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Very limited specials until the end of the month while I am in Europe and cruising on Viking.

QANTAS says now’s your chance to fly to the US and Canada for less. Save on flights to New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth, Honolulu and Vancouver. Hurry, sale ends 11.59 pm (AEST) Monday 14 September 2026.

SMARTRAVELLER advises that US entry requirements are strict. Authorities have broad powers to decide if you’re eligible to enter and may determine that you are inadmissible for any reason under US law. Check US entry, registration, transit and exit requirements very carefully.

QATAR is offering FF members a special offer on selected award flights. Enjoy up to 25% off Avios until 14 September 2026 for travel until 31 October 2026.

BEST WESTERN Rewards members who book and stay by 31st December 2026 can earn Double Points on every qualified stay at more than 4,000 hotels worldwide.

HX EXPEDITIONS continues to celebrate its 130th year with some incredible deals. Booking a trip to Antarctica is more attractive than ever, with offers starting at AUD $14,855 pp. HX is also offering 5% extra off cabins and 10% extra off suites.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS has announced a new series of four- and six-night adventure-style small ship experiences called Coastal Adventures, which will come online in January 2026.

CLUB MED has re-entered the market as a 4-star and 5-star product. They basically ‘went missing’ for 20 years while they rebuilt. Lindeman and Noumea have gone; the ski product is huge in Japan and Europe, and masted ship Club Med 2 is thriving in the Med.

EUROPE HOLIDAYS’ new interactive destination maps let you follow each journey from city to city — and watch video clips from destinations. From the winding streets of Italy to the spectacular Greek Islands, your holiday comes to life before you even leave Australia. Save $250 on selected tours.

HOW WAS YOUR TRIP?

Travel expert Margaret Watson was at Club Med Bintan, 45 mins by ferry from Singapore. Very hot here, oppressive really and smoke haze from the Indonesian fires doesn’t help. A big resort in the midst of renovation. Almost full house. So many activities available – their circus trapeze, snorkelling, aerial yoga (very challenging), golf driving and putting, tennis, paddle ball (not pickle, don’t think), gym, climbing wall – you name it, they have it. Lovely spa at good prices and amazing food. Probably slightly better food than the Maldives because they have a closer supply chain. As well, there are a couple of huge pools.

TOURING:

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.

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.

TRIPADVISOR 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. New is a four-night odyssey for malt whisky lovers. Journey through the Highlands’ most celebrated distilleries. Available departures: October 5, November 2.

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.

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?

CRUISE:

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.

SOLO TRAVELLERS:

JUST YOU, the solo travel operator, is offering $200 in savings on its 11-day Discover Vietnam tour departing November 14, 2026. Or $400 on a 13-day Spirit of India at Christmas tour, departing December 18, 2026.

AIRLINES:

Malaysia Airlines will be taking off to Busan starting 2 Dec 2026, with 4x weekly flights via Kuala Lumpur

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.

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.

ACCOMMODATION:

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. Everything from coral restoration and cooking classes to marine biology in Cambodia and the Maldives to discovering Minoan and Cretan history in Crete.

TRADE ONLY:

VisitBritain’s five-day Australian trade mission, taking place from 14-18 September in Sydney and Melbourne, brings together dozens of British travel trade and industry suppliers with more than 300 buyers and advisors from Australia to do business, with trade media also in attendance.

This spring, Lisa Pagotto is taking Crooked Compass on the road for five VIP travel luncheons across Australia. Each afternoon brings together stories from the field, practical destination ideas and the questions that rarely fit inside a brochure. The invitation suits curious travellers choosing their next journey and travel professionals looking to host clients and introduce them to fresh routes. More details: https://www.crooked-compass.com/events.

UN Tourism Secretary-General H.E Shaikha Al Nuwais and H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, will join senior government and industry leaders on the Global Stage at ATM 2026.

Remember, these specials always have conditions. 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.