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Active travel company UTracks says multi-day walking holidays have become increasingly important as travellers seek experiences linked not just to sightseeing, but to physical and mental wellbeing.

PONANT, in partnership with Air Tahiti Nui, is offering reduced-cost direct airfares from Sydney to connect with voyages sailing between 15 December and 29 June 2027.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES KrisFlyer members who book an eligible return flight with Mastercard can receive complimentary access to Plaza Premium Lounge in Australia and Singapore. One of the frustrations of SQ itineraries to Europe is lengthy layovers in Singapore. Need to hurry though – the deal ends on July 23.

TFE HOTELS advises eclub members that its winter deals are about to run out. Enjoy 20% off stays across Australia and New Zealand.

ETIHAD advises FF members with lots of points that now is the time to use them. Enjoy up to 30% off when you book by 16 July and travel from 17 August to 31 October 2026. Or, shop with your miles at the Reward Shop, and you could be one of 10 winners to receive 100,000 miles each.

ACCOR has good news for AFL lovers. “As we are the AFL’s official accommodation partner, earn reward points on every stay and use your points to access AFL match tickets including the Grand Final”. You might even see your favourite player.

AVALON WATERWAYS has a deal for solo travellers. The company is waiving the single supplement on select 2027 Europe and Mekong departures, but don’t delay – there are only a limited number of spots per departure.

VIKING has released two river itineraries for 2030 that offer a rare opportunity to experience the Oberammergau Passion Play—a cherished tradition performed once a decade for nearly 400 years. Plus, double your Past Guest Discount if you book before 4‍ August‍ 2026

COASTAL CRUISES has released a Northern Lights Cruise Sale. Book now for selected departures between October 2026 and March 2027. More details here: https://www.norwegiancoastalcruises.com/special-offers.htm?utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=name-fix-hurtigruten-northern-lights-sale#Sale.

RYAN AIR is a very successful budget European airline, and right now flights are selling for as little as € 22.49 (about $40). Book by 19 July 2026, travel between 02 July 2026 and 31 Oct 2026.

FROM LAST WEEK:

EMIRATES is offering value deals to Europe and free nights at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. Get one night when you fly in Economy, or two if you are in Business… but hurry. Book return flights by 12 July.

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE Kangaroo Island is an ideal base to witness the Aurora Australis. Removed from urban glow, the lodge creates compelling conditions for stargazers.

AUKO ECO-WELLNESS LODGES, located within the spectacular landscapes of Phong Nha, Vietnam, is a new name in South-East Asia. The complex will take bookings from 20 July, ahead of an August opening. Auko offers a new model of regenerative hospitality in which conservation, culture, wellness, and adventure coexist in harmony.

ARANUI CRUISES is a Tahitian cargo cruise line that encourages guests to go beyond Tahiti and see more of French Polynesia. As part of the Escape Beyond Tahiti sale, cruises are discounted by up to $ 2,000 per couple, and an onboard credit of A$700 per room is available when select cruises are booked by July 31, 2026.

VIKING says there are only nine sailings available for its 23-day European Sojourn voyage between Amsterdam and Bucharest, traversing eight countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube. Sail through the heart of Central and Eastern Europe, from the Netherlands to Romania or vice versa.

ROYAL ZAMBEZI LODGE in the Lower Zambezi and Lion Camp in the South Luangwa, ZAMBIA, have extended its value-for-money 8-night package into 2027. Details here: https://mcusercontent.com/70afcba1cac3a0107299ff970/files/140e49e3-15b2-9fd0-0469-daa1431afd52/Royal_Zambezi_Lodge_Lion_Camp_8_night_Zambia_2027_package.pdf.

SOFITEL ADELAIDE invites you to experience the magic of Illuminate Adelaide. Book the Winter Staycation Package and enjoy a luxurious overnight escape in the heart of the city, including dinner.

QANTAS has proudly announced its non-stop flight from Sydney to London from October next year. You will touch down in the British capital in just 22 hours. Not for me, though. True, I travel in business class these days – but I enjoy a stopover stroll before a glass of champagne, a decent meal and a shower in the lounges of major airlines like Emirates.

iEXPEDITION invites you to book the South Atlantic cruise from South Africa to Antarctica; 20 Nights Cape Town to Ushuaia departing 23 October 2026 – and save over 50%.

UTRACKS has a great new idea for you bike fans – cycle from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea on a self-guided journey through Austria, Slovenia and Italy. Beginning in the alpine town of Villach, the route winds through vineyard-covered hills, taking in highlights including Lake Bled, Ljubljana, the spectacular Postojna Caves and the famed Lipica Stud Farm before finishing in the elegant coastal city of Trieste.

EXPLORA has a Sky & Sea program to take care of your every detail – from take-off to return. International flights, an overnight hotel stay and private transfers are all arranged. Reserve by 28 July 2026 and enjoy 25% savings on this supplement on selected Extended Journeys.

AFRICAN SUNRISE SAFARI invites you to embark on a journey through some of Southern Africa’s most spectacular wilderness regions, combining the iconic beauty of Victoria Falls with the untamed waterways of Botswana’s Chobe River and the pristine landscapes of the Okavango Delta. More details here: https://africansunrisesafari.com/luxury-african-safari-tours/kruger-national-park-victoria-falls-safari-packages/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email%20marketing.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS and Australian Geographic are extending their long-standing partnership with the launch of two new A Lens on Nature: The Kimberley departures for 2027. Operating aboard Coral Discoverer, the all-inclusive eight-night voyages will depart round-trip from Broome. Dates are July 30 – August 6, 2027 and August 27 – September 3, 2027.

PULLMAN AUCKLAND AIRPORT has released a special deal for airline geeks. The Aviation Enthusiast Experience Package includes a runway-facing room with panoramic views of aircraft arrivals and departures, a full breakfast at Te Kaahu Restaurant (also boasting runway views), and a welcome amenity of aircraft-shaped chocolates.

TOURING:

ATIA, The Australian Travel Industry Association, is urging Australian travellers to check that their travel agent or tour operator holds current ATIA Accreditation, following issues with Melbourne-based tour operator AVG Travels.

UTRACKS has expanded several of Europe’s classic long-distance walking trails in response to growing demand from travellers wanting to spend longer exploring a single route. In Spain, for instance, that means continuing west from Santiago along the Camino Finisterre to the Atlantic coast.

AATKINGS is backing the Go See Australia campaign by introducing an Early Bird offer for the 2027/28 season. Until July 31, 2026, you can secure up to 10% off selected 2027/28 tours (for selected departures between 1st April 2027 and 31st March 2028) with a deposit from $200.

RAIL:

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia see the countryside in style at a slower pace. Depart in September or November and receive a complimentary night at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore – before or after your rail sojourn. Contact the reservations team and quote ‘EOEMORIENTALS1NT’ to book.
Solo travellers – from July to December, there is no single supplement fee on select departures. Join a six-night journey aboard the Express and aid the campaign to save wild tigers.

BRITANNIC EXPLORER is the answer for you, rail buffs who love to explore in style at a slower pace. Departing from London, the train’s three routes take you on three or six-night journeys through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales.

BRITISH PULLMAN is another option – the company has just released details of Celia, a new private dining and events carriage imagined and designed by visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. Itineraries include The Golden Age of Travel by steam. Or, how about the great British Sunday lunch as the world rumbles by?

SNCF CONNECT is making it easier to travel even further by train with Swiss and German regional services now available.

CRUISE:

MY CRUISES is promoting a fly/cruise holiday to China in 2027, priced from $ 3999 pp. The itinerary includes a Yangtze Cruise, a bullet train experience and the Great Wall at night.

HX EXPEDITIONS says tick Antarctica off your bucket list. Specials include: Highlights of Antarctica (12 days) – prices from $14,599; Antarctica & Falklands Expedition (16 days)- from $16,941; and In-depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition (23 days)- from $29,424.

AIR TAHITI NUI advises that from 15 December, you can fly direct from Sydney to Tahiti. Explore limited-time offers and lock in a Sydney-to-Tahiti escape from $1,023 return. Children aged 2-11 years travel at 50% off adult fares. Sale ends 31 July 2026.

BPA’s new South-West Morocco itinerary includes access to Souss-Massa National Park, offering rare opportunities to observe endangered North African wildlife in a protected environment. More details, Kim Gontie, [email protected].

PONANT’s Arctic 2028 season is open. Book early and save up to 30% on your journey to the Far North. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and French hospitality aboard the company’s intimate expedition ships.

HAPAG-LLOYD Cruises is introducing a new world music festival concept aboard EUROPA. International artists will bring the musical traditions of the regions visited directly on board, creating an intimate festival atmosphere unlike traditional cruise entertainment.

AMAWATERWAYS is introducing a limited-time Cruise & Fly promotion that combines more than 300 selected river cruise itineraries across Europe and Asia with return international airfares. Examples include Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals (14 nights) – Cruise through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Switzerland, starting or ending in Amsterdam. The price of $ 9,678 pp includes the 14-night cruise and return international flights.

SOLO TRAVELLERS:

VIKING is an excellent product I can recommend – and you can now enjoy a saving of up to 25% on select river journeys and expeditions, and up to 50% on the single supplement on select ocean voyages. The single supplement offer applies to select staterooms and is only available until sold out.

JUST YOU – the solo tour operator – has unveiled its first collection of festive escorted tours. Enjoy a Christmas abroad, exploring destinations such as Malta, Portugal, Spain, India, or the UK.

EASTERN & ORIENTAL EXPRESS says extend your stay in Asia, see the countryside in style at a slower pace. Solo travellers: from July to December, there is no single supplement fee on select departures. Join a six-night journey aboard the Express and aid the campaign to save wild tigers.

AIRLINES:

AIR MAURITIUS has confirmed the return to three weekly services between Perth and Mauritius, effective July 2026. The new service supports improved onward connections via Mauritius to destinations across Africa and Europe.

MALAYSIA AIRLINES has a great deal if you are stopping over in KL. Double your adventure and enjoy a flight to one of eight local destinations at no extra fare – just pay the taxes. Book your flight as an Enrich member and enjoy an extra 5% off.

FINNAIR will operate from Melbourne starting in October. The carrier invites you to experience the thrill of skiing in Kittilä or Kuusamo, admire the Northern Lights in a glass igloo in Ivalo, or enjoy the year-round Christmas spirit in Rovaniemi.

ACCOMMODATION:

ZANNIER IIE DE BENDOR, a newly opened private island retreat off France’s Côte d’Azur, has quickly become one of Europe’s hottest hotel openings. Interestingly, it takes its blueprint from its spectacular sister property, Zannier Bãi San Hô in Vietnam, spanning 98 hectares of coastline, rice fields and forested hills in Dak Lak province.

THE RETREAT KOH CHANG has launched its new “Island Getaway – Stay Longer For More” summer offer for stays of three or more nights, available until 15 October 2026, with rates starting from THB 5,760 (approx AUD250) per night ++ per room, per night for two guests. This is one of Thailand’s most beautiful and unspoiled island destinations.

NESUTO HOTELS and Apartments is offering travellers 25 per cent off winter stays across its Australian and New Zealand portfolio, including Nesuto Docklands in Melbourne, Nesuto Parramatta in Sydney, and Nesuto St Martins in Auckland. Discounted rates start from $185 at Nesuto Docklands (normally $240 per room per night). More details, www.nesuto.com/winterstays.

DAIOS COVE, set on the secluded coastline of eastern Crete, is the sprawling luxury resort home to KEPOS by Goco, a 2,500 sqm wellbeing sanctuary designed for recovery, recalibration and long-term resilience. Guests say it’s just the place to beat burnout.

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TRADE ONLY:

ATIA advises ticket packages for Beyond Borders and NTIA 2026 are now on sale. Packages have been reshaped in line with member feedback and include tickets to the full suite of events: Beyond Borders Travel Summit, NTIA Finalist Celebration, Wellness 5k and the National Travel Industry Awards – including the After Party.

The Travel Industry Club recommends Mitsui Ocean Cruises – Japan’s newest all-inclusive luxury cruise line – offering an authentic and immersive way to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Japan.

Interline Travel has great new deals on Princess Cruises. Best Twin-Share Price Drops This Week: Regent Seven Seas — 10 nights Athens to Istanbul, 12 nights Sydney to Darwin, 7 nights Darwin to Bali. Check out the rates.

BKB Holidays in Perth has announced it will focus exclusively on group travel from 31 August 2026, channelling the business’s full energy into a division that has delivered five consecutive years of growth.

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. 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. Our Facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/top10traveloz/.