This Wholesaler Wrap is almost as long as Mondays feel. However, it contains much less caffeine and does not inspire anywhere near as much dread… we hope.

Excite Holidays and Let’s Texas launch ‘Texas: BBQ and Beyond’

Texas is so much more than country music and cowboy boots (as amazing as they all are!). The latest collaboration between Excite Holidays and Travel Texas is thrilled to spill some of the Lone Star State’s best-kept secrets.

The new eight-page guide ‘Texas: BBQ & Beyond’ showcases all the typically Texan traditions you would expect to find spread across the iconic cities of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin… As well as highlighting a host of hidden surprises for travellers looking for a little more.

From iconic places to eat, explore and be entertained to more alternative shopping, sporting and sightseeing experiences the guide is a perfect accompaniment to help those touring Texas and hoping to discover something a little bit different.

As an added incentive, the campaign will also include an unmissable competition. One major prize of a Texas BBQ pack (featuring a Baby Weber Q, Texas BBQ cookbook, utensils and more) will be awarded to the agent who books the most paid room nights during the campaign period to help them get in touch with the traditional tastes of Texas at home. Agents can go here to download the guide.

A&K supports the Amazon

Abercrombie & Kent’s philanthropic arm, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has taken action on the Amazon fire emergency through its support of local NGO, Associação da Floresta Protegida (AFP), which works with the Kayapo indigenous communities on a series of measures supporting environmental management and protection of indigenous lands from illegal mining and logging, which are among the main causes of the fires.

To further the collective commitment to AKP Brazil, A&K Australia will donate $50 to the cause for every booking made to South America until the end of the year, for travel any time.

Book A&K’s nine-day private journey Flavours & Rhythms of Brazil before 29 February 2020 and receive an additional night free at both Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio and Belmond Hotel das Cataratas at Iguazu Falls.

Valid for travel April to September 2020. Conditions apply.

Intrepid reveals six new European experiences 

Intrepid Travel has launched six new Europe experiences to spread travellers further afield and avoid the clusters of overtourism that besets the continent.

Intrepid has seen growth of 14 per cent this year of Aussies travelling to Europe, with bookings to Portugal up 72 per cent, showing Australia’s love affair with Europe remains hot.

Vodka and so much more in Poland

Intrepid has launched two new tours including an eight-day Highlights of Poland trip taking in the country’s most iconic cities: Krakow, Warsaw and Gdansk, from $2,325 per person twin share. While a new 18-day Poland and the Baltics trip combines major Polish cities with some new gems in the north and the Baltic states, from $5,550 per person twin share.

Natural beauty and history in Ukraine

With multiple departures from May 2020 to September 2020, this eight-day trip lets travellers experience the best of this far-flung destination including natural scenery, charming small towns and friendly locals. Starting from $1,886 per person, highlights include hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, a stay at a friendly family-run guesthouse, exploring Lviv, Ukraine’s coffee capital, and visiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone to learn the tragic modern history of the country.

A low-impact approach to Camino

The 11-day coastal alternative starts in Porto before crossing the border into Spain to commence the trek. Travellers will pass through the seaside towns of Baiona, Vigo and Redondela before continuing the pilgrim trail onwards to Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, and finishing in Santiago de Compostela. In between walking days the Portuguese Camino offers the chance to taste oysters in Arcade and visit a local Bodega on the way to Santa Marina to taste the wines of Galicia. The trip departs in May, August and September 2020 and is priced from $2,220 per person twin share.

A new side to Morocco in Dakhla

Largely inaccessible until only a couple of years ago, the Dakhla peninsula is an untouched paradise on the edge of the Sahara that’s seriously off the tourist radar. During Intrepid’s five-day Marrakech and Dakhla Adventure guests fly to the south of the country for an unforgettable beach and desert immersion including a 4WD adventure through the dunes, crystal clear beaches, the Bahia de Dakhla lagoon, fresh seafood and traditional Bedouin hospitality during a night under the stars. The trip departs between April and October 2020 and starts from $1,395 per person twin share.

Southern Spain beyond Seville

Priced from $2,485 per person twin share, the eight-day Highlights of Andalucia trip includes a visit to tourist hot spots including the Alhambra Palace, the mountaintop city of Ronda and less-visited locations such as Grazalema National Park and the whitewashed village of Zahara de la Sierra. Highlights include an exclusive tour of a family-run Olive Oil Mill and the chance to see one of the most beautiful Moorish palaces in the world, Alhambra.

Portugal’s favourite places and best-kept secret

With selected departures from May to October 2020, travellers will explore well known hot-spots Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra as well as exploring one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets, the Schist Villages. Starting from $2,102 per person twin share, the new Highlights of Portugal offers the option to take a traditional cooking class with local residents in Schist Villages, includes an emotional Fado performance in Coimbra and wine tasting in the birthplace of fortified wine, Porto.

Costsaver introduces six new trips for 2020

Costsaverhas launched new Europe & Britain trips for the 2020 season. Alongside the current suite of itineraries, Costsaver is expanding its portfolio to include six new trips and a new destination, Egypt, bringing the total offering to 41 trips.

After the success of its Italy series, Costsaver is expanding with a brand new 10-day Essence of Italy itinerary. The trip includes hand-selected 3 and 4-star hotels, transportation on air-conditioned coaches, and visits to some of the most iconic sights in each destination, such as a private cruise through Venice, an unforgettable trip to Rome, and a wonderful journey to Florence. Guests will have full flexibility to personalise their holiday, with carefully curated optional experiences such as skipping the queues at the Vatican and the Colosseum, and plenty of free time to explore the destinations their own way with the help of their travel director’s expertise.

The brand is also expanding to Egypt, Portugal and Scotland. The 9-day Footsteps of the Pharaohs trip introduces Egypt to the Costsaver lineup, and includes a number of incredible experiences such as sailing the Nile, seeing the treasures of Tutankhamun and exploring the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Adventure World Travel launches new 2020 Canada collection

Adventure World Travel has launched its 2020 dedicated Canada, Alaska & High Arctic brochure, with an increased collection of off-the-beaten-track experiences for knowledgeable travellers.

The new collection will see travellers stay at extremely unique properties such as the Coastal Rainforest Glamping, which is a premier bear viewing program in the Great Bear Rainforest opening in 2020. Also new for 2020 is the Quirpon Lighthouse Inn, where guests can spend a night with whales and icebergs floating beneath them through a glass enclosure bottom. Or have private access to the Glacier Skywalk and Ice Explorer when staying at Glacier View Lodge, enhanced and renovated for travellers in 2020.

Also new for 2020, travellers can discover the extraordinary north of Canada through the brand’s new Discovery Yukon and NWT itinerary. Explorers can retrace ancient trading and historic Gold Rush trails, see the spectacular Waterfall route in the Northwest Territories and travel through pristine yet wild landscapes, with wildlife opportunities along the way.

Over in the Arctic, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic newest itinerary Svalbard in Spring, has been featured alongside the brand’s first ever polar build, National Geographic Endurance. A fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Code PC5 (Category A) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore unchartered waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design.

UTracks reaches a new peak

UTracks, the active European holiday specialist, posted a record month following the conclusion yesterday of its Early Bird promotion.

“As concerns regarding overtourism grow, getting out into the countryside on a walking or cycling trip offers a more immersive and authentic travel experience. Plus it spreads tourism dollars to regional areas,” Kate Baker, UTracks general manager said.

Insight Vacations extends air offer

Insight Vacations is extending its market-leading $799 return airfare with Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways to Europe and Britain for a limited time.

The reduced airfare makes it even easier for guests to experience an Insight Europe and Britain 2020 holiday. Travellers can choose from over 80 magical Insight holidays across four different travel styles; Easy Pace, Country Roads, Discovery and Regional journeys.

Support Sri Lanka and save $2,000 on a private tour

Sri Lanka & Beyond, part of Australian owned Beyond Travel Group, is offering travellers the chance to save up to $2,000 per couple plus Beyond Travel will donate $15 to the Support Sri Lanka campaign, created to assist families suffering after the April incidents.

The 14- day Wild About Sri Lanka tour is a comprehensive circumference itinerary beginning in the seaside village of Negombo and ending in the capital Colombo.  The private tour visits Wilpattu National Park, Anuradahapura, Sigiriya, Passikudah, Ella, Tangalle and Mirissa with the discounted price now from $2,465 per person twin share on departures until Decemebr 31, 2020.

Beyond Travel offers sweet deals to India to celebrate Diwali 

The Diwali festival is all about colour, lights, sweets and giving and to celebrate this annual event Beyond Travel are giving some sweet deals to clients with savings of up to $500 per couple.

For those wanting a private tour, our best-selling ‘Temples, Taj and Tigers’ itinerary is now from $2345 per person twin share. Book by November 29, 2019 and receive $100 per couple in Discover More Travel Vouchers to use on any additional product.

If you prefer a small group tour, the five-star Highlights of India is also on sale with $200 off per couple for 2019 tours in November and December (book by November 29, 2019) and $300 per couple for all 2020 guaranteed departures when booked by January 31, 2019.

FIJI: 5 nights and flights under $900

STA Travel is offering a package that could see you score 5 nights in paradise, plus flights, from just $859 per person!

Staying at the beachfront Smugglers Cove resort, this place is a treasure chest of fresh and affordable backpacker accommodation in beautiful Nadi Bay.

Grab a beer at the Ghost Ship Bar, challenge your dorm mates to a game of beach volleyball, or immerse yourself in classic Fijian culture with a traditional singsong.

Looking to really splash out on your island adventure? STA Travel is also offering fantastic prices on luxury accommodation packages.

Relax and rejuvenate like never before at the luxurious 5-star Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort for 5 nights from just $749 per person including breakfast! Immerse yourself in the serenity of this exquisite seaside setting, with sweeping views of the ocean, surrounded by tropical gardens.

Up to 30 per cent off last-minute Intrepid Travel trips

For travellers wanting a last-minute adventure, Intrepid Travel has up to 30 per cent off selected trips to Southern Africa, Nepal, Sri Lanka or Japan departing in November and December. Trips need to be booked by 25 November 2019.

Examples of some of the trips on offer include:

Save $416 on Intrepid Travel’s nine-day Kruger & Coast departing 14 December 2019

Now $970 per person twin-share – was $1,385 per person.

On this trip, travellers will experience the beauty of Kruger National Park, discover the rugged landscapes on the Elephant Coast, enjoy fresh Mozambican seafood and hike through Hlane Royal National Park. Highlights include spending the night at a traditional Zulu homestay, exploring Cape Town and spotting wildlife while on safari including lions, elephants and more.

Save $679 on Intrepid Travel’s 15 day Everest Base Camp Trek departing 21 December 2019

Now $1,586 per person twin-share – was $2,265 per person.

On this trekking trip, travellers will stay at local teahouses, hike alongside alpine lakes and stunning glacial plains and pass storied stupas and pagodas. Highlights include reaching Everest Base Camp, trekking through the Himalayas, meeting locals and learning about Sherpa culture in Nepal.

Save $672 on Intrepid Travel’s 15 day Delhi to Kathmandu departing 18 November 2019

Now $1,568 per person twin-share – was $2,240 per person.

Travel in a rickshaw through Old Delhi, observing pilgrims praying along the sacred Ganges River and searching for rhino, deer and monkeys in Chitwan National Park. Highlights include ‘glamping’ in Orchha, learning how to cook like a local and exploring the bustling markets in Kathmandu.

Save $774 on Intrepid Travel’s 9 day Japan Express departing 21 December 2019

Now $1,806 per person twin-share – was $2,580 per person.

On this trip, travellers will ride the famous bullet train, roam through the buzzing Shibuya area, hike through Nikko’s verdant trails and enjoy the chance to taste mouth-watering ramen or sake. Highlights include spending the night in a traditional ryokan and wandering through one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

Save $924 on Intrepid Travel’s 15 day Circle Sri Lanka departing 24 November 2019

Now $2,156 per person twin-share – was $3,080 per person.

On this trip, travellers will cycle around the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, enjoy a lunch with a Tamil tea worker in their home and climb the narrow steps to the top of Sigiriya. Highlights include a meeting pilgrims at the Temple of the Tooth, learning how to cook authentic cuisine and exploring the impressive Dambulla Cave Temples.

For more information please visit:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/live-in-the-moment

or call 1300 458 437.

TTC Weekly Deals

INSIGHT VACATIONS

Romantic Britain & Ireland

Fly return to Europe for $799* per person when you book a Europe & Britain journey with Insight Vacations such as the 18 day Romantic Britain & Ireland. A timeless journey through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, showcasing the romance of local history, traditions, sacred sites and dramatic scenery. Starting from $6,675* per person, twin share (return flights to Europe an additional $799 per person).  This offer is on sale now until 18 December 2019 or until sold out for departure on 22 April 2020.

TRAFALGAR

Barcelona Explorer

Save 10 per cent on 2020 Europe and Britain holidays with Trafalgar’s Early Payment Discount such as the 8 day Barcelona Explorer holiday. From the fanciful façades of Gaudí to the favourite footballer haunts of Maradona and Messi, Barcelona serves up a sultry Spanish experience that will tease traveller’s every sense. Starting from $2,947 per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 18 December 2019 for departures between April and October 2020.

ADVENTURE WORLD TRAVEL

Mountain Peaks Rail Loop

Save up to $500 per person with Adventure World Travel. Guests can enjoy these savings on the 13-day Mountain Peaks Rail Loop where they will experience both of Canada’s iconic rail journeys and the lively mountain towns surrounded by soaring peaks and breathtaking wilderness. Starting from $6,178 per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 30 November 2019 for select departures between 30 April & 8 October 2020.

BUSABOUT

Ultimate Balkan Adventure

Europe is yours – Save 10% on Busabout’s 15 day Ultimate Balkan Adventure. Guests can unleash their wild side on this gorgeous adventure through Europe’s untameable Balkan Peninsula. Travellers will be enthralled by the cobbled castle lanes, satiated by strange, exotic cuisine, and pushed to party limits in the offbeat capitals of Belgrade and Sarajevo. Starting from $1,781 per person (discount included). This offer is on sale now until 18 December 2019 for all travel in 2020.

AAT KINGS

Southern Capitals – City Meets Bush – Last Minute Deal

Save up to $156 per person with AAT King’s Last Minute Deals on the 5 day Southern Capitals – City Meets Bush holiday. Guests will visit historic Berrima and meet a grazier on his sheep station, then tour Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial in the nation’s capital before travelling through Ned Kelly country to modern Melbourne. Starting from $1,404per person, twin share (discount included). This offer is on sale now until sold out or departed for departure on 7 January 2020.