Intrepid Travel vs Exodus Travels - Tour Companies Compared
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Tour Company |
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| Rating Breakdown |
Overall — 4.5
Value — 4.6
Guide — 4.6
Activities — 4.6
Lodging — 4.6
Transportation — 4.6
Meals — 4.6
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Overall — 5
Value — 4.7
Guide — 4.7
Activities — 4.7
Lodging — 4.7
Transportation — 4.7
Meals — 4.7
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| Recent Reviews |
A magical trip! One of my best ever!0.0 March 2019KS
Kim S. Recommends
This trip far exceeded my expectations on every level. The underwater wildlife encounters were superior to any other snorkeling I've done. There's an abundance of things to see and coupled with the chance to scuba dive and excellent water conditions - it's a top notch destination. The boat was very comfortable, the crew was excellent and took care of every need, and the food was awesome. Ranks as one of my all-time favorites!
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The most stunning trip of my life0.0 October 2018A
Anonymous Recommends
Its been a long held dream of mine to go to the Antarctic and the trip I
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booked via Exodus far exceeded my expectations. Amazing scenery, captivating and exciting wildlife, a plethora of facts, figures and general education from the on board experts and I can claim a world first to boot from my holiday to the Antarctic and below the polar circle. The landscapes and wildlife. The scenery is breathtaking, from the continent itself to the many islands and icebergs floating away from the land mass and glaciers. I have never seen anywhere quite so remote and in many ways barren, yet at the same time rich in life and activity. And you will never get over the amazing shapes of the ice along with the vivid blues you see in the glaciers and icebergs. Quite sensational. The penguins are of course the stars, but the frequency of whale sightings and fluking along with seals and many type of birds including the mighty albatross just make the experience even more rewarding. The tour leader is in effect an Expedition Leader fronting a large team of professional from a range of countries. Ours was wonderful. An enormous personality and with the best sense of humour coupled with safety and huge amounts of professional integrity. The people in the expedition team were sensational. They come from a mix of backgrounds, however all have skills in subjects ranging from glaciology to water sports instructor, polar researcher to the armed forces, historian to nature and much more. Not only do you get the chance to attend lectures and learn from them on a really diverse range of topics, but they also accompany the trips off the ship and interact with you during meals and drinks as well as on time when you are cruising. They have both professionally and also personally empowering stories to tell and they really enhanced my trip in a way I did not think possible. If you want to do any of the activities then book them up as soon as you make your reservation. Spaces are limited and I was unable to camp on the ice or take part in kayaking. Don't worry about being cold. Its not actually as cold as you imagine and the ship is fantastically warm and homely. The jacket and boots they supply you with are excellent. Concentrate on buying good quality thermals in layers along wit6h waterproof trousers and gloves and a warm fleece or wool hat. Edit your photos as you go along and always be ready to shoot stuff. The onboard team will help you with this as they have photographers ready to help with your trip. I was in the first group of paddleboarders believed to have ever paddleboarded south of the Antractic Circle. Not only had I never done it before, but we got to claim a world first. Finally don't delay going any longer. It may not be a cheap trip, however it is so amazing and experience that you will not regret the time and expense in going. Tour Exodus Company ReviewsAntarctic Circle Quest0.0 October 2018A
Anonymous Recommends
An awe-inspiring experience which exceeded all our expectations. The scenery
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is truly stunning, as were the encounters with wildlife. Life aboard the Academik Ioffe was very comfortable, the food was good and experts were on hand to help us with all aspects of the trip. After the first spectacular day of expeditions, we wondered how the rest of the trip could even begin to match the early promise, but each day brought new experiences and excitements. It is difficult to pick out a single experience. Cruising in zodiacs amongst icebergs and below glacial cliffs, watching penguins porpoising in the sea or making their way up and down snow slopes or across rocky terrain to the rookeries, observing penguin behaviour in those rookeries, experiencing humpback whales surfacing next to our zodiacs, whale/bird/seal/penguin/dolphin-spotting from the deck of the ship, descending directly onto fast ice from the ship after an impressive parallel parking manoeuvre, watching the sun setting (just) across the ice-filled bays...... David McGonigal was an excellent leader. He was very experienced, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and affable, and amended the programme to make sure that we got the very best experience each day depending on the ice and weather conditions. In addition there were several other experts on board, all of whom shared their knowledge of the environment, fauna and history generously and enthusiastically. We had good weather most of the time, with temperatures around freezing, but it can get very cold on the outer decks of the ship, especially if you can't drag yourself away from viewing the wildlife and spectacular scenery, and when sitting still on the zodiac excursions for two or three hours at a time. We took heat pads for hands and feet, but didn't need to use them. Sunglasses/goggles and sunscreen are essential. We were provided with good quality binoculars and outer weatherproof garments and boots. Closed toe shoes must be worn in all public areas of the boat; a pair of clogs or similar would have been useful. It was an expensive trip, but was a fantastic experience, Tour Exodus Company Reviews |
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| Tours | 1,014 Trips | 549 Trips |
| Average Trip Price Per Day | $ 313 | $ 328 |
| Operator Type | Mixed Land & Cruise | Group Tour Operator |
| Size | Global Operator | Global Operator |
| Trip Styles |
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| Service Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Known For |
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| Headquarters | Melbourne, Australia | London, United Kingdom; United States |
| Year Established | 1989 | 1974 |
| Solo Friendly | No single supplement | N/A |
| Tour Languages | English | English |
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Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts
Founded in 1989
No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)
Small Groups: max 16 on most trips (10 max during Covid-19)
Average Age: 48
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland, sustainable, and active
Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels, locally owned
Average Tour Price: $2,377
Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America
Other Brands: Peregrine
Commonly compared with G Adventures »
Intrepid Travel is all about ‘real life experiences.’ With a name meaning fearless and adventurous, Intrepid offers nothing less than big travel adventures -- such as an 11-day hike through Papua New Guinea. However, Intrepid is broad-based enough to offer varied experiences such as food tours in Greece, complete with a visit to a Kalamata olive grove.
What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?
- Responsible travel
- Industry experts
- Authentic experiences
- Small groups
Intrepid believes that with great travel experiences comes great responsibility. They are focused on responsible tourism which includes not only treading lightly but also making a positive impact on the destinations they send travelers to. As a Certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid donates to grass root projects around the world, are a carbon-neutral business and are committed to animal welfare.
Travelers can rest assured when they travel with Intrepid because they will be in the hands of industry experts. Intrepid partners with local leaders to be guides for travelers. This gives travelers first hand experiences from someone who knows the area well.
Above all else, Intrepid strives to get its travelers off the beaten path and under the surface of the local culture. To accomplish this, group sizes are small, maximum of 16 on most trips. This allows for more use of local transportation and lodging, along with fostering cultural immersion. Intrepid also employs local English-speaking leaders who act more as a resource for local exploration than do typical ‘guides,’ shepherding groups from one place to another.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Intrepid Travel?
- All ages
- All types of travelers
- Cultural enthusiasts
Intrepid is one of the early pioneers of the “adventure”-style guided trip. Despite its informal beginnings and emphasis on younger, highly adventurous travelers, Intrepid has expanded to a global company with a broad range of trips to fit all ages.
Intrepid divides its small-group trips into three separate styles of travel, all priced accordingly. “Basix,” for budget travelers, keep inclusions to a minimum and offer plenty of free time. “Original” journeys offer more included activities and hotels, while “Comfort” trips offer luxury experiences that include the highest level of included activities and standards of accommodation, as well as roomier vehicles. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a style right for your specific desires.
The age range on Intrepid tours varies widely from tour to tour, and they are welcoming to all ages. The only exception to this are their 18-29 themed tours which are specifically for that age group.
Intrepid travelers have a real sense of adventure - whether this means hard adventure, or simply going deeper off the beaten path. Interacting with locals is an important factor when you travel, as is gaining a unique cultural perspective. A sense of fun is also essential, whether it means going out at night with your tour mates, trying new foods, or exploring the local markets.
Which is better? Intrepid Travel or G Adventures?
Commonly compared, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in culturally immersive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy local & authetic travel and value having lots of free time during the itinerary. See our ultimate guide to decide which is right for you: Intrepid vs G Adventures, full comparison »
Top Destinations
Originally focused on small group adventure tours to Asia, Intrepid has expanded rapidly over the years, while maintaining its classic, adventurous, and immersive style. Today Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 different experiences in over 100 countries, on all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe.
Does Intrepid Travel include flights?
While all your internal transportation is taken care of, often utilizing traditiona local methods such as tuk-tuks in Thailand, international flights to and from your home and the tour destination are not included. Their travel specialists can recommend where to look for flights however.
Intrepid Travel Style
Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt or in a tuk-tuk on the best Thailand tour of your life.
Accommodations, which could range from guesthouses to home stays, are also locally owned, allowing a more authentic taste of the region while contributing to the local economy.
There are a few broad travel styles to choose from when deciding on an Intrepid tour:
1. Basix - Budget travelers who don’t mind, and in fact prefer, simple accommodations - camping and homestays with basic amenities, and crave a lot of free time for exploring independently will love these tours. Public transportation is used exclusively so pack light! These trips often attract a younger crowd who love the idea of throwing a backpack on, keep plenty of room for the unexpected in their schedule, and allocate their travel funds towards spontaneous bus tickets and street food instead of museum tours and 5 star restaurants.
2. Original - These trips take the backpacker spirit of local immersion, incorporating all the benefits that come with going with a planned itinerary. This style is called “Original” because it’s the type of travel that put Intrepid on the map...pun intended. Accommodations are still simple and budget minded - often homestays are used to give you a true sense of place, personality, and culture. Mostly public transportation is used.
3. Comfort - Intrepid is known for the active adventure style of travel and these trips keep that mentality, with a few more creature comforts thrown into the mix. You can expect higher luxury accommodations that include a wider variety of included amenities, transportation is mostly private, though you can still expect to use some public transport, as is the Intrepid way. More meals are included in the trip price, and more group activities - which means a bit less free time to explore on your own.
Why Choose a Tour With Intrepid Travel?
Intrepid is a good tour company if you don’t mind foregoing some creature comforts for a truly authentic, local experience. If you enjoy meeting locals when traveling, sampling new and exciting foods, and traveling in mixed-aged groups of 10-16 people, Intrepid could be a good fit for you.
It’s important to note, sometimes “ample free time” can be a blessing and a curse. It sounds great on paper, but if you’re looking to maximize your dollar and your vacation time, be sure you understand the implications of having a lot of free time during your itinerary.
For some travelers this is an absolute requirement, but for others it can be tough to branch off and explore independently - you also need to make sure you allocate enough travel money for independent meals.
The tour leaders are great resources of information for how to spend your free time, but if you like having a full day scheduled from breakfast to dinner, Intrepid may not be the best company for you.
Lastly, if sustainable and responsible travel is important to you, Intrepid has poured millions of dollars into local economies, and has a very strong emphasis on responsible travel. So you can feel good knowing that your money helps support some of the innkeepers, vendors, and communities that you’ll meet along the way.
Is Intrepid Travel Safe?
Yes, Intrepid is a very safe company to travel with and they take the safety of their tour goers very seriously.
In response to Covid-19, Intrepid has reduced their group size to an average of 10 people. Their guides have been fully trained on new sanitation requirements and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.
They have also implemented flexible booking options.
General Covid-19 Travel News
Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors, with entry restrictions, while others have remained closed.
Keep checking back regularly to keep up to date with the frequently changing situation of the coronavirus.
Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus? Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020 >>
With over 47 years of experience with small group adventure travel, Exodus specializes in active cultural, walking & trekking, cycling and responsible wildlife tours. They offer more than 600 itineraries across more than 100 countries.
Adventure can take the form of serious and active adventures -- which may involve adrenaline-producing, off-the-beaten-path roughing-it trips to the most remote areas of the world -- or food and wine, premium (five-star), family, or cultural adventures to iconic destinations, which involve more comforts and amenities.
What Makes Exodus Stand Out?
- Booking flexibility
- Award Winning
- Tailor made adventures
- Responsible tourism
- Expert guides with extensive past experience
Exodus understands that new difficulty that comes with traveling during the coronavirus. They are dedicated to offering flexible services so travelers can book with confidence. Travelers can feel safe when planning their next trip with Exodus’s promised refund guarantee, Covid-19 refund commitment and 21-day no fee flexibility.
The refund guarantee means that travelers will be refunded if they have to cancel for any reason. This also includes cancellations due to the coronavirus. Travelers can also transfer their trip for free up to 21 days before departure.
Creating great and adventurous trips is the top priority for Exodus. They offer many pre-planned tours, but they also work with travelers to add or change existing itineraries or even create one from scratch. This allows travelers to create the perfect trip that fits their travel style, schedule and budget.
Exodus is also dedicated to responsible travel in all of their tours. They strive to improve life for the planet, places and people they visit. Instead of meeting the base guidelines for eco-friendly travel, Exodus seeks more ways to leave a positive impact with their trips. This includes economic empowerment for local communities, reducing waste wherever possible and making lower carbon choices for their adventures.
Each trip is led by a knowledgeable guide who has extensive past experience which adds benefits to any trip. Before working with Exodus, many guides were professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists as well as mountain bike gurus.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Exodus?
- All ages
- Active travelers
- Outdoor and nature enthusiasts
Exodus travelers are a diverse bunch, and average between 35-65 years of age. However, any age traveler is welcome. Exodus creates great packages and tours for families as well as fully customized trips created from scratch.
The Exodus traveler is very active, loves being adventurous, and will be less invested in luxury accommodations or a lot of museum time. You are game for anything, love the travel experience of getting to know a new destination through outdoor adventure, and learning about the culture from local guides and experts.
These trips are great for those who already have a base level of physical fitness, and enjoy meeting new physical challenges. Exodus provides physical fitness guides to show how much training you should expect to do prior to departure.
Top Destinations
Exodus leads 600 + trips spanning all seven continents. From African safaris, to walking and wine in Italy and France to the sun-drenched Croatian coast, to trekking Patagonia, wildlife cruises in the Galapagos and cycling in Vietnam, Exodus has built out their global presence and has active adventures in nearly any destination a traveler could desire.
Exodus Travel Style
Exodus tours are designed for the active and adventurous traveler. This means that most tours include activities such as walking, cycling and safaris. However, for travelers who enjoy cultural and culinary, there are tours and activities for you as well. Exodus offers cultural trips based around food, festivals or family to name a few.
These active adventures vary by way of difficulty from level 1-10, attracting casual cyclists and hikers as well as enthusiasts looking to really push their physical limits.
Travelers can choose from guided groups, private groups, self guided tours or solo traveling. Within each travel style, Exodus offers all the same activities from cycling to wildlife and provides the top itineraries for that specific style to help travelers find what’s best for them.
Most accommodations are charming and locally run with 2-3 star ratings. There are some premium departures available as well as unique accommodation experiences whenever possible. Exodus travelers don’t mind the lower level of luxury as the experience and destination is the highest priority.
Why Choose a Tour With Exodus?
If you love experiencing a new destination whether that’s through the culture, unique wildlife or beautiful outdoors through active and adventurous activities, then Exodus is perfect for you. You love that sense of discovery, of challenging yourself and want to travel responsibly.
Exodus offers great tours already fully packaged, but for the traveler that likes more control over their perfect trip, they offer customizable trips. Travelers get to choose not only the destination but each activity they will partake in to perfectly match their travel style and budget.
