Best holiday and travel gear deals for Black Friday sales in 2021

Considering a holiday on home soil as state borders relax? There are deals galore in the Black Friday sales. See the list.

A bonanza of domestic holiday deals will rain down on Aussie travellers as they emerge from almost two years of Covid lockdowns and restrictions. With most borders opening across the country in time for Christmas, Black Friday and Cyber Monday holiday deals will see domestic flights, tours, accommodation and travel accessories slashed.

Flight Centre Australia general manager Kelly Spencer says the fact the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales — which are tipped to be bigger than Boxing Day or End of Financial Year sales this year — have coincided with the re-emergence of travel will be cause for celebration.

“In many ways, Flight Centre’s Black Friday sale is a celebration of a return to travel,” she says. “People are getting excited about travel and are hungry for bargains.”

On the domestic front, Flight Centre has slashed their tours by up to 30 per cent and Australian holidays by up to 25 per cent.

Lots of Aussies are planning to book a trip during the 2021 sales.

New research from Australian comparison site Finder shows one in 10 Aussies want to nab a travel deal in this sales period — that’s equivalent to almost two million people. And one in two Australians plan to holiday in the next year.

Finder’s travel expert Angus Kidman says it’s no surprise residents of NSW and Victoria, who have suffered the longest lockdowns and restrictions, are the most keen to book travel.

“There will be lots of competition for big deals,” Kidman says. “Availability will be limited so book as soon as the sales launch.”

PLANNING IS KEY

Kidman says the best way to get a great travel deal is to plan before Black Friday sales open so you can snap up deals as soon as they become available.

“The key is planning,” he says. “Know which dates you’re free for so you’re not wasting time checking once sales start.

“If you have a destination in mind, check the regular price now and compare your options. That way you’ll know if that deal is really a bargain.”

He adds the best deals are to be found outside of peak periods such as Christmas, school holidays and Easter.

Sales are expected on everything from flights to holiday packages to cruises.

Travel-related deals are expected to make up around 10 per cent of all deals on offer this sales period, making holidays a popular choice for bargain-hunters thanks to a perfect storm of pent-up demand, the opening or borders and cashed up shoppers.

“Black Friday travel sales are expected to be huge this year,” says Canstar Blue’s lifestyle and shopping expert Megan Birot. “There are already great deals advertised from major airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia. Consumers can expect to see sales on domestic and international flights, holiday packages, cruises, hotel stays, tours, car hire, adventure sports, luggage and anything travel-related.

“With many Australians stockpiling their holiday savings during the pandemic, it’s safe to say that travel deals will likely be a big hit with cashed-up Aussies ahead of the festive season.”

READ THE FINE PRINT

However, all the experts warn that just because something has been discounted, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Reading the fine print before you book a holiday has never been more important. Consumers are warned to look out for blackout periods and most importantly, know what your rights are in the event you have to cancel your holiday due to a Covid-related incident.

And if there’s ever a time to leave your plans in the hands of the experts, Spencer says that time is now.

“In these (post-Covid) times people are needing travel agents more than ever,” Spencer says. “We’ve made it a priority to become experts in this stuff and go to great lengths to stay up-to-date so we can decipher it all for our customers.”

Go beyond state borders and see Australia on the cheap.

BEST HOLIDAY DEALS

Three nights at Shangri-La The Marina Cairns from $233 a night (total $699) for two people including breakfast, bottle of wine and $100 dining credit. Book by November 28, 2021 at shangri-la.com

Stay two nights and save 30 per cent at Oaks properties Australia wide, from $110 a night. Book by December 1, 2021 at oakshotels.com

Get 50 per cent off domestic Virgin Australia flights, for example Sydney to Gold Coast from $60 one-way. Book by November 30, 2021

Get up to 30 per cent off at Booking.com, for example stay one night at View Melbourne from $153 for two people.

Save on accommodation at Flight Centre, for example two nights at Leisure Inn Spires Blue Mountains from $129 per person saving 55 per cent. Book November 26, 2021.

Get up to 30 per cent off accommodation at Wotif.com, for example Larmont Sydney by Lancemore from $530 for two nights.

Book three or more days car hire (including Saturday night) at Avis and get your third day free on all vehicle groups on trips commenced by December 12, 2021.

There are hot deals on hiking gear, luggage, swimmers and more.

BEST TRAVEL GEAR DEALS

The North Face Vault backpack, save 30 per cent, now $91 at The Iconic

Wanderer Comfort Rest Queen Airbed, was $159.99, now $79.99 with free club membership at BCF.

Fuel Orbit 33-inch Bodyboard, was $29.00, now $19.99 at Anaconda Stores

Take up to 50 per cent off all luggage at Strandbags, for example Flylite 75cm Suitcase was $219, now $129.

Swimwear on sale at Myer, for example, Seafolly Active Multi Strap High Neck One-piece was $149.95, now $104.96

Luxe Cactus Pool Ring was $39.95, now $19.97 at Sunnylife

Save 20 per cent of a Tempur Transit Pillow, was $134.95, now $107.96 at Catch.com.au

Originally published as Best holiday and travel gear deals for Black Friday sales in 2021