There’s an art to spotting genuine value in travel, and it’s not found in flashing banners or breathless hype. In Ian McIntosh’s Weekly Travel Deals, Australia’s most seasoned travel watcher cuts through the noise with a steady hand and a well-trained eye, rounding up airfare bargains, cruise incentives, and hotel offers that actually deserve your attention. From once-in-a-lifetime adventures to smart, practical escapes, this is travel intelligence shaped by decades on the road, a healthy respect for the fine print, and the belief that good travel, like good journalism, should always reward those who look a little closer.
HELLOWORLD has Australia on sale – from Virgin Australia airfares to dining under a canopy of stars in the heart of the outback, waking to panoramic ocean views from a luxury retreat, or savouring world-class wines in lush vineyards. Lots of holiday ideas. Have a look at the site for full details.
PONANT invites you to steam south to Antarctica. Unlock your 2026 or 2027 polar expedition now and enjoy up to 30% off with an exclusive bonus.
FLIGHT CENTRE is promoting a six-stop round-the-world fare with Singapore Airlines priced from $2899. You could visit Singapore, Tokyo, LA, NYC, Frankfurt and Barcelona. Check the available travel dates.
CATHAY PACIFIC’s Fly Away sale is back – save on flights to destinations across the UK, Europe, the Chinese Mainland, Asia, North America and more. For instance, fly to Beijing from $941 round-trip in economy. Conditions apply.
MALAYSIA AIRLINES is offering 15% off selected flights to destinations like London if you book directly. Have to hurry though. The deal ends on February 4.
FROM LAST WEEK:
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, 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. UTracks has just added the Lechweg Trail Hike from the Austrian Alps into Bavaria to its alpine hiking portfolio.
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 at www.justyou.com/au. Just released: The company’s first Europe program for Australian solo travellers.
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. Please ensure you read the contract terms.
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:
IMAGE CRUISING has packaged a seven-night all-inclusive cruise along the Mekong with immersive tours across Cambodia and Vietnam. The 22-night holiday costs from $5999pp – a saving of up to $1200 a couple, the company says. Departures are scheduled from October 2026 to April 2027.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS has the answer if you want to explore Japan in luxury. On offer is a free 2-category suite upgrade and up to 30% off selected voyages.
ACCOMMODATION:
PAN PACIFIC HOTELS GROUP is celebrating Summer with an exclusive new offer, including savings of up to 30% off rooms on bookings made until 28th February 2026, for stays until 30th September 2026. Check the conditions.
SOFITEL and MGALLERY COLLECTION HOTELS have crafted a range of romantic experiences to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14. Here is just one example: https://www.sofitelsydneydarlingharbour.com.au/offers/valentines-day/.
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.
TFE HOTELS (Adina, Vibe) also has special Valentine’s Day dining and stay packages for club members.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL HONG KONG invites you to book two nights and get the third free.
TRADE ONLY:
Interline Travel has Windstar rates priced in $A for the first time. Also check out the deals aboard Explora, Celestyal, and AmaWaterways.
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: 6minutes.
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 for 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.
