Secure that bargain holiday by laybying your flight or tour with these websites.
The fact that payday hasn’t arrived yet shouldn’t mean that you have to miss out on snapping up a hot holiday deal. If you’ve got the time and can come up with the dosh by a deadline, these websites will let you book for free, or with a small deposit, to let you secure that holiday.
Genius, right?
1. Flight Centre
It’s all about interest-free holidays when you book your dream trip with one of Australia’s leading travel agencies: Flight Centre.
It’s no secret that holidays can put a dent in your wallet and if you have to borrow money with interest attached to pay for it when the price is right, that’s extra cash you could be spending on a mojito on the beach. Flight Centre has the answer.
- Airlines you can book with: Tigerair, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Etihad, Qatar and more.
- Deposit: Varies.
- Book-now pay-later policy: Interest-free holidays are for purchases of $999 or more. Applicants must be credit approved and must pay the loan in full by the end of the agreed upon term. Weekly, fortnightly and monthly payment agreements are available.
Go to Flight Centre website View coupon codes for Flight Centre
2. Contiki
Featuring tours for 18-35 year old travellers, Contiki offers flights specified on individual trip itineraries, which you can secure with a deposit.
If you have your eye on a Contiki tour then you don’t have to shell out the full amount straightaway to look forward to it. Be an early-bird and you can lock in your place on a tour for a fraction of the price.
- Airlines you can book with: Contiki specialises in tours and while internal flights are included, flights to and from your start/end destinations are not. If you would like to book flights for these legs, contact Contiki for your options.
- Deposit: Varies per tour
- Book-now pay-later policy: A deposit is often required within seven days of booking. Full payment is often required 45 days prior to departure. Book-now pay-later options are often available on early-bird tours and on select bookings.
3. Luxury Escapes
Affordable and luxury rarely go together, but that's just what Luxury Escapes specialises in. This is a site where deals up to 65% off upscale holidays or more are a regular occurrence.
The site offers a short list of curated deals that are usually just available for a few days with a selection that's always changing. But no need to worry if you need a few days to gather the cash to pay for your holiday.
- Destinations you can book: Bali, Thailand, Australia, Fiji and more
- Fees: $4.95 per month while you're still owing money
- Price-hold policy: Interest-free payment plan for the first six months, plus the admin fee. An interest rate will apply to any balance remaining after six months.
Go to Luxury Escapes website View coupon codes for Luxury Escapes
4. Virgin Australia
Need a few days to submit your annual leave before committing to that holiday? Virgin Australia has the answer.
It’s called the Hold This Price option and lets you secure the price of your flights for up to two days so you can figure out your finances/annual leave/group situation before committing to purchasing your ticket.
- Airlines you can book with: Virgin Australia.
- Fee: $15
- Hold this fee policy: The Hold This Price option is available for select flights only and lets you hold the price of a flight for 48 hours for an Elevate fare or 72 hours for a Freedom or Business fare. Fee must be paid in full via credit card.
Go to Virgin Australia website View coupon codes for Virgin Australia
5. STA Travel
The student life is hard, but STA Travel makes it easier by letting youths and teachers layby flights.
Even if you don’t fit the bill STA is targeting, you can still buy flights for a good price. If you’re not ready to pay for your adventure upfront, STA’s layby program gives you the chance to delay most of the payment until eight weeks before you fly off.
- Airlines you can book with: Qantas, Scoot, Etihad, Thai Airways, Royal Brunei and Emirates.
- Deposit: $99. This is a non-refundable deposit which includes a $10 service fee.
- Book-now pay-later policy: Layby is only available on STA Exclusive tickets, includes select multi-stop and round-the-world routes and select flights may require you to be under 30, a teacher or a student. Full payment must be made eight weeks prior to de
6. G Adventures
Gear up for an active, marine, expedition or budget adventure with one of the best in the tour business.
G Adventures specialises in small group tours so if you wait too long you could miss a spot on one! Thankfully the company lets you book tours for a $250 deposit, so you can avoid the disappointment of missing out.
- Airlines you can book with: G Adventures specialises in tours and while internal flights are included, flights to and from your start/end destinations are not.
- Deposit: $250 per booking, per person.
- Book-now pay-later policy: Deposit must be paid when booking to secure your spot and price. Full payment is required 60 days prior to your trip or 90 days prior for expeditions. Deposits are non-refundable.
Go to G Adventures website View coupon codes for G Adventures
7. Hawaiian Airlines
Considering a an Hawaiian island getaway, road trip around The States or Asia/South Pacific getaway but need some extra time to think it over? Hawaiian Airlines has your back.
While it doesn't have a layby option so to speak, the airline does offer a generous fare-hold period. Seven days to be exact. That's enough time to convince the crew to go on a well-deserved, don't you think?
- Airlines you can book with: Hawaiian Airlines
- Fees: $6-11 depending on your route.
- Fare-hold policy: Fare-hold is only available for flights book directly with Hawaiian Airlines. Fee is non-refundable and does not go towards your ticket fare. Flight must be purchased by the expiry date provided during the reservation process or the rese
Go to Hawaiian Airlines website View coupon codes for Hawaiian Airlines
8. Jetstar
When there are so many bargain flights to be had it can be hard to resist snapping them up. That’s why Jetstar has paired with Afterpay – to let you save your seat before paying in full to fly.
Any budget flyer will know that Jetstar constantly tempts us to impulsively purchase a cheap-as-chips flight, but if you’re unsure whether it’ll work out or not, the carrier’s Price Lock guarantee can bring you peace of mind. For a nominal fee
- Airlines you can book with: Jetstar.
- Fee: $11
- Afterpay policy: Available on domestic flight bookings between $200-$1,000 made at least eight weeks before departure.
9. Student Flights
Catering to students and the under-26 crowd, Student Flights can lay-by your flights because it knows that money can be a bit tight, but travel is always a must.
Although offering a lay-by option, Student Flights does limit the airlines to just a few and doesn't offer the service on domestic flights. You'll also need to be a full-time student or younger than 26 to take advantage.
- Airlines you can book with: Etihad, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, Malaysian Airlines and Qatar.
- Deposit: $100
- Book-now pay-later policy: Available on Black Market flights only that are booked at least 60 days in advance.
10. Qantas
This airline understands that planning a holiday can take time, so it gives you more than enough to pay for your flight with the carrier.
When it comes to book-now pay-later options, Qantas has some of the best. This option is available on select flights from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. These flights include domestic Flex, Business and Jetstar Max flights and select inter
- Airlines you can book with: Qantas.
- Deposit: $25
- Book-now pay-later policy: Available on select flights. Not available on Saver fares, Red e Deal fares, round-the-world tickets, flights purchased with points and Jetstar and Qantas combined trips. When insurance or carbon offset are chosen you must add these extras after full payment has been made. A holding deposit applies for book-now pay-later bookings.
11. Tigerair
Secure those cheap-as-chips flights with a "fare freeze" that is literally the cost of a packet of chips.
Tempting Tigerair fares can often be met with impulse purchases that are left unfulfilled. Tigerair's fare freeze lets you lock-in a flight price for up to 48-hours to give you the time to confirm your travels with friends.
- Airlines you can book with: Tigerair
- Fee: $3 per person, per sector
- Fare freeze policy: Available on select bookings only. Not available on flights less than 27 days away. Excludes special sale fares. After you choose fare freeze you have 48-hours to complete your booking. The fare freeze fee is non-refundable and must be paid immediately to guarantee the flight price.
What are the book now pay later terms with these sites?
| Company | Required deposit or fee | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Centre | $99 annual fee | Available for holiday purchases of $999 or more. Credit approval required. |
| Contiki | $200 deposit | Full payment is required 45 days prior to departure. |
| Luxury Escapes | $4.95 per month until paid in full | Interest free for the first six months, plus the $4.95 fee. |
| Virgin Australia | $15 fee to hold for two days | Available on domestic flights booked at least 14 days in advance. |
| STA Travel | $99 deposit plus $10 service fee | Only available on STA Exclusive tickets |
| G Adventures | $250 deposit | Full payment required 60-90 days prior to departure, depending on your tour. |
| Hawaiian Airlines | $6-$11 fee depending on route | Fee holds the fare for 3-7 days before payment is required. |
| Jetstar | $10 fee for Afterpay | Limited to domestic flight bookings between $200-$1,000. |
| Student Flights | $100 deposit | Available on Black Market flights only booked at least 60 days in advance. |
| Qantas | $25 deposit | Available on select flights. Payment due date varies and is noted when making the booking. |
| Tigerair | $3 fee per person, per sector | Fee holds fare for 48 hours. Available on flights made at least 27 days in advance. |
Which airlines let me book now and pay later?
Qantas Australia allows you to book now and pay later via its interest-free finance option. Airlines such as Jetstar and Virgin Australia let you hold the price of your flight for a certain period for a small fee.
Which tour companies let me book now and pay later?
Most tour companies will allow you to book now and pay later or in instalments with final payment being around 60 days prior to departure. It’s common for deposits to be around $250. Tour companies that offer these or similar payment options include Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, Geckos and Contiki.
What hotel sites let me book now, pay later?
Many hotel sites allow you to book your hotel stay and pay later or pay when you arrive at the hotel. These include hotels.finder.com.au, lastminute.com.au, wotif.com, hotels.com and booking.com. Choosing this option may incur a greater charge than choosing to pay when booking. Book-now pay-later hotel options may also include a free cancellation period within a certain number of days prior to your stay.
Latest deals from these companies:
| Store | Discount | Expiration | Description | Last verified | Redeem |
| 5-night luxe Maldives stay from $4,499 |
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Valid for stays from 5 October - 30 November 2018 at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Also valid for Christmas and New Year holiday from 23 December 2017 - 7 January 2018 with surcharge. Includes daily breakfast, dinner and 60-minute Thai massage. Conditions apply. |
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| 8-night luxe Bali stay from $1,998 |
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Valid for stays until 31 May 2019 at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. Includes daily breakfast, 60-minute spa treatment and more. Conditions apply. |
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| Up to 15% off Mexico and Central America tours |
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Valid for travel between 4 November - 18 December 2017. Conditions apply. |
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| Up to 20% off Antarctica expeditions |
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Valid for travel between 23 October - 12 November 2017. Conditions apply. |
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| Up to 15% off Europe Contiki tours |
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Valid on select European tours departing in 2018. Destinations include Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Italy, England and more. Conditions Apply |
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| Up to 30% off last-minute tours worldwide |
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Valid on select dates. Destinations include Europe, South America, Asia, North America and Africa. Conditions Apply |
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| 15% off China tours |
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Valid on select tours in China. Sample tours include Shanghai to Hong Kong Fujian Adventure from $892, Classic Shanghai to Hong Kong Adventure from $959 and more. |
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| 30% off select Mediterranean sailings |
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Valid on select Mediterranean sailings. Sample fares include sailing Croatia - Split to Dubrovnik from $1,049, sailing Croatia - Dubrovnik to Split from $1,049 and more. |
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| Europe tours over Christmas from just $599 |
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Valid on select tours. Destinations include Paris, Amsterdam, and European Christmas markets river cruises. |
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| Up to 10% off Europe trips + $150 off flights |
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Valid on select dates. T&C's apply. |
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| Up to 15% off select Africa tours |
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Valid between 21 October 2017 - 1 Janury 2018. Destinations are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya and more. Includes tours during Christmas and New Year's. TC's apply. |
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| 15% off select South America tours |
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Travel dates are 21st October 2017 and 30th December 2017, including tours during Christmas.Conditions Apply |
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| 15% off South America adventures |
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Valid for travel between 1 January - 15 December 2018. Destinations include Peru, Mexico, Cuba and more. |
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| Save 45% at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur + breakfast |
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Valid for stays from 1 October 2017 until 30 September 2018.Conditions Apply |
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| $999 for a 14-day Nepal trekking tour: Save 62% |
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Valid for departures on the 1st and 16th of every month between October 2017 and December 2019. Conditions Apply |
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| Save 45% on 11-day Danube River cruise |
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Valid on select dates until 23 October 2018. Cruise visits Budapest, Bratislava and Munich. Conditions Apply |
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| Chiang Mai boutique retreat: 5-nights for $599 |
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Valid for stays until 31 October 2018 at Veranda Chiang Mai. Conditions Apply |
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| Adults-only Thailand retreat at 69% off |
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Valid for stays from 1 October 2017 to 31 October 2018 at Beyond Resort Khao Lak. |
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| Luxe 5-night Port Douglas QT stay for $999 |
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Valid for stays until 28 June 2018 at QT Port Douglas including buffet breakfast plus food and spa credits. |
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| Southern Highlands tranquil 2-night getaway for 54% off |
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Valid for stays until 31 August 2018 at Peppers Manor House in Sutton Forest. Conditions Apply |
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| Up to 80% off luxury Conrad stay in Dubai |
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Valid for stays until 30 September 2018 for 3 nights at Conrad Dubai. |
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| Up to $679 off Latin America tours |
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Valid on select dates. Destinations include Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica T&C's apply. |
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| Italy flights from $999 return |
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Valid 25 September 2017 - 30 November 2017 with Qatar Airways. Sample fare is from Perth-Pisa. Conditions Apply |
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| Canada flights from $1,099 return |
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Valid from 10 May 2018 - 16 June 2018 with China Southern. Sample fare is from Perth-Vancouver. Conditions Apply |
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| Up to 15% off South America adventures |
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Valid on select dates. Destinations include Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia and more. T&C's apply. |
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| Up to 50% off South-East Asia resorts | Stay at luxury hotels for half price. Limited time. |
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| $20 off Qatar Airways flights |
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Valid on select dates and select destinations worldwide. T&C's apply. |
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| $20 off China Southern flights |
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Valid on select dates. Destinations include Japan, India, United States, Canada, Great Britain, Netherlands and France. T&C's apply. |
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| $40 off Etihad Airways flights with code |
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Valid on select dates. Destinations include Europe, Latin America, North America, Africa and Abu Dhabi. T&C's apply. |
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| Ireland flights from $999 return |
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Valid on flights 25 September 2017 - 30 November 2017 with Qatar Airways. Sample fare is from Sydney. Conditions Apply |
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| Up to 20% off select Australia tours |
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Valid select dates 24 October 2017 to 18 December 2017. Destinations include the Red Centre, Uluru, Tropical North Queensland, Great Ocean Road and along the east coast. |
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| 10% off Asia tours |
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Valid on tours departing before 31 March that are seven days or longer. Destinations include India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and Bali. |
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| London flights from $632 with tour bookings |
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Valid on select 2018 Contiki tours to Europe. |
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| 10% off Europe tours + up to $700 off flights |
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Valid on select Contiki tours during European summer 2018. |
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| Up to 20% off Europe tours |
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Valid on select Europe tours departing between 1 January 2018 - 15 December 2018. Destinations include Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and more. |
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| 20% off riverboats journeys |
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Travel dates are 13th October 2017 and 16th December 2017. Destinations include France and the Peruvian Amazon. Conditions Apply |
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| 15% off Egypt and Morocco tours |
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Travel date is 18th November 2017.Conditions Apply |
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| 15% off select Galapagos Islands tours |
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Valid select dates 30 October 2017 - 19 December 2017. |
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| 20% off select North America tours |
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Valid from 4 November 2017 - 16 December 2017. T&C's apply. |
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| 40% off select Ganges River cruises |
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Valid from 19 October - 21 December 2017. T&C's apply. |
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| 8-day Walk the Camino de Santiago tour from $1,519 | Small group tours with G Adventures starting from $1,614. |
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| Up to 30% off last-minute Asia tours |
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Valid for travel until 23 September 2017. Destinations include Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China and Vietnam. |
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| Free booking fees every Friday | Valid on all flights booked before midnight on Fridays. |
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| Save up to 5% off | Get 5% off when you travel again with Contiki. T&C's apply. |
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| Up to 30% off last-minute Europe tours | Book a range of last-minute Contiki tours, from week long jaunts to month long journeys, to destinations like Italy, France, Germany, Greece and more for up to 30% off. |
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| 50% off luxury Australia hotels | Save $1000s in Queensland, New South Wales and more. |
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| Up to 70% off travel deals | Become a member of Luxury Escapes to access up to 70% off on travel deals. T&Cs apply. |
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| Lay-By Flights: only $99 deposit to reserve | Reserve your lay-by flights now for only $99 deposit and pay the remaining balance until 8 weeks before your departure date. Only available on STA Travel exclusive tickets. See website for complete details. T&Cs apply. |
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| 5% off triple share room | Book a triple share room (available on some hotel trips) and we’ll give you 5% off. Select this option at checkout and the discount will be applied. |
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| Book with friends and get up to 10% off | Get up to 10% off when you book with friends at Contiki. The more friends you bring on Contiki, the more you’ll save. Just enter the number of people you’re booking for at checkout and the discounts will be applied. |
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