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Vietnam has become the fastest-growing major destination for Australian travellers, as new ATIA Travel Trends data shows Asia is drawing Australians in growing numbers. China and Japan are also surging.

TRAINLINE, the popular UK rail booking site, says book early and save 25% on Eurostar Plus bookings made for travel between November 2 and August 31, 202. Book before November 2. Have a look here: https://www.thetrainline.com/en-us/train-companies/eurostar?

IEXPEDITION has special savings on the 22-day Ultimate South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Peninsula Cruise departing November 2, 2027. You will join just 130 other guests aboard Heritage Discoverer. Book by October 30.

CROOKED COMPASS keeps coming up with off-the-beaten-path tours. The 22-day Maghreb Mosaic is one of its most ambitious journeys. In Algeria, the Roman city of Timgad is a UNESCO World Heritage site, laid out with blueprint-like precision by Emperor Trajan around 100 AD and almost perfectly preserved. Tunisia introduces a different texture: the Star Wars landscapes at Ong Jmal. Fes closes the journey. Have a look here: https://www.crooked-compass.com/tour/maghreb-algeria-tunisia-morocco/?utm_source=Crooked+Compass&utm_campaign=3450b46af9-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_16_05_40_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e52beef644-484032870

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES is offering a free 2 category suite upgrade and up to 25% off selected shorter European sailings. This is a premium operator. Itineraries include Lisbon to Barcelona, 7 nights, November 7 2027.

HELLOWORLD invites you to discover the best of North America with Air Canada. Flights to Vancouver and other popular destinations are on sale until October 29.

SEABOURN has unveiled details of its 2029 Summer Ocean Voyages, comprised of 166 sailings to more than 180 destinations, including a return to Egypt for the first time in more than five years.

VIKING says discover Asia, Australia and the Pacific with exclusive savings on selected 2027 ocean sailings, including Bangkok to Hong Kong. To take advantage of these deals, contact your travel agent and quote promotional code 502. These deals aren’t available on the website.

EXPLORA JOURNEYS says off-season travel in Europe means softer light and fewer crowds, revealing the Mediterranean’s more authentic side. Reserve by October 27, 2026, to save up to 40% on select Mediterranean holidays. Itineraries include A Journey Through the Mediterranean’s Historic Crossroads sailing from Rome in January 2027.

SEA CLOUD’S new Architecture, Arts & Sail theme on selected voyages in 2027 brings together authentic sailing with inspiring cultural encounters.

TOURING:

The New York Times has published a list of five of America’s most popular bike rides. Have a look here: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/14/travel/bike-rides-trails.html?unlocked_article_code=1.JlE.TsRQ.DSVMupq6hIxm&smid=url-share.

SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP?

Alison and Phil Hoffmann have been cruising aboard Scenic Eclipse 1 in the US. Alison said the last day topped off with a gala dinner. “Such an interesting cruise celebrating the 250th US anniversary. Our observations – clean, green with very friendly helpful people all along the way. “Our tour of Little Havana took us right back to our visit to Cuba seven years ago. Strong history, strong coffee, stronger cigars, Cuban sandwiches, Cuba Libre, and minty mojitos, plus some great characters. The Scenic Eclipse is a 6-star ultra-luxury discovery yacht operated by Scenic Cruises.

FROM LAST WEEK:

EarlyBird flight Deals to Europe for 2027 have taken off; Singapore Airlines was first off the block, closely followed by Virgin Australia/Qatar. The Virgin sale ends on October 30. Remember to check the travel validity dates. SQ deals are available until 29 October 2026. Fares to London, for instance, are priced from $1824 ex Adelaide.

EUROPE HOLIDAYS has also released 2027 Earlybird offers to celebrate the launch of its new europeholidays.com.au website. Check now for early-booking value on holidays right across Europe. Book seven or more nights in Europe and get $500 per couple to use toward your airfare.

EUROSTAR is working on a direct train route from London to Switzerland – but it is a few years away from coming online.

VIKING’s new 19‑day Egypt itinerary debuting in 2028, Grand Nile Journey, sails between Cairo and Aswan. This fully guided journey that pairs Egypt’s most celebrated treasures with fascinating, lesser‑known sites.

Royal Caribbean’s VOYAGER OF THE SEAS new season brings together three distinct ways to explore Japan and beyond. It offers a 10-night open-jaw holiday from Hong Kong to Tokyo and three round-trip holidays from Tokyo, ranging from 11 to 12 nights.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS has expanded its solo traveller program, making expedition cruising more accessible and flexible. The move responds to growing demand from Australians choosing to travel independently in search of tailored, meaningful experiences that align with personal interests. Have a look herehttps://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo

PANORAMA TRAVEL invites you to embark on an extraordinary 15-day 4WD journey across Oman, travelling through rugged mountain ranges, vast golden deserts, pristine coastlines and ancient frankincense trails. Discover dramatic landscapes, timeless heritage and remote places as you experience the Sultanate’s remarkable diversity, from spectacular natural wonders to authentic cultural treasures. Next departure is January 7-21 2027. More details here: https://panorama.travel/trips/grand-tour-of-oman/.

TRADE ONLY:

The Travel Industry Club has released new Crystal Cruises rates, plus two privately chartered Captain’s Choice voyages. This operator enjoys exclusively chartered voyages aboard Paspaley Pearl. Itineraries include Papua New Guinea – 27 Nov 2026 | 16 Days | Port Moresby → Dili.

INTERLINE TRAVEL’S weekly monitor of luxury cruise lines continues to uncover newly released itineraries, significant price drops and exclusive solo traveller fares across the world’s leading ocean and river cruise brands. From extraordinary expedition voyages to elegant escapes, explore this week’s latest selections and discover an exceptional fare for your next adventure. Availability and fares can change, so explore your preferred voyage while these opportunities last.   Midweek releases via Facebook – Join here; it’s free! https://www.facebook.com/groups/552806230277546

CARNIVAL’s Luminosa and Carnival Adventure will both leave the Australian fleet from March 2028. From 2028 onwards, the cruise line will have only two ships sailing in Australia. Carnival Splendor and Carnival Encounter will continue sailing in Australia year-round, out of Sydney and Brisbane, respectively.

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]m. 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/.