Happy Monday, readers! If today was a rude surprise (like it was for us) this wholesaler wrap should soothe you all the way to Tuesday – if you read it VERY slowly, that is.

Excite Holidays launches The Insiders Guide to Washington DC

Excite Holidays is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest campaign, “DC: The Insiders Guide” , in conjunction with Destination DC. For two weeks, the campaign will showcase the best of the best of America’s capital city, with the curated eight-page guide showcasing the best entertainment, nightlife, monuments, festivals, sports and cultural experiences that are on offer.

Excite Holidays is also thrilled to be offering agents 500 bonus rewards points for every nightbooked and paid in Washington, DC during the campaign period, from Monday 13 August – Sunday 26 August, 2018.

Historical with a side of cool, Washington, DC is a unique destination that is sure to delight thesenses of all travellers. Visit engage.exciteholidays.com/washingtondc to download the guide and start booking today!

Pre-order brochures for Scenic’s Africa and Egypt 2019/2020 programs

Explore some of the greatest ancient wonders of the world in absolute comfort and luxury as you travel through Egypt and Jordan, or discover the wild wonders of Africa in 2019 in five-star luxury.

Pre-order your 2019 season brochures today and be the first to discover new itineraries, new inclusions and new moments of wonder when exploring these bucket-list destinations.

The Ancient Wonders of Egypt and Jordan 2019/2020: Step back in time to the cradle of civilization and explore the Land of the Pharaohs, with its colourful hieroglyphics and 4,500-year-old pyramids. Stand in awe before the staggering natural and ancient wonders of the Kingdom of Jordan or embark on one of life’s greatest journeys, traversing the African continent from Cape Town to Cairo and Jordan. Indulge in a level of luxury that will help you make the most of the wonders around you, knowing that you’re assured of excellence at every point.

The Wild Wonders of Africa 2019: From luxurious lodgings to fine dining and authentic encounters, your experience of Africa will always be to the highest standard, with memories that will last forever. Explore a continent of monumental beauty, where nature still exercises dominion over the land, as well as the people and creatures that roam its plains. This is a place where the law of eat or be eaten still prevails. There’s every possibility that Africa won’t just open your eyes to new wonders, but that it will change the way you look at life.

Looking for the ultimate Winter adventure?

Everyone knows winter in Europe is a truly magical experience filled with cosy nights by the fire, Christmas markets and mulled wine. Wander through the lit-up streets of Paris and marvel at the swans floating on glassy lake in Lucerne. Soak up the picturesque mountain backdrop while snacking on Swiss fondue before hitting the hive of festivity that is sunshine filled Barcelona. As if you need anything to make Europe more magic, Contiki is offering a Mini Ski Austria trip to add on to the end of your adventure for free!

Whether you’re looking to eat your way around Italy or explore Eastern Europe, Contiki has the ultimate winter getaway for you. As the ultimate bonus you’ll also get three days of powdery, snowy goodness in Austria for free. You’ll stay at the newly renovated Austrian Gasthof with a cosy lounge to relax in style after a day hitting the slopes. Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast daily before you get out onto the mountain then head back to your base to enjoy a glass of vino or even a soul warming hot chocolate at the Gasthof’s own bar.

Don’t stress about having to match up your trip dates to slot on your ski vacay. Contiki’s done the hard work for you, with Mini Ski Austria trips that fit perfectly on to the end of your Europe adventure. Just pick a Contiki Winter Europe trip for over seven days travelling between the 19th of October and the 1st of April or head to Contiki.com.au to find out more. This deal runs until the 16th of August so get in quick!

Sun Island Tours’ 2019 Egypt, Jordan & Israel Brochure out now!

Australia’s leading Mediterranean and Middle Eastern travel experts, Sun Island Tours, has released their 2019 Egypt, Jordan and Israel brochure featuring new tours and five per cent discounts on selected itineraries when booked and fully paid by 31 March 2019!

Enjoying a whopping 60 per cent YOY increase in bookings to the region, Sun Island Tours offers a wide selection of two to five-star packages for each individual country as well as itineraries that travel across all three countries.

Once again, agents will find that all of the escorted coach tours featured have guaranteed departure dates and that the itineraries can be easily tailored to the growing FIT needs as well.

Agents should note that due to the popularity of Jordan, five more tours have been added to the 2019 offering, with some tours including overnight stays in the Bedouin style tents of Martian Domes in Wadi Rum.

Value-for-money specials at Hakuba Valley

SkiJapan.com has acquired what was the “Square Hotel” and renamed it “Hakuba Gateway Hotel”. This will become the base operation for an Australian snow holiday company that has had a significant presence in Niseko for more than 20 years.

What was previously known as “Square Hotel” is currently undergoing renovation but will retain its charm as a two and a half star property. Hakuba Gateway Hotel is positioned as an affordable accommodation that will gain popularity with Australian snow enthusiasts.

It is close to Happo-One Snow Resort’s 21 lifts (including a gondola), numerous restaurants, resort shuttles and public buses. The hotel will also feature a rental/retail shop, restaurant, as well as SkiJapan.com guest services desk and ground transport.

Another saving is holders of an Australia Epic Pass -that promises more snow less dough – could save about 26,600 Yen (about $320 AUS) if they ski or board the Hakuba Valley ski areas for five consecutive days.

It’s time to explore the beauty of Asia with Contiki

Whether you’re looking to dive deep into traditional life, search for that perfect Pho or you’re desperate to get to the beach and chill, Asia has everything you need for the ultimate holiday. From the stunning Angkor Wat, ancient ruins and blissful boat rides to lush highlands and vibrant nightlife, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to experiences in this lively continent.

Want to see it all? Why not head off on the Big Indochina Adventure where you’ll fish with locals in Vietnam, be blessed by Monks in Thailand and explore limestone caves in Laos. Your clients will have the trip of a lifetime and leave no stone unturned starting their trip in buzzing Bangkok before waking up in jungle paradise with elephants taking their morning dip as you eat your breakfast. That won’t be the last you see of these beautiful creatures, visiting them at a wildlife sanctuary before heading on to Chiang Mai, Phnom Penh and beyond.

All about Thailand? Contiki’s Thai Island Hopper West will have everyone dying of FOMO back home. You’ve dreamt of these heavenly islands and delicious Thai food and now it’s time to experience paradise. Float from Phuket to Koh Phi-Phi to Krabi with Contiki and get the perfect mix of nightlife and ideal island vibes. Holiday heaven!

Keen to head to Asia asap to check out all these incredible experiences? Contiki is offering 10 per cent off select Asia trips when you book before 31 August 2018. Get in quick!

Book Early and make 2019 count

Today the premium all-inclusive resort provider Club Med has opened departure dates for May-October 2019 holidays with their infamous Early Bird offer with savings of up to 30 per cent off sun resorts in Asia, the Indian Ocean, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. Right now is the best time to book with the maximum saving guaranteed for three days only.

From 8-10 August 2018, your clients will get the best price on their booking – a guaranteed 30 per cent off Club Med resorts in Asia, and savings of up to 30 per cent off the Maldives, Mauritius, Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico. Booking at Sales Opening also ensures the best offer of the season on all dates (including school holidays), and best choice of rooms and services, including Kids Clubs.

From 11 August 2018, prices may increase due to popularity so get in quick! Prices for 2019 are at an all-time low, with Asia resorts lower than they were at the same time last year, while solo travellers are also treated to an extra incentive to experience Club Med’s all-inclusive package with a reduced single surcharge as low as 10% additional cost to their twin share rate for select low season dates across Club Med Resorts in Asia.

Hot deals from Intrepid Travel

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. Travellers will discover an eclectic mix of European, cosmopolitan and Latin flavours in Buenos Aires, adventure through the mighty 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 $594 on Intrepid’s 12 day South India Real Food Adventure trip departing 21 September 2018 – excite your taste buds and discover the incredible flavours of South India. Travellers will get a local insight into Madurai’s street food scene, learn about Chettinad cuisine, uncover the beauty of the Western Ghats and explore the ingredients, flavours and tastes of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A highlight to this trip includes cooking up a Keralan storm with ex rickshaw driver turned food guru.

Save $1,014 on Intrepid’s 15 day Best of Italy trip departing 27 September 2018 – discover classic Italy experiencing ‘la dolce vita’ – the good life – from Rome to Venice. Travellers will visit Rome’s most famous landmarks including the Colosseum, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica, discover the city of Renaissance art in Florence, walk along Cinque Terre’s rocky coastal pathways and spend a day exploring the villages, estates and gardens around Lake Como. Highlights include visiting the watery wonderland of Venice, Leaning Tower of Pisa and cycling across the Tuscan Hinterland.