Big fat road & rail wrap
Keep an eye out readers, there are a few cyclists dotted about this wrap. However, Travel Weekly does not condone any excessive honking or road rage.
Queensland’s first combined Cycling & Hiking Adventure
In a first for Queensland, a combined cycling and walking tour is now available and within easy reach of Brisbane.
This unique adventure combines 2 days cycling on the newly opened Brisbane Valley rail trail, with a luxurious 2 day hike on the Scenic Rim track, categorised as one of ‘Australia’s Great Walks’. Walking and cycling holidays are experiencing huge popularity right now and what better way to enjoy both activities than on a combined experience.
And this is a first for Queensland. Get up close with nature, experience the newly opened longest rail trail in Australia (the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail), star gaze from your luxury tent and learn about Indigenous history and culture from trained local guides. Finish with a celebratory lunch and special wine tasting at the ever popular Sirromet Winery.
Fully guided with luxury accommodation and 2 nights premium glamping, chef prepared meals and wine tastings, this active getaway is perfect for those seeking an adventure with all the comforts of a 5 star tour.
The cycling is graded as easy/intermediate and the hiking intermediate to challenging so some level of fitness is required. Both are fully guided and supported.
A full detailed itinerary is available from Tour de Vines.
International Rail continues to diversify to benefit agents
Australian owned International Rail has just launched its new hotel and apartment division with a dedicated agent booking system- “International Hotel”, designed with loyal agents in mind, who were looking for a secure and reliable accommodation option with strong local support, said managing director Jonathan Hume.
To celebrate the addition of this product to our stable, the company is offering agents an incentive of a $100 Dan Murphy voucher to agents who make one booking on each of the three booking sites for rail, transfers and hotels by 31 March 2019.
This live booking system offers more than 500,000 hotels, apartments and resorts with highly competitive rates and instant bookings. It is powered by French based accommodation provider “MisterRoom” who has aggregated many of the global reservations systems, including Booking.com and Expedia into one super simple, secure and price competitive trade only solution.
Some of the benefits include access to unique apartment style accommodation and the ability for agents to hold bookings at a fixed price until 72 hours prior to the confirmation deadlines.
WIN A TRIP TO PARIS FOR 2 WITH DRIVEAWAY!
DriveAway, together with Air France, Atout France and Peugeot Open Europe – is giving one lucky Australian travel agent an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris for two.
Prizes include; 2 x flights to Paris, 7 nights accommodation, AU$1,000 spending money and tickets to the Moulin Rouge and Bateaux Mouches experiences.
To win, travel agents have to simply make a Peugeot Open Europe booking from today until the 30th of June 2019 – for collections in 2019.
Don’t miss out on this amazing trip – just be in it to win it!
Eight new cycling itineraries from World Expeditions
Cross Jordan from north to south
Following a mix of quiet roads, scenic trails, dirt tracks and even caravan paths, Jordan by bike takes in some of the country’s most sought-after visitor experiences – from covering yourself in mud and floating on the Dead Sea to spending a full day at Petra and sleeping under the stars at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.
- NEW! Jordan by bike with World Expeditions (8 days) launches 3 March, with further departures in April, September and November, from $3,590 per person.
Encounter epic scenery and fascinating minority cultures in southern China (E-bike option available!)
Travel where few outsiders have been before: riding quiet backroads through the lesser known parts of the Guizhou, Hunan and Guangxi provinces, you will delve deep into the heartland of the local ‘hill people’.
- NEW! Cycle Remote South China with World Expeditions (14 days) launches 24 May, with further departures in August and October, from $3,230 per person.
Ladakh Cycling Epic with Kate Leeming
This is a trip through some of the most starkly beautiful – and challenging – cycling terrain on the planet. Kate Leeming is an elite cyclist, whose passion for adventure cycling has seen her complete epic long distance cycle expeditions in Africa, South America and in the Australian desert.
- NEW! Ladakh Cycling Epic with Kate Leeming with World Expeditions (20 days) is a one-off departure which departs 12 August, 2019 from $4,790 per person.
Bike (and hike!) your way around the wilds of Madagascar
Mingle with the friendly Malagasy people and experience Madagascar’s untouched beauty in true adventurous spirit. From capital Antananarivo, ride the wilds of Madagascar across wide-open savannah, punctuated by otherworldly rock formations.
- NEW! Bike and Hike Madagascar with World Expeditions (15 days) launches 5 May, with further departures until October, from $5,290 per person
Explore the remote temples of Cambodia at handlebar level
A new cycling adventure that takes you off the beaten track in northern Cambodia. After spending a full day exploring at handlebar level the glorious Angkor Wat, the itinerary continues to some of Cambodia’s lesser known (and less frequented) temples, such as: Preah Vihear, atop a 525-metre cliff in the Dangrek Mountains, the natural border between Thailand and Cambodia; the sprawling jungle temple of Beng Melea, largely overrun by trees growing from its broken towers; the mountain Koh Ker Temple, whose seven decks rise 35 meters high; and the Roluos collection of monuments, which represent the remains of the first major capital of the Angkor era Khmer Empire.
- NEW! Remote Temples of Cambodia by Bike with World Expeditions (8 days) departs monthly year round, from $1,740 per person
Follow the Rum Runners Rail Trail and travel back to the ‘Prohibition’ era
In the prohibition of the 1920s and ’30s, many sailors in Nova Scotia stopped fishing and became international smugglers. Boats would pull into secluded coves and islands, while beaches and woods provided many discrete hiding places for liquor.
- NEW! Halifax to Lunenburg: The Rum Runners Rail Trail with World Expeditions (6 days) launches 5 June, with further departures until October, from $1,690 per person
Immerse in the beauty of Cuba as Havana gears up to celebrate its 500th anniversary in November
Cuba is a Caribbean gem ideally geared for a two-wheeled holiday, where World Expeditions’ local guides will introduce you to their favourite haunts and hideaways.
Discover a mountain biking paradise in Morocco
Morocco’s exotic fusion of experiences makes it an ideal destination to explore by bike and the opportunities on this new cycling trip, beginning and ending in the 1,000-year-old ochre-coloured city of Marrakesh, are both physically exhilarating and culturally infused.
- NEW! Morocco Cycle Adventure with World Expeditions (12 days) launches 10 March, with further departures until October, from $2,460 per person
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!