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Welcome to another edition of Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals, where tradition meets timely opportunity and good old-fashioned travel value is very much alive and well. From kids-fly-free family escapes and luxury Maldivian retreats to polar cruises, solo adventures and long-haul airfare bargains, this week’s roundup is brimming with offers that reward both early planners and spontaneous dreamers. As ever, these deals come with conditions, common sense and a reminder to consult your trusted travel agent, but if there were ever a week to book with confidence and a smile, this might just be it.

This week’s top travel deals – Some great family holidays – along with details of a specialist operator for solo travellers.

JETSTAR HOLIDAYS Kids Fly and Save Free campaign has taken off again – you need to hurry though – the sale ends on January 21. Deals include the Paradise Resort Gold Coast, priced from $1259 for two adults and two kids, or how about Uluru Sails in the Desert – 2+2 from $1654. What bargains.

JUST YOU – a specialist solo tour operator – is offering savings on 2026 tours, including a trip to India and a walking tour in Tuscany. Save $300 on a 12-day Spirit of India tour departing April 3, 2026, and $150 on an eight-day Walking in Tuscany tour departing May 19, 2026. More details at www.justyou.com/au.

AIRLINES:

MALAYSIA AIRLINES has released limited-time fares from $689 return to Sabah. Hike Mount Kinabalu, swim in turquoise waters at Manukan Island. Book by January 31.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES fares are always good value, and until February 4, you will enjoy 50% bonus KrisFlyer miles to Europe and can fast-track your next flight redemption through KrisFlyer.

QATAR AIRWAYS invites you to start your year with savings. Fares include Melbourne to Barcelona from $1,709 and London from $1,909. The offer is valid until January 28. There are plenty of conditions, though – best to ask a travel agent if this is the deal for you.

FINNAIR will launch flights to Melbourne from October, flying via Bangkok. This extra capacity should help to keep prices down in Europe. The service will be operated by an Airbus A350 featuring the innovative ‘Airlounge’, which converts to a flat bed.

EMIRATES, in particular, offers a buy miles discount program. I often wonder whether you are really getting value, especially if you buy tickets with cash/miles. The current deal offers up to 30% bonus miles.

LUXURY ESCAPES has teamed up with the national airline of the Maldives, Maldivian, to operate non-stop weekly flights from Melbourne Airport. All-inclusive packages will cost from $ 2,599 per person across a handpicked collection of five-star resorts.

CRUISING:

PONANT EXPLORATIONS invites you to book early and save up to 30% on 2026–2027 Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Itineraries include Disko Bay and Inuit villages – Round-trip Nuuk, Greenland.

HX EXPEDITIONS goes beyond the cruise norm if you really want to explore Alaska’s wilderness with smaller ships, deeper landings, and real connections with communities. Right now, enjoy up to $1,750pp off all-inclusive expeditions, plus $400pp onboard credit for guests new to HX.

AVALON WATERWAYS has started the New Year the right way with fly-free deals on some of its most popular European river cruises. Itineraries include Magnificent Rivers Of Europe, sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS is a very upmarket cruise operator with a deal if you are interested in visiting ports that surround the North Sea aboard Seven Seas Grandeur. You can look forward to a FREE 2-Category Suite Upgrade. Book with a deposit of 7.5% before February 28.

ACCOMMODATION:

Book two nights at the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – and get the third night free.

137 PILLARS HOTELS & RESORTS is an address to keep in mind if you want a luxury stay in Bangkok. Book directly and enjoy exclusive benefits, including an additional 10% discount on accommodation. Set in the heart of the Sukhumvit-Thonglor area, the property offers elegant suites.

BEST WESTERN REWARDS members heading to NSW have some great deals to unlock – everywhere from Sydney’s iconic skyline to Albury’s quiet charm and Newcastle’s sparkling beaches.

TRADE ONLY: Luxury small ship operator Unforgettable Croatia is offering agents a trip to Greece as part of a new year incentive. If you book an Unforgettable Croatia cruise before March 2, 2026, you will be automatically entered. A bonus 3% commission is also available on any Unforgettable Croatia bookings made before March 2.

Coronet Ridge Resort, Queenstown’s newest five-star luxury alpine sanctuary, has opened its doors. Following a transformative multi-million-dollar redevelopment, the intimate 41-room retreat is a welcome addition to the resort town’s high-end hospitality offering.

The Travel Industry Club is back in action with cruise specials ranging from Oceania’s Bali to Sydney and Sydney to Auckland itineraries, to name a few.

AVIAREPS has been appointed as the Official Representative for BestPrice Travel – one of Indochina’s most trusted travel companies. Nadia Giusti is an Account Manager. The company was awarded the title of “World’s Leading Airline GSA” at the World Travel Awards 2025.

INTERLINE TRAVEL has released a long list of specials on AMA Waterways – or if you are looking for a holiday closer to home, Azamara is offering solos and twins. According to a spokesperson, over the next two months, cruise fares will be dynamic as the annual retail sale ‘Wave” period rolls out.

Have a look at the Crystal deals as well.

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 everyone else. 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.