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SMARTRAVELLER has advice if you are planning to get medical treatment overseas. According to the Insurance Council of Australia, Basic travel insurance usually won’t cover you for medical tourism. Most standard policies exclude elective procedures and any problems that come from them. You have been warned!

ROYAL CARIBBEAN has upended the move by many major carriers to sail away from Australia by boosting the fleet to three ships for the 2027–2028 summer season. Brisbane will get a second vessel for the first time – the newly refitted Ovation of the Seas will join Voyager of the Seas—while Anthem of the Seas returns to Sydney. Navigator of the Seas will be sailing year-round in Singapore. Holidays are on sale now.

PANORAMA TRAVEL has created special tours for bird lovers in Oman. Oman offers intimate encounters with endangered raptors, rare endemics, and the sheer spectacle of global migrations, according to the organisers. The next 14-day tour departs in November. Details herehttps://panorama.travel/oman-birdwatching-tours/

HELLOWORLD has some excellent deals with British Airways on selected departure dates, priced from $1775 (economy), $4077 (premium), and $7364 (business). Hurry though – the offer ends August 26.

CROOKED COMPASS keeps coming up with astonishing holiday ideas. How about heading to Mongolia in winter? Travel across frozen Lake Khuvsgul to where Tsaatan reindeer herders gather for a two-day festival. Continue to the Khuvsgul Ice Festival for horse sled races and archery. The journey returns to Ulaanbaatar aboard the Trans Siberian Railway. Have a look here https://www.crooked-compass.com/tour/winter-mongolia-reindeer-ice-festival /?utm_source=egtmedia.

CATHAY PACIFIC invites you to book your next flight for two or more adult passengers and check out with PayPal. Use the promo code PAYPALAU to enjoy $250 off your booking.

SILVERSEA, the luxury cruise line, is offering savings of up to 45% until September 8.

RYANAIR says summer in Europe is not over yet – with flights in that part of the world priced from under $50. Deal ends on August 31.

WEBJET’s birthday sale rolls on – check the site for specials – and look carefully at conditions. Deals include $200 off selected Fiji packages and zero booking fees on holiday packages. Bali flights are also on sale.

FROM LAST WEEK:

COASTAL CRUISES has released a Northern Lights Cruise Sale. Book now for selected departures between October 2026 – March 2027. More details here: https://www.norwegiancoastalcruises.com/special-offers.htm

iEXPEDITION invites you to book the South Atlantic cruise from South Africa to Antarctica; 20 Nights Cape Town to Ushuaia departing 23 October 2026 – and save over 50%.

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.

TOURING:

CROOKED COMPASS invites you to explore the wonders of North Africa. Maghreb Mosaic: Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco is a 22-day journey that finishes beneath the desert sky after camel rides, Berber music and a night in a private camp. Explore everything from remarkably preserved Roman cities to Tunisia’s cave dwellings.

AFRICAN SUNRISE SAFARI says experience two of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated safari destinations on a journey that combines exceptional wildlife viewing with authentic wilderness. Begin with three nights at The Hide Safari Camp in Hwange National Park – then continue to the remote beauty of John’s Camp in Mana Pools National Park, where four nights immerse you in one of Africa’s last truly wild landscapes. Details here: https://africansunrisesafari.com/safari-tours/8-days-wild-zimbabwe-mana-pools /?utm_source=egtmedia.

BECKONS, a curated portfolio of luxury lodges in the world’s most remote and remarkable places, has announced a new limited-time offer for Tierra Patagonia inviting travellers to design their own ideal adventure in one of South America’s most extraordinary wilderness regions. The offer is valid for travel from September 15 to October 20, 2026. More details: https://beckons.com.

VISIT BRITAIN points out that while the World Cup might be over, your enthusiasm for the great game can be further stoked at a number of venues in the UK. Manchester, for instance, often called English football’s capital, is home to Manchester United, Manchester City and the National Football Museum, where visitors can explore the world’s largest football memorabilia collection. More details here: https://www.mancity.com/store/products/tours.

RAIL:

THE BLUE TRAIN – South Africa’s legendary journey is not up to its reputation these days, I am told by a good friend who has just finished the journey. Avoid it like the plague was his final comment.

VENICE SIMPLON EXPRESS boasts the world’s most luxurious train suite. Spanning an entire 1920s carriage, L’Observatoire is an exclusive residence unlike any other … from the lavish bedroom with freestanding bathtub to the oculus skylight and hidden tearoom.

TRIP ADVISOR says there are seven rail trips in Asia you can’t afford to miss. Have a look here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Articles-lqgkpak2NiHQ-Train_trips_in_asia.html. Included is the Vietage Vietnam, a six-hour trip from Da Nang to Quy Nh.

THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN presents a collection of Highland journeys, each with a distinct route and pace. From whisky-led itineraries and classic Highland routes to the Grand Tour of Scotland, each journey combines off-board excursions with exquisite dining and convivial evenings on board. Explore this autumn’s departures, with exclusive offers available on October journeys. New is a four-night odyssey for malt whisky lovers. Journey through the Highlands’ most celebrated distilleries. Available departures: 5th October, 2nd November.

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia and 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.

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.

NEXT WEEK: An experienced traveller comments on The Ghan trip from Adelaide to Darwin.

CRUISE:

TAUK’s ms Harmonie is the newest riverboat set to join its fleet in France in 2028 – a sister ship to the ms Lumière on the Rhône. All guests who reserve 2028 cruises can cancel and receive a full deposit refund when pricing and final itinerary details are announced later this year.

VIKING has released two river itineraries for 2030 that offer the rare opportunity to experience the Oberammergau Passion Play—a cherished tradition performed once a decade for nearly 400 years.

HX EXPEDITIONS is featuring Greenland. From Reykjavík to Nuuk (14 days) is priced from $13,122; Grand Greenland – The Icy Giants of Disko Bay (13 days) is $15,194. More info – go to travelhx.com

VIKING is including flights for a limited time on selected sailings. Book a 2027‑2029 river, ocean or expedition voyage and enjoy included economy airfares up to AU$2,800 per person (use code FOU28).

IMAGINE CRUISING has a special deal on an Azamara cruise from Indonesia to Australia plus a five-star Bali escape. The 17-night package costs from $4999.

IEXPEDITION’S Discover the Arctic program is on sale – Enjoy savings of up to 30% and Air Credit of up to $5,000pp. Big savings are available on a South Atlantic Cruise from South Africa to Antarctica departing 23 October 2026 – 12 November 2026. More details: [email protected]

HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises is introducing new itineraries for its five luxury and expedition ships. In February 2027, for instance, Europa will debut a 29-day voyage from Valparaiso to San Francisco, linking South, Central and North America across eight countries.

VIKING still has vacancies on river cruises that explore Europe’s Christmas markets. For instance, Budapest to Passau or v.v. eight days. Selected sailings in Nov‌ &‌ Dec‍ 2026 are priced from $3,395pp. Viking has also released details of a 15-day Japan Discovery cruise.

AVALON WATERWAYS has good news if a European river cruise is on your 2027 wish list – for a limited time, you can fly free on two popular Europe cruises including Magnificent Rivers of Europe, 15 days, five countries from Budapest to Amsterdam. Your travel agent will have details.

CELEBRITY CRUISES 2028 Japan sailings are now open for booking. Stay overnight in Kyoto, Aomori, and Kobe to explore the country’s incredible flavours and festivals.

MY CRUISES is promoting a fly/cruise holiday to China in 2027 priced from $3999pp. The itinerary includes a Yangtze Cruise, 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 $14,599, Antarctica & Falkland Expedition (16 days) from $16,941 and In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (23 days) from $29,424.

AMAWATERWAYS is introducing a limited-time Cruise & Fly promotion combining more than 300 selected river cruise itineraries across Europe and Asia with return international airfares.

SOLO TRAVELLERS:

JUST YOU, the solo travel operator, is offering $200 in savings on its 11-day Discover Vietnam tour departing November 14, 2026.

AVALON WATERWAYS is waiving the single supplement on select 2027 Europe and Mekong departures, but don’t delay – there are only limited spots per departure.

VIKING is offering savings of up to 25% on select river journeys and expeditions, and up to 50% off the single supplement on select ocean voyages. The single supplement offer applies to select staterooms and is available only while supplies last.

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia and see the countryside in style at a slower pace. Solo travellers – from July to December there is no single supplement fee on select departures.

AIRLINES:

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.

FLATBEDS advises Adelaide passengers to skip the East Coast transit and fly direct to the US in comfort with United Airlines. Enjoy direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco during its seasonal service from 19 December 2026 – 10 February 2027.

LAMTAM is offering up to 20% off flights to South America from Sydney and Melbourne.

QATAR is offering daily direct flights to Auckland departing Adelaide until December 8, 2026, Melbourne between December 9 and June 27, 2027 and from Brisbane between June 26 and September 25 2027.

QANTAS will operate non-stop flights 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 – but I enjoy a stopover stroll before a glass of champagne, a decent meal and a shower in the lounges of major airlines like Emirates.

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

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

ACCOMMODATION:

ELEMENTS OF BYRON, Byron Bay’s only luxury beachfront resort, goes out of its way to cater for couples, offering everything from sunrise yoga overlooking the ocean and horseback rides along Belongil Beach, to couples’ treatments at the award-winning Osprey Spa and barefoot beach picnics.

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

Slojourn Studio’s resorts approach family holidays differently, offering children more than traditional kids’ club activities and bringing families together through nature, culture, adventure, and hands-on discovery. Activities range from coral restoration and cooking classes to marine biology in Cambodia and the Maldives, and discovering Minoan and Cretan history in Crete.

PULLMAN QUAY Grand Sydney Harbour has a family holiday deal. Book a deluxe one-bedroom (Garden or Harbour View) room and get breakfast, parking and a Busy Nippers Kids Activity Pack.

AUKO Eco-Wellness Lodges, Vietnam’s newest regenerative luxury wellness retreat, was designed for travellers seeking meaningful adventure, restorative wellness, and a genuine connection with nature. Book through the Auko website and receive an exclusive 20% saving, plus additional value-added benefits. More details here: https://aukoways.com.

ZANNIER IIE DE BENDOR, a newly opened private island retreat off France’s Côte d’Azur, has quickly become one of Europe’s hottest hotel openings. It takes its blueprint from its spectacular sister property, Zannier Bãi San Hô in Vietnam spanning 98 hectares of coastline, rice fields and forested hills in Dak Lak province.

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 AUD 250) per night ++ per room, per night for two guests. This is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and unspoiled island destinations.

DAIOS COVE, set on the secluded coastline of eastern Crete, is the sprawling luxury resort home to KEPOS by Goco, a 2,500sqm wellbeing sanctuary designed for recovery, recalibration and long-term resilience. Guests say it’s just the place to beat burnout.

CREDIT CARDS:

From October, CBA customers will need to convert 25% more points to Velocity just to receive the same amount of Velocity points as they do today. On top of that, the earning rates on the cards are also being tilted downwards. Other banks are also downgrading points.

TRADE ONLY:

Stephen at Interline Travel comments: Explora Journeys has been a cruise partner with us for a while, and every single member raves about their experience. A five-star (plus) luxury line, the inclusions are phenomenal. The entry-level Ocean Terrace Suite fares include a comprehensive range of amenities. Key inclusions feature nine distinct culinary venues, 24-hour in-suite dining, unlimited premium beverages and a customised, replenished minibar. Check the deals.

The Travel Industry Club newsletter features cruising in Asia and the Pacific, but you’ll also find outstanding industry offers across many parts of the world. Exceptional bargains are available in the Mediterranean and Europe.

The Association of Travel Management Companies (ATMC) recently held its successful July meeting, giving members a valuable chance to learn more about adapting to the RBA surcharge changes.

Singapore Airlines will return as major sponsor of the National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs) for the fifth consecutive year, reinforcing its long-standing support for Australia’s travel professionals and the sector’s continued growth.

The Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Salom as its new Independent Director – Chair. The appointment is another important milestone for the national organisation as it continues to evolve at a critical time for Australia’s tourism industry.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend using 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/.