The Travel Sales, Deals & News You Need to Know About
Because who doesn't love scoring a great deal on an upcoming holiday?
There's nothing better than being on holiday. And always having one planned means you have something to look forward to, especially when you're going through a dull patch.
And who doesn't want to book a trip or staycation in if they can get a sweet deal on it? We've gone hunting for all the best travel sales, deals and packages so that you don't have to, as well as any important news you need to know about.
The Travel News You Need to Know
Lonely Planet Reveals The Travel Trends Taking Over 2025
Pack your bags and grab your tickets—2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for travel! Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel guide has unveiled the top ten key travel trends for the year, with each trend featuring ten of the best places around the world to experience it. Australia is right at the heart of many of these trends, offering everything from scenic train journeys to hidden gems in nature. Here’s a quick rundown of the Aussdainie highlights you won’t want to miss.
The Indian Pacific Rail Journey, ranked #2 in the Taking It Easy trend, offers a two-night experience from Adelaide to Perth, crossing the vast Nullarbor Plain. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure as you enjoy the serene solitude of the desert with a cocktail in hand.
The Cassowary, ranked #1 in the Extreme Birdwatching travel trend, is a must-see for any bird lover. Standing up to 2 metres tall, this striking bird roams Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest, earning its spot as one of the world’s most impressive creatures.
If you’re a music lover, Melbourne Forum, ranked #8 for Following the Music, is an iconic venue with its stunning Moorish architecture and a ceiling that mirrors the southern hemisphere’s night sky. Meanwhile, the Farm Gate Market in Hobart, ranked #8 for Marvelous Markets, is a Sunday institution where you can enjoy local produce, freshly baked goods, and gourmet treats from food trucks.
Sydney’s Mardi Gras, taking #7 for What a Drag, is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQI+ culture, bringing bold performances to Oxford Street in February.
For those seeking hidden gems, Great Sandy National Park in Queensland, ranked #10 for Underrated Parks, offers 4WD adventures and stunning coastal scenery.
If you’re craving a taste of Australia’s Local Flavours, try the iconic lamington at #10—an irresistible combination of sponge cake, chocolate, and coconut.
For Arboreal Adventures, the towering Mountain Ash trees in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges National Park, ranked #2, offer a serene experience amidst giant ferns and the calls of cockatoos.
As for Best Beaches, Whitehaven Beach in Queensland takes the top spot with its pristine white sandbars and aquamarine waters. Squeaky Beach in Wilsons Promontory, ranked #2, offers a unique experience with its squeaky quartz sand and crystal-clear waters. Australia is truly shining in Lonely Planet's 2025 travel trends, offering unforgettable moments and diverse experiences that make it the perfect destination for the year ahead.
See the full Lonely Planet 'Best in Travel' list here
The Travel Sales You Need to Know
Virgin Australia Flights From $49
Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer have announced their Travel Tuesday deal. For 48 hours only, you can score domestic flights from as little as $49, and international return flights from $405. Plus, you'll also be able to earn triple the Velocity points on all fares and via Velocity Frequent Flyer travel partners, including Didi, Rocket Hotels, Europcar, and more!
This sale is for a good time, not a long time, so book your flights ASAP and plan a trip to look forward to in 2026!
Until 11.59pm, 5th December
Virgin Voyages Black Friday Deal
Virgin Voyages has an unmissable deal! Set sale on your next cruise knowing you can score 40% off, plus up to $455 in free drinks! From menus created by Michelin-star chefs to unlimited group classes, the return of wellbeing month and Eat and Drink festival, Virgin Voyages has something for every type of traveller.
The travel itineraries we're eyeing off include:
- Valiant New Year's Ahoy: Miami, Florida • Key West, Florida • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami, Florida (four nights)
- Spanish & Italian Hot Spots: - Civitavecchia (Rome) • Naples (Italy) • Sicily (Italy) • Marina di Carrara (Italy) • Ajaccio (Corsica) • Barcelona (seven nights)
- England to Iceland & Norway: Portsmouth (UK) • Amsterdam (Netherlands) • Bergen (Norway) • Lerwick (Scotland) • Akureyri (Iceland) • Ísafjörður (Iceland) • Reykjavik (Iceland) • Reykjavik (10 nights)
Running now until December 3rd, you better book in quick.
13th November to 3rd December
Book here
The Travel News You Need to Know
Hyatt Centric Launches Spring Retreat
Hyatt Centric Melbourne has the perfect spring offer for anyone seeking a rejuvenating getaway to escape from the crazy silly season. The new Spring Retreat is designed to help guests unwind in a calming space while still enjoying all that our vibrant city has to offer.
Enjoy a gourmet buffet breakfast and two complimentary happy hour drinks in the evening. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, relax in your robe, and enjoy an incredible meal at Langland's Restaurant & Bar.
Available for all stays now until 1st December, 2024.
Book via website here
Experience the Ultimate Peninsula Escape
Three of the Mornington Peninsula's most popular destinations: Hotel Sorrento, Alba Thermal Springs & Pt Leo Estate have come together to offer the ultimate limited edition getaway package.
- Two nights accommodation in Hotel Sorrento's Sunset Suite, complete with breakfast and a complimentary bottle of local Mornington Peninsula wine
- A 45-minute private pool session at Alba, allowing guests to relax and unwind with a cheese platter and glass of wine served poolside, alongside all-day access to 22 contemporary pools, sauna, and steam room
- A three-course menu paired with local wines at Pt Leo Estate, along with access to the Sculpture Park and a premium wine-tasting experience
It's the epitome of luxury, and a trip you won't soon forget. Available for $1699 (exclusing peak periods) for two people, this is the perfect romantic getaway to relax, reset and get all loved up.
Book your stay via website here
Alba Thermal Springs Announces Accommodation for 2025, 'The Sanctuary'
The Sanctuary is the newest luxury accommodation to come to The Mornington Peninsula. This accommodation provides travellers the opportunity to stay at Alba, taking their wellness experience to the next level.
The Sanctuary features five stand-alone villas, along with two studio rooms. Each villa is provides the guests with an intimate retreat, nestled within native bushland. Perched at the highpoint of the enormous 15-hectare property, each villa showcases sweeping views across the peninsula.
“An on-site accommodation offering has been part of the development plan for Alba Thermal Springs and Spa from the very beginning,” said Alba’s General Manager, Craig Dodd.
“With the success of our bathing, spa, and dining experiences, we are thrilled to welcome guests overnight and for weekend stays, especially from interstate and overseas visitors who many wish to explore the region for a number of days."
Now accepting bookings from 1st June, 2025.
Book your stay via website here
This NSW Renovated Beachside Motel Takes Out No. 3 in The World's Best Hotels Australasia
More than 125 000 Condé Nast Traveller readers have dubbed Halcyon House the third best hotel in the world, Australasia edition and we think they're bang on. The former surf motel has been reimagined into a 22-room luxurious boutique hotel with a hatted poolside restaurant right on one of the country's best surf breaks. What more could you want? If you ever needed a sign to nip to the coast, this is it!
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove
Enjoy a luxurious stay at The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove with their Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package. This fully flexible offer includes breakfast and a three-course dinner from a set menu or buffet for one or two adults sharing a room.
Surrounded by award-winning golf courses, a world-class marina, and close to the Gold Coast’s top attractions, this resort offers a Gold Coast escape like no other. Relax by the stunning lagoon pool, explore lush gardens, and enjoy the charm of this grand Queensland estate.
Rates start from $569 per night
Raes on Wategos Celebrates 30 Years with Grand Expansion Plans
Iconic Byron Bay stalwart Raes on Wategos celebrates its 30th Anniversary with the unveiling of a second property, set to open in late 2024. Located just a one-minute stroll away at the former Victoria’s at Wategos site, the new development will feature ten spacious suites, tropical gardens, and two impressive lap pools. Designed by Tamsin Johnson, the property will combine Mediterranean influences with elevated coastal elegance that is synonymous with Raes. Guests will still be able to enjoy Raes’ renowned hospitality and iconic facilities including the two-hatted Dining Room, alfresco Cellar Bar and Raes Spa.
Bookings open October 2024.
Airplane Mode: MAISON de SABRÉ New Carry On Suitcase
Redefining luxury travel with their newest collection, Airplane Mode, MAISON de SABRÉ's new Carry On Suitcase. is the ultimate travel companion. Crafted with a German aerospace-grade shell, frictionless wheels, and drop-resistant aluminium corner guards, the suitcase is built to withstand even the toughest transit conditions.
The buttery DriTan™ full-grain leather and scratch-proof BioVeg™ seamlessly blend elegance and functionality, while the 360-degree manoeuvrability ensures smooth travel. Featuring an innovative internal compression system with a dedicated laptop sleeve and TSA-approved lock, it’s designed for ultimate convenience.
QT Singapore Debuts with Chef Sean Connolly’s Signature Dining Experiences
Ahead of its opening this September, QT Singapore, located in the historic Hotel Telegraph, is set to welcome to new key dining offerings helmed by award-winning chef Sean Connolly who serves as QT Singapore’s Creative Director of Food & Beverage (and is also the culinary brains behind QT Sydney's Gowings & Parlour restaurants). Cygnet offers a Manhattan-inspired bar and grill with rich flavours, private dining rooms, and an extensive wine list while the Rooftop at QT transforms into a lively venue featuring a pool and vibrant bar serving up cocktails and unforgettable events.
Bookings now open.
Up Bank Launches Travel Mode
Everyone's favourite digital bank has just dropped a new feature that'll make your next trip a whole lot cruisier. The new feature boasts a currency converter tool that calculates foreign exchange rates for all the major currencies. All you have to do is tap your card whilst abroad and you'll see your balance in the local currency without having to do a thing. But the best bit? Up eliminates hidden foreign transaction fees so you get no nasty surprises.
Learn more here
Experience the best of Melbourne in Winter with Marriott Bonvoy
There's no better time to visit Melbourne than the middle of winter, with the city coming alive thanks to its vibrant cultural scene, exquisite dining and thrilling sporting events.
With some of the best hotels in the world tucked within its city limits - many offering incredible deals and bonus offers right now - there's a stay guaranteed to align with your travel needs, whether you're a culture seeker, an art lover or a sports enthusiast.
To learn more about Marriott Bonvoy's winter deals, click here.
Discover Hong Kong's Unmissable Festivals
Want to travel further afield? Hong Kong perfectly blends centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge modernity and is the spot to be (and be seen) for those seeking a mix of luxury and culture.
From the enchanting glow of the Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns to the whimsical bun towers of the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, magical festivals and events provide a glimpse into the unique and authentic cultural experiences on offer for visitors to Hong Kong. Add to that incredible dining experiences, shopping spots beloved by fashionistas and some of the world's best hotels, and you may just have yourself the perfect trip.
Read more about why Hong Kong should be on your must-visit list here.
Ovolo Hotels 'Freesome' Deal
Ovolo Hotels has launched a 'Freesome' deal across its Melbourne Hotels, Ovolo South Yarra and Laneways by Ovolo. If you book two nights at either hotel, you get a third for free - and it doesn't even have to be during the same stay as your original two nights. As long as it's within the sale period, you can pick your third night to be at a later date and turn this deal into two stays!
Until 31st December
Brand New Forest Lodge Luxury Stay
Beloved Osborn House has announced a brand new Forest Lodge stay experience, just a two-hour drive from Sydney. Featuring five Forest Lodges, an all-inclusive Forest Lodge stay experience and a brand-new Forest Bathing Deck introduced to further elevate the luxurious experience.
"Osborn House has always been synonymous with luxury, but our new Forest Lodge stay experience really takes it to another level," Osborn House General Manager, Max Mason, said.
Each Lodge has bespoke lighting, bohemian-style vintage rugs, timeless décor, timber a wood fire, and a deep outdoor bath to soak in and make the most of the incredible views
Want more amazing deals? Why not check out the best Melbourne and Sydney warehouse sales and style news? Or take a look at these incredible knits for under $150.
Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love and each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.
