Small-group adventure specialist Explore Worldwide has launched its Big Blue Sale, offering savings of up to 20% on over 2,000 selected 2026 departures worldwide for bookings made between 15 January and 10 February 2026.
The campaign is designed to capitalise on peak start of the year booking momentum, supporting agents during one of the industry’s busiest sales periods while encouraging early commitment across a broad range of destinations and travel styles. With travel available across the full 2026 calendar, the promotion provides flexibility for clients planning both near-term and longer-lead adventures.
“The opening months of the year remain a critical booking period for the trade, particularly for experience-led and small-group travel,” said Ben Ittensohn, Regional Director AUNZ at Explore Worldwide. “The Big Blue Sale gives agents a strong, time-bound offer to take to market, helping secure early bookings on some of our most popular itineraries while maintaining the quality and value that Explore is known for”.
Explore Worldwide continues to see sustained demand from Australian and New Zealand travellers for culturally immersive, responsibly operated small-group tours. Forward bookings indicate strong interest in classic destinations alongside itineraries that combine iconic highlights with active and experiential elements, including walking, cycling, and in-depth cultural journeys.
Explore’s Regional Director AUNZ, Ben Ittensohn says, “After a record-breaking Black Friday Sale, all signs point to 2026 being a big year for small-group adventure travel. Many of our bookings come from solo travellers, so we’re pleased to be able to offer the same discount on single supplements too, meaning some really great discounts to be had!”
The sale supports Explore’s broader strategy of encouraging advance booking to maximise availability across high-demand departures, while also driving growth across shoulder-season and off-peak travel periods.
*Sale excludes exclusive & private groups.
BEST-SELLING TRIPS
Here are just a few Explore favourites to choose from. See the full range of trips, as well as sale terms and conditions, at: https://www.exploreworldwide.com.au/offers/big-blue-sale
*Prices in AUD
Best of Morocco
14 nights | WAS from $2,960 per person – NOW from $2,370 per person
Magnificent mosques, bustling medinas and surreal landscapes, Morocco is a delightfully diverse destination. Travel through the mountainous land of the Berbers to the edge of Africa and the laid-back, fortified town of Essaouira. Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and history, weaving your way through the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Marrakech and beyond, sampling fragrant mint teas, wandering through traditional souks and escaping it all in the desert.
Turkey in Depth
14 nights | WAS from $4,500 per person – NOW from $3,600 per person
From the rugged landscapes of Cappadocia to the energetic buzz of Istanbul, this fast-paced tour ticks off all of Turkey’s must-sees and more. As the bridge between East and West, the country is a fascinating tapestry of cultures. Journey through its rich history, visiting relics from the Ottoman and Greco-Roman Empires. Along the way, get lost in spice-scented bazaars, relax on the turquoise coast, and refuel with local tipples and treats.
Highlights of Albania
10 nights | WAS from $3,280 per person – NOW from $2,620 per person
Uncover Europe’s hidden gem on our tour of Albania. Historic sites, charming Ottoman-era villages and the colourful capital, Tirana, are all waiting to be discovered on our tour that ticks off the highlights. Explore the Adriatic Coast, the White Mountains and the peaceful shores of Lake Ohrid, sipping raki with locals and sampling tasty traditional Albanian fare along the way.
India’s Golden Triangle
7 nights | WAS from $1,390 per person – NOW from $1,180 per person
Journey through the cultural heart of Northern India on this tour that traces India’s famous Golden Triangle. Explore the delights of Delhi where old and new meet before witnessing the sun rise over the Taj Mahal and finally uncovering the picturesque pink glow of Jaipur. Along the way, sleep like a Maharajah in heritage accommodation and feast on Indian delicacies.
Upgraded – Discover Sri Lanka
12 nights | WAS from $5,790 per person – NOW from $4,640 per person
Discover the natural beauty, fascinating culture and friendly welcome of Sri Lanka – the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. Staying in premium hotels we travel to some of this spiritual island’s greatest sights: from the Lion Rock of Sigirya, to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the idyllic palm-fringed beaches.
Tuscany Walking and Wine
7 nights | WAS from $4,460 per person – NOW from $3,570 per person
Soak up the splendour of southern Tuscany as you traverse iconic landscapes and taste renowned Tuscan wines. This one-week tour takes in rolling hills, cypress trees and medieval hill-top towns, as you ramble through the vineyards of Chianti, sample organic wines at family vineyards and wander along ancient pilgrimage trails, as well as exploring the captivating cities of Siena and Florence
