Grab one of these latest Topdeck specials on trips to Europe, Egypt and Morocco.

Prime Minister Gillard urges Europe to implement expansionary policies to rescue itself from the debt crisis, pointing to Australia as a model of growth with fiscal discipline.

Australian financial markets breathed a sigh of relief on Monday after Greece’s two main pro-bailout parties won enough votes to form a government, easing fears it could dump the euro currency and reject internationally agreed austerity measures.

UKFOREX DAILY MARKET COMMENTARY | Australian and New Zealand dollars rise for the first time in three days as Asian shares reversed losses.

UKFOREX DAILY MARKET COMMENTARY | Greek deal helps the Aussie and Kiwi maintain gains made earlier this week.

Treasurer Wayne Swan hopes the prospect of a deal between Greece and its bond holders will help ease the excessive pessimism that is hurting the Australian and global economies.

Why do a tour of Europe rather than independent travel? Sarah Blinco explores the benefits of a guided (yet budget) expedition, and all the unexpected things to fall in love with along the way.

This week’s best travel deals include awesome Aussie savings, Oktoberfest on the cheap and half price Morocco trips.

ITCHY FEET | Summer is over and so it is back to bratwurst and steins for our intrepid travel columnist Liv Hambrett. And while she may still be pining for the Santorini sun, life in Deutschland is pretty good too.

Australians may take it for granted but top European bureaucrat Jose Manuel Barroso believes the nation should be proud of avoiding the global recession that hit the rest of the developed world.

From European continental highlights to Greek Island hopping and Oktoberfest, Contiki have some great late deals for every budget.

Australian homes remain the largest in the world, figures show, but may have hit their peak – due to an ageing population and Gen Y indifference to home ownership.

ITCHY FEET | So, what drives us Australians to travel? Are we generally more adventurous than those from other nations? Does exploration course through our very veins?

ITCHY FEET | I have been actively working on my relationship with my fellow Aussie travellers; a relationship which has soured, somewhat, throughout my travels.

This week’s best deals, as spotted by our travel editor, include £200 off a Contiki Mediterranean trip, budget prices on posh hotels and a Cuba bargain.

Are you planning your holidays to Greece or Turkey this summer? If so, why not do something different and go with Contiki Holidays.

ITCHY FEET | For the next two months, I’ll be living on the island of Santorini, dodging quad bikes and raki and embracing nights spent dancing to the bazouki stylings of Simon and Garfunkel.

The Aussie strengthened to a 3-week high versus the US dollar after a central bank report showed that lending expanded last month as traders trimmed bets on an interest rate cut.

This week’s best deals, as spotted by our travel editor, include 15 % off 3 weeks in the Mediterranean and a discounted luxury break in exotic Marrakech.