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Top10 Travels Deals Issue 4: Saturday, 18 August 2018

High flying airline deals

Malaysia Airlines World Sale ends on August 27 so you better hurry up to take advantage of fares like Perth to Kuala Lumpur for $491. Adelaide passengers can fly to Phuket from $614, Bangkok is $629 from Brisbane and $636 from Sydney. Penang is $673 from Melbourne. There are excellent business class fares as well.  Air France is also on sale with OH LA LA deals to Europe priced from $1519. Thai has a Getaway Sale going with fares to Europe starting at $1062 – Vietnam from $661.

Save up to 25% on rooms

The longer you stay with Accor Hotels, the more you’ll save. What’s even better is this offer is available all year round.  

Whether it’s a last minute weekender, extended break with family or mini-break with your best pals, you’ll save up to 25% when you stay two nights or more. And as a Le Club AccorHotels member, you’ll also earn Le Club AccorHotels Status and Rewards points with every booking. More details here

Cruise in style on Sydney Harbour

Book a table for 10 aboard a Captain Cook dinner cruise and save up to 40% and receive a free upgrade to a private room onboard flagship vessel MV Sydney 2000.  Prices start from as low as $65 per person and this deal is valid for sale until 31 August and travel until 30 September 2018. The MV Sydney 2000 has two private function rooms. Both rooms feature private dining and balcony creating the perfect setting for a celebration or simply a great night out with friends. More details here 

Cruise to bigger deals

The cruise industry continues to battle for business – the latest deal comes from Azamara Cruises. These mid size ships are a step up from the monsters that can carry up to 6,000 passengers. There are two offers, an enjoyment package that includes $500 shore excursions credit, unlimited WIFI for two devices, a premium beverage package for two plus $200 onboard spa credit. The indulgence package offers even more goodies including $700 in shore excursions credit. More details, azamaraclubcruises.com

Autumn fares in Europe, US

Norwegian Air is flying high with the news it has been judged the World’s Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline for the fourth year in a row. 

Right now a long list of Autumn fares have been released – great value if you are in Europe or planning a trip. Fares like London/Madrid for 30 pounds. If you are thinking of heading back home via the US there is a London Miami or London Florida fare of 175 pounds. Have a look at the website here for all the deals and conditions.

Planning a rail trip?

Rail Europe has a great idea to help you plan an itinerary in Europe. Go to the site and have a look at the journey Planner. The company provides destination possibilities based on the amount of time you wish to spend on the train. Simply start by adding cities you wish to include in your dream vacation. Then select a date of travel and the Journey Planner will do the rest, providing you with a variety of options – you can have fun exploring the possibilities without committing to anything.  More details, www.raileurope.com.au

New name in travel

Kogan is a name better known to internet shoppers of everything from furniture to electronic goods. The company has now branched out into travel and there are a number of deals in the marketplace including a 10 day south America tour from $3499pp and nine days in China from $949 twin share. The list goes on – Fiji from $1799 for five or seven nights or Africa for 20 days from $4999. A 14 day Europe package costs $3999 and includes a 4 day Spain tour plus a Mediterranean cruise. There are a lot more destinations to choose from including the US and Russia.More details, https://www.kogantravel.com/kt/

Fast airport getaway is simple

It might seem a bit on the expensive side but I always organize a car to pick us up from an airport these days. There are so many dodgy cab drivers in the world that you often come out in front financially. As well, you can forget about long queues – nothing worse than having to wait an hour or so for a cab after a very long flight from Australia. We use Blacklane. This company by the way has just introduced a new idea allowing travellers to skip security and immigration lines for $100 and access lounges for $50 in more than 500 airports around the world.  More details, blacklane.com

Galapagos Islands deals

Galapagos cruise operator Latin Trails has extended its early bird rates for 2019 cruises on board its boutique yacht fleet: M/V Galapagos Sea Star Journey and M/V Galapagos Seaman Journey. You can take advantage of 2018 rates for all bookings made until the end of October 2018. Bookings can be made for all available dates in 2019. On offer are 4, 5, 6 and 8 day departures. Details, Latin Trails www.latintrails.com

Frequent Flyer points go further

According to Australian Frequent Flyer, Singapore Airlines, Aegean Airlines and United all have excellent Star Alliance frequent flyer programs – however one of the very best value programs is virtually unknown in Australia. “In our view, Asiana Club is the most undervalued Star Alliance frequent flyer program”. The loyalty scheme of Korea’s Asiana Airlines, this program makes it extremely easy to earn Star Alliance status. You’ll also get to keep your benefits for at least two years, instead of the usual one year. Details, flyasiana.com

Explore Tuscany from your castle

If you love the rolling countryside of Tuscany and the idea of staying in style in a lovingly restored 10th century castle, explore the Belmond Castello di Casole. The castle has been infused with modern indulgence. It’s a realm of sensational food, world-class wine and laid-back luxury.  Only 39 rooms and suites are available and you will enjoy a traditional restaurant with Venetian and Tuscan dishes plus activities including  biking, horseback riding, golf, truffle hunting and more. The castle is 67km from Florence Airport. More details, Belmond.com

There are traps, particularly for first time travellers, when booking online. If in doubt, deal with an AFTA accredited travel agent.  We recommend booking.com for accommodation (be flexible and grab a deal you can cancel for free) webjet.com.au and edreams.com.au. to check prices and book flights. Travel insurance is a must. Check with your insurer or get a quote from industry leader Covermore.com. Read the conditions carefully and remember if you have a pre existing illness, it must be disclosed.