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Finnair’s daily A350 services between Helsinki and Melbourne began today. The 22-hour journey operates via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, where each flight makes a technical stopover of just under two hours. Look forward to reviews. Helsinki Airport has been ranked Europe’s best airport in its size category. You should enjoy a seamless transfer.

UTracks General Manager Kate Baker says travellers should increasingly compare holidays on their total cost rather than the advertised price alone. “Is the accommodation included? Are your bags being transferred each day? Are breakfasts or other meals covered? Is your route information included? Are there local transfers or other costs you will need to add later? “Once you start adding those things together, two holidays that initially look similarly priced can be very different.”

CRUISEABOUT has new Europe sailings with Ponant. This company pioneered small-ship expedition cruising from the Kimberley to Antarctica, and now brings that same approach to Europe. Sailings start at $7,579, with savings up to 30% for early bookers. Free or reduced solo supplements also available.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S Quantum of the Seas has made her highly anticipated return to Brisbane, marking her fourth year as the region’s largest ship. This summer, Quantum will offer more getaways than ever, with a lineup of 28 holidays ranging from 3-night weekend escapes to longer 9-night adventures across the idyllic South Pacific.

CATHAY PACIFIC offers savings of up to $180 on flights to more than 70 destinations worldwide. Check the site for details. Planning a trip to mainland China or Taiwan? Experience the comfort of Cathay’s Premium Economy and the luxury of Business class in one trip with Premium Economy Plus.

COASTAL CRUISES says HX currently has extra savings on every Antarctica voyage – and there are departures with no solo supplement. Hurtigruten’s 2027 sale has at least 15% off every flight-inclusive voyage next year, with the 12-day Coastal Express Round Voyage from £2,497pp. Book by 9 November 2026.

ELEMENTS OF BYRON has been named Oceania’s Leading Villa Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, bringing the spotlight to the Northern Rivers. Set across 50 acres on Belongil Beach, the luxury beachfront resort offers 202 standalone villas surrounded by coastal dunes, wetlands, rainforest and native bushland.

VENICE SIMPLON ORIENT-EXPRESS invites you to step aboard on December 17 for a festive escape from Paris to Vienna. Snow-dusted landscapes drift past as sumptuous dinners and evening cocktails give way to peaceful mornings beneath the Alpine peaks. Arrive to discover Vienna’s imperial grandeur and twinkling Christmas markets.

HELLOWORLD is promoting a six-day self-drive Explore Adelaide and the Barossa Valley holiday, priced from $1825pp twin share, in conjunction with Viva Holidays.

SCENIC and Emerald Cruises, plus Cathay, have partnered to reward Cathay members who purchase eligible luxury river and yacht cruises. To celebrate, a lucky draw competition will offer Cathay members the chance to win 500,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles. Have a look here: https://scenic.cruises/AU/en-GB/scenic-and-emerald-rewards/win.

FROM LAST WEEK:

TRAINLINE, the popular UK rail booking site, says to book early and save 25% on Eurostar Plus bookings made for travel between November 2 and August 31, 2027. Book before November 2.

CROOKED COMPASS keeps coming up with off-the-beaten-path tours. The 22-day Maghreb Mosaic is one of its most ambitious journeys. 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.

SEABOURN has unveiled details of its 2029 Summer Ocean Voyages, 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. They are not available on the website.

EarlyBird flight Deals to Europe for 2027 have taken off; Singapore Airlines was the first to take off the rank, 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.

EUROPE HOLIDAYS has also released 2027 Earlybird offers. Book seven or more nights in Europe and get $500 per couple to use toward your airfare.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S Voyager of the Seas new season brings together three distinct ways to explore Japan and beyond. It includes 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. Have a look here: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo.

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.

PANORAMA TRAVEL invites you to embark on an extraordinary 15-day 4WD journey across Oman. Discover dramatic landscapes, timeless heritage and remote places as you experience the Sultanate’s remarkable diversity, from spectacular natural wonders to authentic cultural treasures. The next departure is January 7- 21, 2027. More details: https://panorama.travel/trips/grand-tour-of-oman/.

SO HOW GOOD WAS YOUR TRIP? Adelaide Travel identifies Julie-Anne Briscoe as currently cruising with Holland America, but she’s also a big fan of Princess. “We are big HAL & Princess fans. Suits us at our stage in life. Great entertainment, great crew, fab facilities we love, and good status with both, which gets you certain privileges like free laundry, yay! Very few children, classy restaurants, great food, USB ports by beds, everything you would want. We also do our research and get the best deals possible. We book 1-2 years in advance and always do a future cruise deposit when on board each cruise. That’s the only deposit you need until final payment, and you can usually travel within 2-3 years. Can still use your travel agent. We actually cancelled and rebooked current cruise we are on when AUD$ dropped against USD$ months ago (thanks Trumpy) and saved ourselves $4k!”

TRADE ONLY:

Viking’s biggest travel advisor incentive has arrived. Continuing the legacy, one advisor will win a Viking voyage for two valued at up to AU$60,000. Plus, 26 runner-up prizes worth AU$1,000 each. Enter here: https://www.vikingincentive.com/?utm_source=LATTE+Cruise&utm_campaign=b10fe48644-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_10_21_05_06&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d3f629926f-b10fe48644-16721451.

According to Torstein Hagen, Executive Chair and Founder of the brand, Viking holds a dominant leader’s position in the North American market ahead of the cruise industry ‘big three’ luxury cruise brands: Regent, Silversea and Seabourn.

Interline Travel’s weekly roundup brings you a value-plus collection of luxury voyages.   Oceania – trade the traditional Christmas routine for 12 nights of Australian coastal beauty departing Sydney on 3 December 2026.   Explora Journeys –  Sail aboard an 11-night voyage from Barcelona to Athens. Silversea – Discover Asia in style  – Journey from Singapore to Tokyo on a 16-night voyage departing 4 March 2027. Regent Seven Seas – discover the treasures of the Eastern Mediterranean on a 14-night voyage from Istanbul to Athens departing 15 January 2027.   Seabourn – sail from Lisbon to Genoa on a 10-day voyage departing 8 April 2027.

The Travel Industry Club suggests now is the time to explore Asia with Silversea or Seabourn. Two iconic cruise lines. Extraordinary journeys. Exclusive TIC fares.

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), in partnership with Fukushima Prefecture, is delighted to announce the seven travel professionals selected to take part in two exclusive famil trips to Fukushima, Japan. The winners are: Heidi Barrenger, Angas Travel; Cheuk Ming Mitchell Tam, Phil Hoffmann Travel Norwood; Molly Jackson, itravel Griffith; Louise Leo, Ida Portella Business and Travel Services; Melissa Goodwin, Envoyage Cronulla; Vicki Carmichael, Main Beach Travel; and Eileen Orrell, MTA.

Crooked Compass founder Lisa Pagotto invites you to join her in Adelaide on November 18 for a live conversation about extraordinary Roman sites across Algeria, Tunisia, Türkiye and Libya. Drawing on her travels, which have shaped the experience Crooked Compass offers today. Lisa will share the places that have stayed with her and the context that makes them worth understanding. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ukPRqDeySaicFV2aJ5dE1Q?utm_source=Crooked+Compass&utm_campaign=52e56a2aed-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_09_16_05_40_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e52beef644-484032870#/registration.

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/.