SINGLES DAY TRAVEL DEALS: BALI HOTELS FROM $19 A NIGHT DROP TODAY
Today is Singles Day, the November 11 shopping festival that started in China, and travel brands are using it to drop some seriously tempting holiday deals.
If a 2027 getaway is on your wish list, the next few days could be the time to lock it in.
Online travel agency Trip.com and low-cost airline Cebu Pacific are among those running 11.11 sales aimed at Australian travellers.
Here is what to look for, plus a few tips to make sure a bargain really is a bargain.
Singles Day hotel deals land today
Trip.com announced its November sale on November 9, with flights released first and hotels, attractions and transport following today.
According to the company's announcement, today's hotel flash sales are released in three waves, at 12pm, 2pm and 6pm AEDT.
Headline offers include four-star hotels in Bali from $19 a night, five-star stays in Bangkok from $49 a night and four-star hotels in Japan from $59 a night.
Closer to home, four-star Melbourne hotels start from $89 a night.
There are also hotel promo codes worth up to 50 per cent off, capped at $100, plus codes of up to 25 per cent off Australian and New Zealand hotels, capped at $50.
Read the fine print, because the promo codes need a minimum two-night stay and flash sale prices are limited to two nights per hotel per person.
The 2pm drop also includes $1 eSIMs, buy-one-get-one-free deals on selected Universal Studios Japan one-day passes and up to 50 per cent off selected Shanghai Disneyland flash sales.
Cheap flights and a Gold Coast treat
Trip.com's flight flash sales went live yesterday, with domestic fares advertised from $29 and Bali from $109.
For families planning the school holidays, there is also a Gold Coast deal on Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, including 50 per cent off tickets to the Astra Lumina night walk for visits up to December 19.
The company says the deals are first come, first served, and they are subject to terms and conditions.
If you miss out today, Trip.com says another round of offers will arrive for Black Friday on November 27.
You can browse the deals on the Trip.com website or app.
Singles Day seat sale to the Philippines
Philippine airline Cebu Pacific is also in on the action with its 11.11 Super Seat Fest, which runs from November 8 to 12.
Travel Weekly reports one-way, all-inclusive fares to the Philippines from as little as $308.
Sale fares are for travel between February 1 and July 31, 2027, which makes it a handy option for a sunny autumn or winter escape.
How to shop travel sales like a pro
Sales like these move fast, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Decide on your destination, dates and budget before the sale opens so you are not tempted into a trip you do not really want.
Create an account and save your passport details and payment method in advance, as flash sale stock can vanish within minutes.
Always compare the sale price with booking direct through the hotel or airline, since a promo code is only a win if the final total is lower.
Check what is included, such as breakfast, baggage and resort fees, and look carefully at cancellation and change policies.
Many cheap fares and rates are non-refundable, so consider travel insurance as soon as you book.
Before booking overseas, look up the latest advice for your destination on Smartraveller.
Finally, set a reminder on your phone for each release time, and have a cup of tea ready while you wait.
With a bit of planning, Singles Day could be the day you finally book that holiday you have been dreaming about.
