Summer might have only just finished, but now is definitely the time to start booking your next holiday (if you haven’t already).
Some recent research from skyscanner.com shows that the further out you book, the better the discount, with about 20-22 weeks in advance being optimum. So don’t leave it until the last minute.
Your next trip might be heading for some tropical sunshine, hitting the ski slopes or maybe ticking some big-ticket item off your bucket list.
Here are some deals to help get you on your way – most don’t last long so check them out now. Prices might vary for departures from different cities. And don’t forget to read the fine print.
Take the family to Fiji and save 25 per cent. Bula bula!
If it takes sunshine to beat the winter blues, this could be the perfect solution. Return airfares from Melbourne, six nights of five-star accommodation at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, and return coach transfers. Plus free water sports, complimentary yoga and bonus nanny service and a bonus buffet dinner for two adults.
Kids stay and eat free, and can fly return from $99* (conditions apply). Deal from $1509 pp, ex Melbourne. travelonline.com
Soak up some sun in Fiji.
Ski the New Zealand slopes – and save
An early-bird saver deal with travelonline.com will get you return flights from Melbourne to Queenstown, five nights (including one bonus night) in a Superior Lakeview room at the 4-star Copthorn Hotel and Apartments in Queenstown.
It’s an easy drive to the Remarkable and Coronet Peak ski fields, where you can make the most of your bonus four-day multiday lift pass and bonus four-day ski hire. Kids stay free. And Wi-Fi is free for gramming home those pics of you on the slopes. Deal from $1395 pp, ex-Melbourne. travelonline.com
Grab a deal and hit the slopes above Queenstown.
Peer at pandas in China – and fly free
If you can’t get enough of giant pandas – or you’ve never even seen one – book for Wendy Wu’s nine-day In Pursuit of Pandas tour and see these unique creatures in their natural habitat.
See giant pandas on a nine-day Chinese tour.
You’ll also see the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army. All inclusive – all meals, entrance fees, visa. You’ll have to get your skates on – if you book by March 15, the price includes free return flights to China. Deal from $3080pp. wendywutours.com.au
Go adventure cruising to the Galapagos – and get 10 per cent off
Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin on Peregrine Adventures’ Galapagos Explorer trip, experiencing nature at its most exceptional.
This is a David Attenborough show come to life. You travel on board the brand new Grand Queen Beatriz and encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed and masked boobies, pelicans and frigate birds, as well as land and marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals and more.
Book between March 10-23 for travel between July 1 and August 31 for 10 per cent off. Price from peregrineaventures.com.au
Take in the amazing scenery and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands
Book for Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer ‘stay and play’ deal
Another bucket list must-do. One of the world’s finest trains, the glass-domed Rocky Mountaineer, swoops through spectacular countryside in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, past snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, waterfalls, wild rivers and wildlife.
Fine food is prepared by on-board chefs and at night guests retreat to luxurious hotel accommodation. Bookings of eight days or more made by March 29 will receive a $600 bonus per couple to spend on additional sightseeing, cruising or hotel nights.
Traverse the Rockies in style on board the Rocky Mountaineer.
Deals are current at time of publication and are as provided by suppliers. The New Daily makes no guarantees on availability of the deals or special conditions applied.