Black Friday deals take the sting out of some spectacular trips

News from everywhere, for people going somewhere.November 13, 2026 — 5:00amIn this week’s travel news: bucket-list Black Friday bargains, a dedicated bath butler, and a sleek new Gold Coast hotel with free minibars.Black Friday has your bucket list covered with heavily discounted Silversea voyages.SAIL AWAY SALEBlack Friday is coming for your bucket list. Luxury cruise line Silversea is offering savings of up to 45 per cent on more than 850 voyages, including some rather spectacular itineraries for 2027. Fancy watching the Tour de France depart Edinburgh, champagne in hand? A 10-night British Isles sailing aboard Silver Spirit starts from $10,140 a person. Or time a Japanese cruise to Kyoto’s spectacular Gion Matsuri festival, with 12 nights aboard Silver Muse from $11,710. There are also Mediterranean escapes, including seven nights exploring the Greek islands and Turkish coast aboard Silver Nova from $6140. The sale covers both classic luxury cruises and expedition voyages, with departures through 2029. Book by December 7. See silversea.comThe Raymond Weil Freelancer World-TravellerTHE WORLD ON YOUR WRISTStill calculating time differences on your fingers? Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil has a rather more elegant solution. Its new Freelancer World-Traveller displays local time, a second time zone and the time in 24 cities, all on a handsome dial featuring a relief map of the world. Created to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary and what would have been its travel-loving founder’s 100th birthday, just 260 will be made. At $6995, it’s considerably more expensive than asking Siri, but infinitely better looking. See raymond-weil.comEarn double Velocity Points when you book an Inspiring Vacations trip.Sign up for the Traveller newsletterThe latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.A MILLION REASONS TO BOOKSome people collect fridge magnets. Others collect frequent flyer points. Both camps might appreciate Inspiring Vacations’ Black Friday promotion, which is giving away 5 million Velocity Points, including a 1 million point jackpot. Book an eligible holiday by December 3 and you’ll earn double points and an entry into the draw. That’s one way to make your next holiday pay for the one after it. See inspiringvacations.comFancy spending Christmas next to turquoise waters in the Philippines?iStockBETTER LATE THAN NEVERStill haven’t made Christmas plans? Philippine Airlines makes a compelling argument for spending the festive season somewhere other than home. Its current sale offers up to 30 per cent off flights between December 1 and March 31, covering this Christmas and the summer holidays for those of you who are last-minute types. The more organised among you can save up to 40 per cent on travel from April 1 onwards for next year’s big trip. Better hurry though: the sale ends after this weekend.The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne’s new bath concierge service comes with Diptyque products.A BATH BUTLER? NATURALLYThe Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is taking turndown to new heights with a dedicated bath concierge. Available until February 28, 2027, the experience includes an in-room bath prepared with Diptyque products, sleep tea, a wellness bite and a take-home skincare set and robe. Fancy. See ritzcarlton.comA corner room at Australia’s first Andaz hotel in Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.GOLD COAST GETS AN ANDAZThe Gold Coast’s transformation from Schoolies central to luxury playground continues with the arrival of Australia’s first Andaz. The Broadbeach hotel has 202 rooms and suites, four places to eat and drink, and a pool club with private cabanas. There are also Byredo toiletries, Dyson hairdryers and complimentary minibars. We love a hotel that understands the importance of free snacks. Opening rates from $360 a night. See hyatt.comMore:Just LandedOpinionFor subscribersLuxury holidaysTravel tipsJustine Cullen is the Editorial and Strategy Director of Traveller and a former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE and InStyle Australia. She has spent more than 30 years working in the media and is one of Australia’s most recognised and award-winning magazine editors. Author of the memoir Semi-Gloss and the bestselling weekly culture Substack, Late Night Snacking, Justine is a lifelong traveller with a particular interest in the intersection of travel and sociocultural trends.From our partners