Discover ornate palaces, spice markets and the warmth of the Mediterranean on a 16-day tour, simply and aptly named "Spain, Morocco and Portugal". Wander down Madrid's Gran Via, visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and learn the art of haggling in the labyrinthine Medina. Only on this itinerary will you get to visit a stud farm and enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch with locals, Tiago and Vera, in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo. Next year's departures are discounted by 10 per cent to $4365pp if your booking is made by August 31 this year.
Contact: your own travel agent or Trafalgar, 0800 484 333 or trafalgar.com
Kids stay, play and eat for free
Holidays at Plantation Island Resort in Fiji, over a variety of travel periods, are on offer — and you get to choose the type of room you'd like for your five-night stay. There are poolside rooms, garden terrace rooms, ocean bures or ocean view hotel rooms, and all packages come with daily breakfast at the buffet. A five-night package for two adults and two children aged under 12 is priced from $859pp, twin share, and children to stay, play and eat all meals free of charge. Airfares from New Zealand are additional. Book by August 30.
Contact: Our Pacific, 0800 500 598 or ourpacific.co.nz/plantationislandfiji
Boxing Day at Melbourne Cricket Ground
As cricket enthusiasts undoubtedly know, New Zealand's Black Caps are taking on the Aussie cricketers in this year's prestigious Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the first time since 1987. A three-night accommodation package comes with tickets for Days 1 and 2 in the Category D seating area. The price starts at $499pp, twin share. Book by October 14. Travel between December 25 and 28. Flights from New Zealand are additional.
Contact: House of Travel, 0800 713 715 or houseoftravel.co.nz
Trip Notes: Michael Galvin on London's calling
We discuss travel missteps and misadventures with Shortland Street's Michael Galvin in the latest episode of our Trip Notes travel podcast
Subscribe to Trip Notes, Herald Travel's new podcast, at iHeartRadio, Apple, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. For more travel inspiration, go to intrepidtravel.com
Flight deals
International deals
Sydney for $270 return
Two weeks in Indiana for $1600 return
Prices accurate as of 19th August 2019, using historic Skyscanner from the last 12 months. Seats and price depend on availability.