Once again, veteran travel sage Ian McIntosh returns with his signature round-up of the week’s most exhilarating travel deals. From sipping wine along the rivers of France to basking in Vietnamese luxury, cruising the coasts of Japan, or scoring bonus frequent flyer miles, Ian has sniffed out the gems and dodged the duds. This week’s list includes deep cruise discounts, exclusive airline perks, and indulgent hotel stays that’ll make your next trip feel first-class, no matter your budget. As always, check the fine print, consult your travel agent, and don’t forget your insurance… or passport.
AVLON WATERWAYS is uncorking France – from Paris to Provence and Bordeaux to Burgundy. Book your 2026 France river cruise today and save up to $6,400 per couple. This deal is based on a cruise departing March 31, 2026.
BEST WESTERN REWARDS members heading to Asia can save 30% at selected properties, such as the WorldHotels Elite Collection and Bai Hotel Cebu, one of the Philippines’ top destinations. The Escape to Asia program is valid until September 30, 2025.
OCEANIA CRUISES offers savings of up to 55% off on selected sailings, a complimentary beverage package, and a $US250 shipboard credit. There are 82 cruises to check out – the deal ends on August 1. Be sure to read the conditions carefully.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES memorable journeys program ends on July 21. On offer are return fares from AUD 619 plus savings of 10% on extra baggage allowance and seat selection. Enrich members also enjoy an additional 5% off fares. You can now use PayPal’s Pay in 4 for ticket purchases valued between AUD 30 and AUD 2,000.
TURKISH AIRLINES specials to Europe take some beating, and you have until July 30 to book. For instance, Melbourne or Sydney to London, from $1552, but watch the small print. Available dates from Melbourne are October 20 to November 8. Agents are wary of this carrier over cancelled flights and a lack of customer care.
PONANT EXPEDITIONS has released 2027 itineraries with up to 30% early bird savings. This luxury small ship operator has taken cruise guests to the planet’s most remote, hidden, and out-of-the-way locations for over 30 years.
CRUISE GURU.COM.AU has handpicked an interesting selection of Japan cruises. Sail away with renowned cruise lines, including Holland America, Princess, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Deals include 13 nights Circle Japan Fall Foliage from $4403 inside cabin – $6382 balcony. Always go for a balcony, folks.
SOFITEL ADELAIDE has released a Le Luxe Getaway featuring a luxurious overnight stay, welcome drink, gourmet three-course dinner, and buffet breakfast at Garçon Bleu. Enjoy Balmain Paris amenities and refined touches throughout. The cost is $528 per night.
RENDEZVOUS HOTEL Singapore invites you to be inspired by a stay that celebrates Singapore’s maritime past. Benefits include daily breakfast, SGD100 dining credit, and two complimentary tickets to the National Museum of Singapore’s Once Upon a Tide special exhibition commemorating Singapore’s 60ᵗʰ birthday.
EMIRATES FF members have until July 22 to enjoy up to 30% bonus miles when buying or gifting miles.
CORAL EXPEDITIONS has released a new series of four—and six-night adventure-style small ship experiences called Coastal Adventures, which will come online in January 2026. The line-up of destinations will include Tasmania first, then expand to include Great Barrier Reef itineraries and the shores of southwestern Australia from October 2026.
CATHAY PACIFIC has released an FF member offer: $100 off economy class fares from Australia to destinations far and wide beyond Hong Kong with the discount code BESTECONAU. The offer applies per ticket.
ETIHAD has released a last-minute business class sale to Europe. Departure must be before September 30. Examples include Melbourne to Zurich from $7476.
RESORTS: National Geographic called it the Most Romantic Hotel of the Year. Zannier Bãi San Hô is a remote Vietnamese resort quietly redefining private dining in Asia. Located on an untouched stretch of coastline in Phu Yen province, the resort offers everything from lantern-lit dinners in the rice paddies to barefoot seafood feasts on a deserted beach. A Stay 4, Pay 3 deal includes daily breakfast, minibar, 30 minutes of SUP boarding or water biking, and a non-alcoholic or mocktail at Lang Chai Beach Bar. Stay and sale period until 22 December 2025 (last departure).
From last week:
CRUISE SPECIALISTS is a US-based operator popular with solo cruise fans. If you like the idea of having a cabin to yourself, have a look here. Remember, you are looking at US dollars. https://www.cruisespecialists.com
TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel offers Regent rates until July 2026, including the penthouse category. New AMA Waterways rates are also available.
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. Got a travel problem? Could you send us details?
By Ian McIntosh
BIO:
Veteran journalist and publisher Ian McIntosh has spent a lifetime exploring the world and sharing its wonders. As the founder of Travelnews Australia, his nationally distributed, full-colour travel trade publication earned the esteemed Telstra Business Award. Though now retired, Ian remains a passionate globetrotter with a soft spot for small ship cruising and discovering good value hotels across Europe. His most recent adventure involved a rather enthusiastic Thai elephant named Bo, who promptly deposited him into a pond. A true storyteller at heart, Ian continues to travel with humour, curiosity, and an unwavering love for the road less travelled.
