Flights to tropical paradise for $255 on new route

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As winter fast approaches, locking in a sunny holiday is top of mind for many Aussies.

And while budgets are stretched there are still plenty of deals to be found including to Aussie favourites the South Pacific and South-East Asia including Bali.

READ MORE: These are the countries where your Aussie dollar will go furthest in 2026

Jetstar has launched the first Brisbane to Rarotonga flight, opening a new connection between Queensland and the Cook Islands.

To celebrate, Jetstar is holding a 48‑hour First Flight Sale, with fares starting from $255.

It starts at midday on Monday 18 May.

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In only six hours you could arrive in the nation famous for local culture, white sand beaches and turquise oceans.

All the best travel deals we've spotted this month

Whether you're hoping to escape the cold and head somewhere warm or you're looking for a cosy winter escape, here are more of the best flights, hotels, cruises, and more.

Best flight deals

Virgin Australia

• You can also score early bird fares from $65, to a range of domestic destinations like Perth, Alice Springs, Melbourne, and more.
• The airline's premium extra legroom Economy seating, Economy X, is also on with on selected flights starting from just $15 (per person, per sector).

Vietjet

• Want to swap the chilly winter for warmer days? With Vietjet, now you can, because they are offering up to 20 per cent off fares to Ho Chi Minh from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

Best cruise deals

Carnival

• Fancy setting off to sea? Carnival is currently offering several South Pacific 9- and 10-day sailings from Sydney starting under $100 per person per day, with stops in Vanuatu and New Caledonia on the Carnival Adventure.

Celebrity Cruises

• With Celebrity Cruises, you can score up to 75 per cent off your second guest, and up to $1000 off per room when you book a trip aboard the newly revitalised Celebrity Solstice.

Cunard

• Luxury British cruise line Cunard is offering first-come, first-served fares, where guests can enjoy up to 20 per cent off a wide selection of 2027 voyages. You can explore more here.

Royal Caribbean

• Escape the ordinary with Royal Caribbean and enjoy up to $750 off your fare, with kids sailing from as little as $49 per day.

Viking Cruises

• From April 1 to June 30, you can save up to 35 per cent off a wide range of Viking voyages in the Viking Savings Event.

Best hotel deals

PARKROYAL Darling Harbour

• Planning a Sydney trip for Vivid? PARKROYAL is right in the heart of the action, and has a special offer for the festival. The Stay Where It Glows package includes up to 15 per cent off the nightly rate, free breakfast, and hot chocolate to warm you up. Valid for stays 'til June 13.

Pan Pacific Perth

• Pan Pacific Perth has launched its Signature Sale, offering up to 25 per cent off stays until 30th September 2026, with rates from $232 per night. Bookable until 2nd June.

Discovery Parks

• Score $99 midweek cabin stays at a variety of locations across NSW and VIC with Discover Parks when you use the code 99CABINMW.

Reflections Holidays

• Everyone deserves some much-needed time away, and to help make those travel plans a reality, Reflections Holidays is offering 25 per cent off country NSW stays, $10 day passes, and a 'stay 5, pay 4' promo.

Oaks

• Your next holiday might just be closer than you think because Oaks is offering guests the chance to save 20 per cent on two-night stays from now until September 29.

'Dis-loyalty' Special

• Save up to 35% off stays across more than 100 hotels globally alongside flexible cancellation, no upfront deposit and added perks including welcome drinks and late check-out. Properties include Mondrian, 25hours, Hyde, Mama Shelter, SLS and The Hoxton.

Best package deals

Luxury Escapes

• With all-day dining and free-flowing drinks, enjoy the luxury of Bali with fivenights at the Ayodya Resort Bali from just $1,729.

• If the Maldives is more your speed, kick back at the all-inclusive Pullman Maldives Maamutaa in your overwater villa, while enjoying the free-flowing drinks. With flights included, this can be yours from $4,169.

Expedia

• Want to get away but are worried you've left it too late? With Expedia, you can explore a range of last-minute steals at up to 25 per cent off. To find a stay, simply head over here.

Inspiring Vacations

• You can set sail with Inspiring Vacations' new Fly Stay Cruise packages, which offer guests the chance to visit some of the world's most popular destinations such as Asia, Europe, South America, and more. Find out more here.

Tour deals

Just You

• Solo tour operator Just You is offering savings on 2026 tours, including $500 off the 11-day Canada and the Rocky Mountaineer tour, departing May 23, 2026.

AAT Kings

• AAT Kings is offering limited-time savings across selected 2026 guided tours in Australia and New Zealand - explore the SA Outback, Milford Sound, Tasmania, and more.

Globus and Cosmo

• Globus and Cosmos have launched a series of early‑bird offers across some of their most popular itineraries for 2026 and 2027, for bookings made before June 30. This includes $400 off a 12-day Scandinavia tour and $500 off a small-group Portugal discovery tour.

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