_Camp_8_night_Zambia_2027_package.pdf.

WEBJET is advertising Fiji from $295 one-way, plus more trending flight deals. Check all details carefully.

SOFITEL ADELAIDE invites you to experience the magic of Illuminate Adelaide. Book the Illuminate Winter Staycation Package and enjoy a luxurious overnight escape in the heart of the city, and dinner.

FROM LAST WEEK:

TRIP ADVISOR highlights the top hotels every year – and one-of-a-kind properties like the Taj Lake Palace and the Treehouse Lodge in Peru. Then there is the Crane Hotel. Have a look here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-lvTDCgyKIvfc-One_of_a_kind_hotels_travelers_choice.html.

QANTAS has proudly announced its non-stop flight from Sydney to London from October next year. You will touch down in the British capital in just 22 hours. Not for me, though. True, I travel in business class these days – and yes I enjoy a stroll before champagne, a decent meal and a shower in the lounges major airlines offer.

TFE’s club members are invited to save 20% thanks to its Winter Sale. Discover over 50 participating hotels across Australia and New Zealand in some of the most sought-after destinations. Book before 7 July 2026.

iEXPEDITION says there is nowhere on Earth quite like Antarctica. Sail past icebergs the size of cathedrals. Step ashore by Zodiac into a world ruled entirely by penguins, seals, and whales. Book the South Atlantic cruise from South Africa to Antarctica; 20 Nights | Cape Town to Ushuaia | Aboard SH DIANA (23 October 2026 – 12 November 2026) and save over 50%.

AZAMARA CRUISES is offering a limited-time promotion with up to 20% off select sailings and up to $750 USD in onboard credit. Guests will also receive up to $4,500 USD in value through Always Azamara inclusions.

UTRACKS has a great new idea for you bike fans – cycle from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea on a self-guided journey through Austria, Slovenia and Italy. Beginning in the alpine town of Villach, the route winds through vineyard-covered hills, taking in highlights including Lake Bled, Ljubljana, the spectacular Postojna Caves and the famed Lipica Stud Farm before finishing in the elegant coastal city of Trieste.

EXPLORA has a Sky & Sea program to take care of every detail from take-off to return. International flights, an overnight hotel stay and private transfers are all arranged. Reserve by 28 July 2026 and enjoy 25% savings on this supplement on selected Extended Journeys.

WENDY WU TOURS has China and Japan on sale – with savings of up to $900pp available across selected itineraries. This is a great opportunity to plan ahead and experience two of Asia’s most captivating destinations.

AFRICAN SUNRISE SAFARI invites you to embark on a journey through some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular wilderness regions, combining the iconic beauty of Victoria Falls with the untamed waterways of Botswana’s Chobe River and the pristine landscapes of the Okavango Delta. More details here: https://africansunrisesafari.com/luxury-african-safari-tours/kruger-national-park-victoria-falls-safari-packages/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS and Australian Geographic are extending their long-standing partnership with the launch of two new A Lens on Nature: The Kimberley departures for 2027. Operating aboard Coral Discoverer, the all-inclusive eight-night voyages will depart round-trip from Broome. Dates are July 30 – August 6, 2027 and August 27 – September 3, 2027.

PULLMAN AUCKLAND AIRPORT has released a special deal for airline geeks. The Aviation Enthusiast Experience Package includes a runway-facing room with panoramic views of aircraft arrivals and departures, a full breakfast at Te Kaahu Restaurant (also boasting runway views), and a welcome amenity of aircraft-shaped chocolates.

TOURING:

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.

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. 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 July 31, 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 $200.

RAIL:

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia, see the countryside in style at a slower pace. Depart in September or November and receive a complimentary night at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore – before or after your rail sojourn. Contact the reservations team and quote ‘EOEMORIENTALS1NT’ to book.
Solo travellers: from July to December, there is no single supplement fee on select departures. Join a six-night journey aboard the Express and aid the campaign to save wild tigers.

BRITANNIC EXPLORER is the answer for you, rail buffs who love to explore in style at a slower pace. Departing from London, the train’s three routes take you on three or six-night journeys through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.

BRITISH PULLMAN is another option – the company has just released details of Celia, a new private dining and events carriage imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. Itineraries include The Golden Age of Travel by steam. Or, how about the great British Sunday lunch as the world rumbles by?

SNCF CONNECT is making it easier to travel even further by train with Swiss and German regional services now available.

CRUISE:

MY CRUISES is promoting a fly/cruise holiday to China in 2027, priced from $ 3999 pp. The itinerary includes a Yangtze Cruise, a bullet train experience and the Great Wall at night.

HX EXPEDITIONS says tick Antarctica off your bucket list. Specials include: Highlights of Antarctica (12 days) – prices from AUD $14,599, Antarctica & Falkland Expedition (16 days) – prices from AUD $16,941 and In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (23 days) – prices from AUD $29,424

AIR TAHITI NUI advises that from 15 December, you can fly direct from Sydney to Tahiti. Explore limited-time offers and lock in a Sydney-to-Tahiti escape from $1,023 return. Children aged 2-11 years travel at 50% off adult fares. Sale ends 31 July 2026.

BPA’s new South-West Morocco itinerary includes access to Souss-Massa National Park, offering rare opportunities to observe endangered North African wildlife in a protected environment. More details Kim Gontie [email protected].

PONANT’s Arctic 2028 season is now open. Book early and save up to 30% on your journey to the Far North. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and French hospitality aboard the company’s intimate expedition ships.

HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises is introducing a new world music festival concept aboard EUROPA. International artists will bring the musical traditions of the regions visited directly on board, creating an intimate festival atmosphere unlike traditional cruise entertainment.

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 from $9,678pp includes the 14-night cruise and return international flights.

PONANT has released its 2028 Kimberley program – explore one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers and enjoy 30% bonus savings.

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.

SOLO TRAVELLERS:

VIKING is an excellent product I can recommend – and you can now enjoy a saving of up to 25% on select river journeys and expeditions and up to 50% on the single supplement on select ocean voyages. The single supplement offer applies to select staterooms and is only available until sold out.

JUST YOU – the solo tour operator – has unveiled its first collection of festive escorted tours. Enjoy a Christmas abroad, exploring destinations such as Malta, Portugal, Spain, India, or the UK.

AIRLINES:

QATAR AIRWAYS is expanding its network with flights to Bogotá and Caracas, starting 22 July 2026.

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. Book your flight as an Enrich member and enjoy an extra 5% off.

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.

ACCOMMODATION:

THE RETREAT KOH CHANG has launched its new “Island Getaway – Stay Longer For More” summer offer for stays of three or more nights, available until 15 October 2026, with rates starting from THB 5,760 (approx AUD250) per night ++ per room, per night for two guests. This is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and unspoiled island destinations.

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.

DAIOS COVE, set on the secluded coastline of eastern Crete, is the sprawling luxury resort home to KEPOS by Goco, a 2,500 sqm wellbeing sanctuary designed for recovery, recalibration and long-term resilience. Guests say its “let’s fix burnout” philosophy works.

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TRADE ONLY:

ATIA advises ticket packages for Beyond Borders and NTIA 2026 are now on sale. Packages have been reshaped in line with member feedback and include tickets to the full suite of events: Beyond Borders Travel Summit, NTIA Finalist Celebration, Wellness 5k and the National Travel Industry Awards – including the After Party.

VisitBritain is pleased to announce the appointment of Peta Evans as Travel Trade Manager for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), effective immediately. Based in Sydney, Evans will lead VisitBritain’s trade strategy across both markets, working closely with distribution partners, tour operators and airline stakeholders to drive growth.

The Travel Industry Club has some excellent Seabourn specials. Industry-rate itineraries range from 7 to 54 days. A wide selection of Asia sailings is available between September and April. Or, if you want to avoid the peak European summer, how about a 7-day Dubrovnik-to-Athens cruise in October?

The Interline Travel team reports that Kimberley 2026 offers have just started, but are already practically filled. Also featured: “Our first major rate drop for Antarctica – when the destination is more important than the champagne! And more price drops as cruise lines vary pricing on an hourly basis.”

nib Travel has announced the winners of its nationwide $10,000 Cash Blitz incentive campaign. They are Louise McLean of Mudgee Travel & Cruise (NSW) and Erica Slutzkin of FBI Travel (VIC).

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. Our Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/top10traveloz/.