Tour
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ZIMBABWE
The Classic Safari Company is offering $1390 off its seven-day 'The Cecil Safari' in Zimbabwe, dedicated to Cecil the lion. Experience three nights in Victoria Falls and three nights in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Get lots of game viewing, all meals with beverages, accommodation and transfers.
From $3,657 a person. Travel until December 31, 2016. Book and pay deposit before October 31. See classicsafaricompany.com.au.
VIETNAM
Wendy Wu Tours is offering a free Cambodia extension package to go with some Vietnam tours. It includes return airfares from Vietnam to Siem Reap, two nights' accommodation with breakfast, a half-day Angkor Wat tour and more.
It is valid on departures March 3 to June 6, on tours such as the nine-day Vietnam Impressions, priced from $2990 a person twin share.
Sale valid until October 9. Phone 1300 815 749. See wendywutours.com.au.
Island
TAHITI
Save $230 a person when you book this Tahiti package through Flight Centre. It includes a return economy class airfare to Papeete, four nights' accommodation at the 4.5-star Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, and transfers.
From $2057 a person. Sale until October 22 for travel November 1 to December 15 and January 15 to February 26, 2016. Phone 1300 939 414. See flightcentre.com.au.
NEW CALEDONIA
This seven-night package includes $1000 worth of bonuses.
Stay four nights in Noumea in a One Bedroom Superior Suite at the recently renovated Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, then three nights in a Garden Bungalow at Paradis d'Ouvea in the Loyalty Islands. You get international and domestic flights, breakfast, transfers, plus bonuses.
From $2090 a person. Travel October 15 to December 11, January 28 to March 23. On sale until October 16. Phone 1300 000 225. See myNewCaledonia.com.au.
Cruise
EUROPE AND THE AMERICAS
Bunnik Tours' 2016 Cruise & Tour program has an early bird discount. It features 13 itineraries across South and Central America and Europe.
For instance, the new 24-day Norway and Iceland tour includes accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, flights between Australia and Europe, many meals and lots more. Departures are May 17 to July 28. From $13,445 a person twin share. Book by December 18 to receive $250 off.
Phone 1800 286 645. See bunniktours.com.au.
ANTARCTICA
Active Travel is offering a $1000 air credit for early bird bookings of 2016-17 season Antarctica cruises of 10 to 19 nights, departing Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. Fares from $14,034.
Book before December 1 and receive the credit to be used for international flights booked through Active Travel. You also get a two-night stopover in Buenos Aires or Santiago.
Phone 1300 783 188. See activetravel.com.au.
Hotel
Stay four nights for the price of three and enjoy some sightseeing activities included with this Hong Kong accommodation package.
The Escape Travel holiday includes four nights at the five-star Harbour Grand Kowloon, a half-day food tour, plus a sightseeing day-trip to Macau.
From $757 a person, twin share. For sale until December 12 for travel January 16 to February 27, 2016. Phone 1300 799 783. See escapetravel.com.au.
DUNKELD
The Royal Mail Hotel in Dunkeld, near the Grampians National Park, Victoria, has an Eat. Stay. Relax. package which includes overnight cottage accommodation, a breakfast hamper and the Royal Mail Hotel signature five-course meal.
The price is from $465 a couple. Valid until February 29, 2016. For an additional $120 a couple, add a private, one hour Iyengar Yoga class at Griffins Hill. See www.royalmail.com.au.
Family
FIJI
Save $900 an adult on a seven-night holiday at the popular Warwick Fiji Resort. Plus, two children under 13 can stay and eat for free. This deal from Hoot Holidays includes a meet and greet at Nadi Airport, daily breakfast, 60 minutes' Wi-Fi a day and a kids' club for 3 to12-year-olds. Accommodation is in an Ocean View Room.
From $900 an adult, twin share. Valid for sale until October 31, for select travel dates until March 31, 2016. Phone 13 13 81. See www.hootholidays.com.au.
BALI
Creative Holidays is offering a seven-night holiday in Bali which includes kids under 11 staying and eating for free.
It's at the Holiday Inn Bali Benoa, with breakfast and Wi-Fi.
The price is $1055 an adult, twin share. The offer is valid for sale until December 15 for travel until December 23, then January 7 to March 31. Phone 1300 747 400. See creativeholidays.com.
Expert opinion
Randall Deer, Managing Director of Ignite Travel and My Holiday Centre
Q. What are the best-value island holiday destinations for families right now and how can they get the most out of them?
A. To get the best family deal, I recommend you look for a package that bundles flights, accommodation and meals – such as the Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa from My Fiji that offers all-inclusive meals and beverages plus a $325 resort credit, and more.
New Caledonia is trending in popularity for Australian travellers and for the first time, Australians make up the majority of visitors. My New Caledonia is now on sale, offering a luxury five-night package with $5000 of bonus value. It is perfect for families, because kids stay and eat free, plus they have a terrific kids' club and golf course – everyone is happy.
Samoa is always popular for families. The My Samoa package gives seven nights at the five star Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Resort with lots of bonuses. Both adults and children will love the island cultural shows, plus there is so much natural beauty to enjoy.
Gebicki tip
Big cities are not the cheapest places to stay, but they're packed with cultural institutions with free admission.
London's British Museum, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, the Pantheon in Rome and Victor Hugo's house in Paris, for instance, are all free. Add a park and a stroll and you've got an inexpensive day out.
MICHAEL GEBICKI
The big issue
UP IN THE AIR
Airline early bird sales are on, with premium carriers offering discount fares on a plethora of routes. But if you're not sure of your 2016 travel plans, how can you take advantage of the sales?
The short answer, is to plan around the available travel dates, if you really want to nail a bargain. But don't rush into anything you might regret.
As Flight Centre head of leisure travel Tom Walley says, "The good news with early bird fares is that most are valid for sale into October and November, so you still have time to think about what you want to do.
"Cathay Pacific has a particularly good deal with its sale fares valid for sale until December 31, for travel well into November 2016."
Still not able to commit? Walley says that doesn't mean missing out altogether.
"If you're still unsure of your exact travel plans, look for a flexible fare which will allow a date change to the ticket. There will be a small cost involved in adjusting your dates but it does give you the freedom to modify your booking."
Adds Richard Jones, Cathay Pacific's Australian sales and marketing manager, "If you're unsure about your travel dates, a good option is to book via your preferred travel agent or directly via our reservations team, as you can make changes to your booking, including your travel dates, up until the ticket is issued.
"Cathay Pacific's Earlybird Fares are also available until the end of the year, which gives you plenty of time to think about it."
Emirates and Qantas have recently announced their early bird sale.
Qantas has deals going on hundreds of international destinations across Britain and Europe, North and South America and South Africa, until November 11.
With return economy flights to London priced from $1786, the airline's advice is simple: "Book early," says a spokesperson.
