TOUR DESK: Pick of the latest offers

Intrepid warns about last minute deals

Intrepid Travel has announced its price guarantee on 2014 departures. From now until September 30, passengers can secure 2013 pricing by paying the deposit on any trip departing in 2014.

"People often fixate on waiting for last minute travel deals, while there are considerable savings to be had on advanced bookings," said Alison Mead, regional sales & marketing manager for Intrepid Travel.

"While passengers may save on the land portion of their trip, they often face increased airfare rates, which ultimately offset the savings."

TravelMarvel heads for Russia

Travelmarvel has announced Russia as a new destination in its European portfolio for 2014.

Debra Fox, APT general manager marketing, said a programme of exclusive departures would combine Russia’s icons with the chance to delve deeper into more remote regions.

The new brochure features itineraries ranging from 12 to 21 days in length, with five exclusive sailings from Moscow to St Petersburg.

Earlybird special deals are available on all bookings made before November 30, subject to availability.

Wendy Wu promotes China for kids

Wendy Wu Tours has released a new brochure highlighting the benefits of winter holidays in China, special family-friendly packages and some special deals for celebrating the 2014 Year of the Horse Chinese New Year in Shanghai next January and February.

Managing director Alan Alcock said that the brochure followed consumer requests for tours departing in school holidays, as well as those that coincide with Chinese New Year late in January.

He added that crisp, clear winter days were common in many parts of China and provided a great opportunity to visit the most popular sites at leisure, without the pressure of peak period crowds.

Cosmos offers Masterpiece saving

Cosmos is marking the release of its 2014 United States and Canada brochure with a $300 per couple saving on one of its most popular North American holidays, the Canadian and Alaskan Masterpiece.

The 19-day tour combines a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer railway and a cruise through the Inside Passage to Alaska’s Glacier Bay.

The offer is on sale until September 30 and can be combined with other Cosmos deals including a $100 per couple second-tour discount and a 2.5% saving on all tours booked and paid in full four months before travel.