Welcome to Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals, where tried-and-true value meets a dash of fun. This week brings classic crowd-pleasers: UTracks early-bird savings to lock in a European active holiday for 2026; sharp hotel offers from Atura; a Helloworld Railbookers jaunt through Rome, Florence and Venice; a Sheraton Grand Sydney theatre package worthy of an encore; and Double Points in WA with Best Western. We’ve also kept a steady hand on river cruise specials and trade-only gems. As always, conditions apply, prices vary by departure city, and a good travel agent and proper insurance remain your best travelling companions.
UTRACKS’ Early Bird Sale means hundreds of dollars in savings and the chance for you to lock in a 2026 European active holiday. Book between now and October 9, 2025, to enjoy value across almost 500 walking, cycling, biking, and boat tours. Example: Camino Guided Walk Sarria to Santiago.
ATURA HOTELS says now is the time to book and enjoy up to 20% off stays to 31 December 2025. EVT Stays members get even more with an extra 10% off and more perks.
HELLOWORLD is promoting a Railbookers early bird 10-day Rome, Florence, and Venice tour. Nine nights cost from 5689pp twin share and include first-class rail plus centrally located accommodation. Included is an afternoon cooking class in Florence, a day trip to Tuscany with wine tasting from Florence, and a gondola ride in Venice.
SHERATON GRAND SYDNEY is the official hotel partner for the musical BACK TO THE FUTURE, which premieres at the Lyric this September. To celebrate, a special package has been created that includes accommodation for one night, a pre-theatre dining experience, reserved tickets, a car park, and buffet breakfast. Prices start at $629.
BEST WESTERN Rewards members in WA can enjoy Double Points on every qualified stay this school holiday season. Register, book, and stay before 30 November 2025. At the newly refurbished Best Western Cambridge Hotel Kununurra, the $200 per night Family Getaway Package includes a King Room for a family of three, kids eat free when parents dine at Brasserie 47, and free airport transfers.
From last week:
AVALON WATERWAYS invites you to book now and save up to $9,600 per couple. River cruise itineraries, including eight days from Amsterdam to Basil, start at $5624pp.
THE HENRY JONES HOTEL, right in the heart of Hobart’s delightful harbour, is 21 years old. To celebrate, take 21% off the cost of your stay between now and October 5.
VIKING is celebrating Spring with free flight deals. Book a river voyage and fly free, or an ocean or expedition voyage, and your companion flies free. Offers end 1 December 2025.
TRADE ONLY: Breakaway Travel Club has great rates on Australian Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea departures. These deals are limited.
Interline Travel recommends Emerald Cruises & Tours. Check out the price of Splendours of Europe, a 15-day trip from Amsterdam to Budapest.
Remember, conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent, and travel insurance is essential. Finally, I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Got a travel problem? Please send us details to [email protected].
By Ian McIntosh
BIO:
Veteran journalist and publisher Ian McIntosh has spent a lifetime exploring the world and sharing its wonders. As the founder of Travelnews Australia, his nationally distributed, full-colour travel trade publication earned the esteemed Telstra Business Award. Though now retired, Ian remains a passionate globetrotter with a soft spot for small ship cruising and discovering good value hotels across Europe. His most recent adventure involved a rather enthusiastic Thai elephant named Bo, who promptly deposited him into a pond. A true storyteller at heart, Ian continues to travel with humour, curiosity, and an unwavering love for the road less travelled.
