By Lou – Founder of Kooshy Kids

Tokyo at twilight – one of many dream destinations now within reach thanks to Travel Tuesday flight sales. Aussie families are catching on to this new post-Cyber Monday tradition, much like we’ve adopted Halloween and Black Friday in recent years.

What Is Travel Tuesday, and How Did It Start?

Travel Tuesday (also called Travel Deal Tuesday) is a shopping event focused exclusively on travel bargains – flights, hotels, holiday packages, you name it. It falls on the Tuesday after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday (right after Black Friday and Cyber Monday).

The concept originated in 2017 when the travel app Hopper noticed a spike in flight deals on that day. After analysing years of airfare data, Hopper found the Tuesday after Thanksgiving had more discounted flights than any other day of the post-Thanksgiving sales period.

In other words, travel companies realised that once the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping was over, people were ready to book cheap trips – and so Travel Tuesday was born.

In the years since, it has become one of the best days of the year to book travel. Airlines and hotels roll out special offers to entice early bookings for the year ahead.

Why Tuesday?

Late November and early December are a natural lull in travel bookings – most people have sorted their Christmas plans, but haven’t looked ahead to next year. Travel brands take advantage of this quiet window by launching juicy discounts on that Tuesday, hoping we’ll impulsively lock in a 2026 holiday.

It’s a savvy move – by now, Travel Tuesday is a fixture in the global travel industry, much like Cyber Monday is for tech.

The Rise of Travel Tuesday in Australia

You might be thinking, “That sounds very American – do we even do Travel Tuesday in Australia?”

The answer is yes, and it’s growing fast. Just like Halloween and Black Friday, Aussie travellers and brands have quickly jumped on board. A few years ago, hardly anyone here talked about Travel Tuesday – now, major Australian airlines, hotels, and booking sites are offering deals on this day.

By 2025, most Aussie families in the know are marking their calendars, keen to nab discounted airfares and family holiday packages.

When Is Travel Tuesday 2025?

This year it falls on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 (it’s always the Tuesday after the fourth Thursday in November, post-Thanksgiving). Deals often start early – some kick off on Black Friday or Cyber Monday and peak on the Tuesday – while others are truly one-day-only.

Pro tip: Because of the international date line, some U.S.-based sales linger into our Wednesday. One year I booked a New York hotel deal on “Travel Wednesday” Aussie time!

Why Travel Tuesday Deals Are Worth It?

In short, the discounts can be better than Black Friday or Boxing Day. Hopper’s analysis shows Travel Tuesday consistently offers the highest number of flash sales on flights. Airlines often want to meet their end-of-year targets and fill early-year seats.

In 2024, Hopper reported triple the usual number of flight deals on Travel Tuesday. In 2025, we’re seeing even more brands get involved, and deeper discounts on popular family routes.

Click here for exclusive deals that I have sourced for you. 

Highlights: 2025 Travel Tuesday Deals for Aussie Families

(⚠️ Note: These were confirmed at time of writing but may change or sell out fast)

✈️ Domestic Airlines

• Qantas: Over 1.5 million seats discounted. E.g. Sydney–Byron Bay from $99, Perth–Sydney from $319.

• Virgin Australia: Over 1 million seats from $49. E.g. Sydney–Ballina $49, Melbourne–Gold Coast $89. Bali from $419 return.

• Jetstar: “Return for Free” promo on 90,000 seats. E.g. Sydney–Cairns $108 return.

• Rex: Quiet promos, e.g. Sydney–Melbourne from $119 one-way with 23kg baggage included.

🌍 International Airlines

• Singapore Airlines: Return to London from $1,630. Business class from $3,919. Sale ends 2 Dec.

• Emirates: Flights to Europe from $2,019 return. Also New Zealand from $739 return.

• Air New Zealand: Sydney–Auckland from ~$435 return. Queenstown ski season included.

• Fiji Airways: East coast Australia–Nadi from $615 return. Also flights to L.A. via Nadi from $1,175 return.

• Hawaiian Airlines: Sydney–Honolulu in the $800s return. Free stopovers included.

• Qatar Airways: Up to 30% off for families booking 2–5 passengers.

• Cathay Pacific: $100 off all return flights (promo code required).

• Etihad, LATAM, and others: Discounts of 20–35% to Europe, South America, Africa and beyond.

🏨 Hotel & Holiday Packages

• Booking.com: 15–40% off worldwide including Bali, Japan, NZ.

• Expedia: Up to 40% off select hotels globally.

• Luxury Escapes: Up to 70% off resort packages in Fiji, Thailand, Gold Coast.

• Accor: 25% off stays of 2+ nights worldwide (must book by 3 Dec).

• Pan Pacific: 30% off Bali, Singapore, etc.

• Outrigger Resorts: Up to 45% off (Fiji, Hawai‘i).

• Flight Centre: Up to 50% off cruises, flights + hotel bundles, tours.

🔑 Top Tips for Scoring a Deal

1. Plan ahead – research your top destinations now.

2. Subscribe – join airline/hotel mailing lists for early access and codes.

3. Set your alarm – best deals drop early on 2 Dec.

4. Be flexible – change dates or destination if the price is right.

5. Act fast – limited seats. Don’t wait too long.

6. Use loyalty points/gift cards – stack savings wherever possible.

7. Check fine print – know what’s included (baggage, cancellation, etc.)

As the founder of Kooshy Kids, I’m all about making travel with children easier and more affordable. Travel Tuesday hits both those notes – ease (all deals in one window) and affordability (serious savings).

Whether it’s $49 fares to visit your parents in Byron, a discounted Tokyo trip, or a family holiday in Fiji, I hope you find something that sparks excitement – and saves money.

Happy bargain hunting, and happy travels from me (Lou) and the Kooshy Kids team!

Here’s to making 2026 your family’s most adventure-packed year yet – all thanks to a little Tuesday tradition that’s officially taken off in Australia. ✈️🌴👨👩👧👦