If there’s one thing we like about Mondays, it’s looking at the pictures in this wholesaler wrap. Which means we can make the whole day bearable if we waste enough time looking at them.

Explore launches exciting new photography trips

Bring your holiday memories into focus on Explore Worldwide’s new expert-led photography trips. Capture the early morning mist rolling across the lush jungle canopy in Borneo, snap the spectacular migration across Serengeti’s vast plains or get exclusive access to photograph the fabled rock-hewn city of Petra before the crowds arrive.

Each of the SIX new trips is led by an award-winning photographer – Renato Granieri winner of 2018 Nat Geo Traveller Photographer of the Year and Robert Harvey, whose work has been recognised by the Excellence Award of the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique. The package also includes accommodation, breakfast plus some lunches and dinners, and an Explore leader. Trips include:

Jordan Photographic Discovery – Led by Robert Harvey, this trip visits the fabled rock-hewn city of Petra with special access to the site before the crowds arrive. Capture the Druze tribes in Azraq as well as seeking out spectacular desert scenes in Wadi Rum and camp under the stars in a Bedouin tent.

Photographing Sri Lanka – Discover Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, rock carvings and gilded temples with experienced photographer Renato Granieri. Highlights of the trip include the opportunity to photograph the rolling hills of the spectacular Golden Valley tea plantations, wildlife-filled national parks and idyllic tropical coastline. Capture the rich Buddhist history through the lens whilst meeting friendly faces along the way.

NEW Pacific Northwest and Canada Holidays from Grand American Adventures

Small group adventure specialist Grand American Adventures, has launched two new itineraries to the Pacific Northwest and Canada for 2019. New trips include a cycling tour of Vancouver Island and The Wonders of Oregon, a comprehensive 12-day tour through the state’s most diverse regions.

These trips will see travellers exploring the rugged wilderness of the US and Canada whilst hiking across awe-inspiring landscapes, kayaking through the waters of Lake Crescent and discovering incredible wildlife on foot. Spot grizzlies and brown bears on a dedicated boat tour, watch whales feed in the Tofino feeding zone and spot Orcas off the coast of Victoria. New trips include:

The Wonders of Oregon – This extensive tour of Oregon journeys through some of the very best regions in the Pacific Northwest. The Wonders of Oregon is a 12-day adventure that includes exploring the majestic Cascade Mountains, investigating lava tubes at Mt St. Helens’ National Monument and a scenic float trip down the Deschutes River. Also included is a visit to the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, and sipping on craft ales in the state’s quirky capital.

Cycling Vancouver Island – This six-day adventure allows cyclists to discover the Pacific Marine Circle, riding through ancient forests, rugged mountains and along the breath-taking coastal paths of Vancouver Island. Highlights include exploring tranquil lakes and abandoned logging roads, visiting historic communities settled by the First Nation thousands of years ago and time to enjoy the local cuisine at Lake Cowichan. There are also plenty of wildlife spotting and culinary experiences awaiting cyclists en route.

Beyond Travel offers great value Scandinavia for 2019

RUSSIAN specialist for 25 years, Beyond Travel, have released huge savings on their best sellers in the market to celebrate the release of its 2019 Russia & Beyond brochure which also features Cruise Russia products and 24 pages dedicated to the ever-popular region of Scandinavia.

The sell-out Grand Tour of Iceland is back for 2019 and is now available with up to $1500 savings per couple when booked and deposited by December 31. This escorted 12-day small group tour has seven guaranteed departures and is now priced from $8480 per person twin share.

New for 2019 is the 17-day ‘The Baltics & Russia by Land & by Sea”, one of the exclusive Signature Journeys that Beyond Travel hand created. It travels from Stockholm to Moscow and includes an eight-day Russian river cruise boarding in St Petersburg. With all 2019 departures guaranteed it offers exceptional value from only $5995 per person twin share.

Other special offers include $400 Discover More Travel Vouchers per couple on another best seller- the 20-day premium escorted tour from Moscow to Vienna. Covering seven countries in four and five-star hotels, this escorted tour is from $5585 per person twin share.

Last chance to save on 2019 travel with Back-Roads Touring

Back-Roads Touring is urging consumers to take advantage of their exclusive Early Bird special before it’s too late, offering guests significant savings of up to $1,339 per couple on selected European tours.

The deal has proven hugely popular since it was launched in August to celebrate their highly anticipated 2019 brochure, and with just under two weeks before it expires, there has never been a better time to book your 2019 holiday.

Until the 30th November, guests will be able to take advantage of huge discounts on some of Back-Roads’ most popular tours such as Slow Foods of Puglia and Highlights of Northern Spain, alongside two brand new tours and nine improved itineraries.

Whether it be tasting your way through the famed wine-growing regions Champagne, Chablis and Burgundy on the Paris to Nice through Vinyards & Mountains tour, or following in the footsteps of Vikings, Romans and royalty on the Historic Eastern England tour, Back-Roads has something for every traveller.

It’s time: Equal access and opportunities for travellers with special needs

Travel With Special Needs, the travel consultancy for travellers of all abilities, today announces its expansion into New Zealand with services going live from the end of January 2019.

Since launch in July, the business has grown at a rapid rate, being selected as the exclusive travel consultancy for two national disability conferences and booking over 50 individual travellers with special needs on holidays.

Travel With Special Needs shares special rates and travel offers for tours and packages designed for guests with various abilities and their travelling companions. These handpicked offers have been reviewed and approved by a certified accessible travel consultant for appropriateness and value.

In her role as CEO of Bound Round, parent company of Family Travel, Janeece has also formalised a content strategy to assist in the mainstreaming of information regarding families travelling with additional needs. Each print edition of Family Travel magazine will feature dedicated inclusive and accessible travel ideas, tips and reviews, with this content being shared on the digital platform www.familytravel.com.au.