travel
New adventures for intrepid explorers
Intrepid Travel has unveiled its Premium Walking and Trekking range, as well as 28 new active trips for 2026. With walking and trekking trips surging in popularity, the 10 new itineraries blend the adventure of traversing some of the world's best hiking trails with elevated stays at night, and exclusive experiences to get more out of a destination.
Ranging from three to nine days, travellers can choose from iconic routes to lesser-known destinations. Trips include traversing Italy's Amalfi Coast while fuelled by local cuisine, hiking on trails along Arizona's expansive Grand Canyon, and wandering the lush valleys and rice terraces of northern Vietnam.
Intrepid has also met the rising demand for multi-activity trips with 148 active offerings featuring hiking, cycling, kayaking, snorkelling and rafting.
Intrepid Travel General Manager Erica Kritikides says the evolution in travel style is exciting.
"This broader societal shift towards health and wellbeing is especially exciting," she says.
"For many travellers, the best way to unwind is by moving. These trips let travellers move, explore and reconnect with nature, while sharing the experiences with a community of like-minded travellers."
Visit travel.raa.com.au or call an RAA Travel agent on 8202 4589 to go on an adventure of a lifetime.
3 top hotels in Tasmania
Top hotels in Tasmania’s capital.
THE HENRY JONES ART HOTEL
A boutique, waterfront haven where no two rooms are the same. Situated in the heart of Hobart, this hotel is like staying in a gallery with about 500 pieces of art adorning the walls.
CROWNE PLAZA HOBART
This stay offers interconnecting rooms and provides plenty of kid-friendly fun. This includes the Very Important Kids (VIK) program offering discounts on top attractions, a kids' activity passport, and a pancake machine for breakfast.
LENNA OF HOBART
This magnificently restored historic mansion, just a stone's throw from the famous Salamanca Market, features rooms decorated with historical maritime artefacts and spectacular views over Hobart.
Book your next holiday with RAA Travel.
Visit travel.raa.com.au for details.
Meet the travel agent
Natasha Kozlowski
RAA Shop Colonnades
Planning a getaway to the Greek Islands? Find out more from a local travel expert about their travels to this historic destination.
Can you tell us a little about why you love the Greek Islands?
The history of Greece is so rich; it's almost incomprehensible how old some of the buildings are.
Cuisine is also such a drawcard and a big part of Greek culture. Specifically, for me yiros – the best I've ever had was on the tiny, picture-perfect island Symi.
Your top tips for people planning their first trip to the Greek Islands?
Getting around can be tricky, so if you're beach hopping, having something arranged to get you from point A to point B is important. An organised tour can be a great solution.
It's also good to know that peak season is incredibly hot and very busy. September is a good time to go and while it's still quite warm. If you go during off-peak, many places will have closed.
What's your most memorable Greek Islands experience?
The smaller islands are the highlight. There's more freedom to relax and unwind.
On a small cruise you have the chance to visit islands like Amorgos, where you can speak with locals, try fresh olive oil and swim in water that's so clear. It feels very authentic.
To find out more about a Greek Island experience, call 8202 4589 or book an appointment with your local RAA travel agent.
Cruises return to Adelaide
Carnival Cruise Line has announced a series of sailings departing from Adelaide in 2028 aboard Carnival Adventure.
Travellers have the chance to arrive in Adelaide from Melbourne or choose one of the three or five-night cruises visiting South Australia's top destinations, including Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln. Carnival will also offer a sailing from Adelaide to Sydney, providing a one-way cruise with the opportunity to catch the Indian Pacific train back – no flights required.
RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman says the news signals a huge opportunity for the SA economy and local travellers.
"One of the world's biggest cruise lines will homeport right here in Adelaide," she says.
"It shows growing confidence in SA as a cruise destination, and it means that locals can start their cruise holiday from their own backyard."
The welcome move may open the door to increased cruise visits to Adelaide waters.
Visit travel.raa.com.au/cruise-adelaide to learn more or call 8202 4589 to talk with an RAA Travel agent.
Recognising top-tier tourism in SA
The Adelaide Botanic Garden won first place for Major Tourist Attraction at the 2025 South Australian Tourism Awards in November last year.
Delivered annually by Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), the Adelaide Botanic Garden won last year's top gong for hosting world-class events such as the Chihuly exhibition, offering world-class dining, and its conservation efforts.
Monarto Safari Park placed second in the Major Tourist Attraction category, in addition to featuring in many other categories, including RAA Travel's People's Choice Award for Tourism Experiences/Services.
The d'Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale entered the Hall of Fame for winning RAA Travel's Tourist Attractions category for the third consecutive year.
Read about the South Australian Tourism Awards winners at ticsa.com.au
Boost for China Tourism
Visiting China is now simpler, with the Asian country extending its visa-free travel policy. Until the end of 2026, Australian citizens can enter for tourism, family visits or business activities for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a visa.
With Swedish citizens added to the visa-free list, the total number of eligible countries has increased to 46 as China continues to rebuild tourism and business connections after several years of travel restrictions.
So, why not discover the sights, tastes and sounds of this bustling country.
IMAGES: Carnival Cruise; Crowne Plaza Hobart; Intrepid Travel/Tommy Neagle, Lenna of Hobart; RAA; The Henry Jones Art Hotel.
