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If it feels like you blinked and all of a sudden the holidays are over, then you’re not alone.
Sure, Christmas is a great time to unwind, but between the parties, shopping, and festivities, chances are you probably didn’t have much time to think about travel plans.
Lucky for you, we’ve been scouring the internet in search of the best travel deals available this month so you can make those holiday plans a reality.
So, consider this your sign to start planning that new year escape.
Flight deals
Travel with the world’s best airline in 2026.
Qatar, which was recognised as the ‘World’s Best Airline’ 2025 by Skytrax for a record ninth time, has launched its highly anticipated January Sale, available until 28 January.
Across Europe, Africa, and Asia, prices have been slashed, so now’s the time to book.
Fares are available from $1,709 return in Economy Class and $8,259 return in Business Class.
See the full list of deals here.
Want to finally get to Japan and check out cherry blossom season? Now is your chance.
Webjet has launched a limited-time sale to a number of cities across Asia, including Tokyo and Osaka, during the country’s springtime.
Other deals include fares to Vietnam – a rising hotspot for Aussie family holidays – The Philippines, and Sri Lanka.
See all the deals here.
Or if Europe is more your speed, Etihad can get you there for less.
The airline is running a flash sale until January 15, with discounted Economy fares from Sydney and Melbourne to destinations including Abu Dhabi, Athens, Prague and Warsaw.
Example round-trip fares include:
- Sydney to Abu Dhabi – $1,435
- Sydney to Athens – $1,647
- Melbourne to Prague – $2,094
- Melbourne to Abu Dhabi – $1,318
See the full sale here.
Virgin is helping make those travel dreams a reality with the ‘I’m not emotionally ready to go back to work’ (aren’t we all?) sale, offering one million sale fares from just $49!
Yep, for this week only, you can curb the back-to-work blues by booking heavily discounted flights to some of your favourite domestic and international destinations, like:
Domestic:
International:
Plus, score Business Class fares from as little as $219 one-way, and upgrades to premium Economy X seats from $17 one-way.
Virgin Australia Holidays by Hopper is also offering discounted travel packages, including Economy Choice flights and accommodation, making it even easier to get that trip locked in.
Book your package here.
Hotel deals
Planning to head down to the AO this month? As the city prepares to host one of the world’s biggest tennis events, Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders and Next Hotel Melbourne by Hilton are offering some perfectly timed accommodation and dining packages.
Starting from just $329 per night, the Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders package includes a one-night stay plus a two-course dinner for two with a glass of house wine or beer at Bistrot Bisou.
While at Next Hotel Melbourne, the stay and dine package starts from $439 per night, and includes a two-course dinner for two at La Madonna, complimentary breakfast, and overnight accommodation.
IHG Hotels & Resorts is also kicking off 2026 with a massive sale, offering 25 per cent off hotel bookings for IHG One Rewards members and 20 per cent off for non-members.
This includes stays at far-flung luxury resorts in places like the Maldives, Fiji, Koh Samui, Phu Quoc and Bora Bora, to bustling city breaks in Tokyo, Kyoto, Sydney, Singapore and more.
IHG properties include InterContinental, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, voco hotels, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and many more. For the full list of participating hotels, see here.
Package deals
Luxury Escapes
Ayodya Resort Bali, 5-nights from $1729, valued at $3889
Inclusions:
- Classic Deluxe Room for two
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Daily lunch at any open onsite restaurant
- Nightly dinner at any open onsite restaurant
- Unlimited daily free-flow drinks
- All-day snacks at any open onsite restaurant or pool bar
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, 7-nights from $1999, valued at $6674
Inclusions:
- Deluxe room for two adults and two children (under 11)
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Daily set-menu lunch
- Nightly set-menu dinner or buffet
- Daily free-flow drinks hour
- One daily 30-minute massage per package
- One afternoon tea experience per package
- One optional Thai cooking class
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, 5-nights from $5999, valued at $14,023
Inclusions:
- Ocean Villa for two
- Round-trip domestic flight and speedboat transfers to and from Malé
- Daily breakfast
- Daily lunch
- Nightly dinner
- Unlimited daily free-flow drinks
- Complimentary in-room minibar, replenished once daily
Expedia
Lumiere Riverside Suite Vietnam, from $1564pp, save $4302
Inclusions:
- Return flights from Sydney
- 11-nights accommodation in a city-view apartment
Kelapa Retreat & Spa, from $2142, save $4611
Inclusions:
- Return flights from Sydney
- 9-nights accommodation in Ocean Villa
Kora Beach Resort Phuket, from $4237pp, save $7368
Inclusions:
- Return flights from Sydney
- 8-nights accommodation in a deluxe double or twin room
Cruise deals
What’s better than a cruise sale – a FREE cruise, of course.
Celebrating the second year of Royal Caribbean‘s partnership with The Wiggles, Aussie kids aged 6 and under who are named Henry, Dorothy, or Shirley have the chance to holiday for free.
There are 50 cabins up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis, with three wiggly-themed sails departing from Sydney on Anthem of the Seas and Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas in summer 2026/27.
Otherwise, Flat Beds Tour + Cruise has some cruise deals on offer if you need some destination inspiration.
Deals included in the sale:
Or, tick off a bucket list cruise and head to Alaska.
HX Expeditions, the world’s oldest and longest-running expedition cruise company, is currently hosting a sale with savings of up to $1,750pp off all-inclusive expeditions to Alaska. New guests also receive $400 onboard credit.
HX expeditions are all-inclusive – encompassing all onboard meals, drinks, activities, and even an onboard Science and Education Program.
READ MORE: Planning to travel in 2026? Here’s your guide to every new travel requirement Aussies need to know
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