We’ve been praying for an agent wrap since the start of the week, and now we’ve got one! The fact they occur on a Friday is pure coincidence.

Brand USA and Air New Zealand take travel agents on a musical journey throughout the U.S during best ever Mega Fam to date

Brand USA and Air New Zealand have just returned from hosting a fun-filled seven-night MegaFam across six exciting, unique itineraries, culminating with a finale celebration event held in LasVegas, Nevada, where agents shared their experiences with each other, enabling attendees to better sell the destinations upon their return to Australia and New Zealand.

30 Australia and 30 New Zealand travel agents were lucky enough to secure highly sought-after music-themed tickets to the U.S., after each winning an Air New Zealand incentive. The groups were split into teams and explore the below diverse itineraries:

• Rocking the Pacific North West – Washington and Oregon
• Soul Sounds of the South – Louisiana & Mississippi
• Dancing through the Midwest – Illinois & Michigan
• Neighbourhood Vibes – California & Arizona
• Folk Songs from the Last Frontier– Fairbanks & Anchorage, Alaska
• Native American Sounds – Montana & North Dakota

The trip culminated in two days in Las Vegas that showcased the city’s unique blend of world-class restaurants, shopping, entertainment, nightlife and experiences.

Immediate release -$50 to every agent that books a Renault!

DriveAway is giving away an AU$50 VISA gift card to EVERY travel agent that books a Renault European car lease from now until 30 September 2018.

Renault is perfect for clients who are looking to go to Europe and drive between 21 and 175 days. Travellers will receive discounted prices, full insurance cover with nil excess, unlimited kilometres, the freedom to drive throughout 40 European countries & FREE additional drivers.

Renault is now on sale with all-time low prices until the end of October 2018. Hurry, only 200 vehicles left! Contact the leasing specialists at DriveAway on 1300 363 500 or visit www.driveaway.com.au/exclusive-trade-deals for more information.

MTA’s Patrick O’Shea Everest base camp-bound to raise money for sick children

Pictured in training for his trek to the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal next month, MTA – Mobile Travel Agents’ Patrick O’ Shea who is using the opportunity to raise funds for sick children.

O’Shea hopes his visit to the ‘roof of the world’ will also help raise awareness for the ‘Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation’, an organisation which provides support to families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

DMD is normally diagnosed between the ages of four and six years with children becoming confined to wheelchairs as muscle deterioration becomes advanced. Those affected, predominantly boys, rarely live beyond their 20th birthday. Sadly, the mortality rate is 100 per cent.

Sunflower surprise at the Flower Dome

The road to the Emerald Cituy in the timeless tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is paved in yellow  – and in the “Sunflower Surprise” floral display, this is creatively reinterpreted as a profusion of sunflowers.

Amidst more than 10,000 sunflowers of various shapes and sizes, our heroine Dorothy and her faithful dog Toto find theirway to the Wizards castle.

Enhancing the fantastical elements of this enduring story of friendship are unusual sunflower varieties such as the fluffy Teddy Bear, rich red Earthwalker and enormous Giganteus, which has blooms bigger than a human head. All at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore from August 31 to October 21.

Star Clippers agent famil travelling around Asia

The Cruise Co Group had an amazing time on board their Star Clippers famil recently travelling around Asia. With only 64 guests on board, it felt like they had the ship to themselves. The feedback from the group included that the crew were amazing and went out of their way to look after them each day and night.

The group had Satonda Island to themselves, swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear water. The Crew took them on a 30-minute hike, with amazing views which led to their own private beach.

The following agents attended the famil:

• Matthew Clements – Bitcon Travel
• Michael Drew – Bitcon Travel
• Rachaele Maree Chartres – MTA
• Karen Daly – Ramsgate Travel
• Patricia Greene – Suncity Travel
• Zara Henderson – Travel Centre Coffs Harbour
• Micha Treasure – Cathie Rice Travel
• Tracey Natasha Herbert – Southlands Travel & Cruise
• Anita Hutton – Cruiseco Escort
• Amy Craig – Star Clippers

Bunnik Tours host Brazil & Argentina Famil

Small group touring specialists, Bunnik Tours, are currently hosting a 10-day South American famil. A group of 8 participants, they began their journey in the festive city of Rio de Janeiro taking in the panoramic views from Sugar Loaf Mountain and discovering the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. From here, they will make their way down to Iguazu Falls – one of the world’s biggest waterfalls with more than 240 individual falls.

After spending a few days exploring the falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, the next and final stop will be in beautiful Buenos Aires. Also known as the ‘Paris of the south’, thanks to its European charm, gourmet cuisine, colonial architecture and grand parks, it truly is a delight for the senses. Stay tuned for more updates or follow our Facebook and Instagram profiles to keep up with their adventures!

The Bunnik Tours 2019/20 South America program is out now, with an early-bird discount of $1000 per person until 26 October 2018! Visit our website for full details and to see the variety of South American tour options available to you and your clients.

Intrepid’s hot deals

Below are some top savings from Intrepid. For more info, head to https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au.

Save $979 on Intrepid’s seven-day Bhutan Discovered trip departing 21 October 2018. Discover the remote location of Bhutan, one of Asia’s little secrets full of beauty, history and adventure. On this trip, travellers will explore the hidden paradise of Bhutan with no traffic lights, laws governing minimum forest coverage and amazing feats of archery. A highlight for travellers includes climbing to Tiger’s Nest and being one of the few visitors who are allowed into Bhutan each year.

Save $832 on Intrepid’s seven-day Best of Argentina and Brazil trip departing 22 September 2018. Get a taste of the rhythm of Argentina and Brazil travelling from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro. Travellers will discover an eclectic mix of European, cosmopolitan and Latin flavours in Buenos Aires, adventure through Iguazu Falls and gaze over the city, mountains and bay of Rio de Janeiro. On this trip, travellers will immerse themselves in true Brazilian culture where there is no shortage of dance and music.

Save $649 on Intrepid’s 15-day Best of Cuba and Westbound trip departing 4 October 2018. Travel to Cuba to experience its historical streets through to the pristine shores of the Caribbean. This tour includes old-world charm, rich history and exciting nightlife where travellers can witness the difference between city and coastal life, take an informal salsa lesson with locals and practice their Spanish in a language class. This adventure takes travellers to the heart of Cuba where there is no shortage of historic cars, fragrant cigars and rum.

TTC’s Weekly Deals

INSIGHT VACATIONS – Best of Italy

Your clients can travel to Europe in style in 2019 with Insight Vacations’ unbeatable Preview prices. They can start planning their 2019 European journey now and take advantage of Insight Vacations preview pricing and a 10%* Early Payment Discount. HURRY ENDS SOON! Guests will experience a showcase of Italy’s grandest attractions, including saintly Assisi, dramatic Venice, Renaissance Florence and the coastal splendours of Capri on Insight Vacations 11 day Best of Italy guided holiday itinerary. Beginning in Rome guests will experience the best Italy has to offer as they travel between The Vatican City, Tuscany, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Assisi, Sorrento & Pompeii. Starting from $4,406* per person, twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 9th of September for departure between the 18th of July and the 22nd of August 2019 unless sold out prior. Other departure dates available however prices will vary. For more information or to book call 1300 727 767 or visit www.insightvacations.com

TRAFALGAR – Alaska and The Yukon

Save 10% when your client pays in full by November 1st with Trafalgar’s Early Payment Discount. Guests will discover Klondike tales, ethereal frontier landscapes and North America’s highest peaks on Trafalgar’s 14 day Alaska and The Yukon travel itinerary. They will travel between Anchorage, Valdez, Dawson City, Whitehorse, Tok and Denali on this mesmerising journey through Alaska and Canada’s Yukon territory including Denali National Park. Starting from $6,367.50* per person twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 1st of November 2018 with price reflective of departure dates between the 19th of January and 14th of December 2019. For more information or to book call 1800 787 878 or visit www.trafalgar.com.

UNIWORLD – Authentic Danube & Prague

The choice is your clients and there is more to explore with $1,000pp off their next experience with Uniworld or one of our luxury sister brands: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Insight Vacations or Luxury Gold – enjoy these savings in collaboration with a luxury river cruise with Uniworld. The 10 Day Authentic Danube & Prague is perfect for those wishing to get off the beaten track. Guests begin their adventure with two days in Prague before travelling along the Danube from Nuremburg to Vienna through Roth, Kelheim, Regensburg, Passau, Melk and Weissenkirchen. Guests will uncover the scenic wonders and remarkable histories of the cities that rest along the Danube on this luxury cruise experience. Starting from $5,999* per person, twin share. This offer is on sale now until 31st October 2018 and reflective of departure on the 27th of October and 1st of November 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 780 231 or visit www.uniworld.com.

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL – Explora En Rapa Nui

Special offer: Save up to $585* per person when you book Adventure World Travel’s 4 Day Explora En Rapa Nui travel itinerary before the 1st of March 2019. Upon arrival at Easter Island, guests will be transferred to Explora En Rapa Nui where over 20 explorations are offered at different levels. In general, all explorations have strong cultural and archaeological overtones and are led by an expert bilingual local guide. Whilst in Rapa Nui you can choose from explorations such as a trip to the Archaeological site Ahu Akahanga, Ara O Te Moai The moai quarry or Terevaka volcano, the highest point of the island. Starting from $2,875* per person, twin share (including discount, 3 nights’ accommodation, all meals and beverages, daily explorations and transfers). This offer is on sale until the 1st of March 2019 for select departures from the 1st of September 2018 to 31st of March 2019. For more information or to book call 1300 363 055 or visit www.adventureworld.com.

AAT KINGS – Tastes of Southern Australia

Save up to $810* per couple when you book select Last Minute Deals with AAT Kings. Your client can enjoy these savings on the 11-day Tastes of Southern Australia travel itinerary. On this trip, guests will explore the nation’s capital Canberra, country Victoria, cosmopolitan Melbourne and the spectacular coast and delicious produce of Southern Australia on this well-paced journey through Canberra, Melbourne, Warrnambool, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide. Your clients can meet local farmers, winemakers and whisky distillers and indulge in their delectable produce while they take in the stunning scenery on the Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, the Adelaide Hills and the Barossa. Starting from $3,995* per person, twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now for select departure dates until sold out or departed. For more information or to book call 1300 556 100 or visit www.aatkings.com.

CONTIKI – Europa! 

Why wait to see what 2019 brings, when you can make sure it brings the goods? Lock in a Europe Summer trip now and you can get 10% off. Sip cocktails in the Amalfi, watch the sunset on a private boat in Croatia and watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night next year. Contiki’s 23 Day – European Vistas is The Trip that that scopes out all four corners of Europe plus everything in between, over 3 awe-inspiring weeks. With all the highlights of Europe combined into one enchanting adventure, this is the trip for travellers who want to fall in love with Europe. Journeying through the dreamy Swiss and Austrian Alps, the charming vistas of Italy and the edgy energy of the East, if there’s one trip to open your eyes to the magic of Europe, it’s this one. Starting from $3,528* per person, twin share (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 31st of Jan 2019 for select departure dates between 28th of April 2019 – 8th of March 2020. For more information or to book call 1300 266 845 or visit www.contiki.com.

BUSABOUT – LA to The Strip

Save your client 10% off select 2019 USA Adventure trips and West Coast Hop-on Hop-off Unlimited Pass! If they’re looking for an authentic American experience with the perfect balance of stunning natural scenery, bustling city vibes and epic nights of revelry they can’t look past Busabout’s 8 Day LA to The Strip adventure! They can watch the sunset from Pacific Beach, admire the desert landscape while cruising Route 66, and party like there’s no tomorrow under the neon glow of the Strip in Vegas as they travel between Los Angeles, San Diego, Prescot, Williams & Las Vegas, including the Grand Canyon. This is one trip they won’t forget! Starting from $1,709* per person (including discount). This offer is on sale now until the 16th of November 2018 for departures between May 2019 and October 2019. To book or find more information visit http://www.busabout.com or call 1300 287 226.