We’re welcoming Monday in three ways: lattes on the hour, a healthy scepticism that the office clock is an hour slow, and regular slices of rum-filled Christmas cake.

Intrepid Travel commits to net-zero emissions by 2030 at COP25

More than 500 Certified B Corps have committed to significant carbon reductions at the 2019 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP25) – 20 years ahead of the 2050 targets set in the Paris Agreement.

Among them was Intrepid Travel, alongside a list of 533 businesses committed to accelerate their reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to reach net-zero emissions by 2030, Certified B Corporations said in a statement.

The revelation marks the latest step in the travel company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Previously, Intrepid announced it intends to become climate positive by 2020 with the help of seaweed.

You can read all about that here.

Wendy Wu Tours celebrates inaugural sailing of Victoria Mekong

Wendy Wu Tours has celebrated the launch of its new deluxe river cruise ship, the Victoria Mekong, this week as it set sail on its maiden voyage from Can Tho, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Wendy Wu, founder and chairwoman of Wendy Wu Tours, was accompanied on the maiden voyage by several distinguished and guests, including Gareth Ward, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Vietnam.

The 35-cabin Victoria Mekong is a key feature on the operator’s four new group tours and two new private tours through Vietnam and Cambodia, all with a maximum of only 18 people per group.

The new tours include the 13-day ‘A Mekong Experience’ ($5,370 per person), which includes a sunset cruise on the moat of Angkor Thom plus a cycle tour of Phnom Penh; the 17-day ‘Classic Mekong’ ($6,340 per person), which includes Tai Chi lessons on Halong Bay, as well as an opportunity to learn ancient farming techniques in Hoi An.

Bench Africa introduces ladies-only Kenya tour

Bench Africa has unveiled a new ladies-only escorted tour, the 10-day ‘Explore Kenya – Escorted Ladies Tour’ (from $5,495 per person with no single supplement).

According to the wholesaler, your clients can expect to be immersed in a classic Kenya safari, while having the chance to travel by rail to Tsavo East National Park to see herds of elephants.

“Experience vast savannahs against the quintessential backdrop of Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, the spectacular scenery and birdlife of Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru and the iconic Masai Mara – one of the most wildlife-rich safari areas in Africa,” Bench Africa writes.

This tour departs 16 June 2020.

AAT Kings releases its best 35 short breaks in Australia

AAT Kings has announced the arrival of its short breaks brochure for 2020/2021, offering 35 of the best 2–7 day getaways showcasing Australia.

Here are some of the best on the list:

1. Adelaide & Kangaroo Island Discovery (5-days)

“Discover the beautiful city of Adelaide and take in the must-see sights. Explore the nature lovers’ paradise, Kangaroo Island and Flinders Chase National Park; walk amongst the sea lions, spot koalas and see the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch,” AAT Kings writes.

2. Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road (4-days)

“Take in the sights of Melbourne and its surrounds, experience the magical Penguin Parade at Phillip Island and travel along the scenic Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles. With expert travel advice from AAT King’s Driver Guide, this is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the world’s best scenic coastal drives,” AAT Kings writes.

3. Tropical Reef & Rainforest (4-days)

“An experience of a lifetime, explore the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef, visit the fascinating Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park in a spectacular rainforest setting, and board the Kuranda Scenic Rail for a historic journey travelling through some of the oldest rainforest in the world,” AAT Kings writes.

4. Perth & Rottnest Island (4-days)

“Take in the must-see sights of Perth and Fremantle then cruise along to Rottnest Island, home to spectacular sandy white beaches, secluded bays and unique wildlife such as the quokka, which can only be found on Rottnest,” AAT Kings writes.

Trafalgar’s 10 per cent early payment discount ends soon!

Trafalgar has reminded travel agents that until 18 December they can lock in a 10 per cent early payment discount on tours of United States and Canada, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Britain, or Australia and New Zealand.

Hardworking agents can also look forward to every Trafalgar sale going towards securing their place on the company’s ‘Acclaim Rewards Trip’, which this year visits Ireland.

The Travel Corporation’s weekly deals

Inspiring Journeys

A Journey to the West ($3,037 per person)

Save up to $443 per person with Inspiring Journeys’ last-minute deals on the seven-day ‘A Journey to the West’ trip.

“From the renowned vineyards of surfing mecca Margaret River to the endearing native quokkas on Rottnest Island and the laid-back, historic cities of Perth and Fremantle, this Inspiring Journey has much to offer the discerning traveller,” the Travel Corporation (TTC) writes.

This trip departs 4 April 2020, other departure dates are available, but prices may vary.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Castles Along the Rhine ($4,199 per person)

The Travel Corporation turns 100 in 2020 and is celebrating by offering up to 30 per cent off selected 2020 cruises, including the eight-day ‘Castles Along the Rhine’ cruise.

“Guests will find inspiration in the romantic, soul-stirring beauty of the fabled Rhine on this journey from Basel to Amsterdam, where the spires of medieval churches and castles appear around each bend in the river, and vineyards climb the verdant hillsides,” TTC writes.

This offer is on sale now until 3 January 2020 for departures on 14 and 28 August 2020.

Adventure World Travel

Handpicked Canadian Rockies ($2,589 per person)

Save up to $449 per person on a luxury Canadian holiday with Adventure World Travel. Guests can enjoy these savings on the six-day ‘Handpicked Canadian Rockies’ holiday.

“This tailor-made journey will allow guests to experience the magical scenery and wildlife of the Rocky Mountains and the charming towns of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise whilst indulging in luxury with a stay at the world-renowned Fairmont Resorts,” TTC writes.

This offer is on sale now until 31 December 2019 for departures between 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2020.

Busabout

Thailand & Laos Adventure ($1,592 per person)

Agents can save 10 per cent on Busabout’s 14-day ‘Thailand & Laos Adventure’.

“On this adventure, travellers will discover Bangkok’s soulful sights and sinful nightlife, get an adrenaline fix by kayaking in Vang Vieng and venturing into the deep caves near Pai, and hang out with the majestic monks in Luang Prabang,” TTC writes.

This offer is on sale now until 31 December 2019 for departures on 9 January 2020, 23 January 2020, and 6 February 2020.

Insight Vacations

Country Roads of Ireland ($3,983 per person)

Guests can enjoy 10 per cent off select Insight Vacations tours, including the 12-day ‘Country Roads of Ireland’ journey.

“Guests will experience the wild, enchanting coastal routes as they explore the Emerald Isle and along the way will encounter ruined castles, quiet lakes, natural wonders and legendary characters,” TTC writes.

This offer is on sale now until 18 December 2019 or until sold out for departure on 6 April 2020.

Trafalgar

Highlights of France & Barcelona ($3,561 per person)

Agents can save 7.5 per cent on 2020 Europe holidays with Trafalgar’s early payment discount, including the 10-day ‘Highlights of France & Barcelona’ tour.

“From Van Gogh to Gaudí, Renaissance to Gothic – travellers will follow the spine of France’s wine country before heading to buzzing Barcelona on this regional explorer trip,” TTC writes.

This offer is on sale now until 27 February 2020 for travel between April to October 2020.

Contiki

Vietnam Highlights ($1,898 per person)

Agents can save up to 20 per cent on 2020/2021 Asia tours with Contiki, including the 10-day ‘Vietnam Highlights’.

“The one that explores Vietnam’s vibrant nightlife, secret gardens & fresh cuisine, Vietnam Highlights is the perfect way for a taste of Vietnam’s best in a short amount of time,” TTC writes.

This offer is on sale now until 31 December for departures between 21 January 2020 to 13 April 2021.