Intrepid Travel
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The new flexible way to travel given today’s reality. Buy now to save 20-32% and access thousands of trips from top tour operators. Redeem or cancel for a refund anytime. This brand’s trips are part of FlexiPass - save now and get extra flexibility! Redeem or cancel for a refund by 2023. Bonus offer ends soon so buy now!
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- Save up to $600
- 2000+ trips
- Cancel anytime
The new flexible way to travel given today’s reality. Buy now to save 20-32% and access thousands of trips from top tour operators. Redeem or cancel for a refund anytime. This brand’s trips are part of FlexiPass - save now and get extra flexibility! Redeem or cancel for a refund by 2023. Bonus offer ends soon so buy now!
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Intrepid Travel
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Overview
Age Range: 18 - 45
Average Tour Price: $2,377
Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels
Group Size: Small groups - max 16 on most trips. To increase travelers safety during Covid-19, Intrepid has decreased their group size to an average of 10 people
Travel Style: Cultural immersion, active adventure, overland
Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings
My last trip with them was to Myanmar in 2019 and I now have a very close friendship with a few of the Tour Guides and had a trip to Hanoi with the Myanmar guide for 5 days.
I was due to travel to Thailand with them in March this year but I have postponed the trip to Feb 2022. I am looking forward to travelling again and looking forward to using this company again.
I can totally understand some of the reviews that have critcised Intrepid for their refund policy but the Tourist Industry has been hit really badly by this global pandemic but hopefully with the Vaccine etc we are starting to see light at the end of a very long dark tunnel
My Trip was the southern loop from the 24/10/2020 to the 31/10/2020
- my dad and I applied for this trip and I especially was so very excited
- our Tour guide was Sy, whom was exceptionally professional, multy talented having being the tour guide and driver both of which he did exceptionally well
- my Dad and I feel very privilidged having Sy as our tour guide since everything he said was necassary; we learnt so much
- favorite places Milford sounds, Te anau, Catlins organized accommadation lovely, centrally placed and clean practical, included activities nice/satisfactory
What stood out for my dad and I was Sy our tour guide whom is seasoned experienced, one feels secure and gaurenteed for a good time knowing that Sy is their tour guide, Thank you kindly, Sy
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Editorial review of Intrepid Travel
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 >>
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About the company
From Intrepid TravelThe Intrepid Travel Experience
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.
Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.
Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.
Why Intrepid?
- Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
- Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
- Local leaders - authentic perspectives
- Local transport - get close and personal
- Local accommodation - experience real living
- Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions
History
Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.
Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.
Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.
Values
On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:
- Integrity – Doing the right thing
- Responsible – Think global, act local
- Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
- Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
- Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
- Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer
Trips & Specials See all 1,950 trips
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Top Intrepid Travel Trip Categories
Intrepid Travel Company Ranking by Category
Similar Companies
Awards
Associations
United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).
FAQ
Are flights included?
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Yes. Most tour companies require you to have travel insurance, which covers medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. There are many options for travel insurance, and Intrepid recommends Travel Guard, which you can purchase through them during the booking process.
What is the Average Group Size?
What is the age range?
Is there a Single Supplement for Solo Travelers?
Are kids welcome?
What kind of luggage should I bring?
Does Intrepid have a loyalty program?
Yes! Once you take one trip with Intrepid, you become a member of their Intrepid Insiders – customers who receive advanced access to sales and exclusive offers.
What specific COVID safety measures are your company implementing on all trips at the moment?
Full details https://www.intrepidtravel.com/ca/covid19
1. Vaccinated travellers must produce proof of vaccination.
Customers who’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must produce a digital or physical vaccination record as part of the mandatory pre-trip health screening.
2. Travellers who cannot produce a COVID-19 vaccination record or those who have only been partially vaccinated must produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
Customers who haven’t been vaccinated or have had one part of a two-dose vaccine, are required to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test, conducted no more than 72 hours before day one of the trip. This must be produced as part of the mandatory pre-trip health screening. In addition, people who have recently had COVID-19, will often return a positive result for a period of time after they recover. If a customer has previously tested positive to COVID-19 and followed their local government health advice on isolation, they may travel with the following documents:
A verified positive COVID-19 test result
A signed letter on official letterhead from their healthcare provider or health officials stating they have recovered, are no longer infectious and are cleared to travel.
These documents together are referred to as ‘proof of recovery’.
3. Travellers aged 70 years+ and those with pre-existing health conditions that are considered high risk must be vaccinated
These customers are required to produce proof of COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before they travel with Intrepid. This vaccination record must be supplied to the group leader as part of the health screening at the pre-trip group meeting.
Please note: Additional COVID-19 testing or screening may also apply to some trips, depending on the destination and mode of travel, and customers can be confident the same requirements apply to ALL Intrepid leaders and crew.
The key areas of focus in our new minimum standards are hygiene (hand & respiratory), masks, sanitation, contactless/no touch practices, physical distancing, and health screening/tracking.
HYGIENE
We have put in place additional measures, in line with government health advice and with global health authorities, to ensure that we maintain the highest standards of hygiene on all our trips. Throughout the trip there will be regular opportunities for handwashing and wherever possible hand sanitiser will be provided at accommodation, restaurants and on transport. All leaders & staff have completed training in our COVID-19 Safe guidelines which includes modules on hand and respiratory hygiene.
MASKS
Masks must be worn by all travellers at the group meeting prior to health screening and throughout the trip whenever recommended or required by local health authorities. You will need to bring your own supply of masks from home. It is up to you whether you wear medical/surgical or fabric masks on your trip. Make sure you have familiarised yourself with how to safely wear, handle, wash or dispose of masks when wearing them while travelling.
SANITATION
We require all suppliers that we work with to detail their cleaning and sanitation protocols to ensure that these meet our minimum standards. Rooms will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between guests and all high touch public areas regularly sanitised. All private transport used will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Restaurants used for group meals will also be audited for sanitation practices and shared meals (ie. buffets or banquet style) will be avoided.
CONTACTLESS/LOW TOUCH
We are proactively moving towards contactless and low touch solutions for travel. This includes digital solutions for signing forms or providing traveller details in place of paperwork and using online ticketing and payments.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Due to the screening measures and additional safety protocols in place, once on the trip, you, your leader, and your group members will form your own circle of close contacts for the duration of the trip. We will continue to observe physical distancing as a practice wherever possible, including spacing in private vehicles when practical, and when required or recommended in public situations by local authorities. For public transport we will assess whether local requirements and hygiene practices meet our COVID-19 Safe Guidelines and make changes to private transport if necessary.
Our trips are run on a twin-share basis, which means if you are travelling by yourself you will be roomed with another single traveller. For those travellers who wish to have their own room, Single Supplements are available to purchase. We are working with our suppliers to audit where we are had planned to stay in multi-share accommodation for some nights to provide alternatives when needed.
HEALTH SCREENING & TRACKING
Each destination will have their own health screening requirements for entry. It’s important that you check these on your governments foreign travel advice website as these may include completing a form prior to travel or requiring evidence of recent COVID-19 test results.
At the group meeting you will be asked to complete a self-screening health form and report any COVID-19 symptoms as well as any close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19. You may also have your temperature taken at this time by the leader, particularly if this was not a requirement of entry on arrival in the destination.
If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, we will assist you to seek medical advice and will follow all directions from local health authorities regarding COVID-19 testing or quarantine. You may not be permitted to join the trip if local advice is that you need to self-isolate. We ask that all travellers continue to monitor their health throughout their travels and report any relevant symptoms or concerns.
Current company-wide policies regarding the flexibility of cancellation/re-scheduling trips with your brand.
Flexible bookings provide peace of mind.
We understand that sometimes plans change. That’s why, when you book with us you have the flexibility to change your travel plans – with assurance that you’ll have options to re-book when it suits you. As long as you notify us about changes to your travel plans at least 21 days before your scheduled departure, you can pick new travel dates or an entirely different trip, with no change fees*.
Why book with us
Flexible payment
Lock in your trip with a deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees. Just make sure you've paid in full by 21 days before your trip is scheduled to depart*.
Flexible deposit
If you cancel your trip* up to 21 days before departure, you can transfer your deposit to another available trip or hold your deposit on file indefinitely.
No change fees
Let us know about your change in plans 21 days before your departure and there’ll be no fees* to change trips.
Pay securely
Book online using our secure payment system, authenticated by DigiCert.
External accreditation
We are an accredited member of ATOL, AFTA, ABTA, TICO, USTOA and the US Travel Association, so your booking is protected by their conditions of membership.
Reserve your place
You can place your trip on hold for up to five days, without paying a deposit.
*some exclusions may apply to Polar, Marine and Australia trips.
Intrepid'
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