If the fact that today is Monday has sent you into a spiral of crippling despair, these stunning wholesaler pics should perk you right up. Or make you even sadder, we’re not sure.

Excite Holidays and Brand USA launch final week of “The music that made America” Campaign

After showcasing all that Portland and Chicago have to offer, Excite Holidays and Brand USA’srecent campaign, The Music That Made America, enters its third and final week.

Wrapping up the successful campaign, the final week will see a focus on the music cities ofAmerica, including Los Angeles, Nashville, Denver, New York, Miami and more.

The eight-page downloadable guide will take agents on a journey through these unique cities, highlighting theiconic landmarks, world-famous festivals and unmissable events that make them some of thecountry’s most musically-influential cities.

From Graceland to The Viper Room, Dollywood, RedRocks Amphitheatre and the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, the curated guide delves dip intoAmerica’s musical history, and is a great tool to help agents book a toe-tapping good time for their clients.

Selling period has officially begun for Contiki’s Rock Around The World 2019

THIS IS NOT A DRILL! ROCK 2019 Selling period has officially begun and if you thought this year’s mega Tomorrowland trip was big, 2019 will be bigger! It’s guaranteed to be a year to remember, with 2019 being ROCK’s 21st birthday! Where will Contiki go for ROCK in 2019? It’s top secret but we promise you’ll want to be top of the leader board when it’s revealed.

Rock Around the World is Australia’s number one famil and if you live to experience the best music festivals in the world then this incentive is for you. Smash into the leader board simply by selling Contiki and the top stores will win a spot on ROCK. Every booking counts, any trip length to any destination, departing in 2019. Start leveraging your client’s Europe FOMO or send them off on a spectacular NZ adventure, currently 20 per cent off. The incentive period runs from 1 July 2018 to 31 March 2019 so now is the time to jump ahead of the pack. You’ll be so far in front, they’ll never catch up!

You’ll definitely be experiencing some serious jealousy watching the 2018 ROCK winners about to head off for their epic adventure. They’ll be downing steins in Munich, paragliding over Austria’s picture-perfect mountain scenery, getting saucy at the Moulin Rouge (followed by a legendary Contiki party of course) not to mention, three days at the largest EDM festival in the world, Tomorrowland. Now’s your chance to secure yourself a spot for an even bigger adventure. Make sure you’re locked in for next year!

Desperate to know just where ROCK will be taking agents for its 21st birthday? Keep on guessing! You can trust that it’s going to be all kinds of legendary!

Discover the wonders of Imperial Russia with Scenic

If the World Cup has done one thing, it has been to showcase the rich wonders of Russia as a vast and endlessly fascinating wonderland just waiting to be explored. You can experience this country from St Petersburg to Moscow in ultimate luxury on board Scenic Tsar, a boutique vessel unique to the Scenic fleet.

From the beauty of St Petersburg to the splendour of Moscow, Russia remains one of the most intriguing countries in the world. As Winston Churchill once said, Russia has always been “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” Today there is simply no better way to traverse this land than along its majestic waterways on board Scenic Tsar with only 112 guests.

Discover the wonders of Russia in luxury with Scenic on the 15-day Jewels of Russia cruise along the Volga River between St Petersburg and Moscow. From the might of the Kremlin and the Red Square, to the treasures of Catherine’s Palace and St Basil’s Cathedral, Russia is both magnificent and compelling.

Scenic’s 15-day Jewel of Russia takes in highlights including the Winter Palace, home to Russia’s Imperial family; the Church of Transfiguration with its 22 timbered onion domes; the fascinating World War II Museum in Moscow; and a private Russian ballet concert at the magnificent Palace of Prince Vladimir. Prices start from $10,544 per person twin share, ALL-inclusive luxury. Free flights for ALL to Europe, ALL year, on ALL cruises of 11 days or longer, in ALL suites, and on ALL rivers.

Japan tour with two free nights in Vietnam

Long-time Asian specialist Helen Wong’s Tours has launched a new 13-day Highlights of Japan package which includes two complimentary nights in Vietnam.

Designed for the budget-conscious Australian travellers, this exclusive group tour – priced from $3499 per person, twin share – begins with a flight from either Sydney or Melbourne to Saigon to explore the sights and sounds of the bustling city as well as the fascinating Mekong Delta region.

The group then flies to Osaka to begin a 10-night Japan experience focusing on visits to such hotspots as Kobe, Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hamamatsu and capital Tokyo.
Scenic Lake Ashi and its imposing neighbour – Mt Fuji – are also included on a tour which visits some of Japan’s most significant historic sites, short cruises, sake sampling and ample time to explore in the evenings – at the guests’ leisure.

Six departure dates have been scheduled by Helen Wong’s Tours for 2018-2019, the group flying Vietnam Airlines and staying in three-to-four-star accommodation with daily breakfast.

Availability in Southern Africa 2018

According to Abercrombie & Kent’s John Round-Turner, Regional Sales & Marketing Director for East & Southern Africa, it’s not too late to book travel into Southern Africa in late 2018.

Contrary to popular belief, there is still space in Southern Africa in high-end properties in the last quarter of 2018, particularly in the first two weeks of December. If you know who to ask, you can still find quality options in Kruger, Sabi Sands, Botswana and in Cape Town!

A&K, with offices across the continent and experts on the ground in Southern Africa, has access to the most sought-after luxury city, safari and coastal properties in late 2018.

John Round-Turner also says agents and travellers shouldn’t be deterred by media coverage of recent water shortages. Dams are at nearly 50 per cent of capacity already and the expectation they will keep filling over the next two months. In short, there’s no reason not to sell South Africa travel for this year.

New Small Group Journeys across all continents with APT

Today, the leaders in luxury cruising and touring, APT, are thrilled to announce the release of an independent Small Group Journeys brochure, presenting a range of luxury holidays across the globe for groups of 20 travellers or less.

Chances are you’ve already noticed some of APT’s small group journeys hidden away within our earlier brochures. So, you’ll be pleased to learn we have combined all of these holidays in one place to help make your job that little bit easier. But what you’ll really need to know is what makes these holidays different…

Small Group Journeys aren’t your classic guided tours. Some lead guests off the beaten track, while others venture where large crowds simply cannot. But all are only possible thanks to the limited group size.

With each journey built around the character of the specific region, guests will enjoy a deep connection with the places they visit. Special after-hours or behind-the-scenes access is offered in select locations – an added bonus guests won’t get if they travel on their own – and they’ll have more opportunities to engage with their Tour Director, if they wish. There’s also ample time to wander around at leisure instead of being shuffled from place to place.

Cosmos strengthens its American offering – releases 2019 North America brochure and announces four new itineraries

Renowned escorted touring company, Cosmos, has launched its 2019 North America brochure (including Canada, Central and South America), breathing fresh life into its offering with the introduction of four new invigorating itineraries spanning Alaska, Hawaii, North America’s greatest treasures, and South America.

Highlights of the new releases include a 10-day Alaskan Discovery by Land & Sea journey, taking travellers on an adventure through glaciers one day and wilderness trails the next; and a hand-picked tour of America’s Greatest Treasures, featuring the grandeur of Mount Rushmore and theatrics of the Wild West.

Aussies can also say aloha to island life with an eight-day Essential Hawaii itinerary ticking off the very best of the illustrious tropical paradise; or embark on a 19-day South American exploration (including a two-week cruise) from Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, to Santiago, Chile’s thriving metropolis – including the dramatic landscapes of Argentine Patagonia and once-in-a-lifetime journey to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego.

With focus on each of the region’s fascinating fauna, Cosmos’ new brochure will have Aussie travellers reconnecting with nature and enjoying a more immersive travel experience, with expert local guides leading hikes, scenic drives and cruises to some of the best wildlife viewing areas across the continent – from the giants of the ocean; grand beasts of the plains, regal birds, and agile mountain sheep.

Travel to breathtakingly beautiful Iceland with Contiki

Iceland is the country of the moment, the travel destination on everyone’s lips but what makes it just so special? This outdoor playground is a winter trip like no other and well worth giving up sunbaking and thongs for breathtaking, out-of-this-world beauty! You simply can’t beat the majestic landscapes and unique culture (traditional Hrutspungar or ram’s testicles, we’re looking at you). It’s a truly unique place in the world.

Iceland is filled with experiences that will leave you at a loss for words, it’s impossible to choose just one standout to see. From thundering icy falls, gigantic glaciers and geothermal geysers, Iceland literally looks like another planet. If you’re lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights it will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.

One glance at the famous Blue Lagoon and your clients will be sold. They can truly relax in the welcomingly warm waters, coloured the most perfect azure blue. The photo opportunities are endless, not to mention the skin and beauty benefits that these magical hot springs give. Looking for some beach time? Channel your inner model on the black sand beaches, maybe skip the dip though, icebergs regularly wash up on shore.

Definitely go chasing waterfalls in Iceland, with mesmerising, cloud like waterfalls cascading over the black rocky landscape. The formations are mind-blowing, particularly in the Golden Circle home to Dettifoss, Europe’s more powerful waterfall. If you need a break from the turquoise ravines and intriguing natural landmarks check out the cute pony-sized horses and their teal blue eyes. They’re adorable and even ridden by the locals, we don’t suggest you give it a go though, they can pick up quite the pace.

SkiJapan.com 2018/19 brochure for forthcoming winter!

SkiJapan.com has released its 2018/19 Winter Holiday Packages brochure and is thrilled also to announce a new Hakuba operations and service base, from this coming season.

Hakuba Gateway is an 18-room hotel, with tour operations and onsite services in the absolute heart of the Happo Resort Area in Hakuba Valley, within easy walking distance to the closest chairlifts and the many nearby restaurants, bars and local services.

The consultants at SkiJapan.com offer a wide selection of accommodation options in the popular and emerging resorts of Japan’s main island Honshu and the very popular north island of Hokkaido with some great Early Bird deals on a range of accommodations still available.

There’s also an Early Bird Special, with Free Kids Rental or 15 per cent off Kids Rentals from its NBS outlet in Niseko and the new Hakuba Gateway outlet in Happo, in conjunction with every accommodation/land package. This offer is valid until July 31^st for Niseko bookings and until 31^st August for Hakuba.