If there is one thing travellers love more than a passport stamp, it is a cracking bargain, and this week Ian McIntosh delivers them by the armful. From romantic Valentine escapes and river cruises that float straight into Europe’s heart, to new long-haul routes, solo adventures and fly-free indulgences, Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals once again proves that the road less travelled often comes with the best price tag. Pack your curiosity, sharpen your pencil, and let the savings begin.
Lots of interesting off-the-beaten-track tours released this week by UTracks, and for you romantics, Valentine’s Day specials.
UTRACKS, the Active travel specialist, has unveiled a comprehensive collection of new tours for 2026 that venture beyond the guidebook into Europe’s most captivating landscapes. From solo travellers to couples, groups, families, and seniors, there is something to suit everyone. Whether it is a castle stay on England’s Coast to Coast or island-hopping by bike and boat along Croatia’s turquoise coast. Have a look here www.utracks.com.au.
WEBJET has teamed up with Afterpay, which means you can book a good deal today and, if accepted, pay in four interest-free instalments. I have no idea what the deal is, nor am I endorsing it. Just make sure you read the contract conditions.
AIRLINES:
AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. This service will operate alongside the existing Wednesday and Sunday services.
CRUISING:
AVALON WATERWAYS has started the New Year the right way with fly-free deals on some of its most popular European river cruises. Itineraries include Magnificent Rivers Of Europe, sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam.
ACCOMMODATION:
SOFITEL and MGALLERY COLLECTION HOTELS have crafted a range of romantic experiences to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14. For instance, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour invites lovers to settle in at Atelier, where a romantic five-course menu costs ($160pp). Hotel Chadstone Melbourne – MGallery Collection is offering a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner at Pastore Restaurant. Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour is offering Amour Éclat — a shared spa ritual designed for couples or friends. Check out the deals in your state.
MINOR HOTELS are also looking for lovers – choose from destinations in Asia and beyond for Valentine’s getaways and indulgences. Hide away in Maldivian luxury. Dine under the stars in Vietnam. Or embark on a romantic dinner cruise in Bangkok. This is a huge group with multiple destinations. Have a look at the site.
PULLMAN SYDNEY Olympic Park invites you to Save 20% on 2-night stays. Your stay includes breakfast, valet parking and a $100 Bacar dining credit. Be quick – offer ends 31 January. At the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, a family getaway costs from $489. Enjoy breakfast, parking and a kids’ activity pack.
FROM LAST WEEK:
Book two nights at the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong – and get the third night free.
JUST YOU – a specialist solo tour operator – is offering savings on 2026 tours, including a trip to India and a walking tour in Tuscany. Save $300 on a 12-day Spirit of India tour departing April 3, 2026, and $150 on an eight-day Walking in Tuscany tour departing May 19, 2026. More details www.justyou.com/au.
FINNAIR will launch flights to Melbourne from October, flying via Bangkok. This extra capacity should help to keep prices down in Europe. The service will be operated by an Airbus A350 featuring the innovative ‘Airlounge’, which converts to a flat bed.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS invites you to book early and save up to 30% on 2026–2027 Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Itineraries include Disko Bay and Inuit villages – Round-trip Nuuk, Greenland.
TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel has released a long list of Regent Seven Seas Cruises itineraries as well as selected itineraries on Explora, Azamara, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania, Scenic Eclipse and Celestyal. I am looking at cruising the Greek Islands aboard Celestyal and will be writing a review.
Breakaway Travel Industry Club has released Hawaiian Airlines rates valid until March 31 2026. There is also a long list of deals on Silversea.
Interline Travel advises that Interline fare structures are changing – “this week, Regent Seven Seas advised that their fares are now dynamic. “This means a rate is issued, and is subject to change as capacity decreases – as with airlines, this will mean the fare will rise. The only way to lock in the fare will be to book it at that rate when it’s issued or quoted – the fare could rise the following day. If the fare seems reasonable and fits in with your plans, grab it and take advantage.”
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 everyone else. Check websites to confirm details. Want to join our mailing list? Send a request to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller. We have no commercial relationship with any operator.
By Ian McIntosh – (c) 2026.
Read Time: 6 minutes.
About the Writer.
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.
