intrepid travel refund policy

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Intrepid Travel denies customer refunds after backdating a new company policy

Company offers angry customers credit vouchers instead, citing ‘unprecedented’ impact of Covid-19

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Intrepid Travel, a major tour operator, reneged on a promise to provide refunds for trips cancelled due to Covid-19 by changing its refund policy and applying it retrospectively.

Intrepid is at least the second major player in the sector to abruptly alter its refund policy and apply it to past bookings, as the industry battles to survive the coronavirus crisis.

Travel restrictions have forced many companies, including Intrepid, an adventure tour operator, to cancel trips en masse.

The situation prompted advice from the competition and consumer watchdog that tour operators are not allowed to change terms and conditions in a way that denies customers a refund, if they were entitled to one at the time of booking.

When it first began cancelling trips, Intrepid told some customers they were entitled to a refund, minus any costs the company was unable to recover.

That was in line with the refund policy in place , which said: “If we cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs.”

Intrepid has since told customers its refund policy has changed.

Now, effective 14 March, customers are being told they are not entitled to a refund, but will be given a credit voucher of 110%, which can be used for future travel with the company for trips departing before 30 April 2022.

On its website, the company said the “altered conditions will take precedence” over its previous refund policy.

The “unprecedented impact of Covid-19” had forced it to “adapt” its booking conditions and cancellation policy, it said.

“We’ve tried to communicate any changes to terms as quickly as we can and to be as transparent as possible with customers,” the company said. “Intrepid is committed to doing our best by all the people around the world that rely on our business and providing travel credits helps us to do that.”

Its actions closely mirror those of another tour operator, Topdeck , which has also altered its refund policy and applied it retrospectively.

The actions of both companies have infuriated their customers, prompting complaints to the consumer watchdog and state authorities.

Guardian Australia has been contacted by a number of Intrepid customers angry at their treatment.

Declan Gallagher, who had his $6,000 tour of India cancelled, said Intrepid had initially offered him a 75% refund. The tour had been booked through Flight Centre, which wants to charge its own $300 cancellation fee to process the refund.

“We agreed but then this offer was rescinded within 24 hours and we were advised by Flight Centre that Intrepid had ‘changed their policy’ to only offer 110% in travel credit,” he said. “This is of no use to us when we have no jobs and desperately require the funds to live.”

Intrepid’s emails to Gallagher show it would not budge on its position, despite Gallagher raising financial hardship as an issue.

Intrepid told Gallagher that, if he still disputed the matter, he should wait several months before contacting the company again.

“This is our offer given the current environment,” Intrepid told him. “Should you wish for this to be reviewed further, we ask for you to contact us after the 31st of July, 2020.”

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued specific guidance for customers of the travel sector about Covid-19, saying: “If you had a right to a refund under these terms and conditions at the time you purchased your ticket, businesses are not permitted to change the terms at a later time to deny you a refund.”

The ACCC also says affected customers should be given a remedy for cancellations, which could be in the form of “a credit note or voucher”. Other tour operators, such as Contiki, have changed their terms and conditions to give customers vouchers, but have not applied the new policies retrospectively.

Documents also show another Intrepid customer, on an Intrepid tour at the time travel restrictions were imposed, was guaranteed a refund when her trip through Israel was rendered impossible.

A letter from Intrepid said “we will be refunding in full the unused portion of your tour with us”.

The customer did not receive a refund but says that others on her tour did. Two weeks later, she was advised that the terms had changed and she was entitled to a credit.

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“I have repeatedly called and emailed them requesting, then demanding, my refund,” she told the Guardian. “It is disgusting that during this time when our income is significantly reduced and may stop at any time, we are hanging on by our fingertips, that they refuse to release my money.”

In a statement to the Guardian, Intrepid said it was doing everything it could to help more than 30,000 customers affected by the crisis.

Intrepid said it was not denying refunds, but rather applying a travel credit policy and speaking with individual customers to resolve any concerns.

“This has been a completely unprecedented situation for the travel industry globally, and like other travel companies we have had to update our booking conditions and cancellation policy to adapt to the constantly evolving nature of this … pandemic,” the spokeswoman said.

The spokeswoman said the company was working closely with the ACCC to ensure customers were treated fairly. She said the situation was highly complex, because the various suppliers Intrepid used for its tours all had different cancellation fees and booking conditions.

Most customers were happy with the credit note of 110%, she said, but Intrepid recognised that individual circumstances varied. The company was working through individual cases with customers, the spokeswoman said.

“We appreciate their patience as we try to work through individual situations as quickly as possible,” she said.

The tour operator peak body, the Council of Australian Tour Operators, held crisis talks last month and tried to map a path out of crisis. It has lodged a formal submission to the ACCC saying credit vouchers should be viewed as an acceptable means of compensating for cancelled travel.

“Cato believes that it is in the best interest of consumers that future travel credits are issued instead of cash refunds,” the organisation said on its website. “This will ensure maximum returns for each client, and help to preserve cash flows through each part of the travel supply chain.”

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Need to Change Your Travel Plans Due to Coronavirus? These Are Your Options

The global covid-19 pandemic has canceled many travelers’ upcoming trips. in light of the crisis, numerous airlines, hotels, and tour providers have rolled out more lenient change and cancellation policies—with some now extending those policies into the fall and beyond..

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Travelers the world over are working to cancel or rebook upcoming trips due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Photo by Sanga Park/Shutterstock

This is a developing story. For up-to-date information on traveling during the coronavirus outbreak, visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

For travelers who are having to cancel upcoming trips due to the global coronavirus pandemic (and given the unprecedented scope of this international health crisis, we know there are a lot of you), airlines, hotels, and tour operators are offering cancellation and rebooking options that are (rightfully) more generous than what you would expect during non-pandemic times.

Numerous travel companies have considerably relaxed their change and cancellation policies through the summer and into the fall. Many appear to be keen on doing right by travelers who were unknowingly affected by this situation before anyone fully understood its scope and scale, even as they suffer some pretty unfathomable financial losses themselves.

However, if it’s a full refund you’re hoping for, unless the airline, tour operator, or cruise line canceled your trip (and even then it’s not a guarantee), you’re not necessarily going to get one. The U.S. Department of Transportation did recently remind U.S. airlines that they remain obligated to provide refunds to passengers for flights that were canceled by the airlines.

Travelers with existing reservations for trips that are due to take place several months from now may be in limbo for a little while longer as some travel companies wait to decide on what to do about change and cancellation options further out. While those travelers are likely anxious to make a decision one way or another, to just go ahead and cancel or reschedule, there could be some benefits in waiting a bit to see whether some of these policies do in fact end up getting extended (again).

As for what’s on the table right now, here is a roundup of coronavirus-related change and cancellation policies.

Will airlines refund tickets due to coronavirus?

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, airlines have had to cancel thousands of flights due to travel restrictions that have been put in place by various governments (including by the United States ) and due to a drastic drop in demand as large swaths of the population are sheltering in place and practicing social distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Given the avalanche of cancellations, airlines have been steering customers toward the option of obtaining a future flight credit—versus a refund—if their flight has been canceled because of the COVID-19 outbreak. But in early April, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a notice to U.S. and foreign airlines reminding them that they remain obligated to provide “a prompt refund to passengers for flights to, within, or from the United States when the carrier cancels the passenger’s scheduled flight or makes a significant schedule change and the passenger chooses not to accept the alternative offered by the carrier.” (Lawmakers in Europe followed suit days later , with Europen Union Transport Commissioner Adina Valean rejecting calls from airlines to relax refund rules.)

The DOT stated that it had been receiving a growing number of complaints and inquiries from ticketed passengers who said they have been denied refunds for flights that were canceled or significantly delayed.

For flights that passengers choose to cancel, the airlines are offering future flight credits, allowing travelers to cancel their ticket and basically set aside that money to be used on a flight at a later date—and thankfully, you don’t have to book that flight now (which is good because it’s impossible to know how this pandemic is going to play out). American and Delta are currently offering that flexibility for flights that were scheduled to depart all the way through the end of September, and United’s flight change waiver now extends to the end of the year.

American Airlines: Any flights booked on American up until May 31, 2020, for travel through September 30, 2020, can be rebooked without change fees for travel that takes place by December 31, 2021; flights booked between March and May 31, 2020, for all future travel can also be canceled and changed without a change fee (while the fees will be waived, you will be charged a fare difference).

The airline is encouraging those who don’t plan to travel anytime soon to simply cancel their flight online and then rebook at a later date. When you’re ready to rebook, call the reservations department and be prepared to give them your 13-digit ticket number and 6-character confirmation number.

If a flight was canceled by American Airlines (either due to travel restrictions or capacity reductions), American said it will send affected passengers an email, and they can either rebook the trip or request a refund for the remaining ticket value and any optional fees.

United Airlines: For a flight booked with United between March 3 and April 30, 2020, you can change it for free—one time—for travel that takes place within the next year. Any flights booked prior to March 3 (regardless of whether they are domestic or international) with original travel dates through May 31, 2020, can be canceled and rebooked for a flight that takes place within 24 months with no change fees. Flights booked prior to March 3 with original travel between June 1 and December 31, 2020, can be canceled and rebooked within 24 months with no change fees but the change or cancellation must be done by April 30, 2020 .

With regards to requests for refunds for canceled flights, United now has an online form that customers can fill out to see if they qualify for a refund. The airline said it could take up to 21 business days to process each request.

Delta Air Lines: Any Delta ticket for domestic or international travel through the end of September can be canceled and rebooked without a fee for travel that takes place up until September 30, 2022. Flights purchased between March 1 and May 31, 2020, can be changed without a fee for travel up to a year from the date of purchase. For flights canceled by Delta, the airline said that passengers will either be issued a future flight credit for the value of the ticket or they can  request a refund .

JetBlue: Customers who were due to travel with JetBlue through January 4, 2021, on any flight that is booked by May 31, 2020, can cancel and bank the funds to use for travel up to 24 months from the date the flight credit was issued.

Southwest Airlines: Southwest’s standard refund policies hold, with a few coronavirus-related adjustments. The carrier has tier fares that include refunds (Business Select and Anytime) and a tier fare (Wanna Get Away) that doesn’t include refunds. Those remain the same. But regardless of the type of ticket purchased, it can be canceled sans fee for a future travel credit for up to a year from the original date of purchase. However, if you had travel funds that were set to expire between March 1 and June 30, 2020, those will now expire on June 30, 2021; travel credits from flights canceled for travel that was originally scheduled to take place between March 1 and June 30, 2020, will expire on June 30, 2021.

Alaska Airlines: Alaska flights purchased on or before February 26, 2020, for travel that was originally scheduled to take place March 9 through December 31, 2020, can be canceled, the money set aside in an Alaska account, and the flight rescheduled for anytime up to one year from the original travel date. Any tickets purchased between February 27 and May 31, 2020, for travel anytime through April 30, 2021, can also be changed with no fee for travel up to one year from the original travel date.

British Airways: The U.K. carrier is allowing customers who have booked or who book new flights between March 3 and May 31, 2020, to change those flights for free—and any existing bookings for departures through May 31, 2020, can be changed without a fee as well. Those who would prefer a refund have been asked to call the airline.

Air France: The French airline is offering a travel voucher for flights that were scheduled to depart through July 2, 2020, which will be valid for one year on any Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic flights.

How are Expedia, Priceline, and other online agencies handling coronavirus refunds?

Online travel agencies such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Priceline serve as “middlemen” between travelers and travel suppliers. They have different working relationships with all the suppliers on their sites, which can complicate things a bit.

For instance, Expedia , Orbitz, and Travelocity can help change or cancel reservations for some of the air carriers they sell tickets for, but not all of them. For the ones with which they lack that ability, customers will have to work directly with the airline. But the bottom line is: The airline’s policy will be the policy that customers of Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity will have to work with.

Priceline advises its customers that “if your airline does not allow you to cancel or change your flight, we are not able to help you at this time.” The travel booking site offers a very comprehensive contact list, including websites and phone numbers, for all its partner airlines.

On the hotels front, Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz are allowing customers to cancel with no penalty all hotel stays through May 31, 2020, that were booked prior to March 19, 2020. For hotel stays after May 31, 2020, Expedia advises customers to check back with the site closer to the departure date.

Coronavirus refunds for hotels and vacation rentals

Hotels have always been pretty flexible when it comes to changing and canceling reservations, but in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, they are being even more so.

Marriott International: Marriott is allowing all guests at all of its more than 7,300 properties around the world with existing reservations, for any upcoming stay regardless of the date and regardless of whether the original rate had some restrictions, to change or cancel without a charge up to 24 hours prior to arrival—here’s the key thing to note— as long as the change or cancellation is made by June 30, 2020 . For those who make new reservations now through June 30, 2020, they will be allowed to change or cancel at no charge up to 24 hours before arrival, regardless of the date of stay.

Hilton: For guests who have booked stays that were scheduled to begin on or before June 30, 2020, at any of Hilton’s more than 6,100 global properties, the change fee is being waived and the company is offering full refunds for all cancellations (including on reservations described as “non-cancellable”) up to 24 hours before arrival. New reservations booked between now and June 30, 2020, for any future arrival date, can be changed or canceled at no charge up to 24 hours before arrival.

Accor: The 5,000-hotel Accor hasn’t offered much detail on its coronavirus-related change and cancellation policies other than to say that it has advised all of its hotels to adopt flexible change and cancellation conditions for travelers with new or existing bookings through April 30, 2020.

Intercontinental Hotel Group: IHG has waived cancellation fees for existing bookings that were made by April 6, 2020, at all of its hotels the world over for stays through June 30, 2020. It is handling groups and meeting bookings on a case-by-case basis. The company has also developed some new rates and booking options for future travel such as its “book now, pay later” rate, which doesn’t require a deposit and can be canceled up to 24 hours before your stay for bookings made up to September 3, 2020, for travel until December 30, 2020.

Airbnb: Vacation rental powerhouse Airbnb recently issued an updated global change and cancellation policy. Reservations for stays and experiences made on or before March 14, 2020, with a check-in date between March 14, 2020, and May 31, 2020, can be canceled for a full refund by guests, and hosts can cancel without a charge or impact to their Superhost status (and Airbnb will refund all service fees). Reservations made on or before March 14 with a check-in date after May 31, 2020, as well as any reservations made after March 14, 2020, will not be covered unless the guest or host has contracted COVID-19. Otherwise, the host’s standard cancellation policy will apply.

What are tour operators’ policies for coronavirus changes and refunds?

Given the global health crisis that the coronavirus pandemic presents, most reputable tour operators have gone ahead and proactively canceled a good portion of their upcoming itineraries (similar to what the cruise lines did—see below). Here are some examples.

Tauck: Long-time tour provider Tauck has canceled its scheduled tours and cruises through June 30, 2020—and for those tours it will refund the affected guests. For tours that were scheduled to take place between July 1 and July 31, 2020, guests can cancel and receive a future travel credit for any tour in 2020 or 2021 (but airline change fees will not be covered). Standard change policies remain in place for tours scheduled to take place August 1, 2020, and beyond.

Abercrombie & Kent: Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has temporarily suspended ground operations globally from March 17 to May 31, 2020. A&K is offering guests on those journeys a future tour credit (that will include a 10 percent discount) for any trip for travel that takes place up to December 31, 2021.

Intrepid Travel: Global tour company Intrepid Travel has also suspended its tours through September 30, 2020. For those tours, travelers will receive a 110 percent future tour credit that they can apply toward any itinerary up until September 30, 2022. For tours departing October 1, 2020, and beyond, Intrepid said they are continuing as planned at this point, but that if customers choose to cancel, they can do so and receive a credit for whatever they had paid to be used for travel that takes place by September 30, 2022.

Collette: Family-owned tour operator Collette has canceled all its tours through June 30, 2020, and all affected guests are being offered either a future travel credit or the generous option to receive a refund.

What about cruises?

On March 14, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a 30-day “ No Sail Order” for all cruise ships to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As of April 15, 2020, the CDC extended that order, and cruise ship operations (in waters subject to U.S. jurisdiction) have been suspended until July 24, 2020, or until the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services declares that coronavirus no longer constitutes a public health emergency, or until and unless the CDC Director rescinds or modifies the order.

Affected customers are being offered anywhere between a 100 percent and 200 percent future cruise credit by the cruise lines.

How travel advisors can help

During a complicated and overwhelming global crisis such as the coronavirus pandemic, a travel advisor can serve as a great ally. While travel advisors can’t force travel suppliers to refund their clients, they typically have stronger relationships with suppliers and thus more sway. They will be better able to help you navigate through the options for changing your trip plans. And as travel professionals (who likely have dealt with numerous crises in the past), they can offer their advice based on their myriad of contacts in the industry and from their own personal experience.

They will also have greater insights into the kinds of trustworthy and reliable travel companies you will want to book your future travel with as we navigate this ever-changing pandemic landscape.

Can travel insurance help you get a refund?

With regard to the current coronavirus crisis, travel insurance providers consider it to be a known event as of January 21, 2020 (or thereabouts, the date can change slightly depending on the provider, but usually falls sometime between January 21 and January 27, 2020). Travel insurance purchased before that date will cover disruptions resulting from the outbreak, but any travel insurance purchased after that date will not.

An exception to that is Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage , an optional upgrade to a travel insurance policy that covers cancellations for reasons not otherwise covered by a standard travel insurance “such as fear of traveling due to coronavirus or simply not wanting to travel to a country that may be affected,” according to Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer for travel insurance search and review site Squaremouth.

There are some limitations, however. The CFAR upgrade has to be purchased within 14 to 21 days of making the initial trip deposit and it will reimburse travelers for up to 75 percent of their trip cost—for a price. Cancel for Any Reason coverage typically costs between 5 and 10 percent of the total trip cost.

This story originally appeared on February 24, 2020, and has been updated to reflect current information.

>> Next: How Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance Can (and Can’t) Help You

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Customers furious with intrepid travel: refund policy changed and backdated.

Intrepid Travel , a major adventure travel company that offers more than 1,000 worldwide escorted tours, has changed and backdated their refund policy in response to a large amount of trips having been cancelled amid the COVID-19 global crisis.

This is the second major tour company to respond to COVID-19 cancellations by changing their refund policy, following Topdeck ‘s altered refund policy earlier this month.

The original refund policy  included the following:

“If we cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs.”

Customers have now been warned that they are unable to claim any refund they may have previously been entitled to, backdated to the 14th of March. In place of a refund, customers will now be given a credit voucher of 110 percent which can be used for future trips with the company, as long as the trips are booked prior to the 30th of April 2022.

Customers which had been promised a full refund, upon the cancellation of their trips due to travel restrictions, have now been told that this offer has been retracted and that they are only entitled to the 110 percent worth of credit. In response to this, customers have become outraged with the change, prompting them to complain to state authorities.

Hey @Intrepid_Travel I know you have blocked me on Twitter from telling other Consumers about your dishonest policies, but hashtags are amazing! When your own country tells you to refund, think you might actually listen? #intrepidtravel #intrepidfoundation @IntrepidFdn https://t.co/IGKIlMx47p — Nikki B (@EngineerBarbie) April 23, 2020

Declan Gallagher was one customer who had his $6,000 India tour cancelled. Flight Centre , who booked the tour, charged its own $300 fee for cancelling. Although he was originally offered a 75 percent refund, this offer was rescinded within 24 hours and swapped for the tour credit.

In a statement  to The Guardian , Gallagher expressed that this would have been “of no use” to him when he had lost his job and “desperately require(d) the funds to live”.

Customers have become outraged in response to Intrepid’s policy changes. Source: Matt Cherubino

In response to the issues customers have had with the policy change, Intrepid Travel stated that they were doing the best they could to assist more than 30,000 customers who had been affected by travel restrictions. They said that they were aiming to resolve individual concerns with customers based on their seperate circumstances.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have guided customers regarding cancelled trips, stating:

“If you had a right to a refund under these terms and conditions at the time you purchased your ticket, businesses are not permitted to change the terms at a later time to deny you a refund.”

While future travel credits would benefit the company itself with the up-keeping of cash flows throughout the travel supply chain, it is questionable whether these credits are the most ethical course of action in response to this crisis when many customers have lost their jobs.

Going back on a promise to provide a refund to a large amount of customers may save money for companies now, however will most likely hinder any company’s ability to retain customer’s loyalty in the future.

This content was provided to MentourPilot by provider, Travel Radar Media. Travel Radar offers high quality content in partnership with Mentour

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Intrepid are great

Intrepid are Fantastice. We did 2 back to back trips in Central America so feel very qualified to comment. On both trips the accommodation way exceeded our expectations aside from one night on each separate trip.The hotel put us in a wrong room. We were highly impressed when on discussion with our guide the next morning he immediately got us a new room. You can only admire that level of service. The 2nd night was when all our rooms were like youth hostels. We fully understand that this was unavoidable due to the distances we travelled and the isolation. Not a biggy at all. We still had a good time! The guides" know their stuff" and genuinely have the groups well being and experiences at heart. Multiple times they both went out of their ways to help those in the group with various issues. The food and the optional extra tours were great! Do them and make the most of it all. We highly rate Intrepid and highly recommend. Thanks for the most amazing holidays. Gayle and Adrian

Date of experience : March 08, 2024

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Hi Gayle & Adrian! Thank you so much for your time and fantastic review. It is amazing to know that you both enjoyed your time travelling with us around Central America. We are happy to read that your tour leader was always helpful and that the accommodation exceeded your expectations. We are truly thankful for your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back on another Intrepid adventure!

Our Mini Sahara Tour was fabulous

Our Mini Sahara Tour was fabulous! Our guide and driver made us comfortable and they were very knowledgable. No time were we rushed and were able to see many interesting spots along the way. Our guide, Hamid Boulmane, was great!, he even arranged a birthday cake for my partner along with music and dancing. The camel-sunset ride into the desert was certainly eventful. One of the camels I was on bit me, so for revenge I ate a camel burger....delicious! a good friend went on a 7 day trip with Intrepid TraveI and highly recommended INTREPID TRAVEL and so do we.

Date of experience : January 24, 2024

Hi Sara! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your amazing comments regarding your time in Morocco. It is fantastic to learn that you had a fabulous experience, and that our tour offered you the best tour leader- Hamid. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Back from Everest Base Camp trek and…

Back from Everest Base Camp trek and what an incredible experience. A massive thank you to our guide Gyaljen Sherpa who made every day outstanding. The knowledge and stories of the mountains will never be forgotten and I hope to return and experience the mountains again. The trip was planned to an exceptional standard and whilst the accommodation standards are what we are used to, we soon came used to the teahouses and each one was great in its own way. The food was pretty exceptional along the way and the trekking was such fun with a great group of people. Some were hard days but the feeling of accomplishment made up for it and the views in the morning when you wake up more than made up for the cold nights and dubious toilets. Thank you Intrepid and your guide and our porters made this trip so special for us

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

Hi Lee and Nicola, thank you for your lovely review! We are thrilled to hear of your experience, and that your guide as well as your porters were a benefit to your group. We are so pleased to know of your accomplishment of 'conquering' such a trip- bravo! We know it is not easy. We hope to see you along with us in future, and thanks again for your review. Stay well.

My trip to Vietnam traveling with…

My trip to Vietnam traveling with Intrepid was amazing first time I've ever traveled alone I always felt safe,I did 2 adventure first was to Sapa for 5 days. Soso my Guide was good I enjoyed every bit of it.The Vietnam south bound tour our guide Doan was amazing always their to help. I would highly recommend the trip if you're looking for adventure culture and amazing street food to 5star get it all in one. When I do my next adventure I would definitely travel with Intrepid

Date of experience : March 02, 2024

Hi Wendy, thank you for taking the time to post a review and for your recommendation. It’s wonderful to know that being your first time travelling alone you had an amazing adventure whilst enjoying all that Vietnam has to offer. We hope to welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

India--not on my bucket list but now a favorite.

We went to India with several friends and did the Classic Rajasthan tour. India was not on our bucket list but it turned out to be one of our favorite tours. Things I really liked: small group (we were 6 of 12), our lodgings--old palaces, quaint, unique, the sights we were able to see in our short time there and best of all was our leader, Panchem. I would go to India again if it works out some time in the future.

Date of experience : February 25, 2024

Hi Jeff, thank you for taking the time to post a review. It’s wonderful to know that although not a bucket list trip, this turned out to be one of your favourite tours, that Panchem was a great Tour Leader and that you would like visit India again. India is a wonderful destination and there is so much to do and see. We hope you made some special memories of your time here, and that we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

An amazing experience

I was an fill-in for this trip having never had any desire to travel to India but always open for anything. This trip taught be so much about the country, the history & the people & I returned with a completely different opinion on it. I am so glad I went. There were some downs but mainly ups and although I wouldn't rush back, I think the trip was hugely interesting & worthwhile & would definitely travel with this company again.

Date of experience : February 22, 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Catherine. It sounds as if India took you by surprise and you learnt lots about this incredible country. We are pleased to hear that you found the trip interesting and worthwhile and that you would happily travel with Intrepid again.

Premium Egypt in Depth

We just came back from Premium Egypt in Depth. Family of 4. Absolutely incredible experience. Everyday was a wow. Our guide, Ahmed, was fantastic and we felt very taken care of every step of the way. Gor to see and experience everything we wanted and more. Felt completely safe. Small group is amazing way to go. Can't say enough good things, far exceeded our expectations.

Date of experience : March 01, 2024

Hello Scarlet! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your tour and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that Egypt has to offer. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Splendid Cycling Trip in Vietnam

For many years, I had always wanted to go on a cycling tour in Vietnam. I finally took the leap and joined up with Intrepid for an epic adventure that far exceeded my expectations. The cycling was fantastic, the guides & support team were amazing, and my fellow travelers were a pleasure to be with. The food, the culture, the history, the people. . . Vietnam is such a special place!

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

Hi Mark, thank you for taking the time to post your review. It great to know that having finally taken the leap to cycle Vietnam, the turned out to be an epic adventure with Intrepid that exceeded your expectations. That your guide, and support teams were amazing, and fellow travellers a pleasure to be with. Vietnam really is a special place to explore and take in the culture, history and amazing food. We do hope you will find another itinerary to your liking and that we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Premium Vietnam with Intrepid

Another Intrepid adventure with all the details taken care of so I can just relax and experience it. When I travel I don't have space for trying to pick the right hotel, reading miles of info so I have a great meal, knowing the best way to get from A to B depending on whether I want the scenic route or the destination is more important. Intrepid and their experienced guide made sure I got what I wanted from my travel experience with the hassles. The small group was an ideal size enough people to have some to chat with but small enough to not take forever to go anywhere.

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Hi LC, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It good to know that when travelling with Intrepid you feel you can just relax and enjoy the experience. We are proud of our commitment to employ local tour leaders as we believe that with their intimate knowledge of their region, culture and of course the best places to visit, they really do serve to enhance the local experience, so it pleasing to know you got what you wanted from your experience. We do hope you will find another of our itineraries to your liking and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Northern light Iceland

This was one of the most amazing experiences and we would highly recommend this to anyone. It was very cold but that is to be expected as were interested in the northern lights however it was made up for by the natural spectacular beauty of Iceland. Our tour guide Ari was knowledgeable & superb; nothing was too much trouble for him and he went out of his way to assist in every way. The pace was just right for this tour, the accommodation good, the sights surpassed expectation and the bus was comfortable.

Date of experience : February 24, 2024

We are so pleased that you enjoyed the beauty of Iceland, Belinda, with all it has to offer with it's stunning scenery. It sounds as if this trip ticked all the boxes for you with good sightseeing, accommodation and comfortable transport. We look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the not so distant future.

What makes a great trip

What makes a great trip? The itinerary, the group, and the group leader. I was so lucky to have all of these on my recent trip to Jordan. I felt 100% safe the entire time, the group was fantastic, and our leader put it over the top. Don't hesitate if you want to see this wonderful country. Intrepid made it easy and I have wonderful lifetime memories!

Hi Sue, thank you for sharing your experience and posting this wonderful review and recommendation. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your tour and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that Jordan has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you on another of our adventures soon.

An incredible company

An incredible company. I’ve been travelling with them for over 15 years. They are professional in everything they do. I won’t book my holiday with anyone else. A great Australian company.

Date of experience : April 20, 2024

Hi Gary, thank you do much for posting this review and for your loyalty to Intrepid. It’s great to know that having been travelling with us for 15 years won’t book with anyone else. We would love to hear more about your adventures with us, but I haven’t been able to locate your bookings from your post. If you could reach out to our Customer Care team, with your full name and contact information, we would love to arrange a call, to discuss your past and future travel experiences.

Family death and no customer care

Due to the death of my father I could not take my scheduled trip and wished to postpone. Intrepid would not allow this and showed no compassion nor customer care in their callous decision. I lost my trip money paid including a single supplement. My airline refunded my ticket, no questions. Note that I have travelled with them and an affiliated company, Imaginative Traveller, to Thailand, India, Cambodia, Cuba, Costa Rica and Egypt. I do not recommend them. Rescheduling two weeks in advance due to a death should not be an issue.

Date of experience : March 31, 2024

Lisa, we are so sorry for your loss and would like to send you our condolences. We do have a compassionate policy in place to support our customers, and I can see you have been liaising with our reservations team over this. Our reservations team will follow up with you to ensure you are receiving the support you need during this difficult time.

Policy of NO REFUNDS

Our problem was not with the tour we were thrown off, or the staff but with Intrepid Travel administrators. We were booted off the tour for ill-health but were refused a refund. There was little communication at the time of this no refund policy and our Travel Insurance were expected to give the refund but refused.

Date of experience : February 13, 2024

We are sorry to hear that you fell unwell whilst on tour. We are unable to locate your booking from the review, however, we trust our Customer Care team are already likely in communication with you, however if not please reach out to [email protected] with your booking number and name.

Unique and wonderful

I have travelled with Intrepid three times: Northern India, Southern India, Thailand and Laos. Each of the tours were uniquely wonderful with knowledgeable, fun and caring guides.

Date of experience : February 21, 2024

Thank you Jenny for taking the time to leave a review. We are so pleased to read that you have had a positive experience whilst travelling with us and exploring India, Thailand and Laos. We hope you will join us again on many more adventures to come.

Another fabulous Intrepid adventure. The Mountains and Mystics tour was filled with a wonderful variety of scenery, transportation, cultural insights. Pramod, our leader, ensured all went well and his calm manner was a welcome balance to the enthralling ‘noisy chaos’ of much of India.

Date of experience : March 12, 2024

We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Mountains and Mystics tour and that you found it to be a good variation of scenery and cultural insights. We are so pleased that your local leader was able to show you the sights with a calming influence. We look forward to welcoming you on your next Intrepid adventure, once you have chosen where that may be.

Incredible guide and local…

Incredible guide and local accommodations... the itinerary (even during Ramadan) was very well designed. Customer service totally went above and beyond. Can't wait to book another trip

Hi Jessie, thank you so much for your kind words. We are thrilled to know that you were able to explore your destination during Ramadan- we can appreciate that changes in scheduling often happen during these observances. We look forward to hosting you again when the time comes, stay well!

Once in a life time trip

We had a phenomenal, once in a life time trip to Jordan with Intrepid. The itinerary was fantastic and our guide (Mutaz) was so knowledgeable and friendly and really made the experience exceptional for us. I cannot recommend this trip enough!

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Kirsty. It sounds like an incredible trip with a tour leader who delivered an exceptional experience for you. We are delighted to hear that you would recommend this trip and we are excited to welcome you on another Intrepid adventure.

Nice trip but overpriced

Intrepid don't actually run the Patagonia Short Break - Torres Del Paine trip which I took, but coordinate the customers with the organization in Puerto Natales, Chile, which runs the day trips which comprise the "Patagonia Short Break". The day trips are all worthwhile, especially if the weather cooperates, as it did for me. The first day was somewhat rainy, but it involved mainly a bus tour of parts of the Torres del Paine National Park with plenty of stops at various scenic sites plus a tour of the milodon cave, which is well worth the visit. The second day turned out to be a beautiful one for the cruise along the Desolation Fjord with its spectacular glaciers and mountains. The third day involves a very tough hike to the base of the eponymous Torres del Paine peaks. The trip also includes four nights at a nice hotel plus a bus ticket to Argentina. This last often goes unused by the customers like myself, according to the local agency in Puerto Natales, which questioned why it is part of the trip package. It is a waste of about US$50 for the ticket to be issued, and in my opinion, should be an option, not automatically included in the trip fare. Speaking of cost, I find it hard to justify the total cost of the trip charged to customers. The activities are all worthwhile, and I don't regret the trip, but the price is definitely inflated.

Date of experience : February 19, 2024

Hi Anne, thank you for taking the time to post an honest review. We would welcome the chance to discuss your experience and suggestions in more detail. Please reach out to our Customer Care Team at [email protected] with your booking reference and one of the team will get back to you.

This company completely abandon their customers thousands of miles from home if they become ill.

This company completely abandon their customers thousands of miles from home if they become iunwell. Do not book with Intrepid! My 20 yr old son booked a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and became seriously ill whilst in Vietnam. He was then left fighting for his life in a hospital where nobody spoke English with no means of communication except for Google Translate. If it hadn't made several phone calls to the British Embassy in Hanoi and repeatedly contacted Intrepid raising my concerns we would never have heard from them again. As a result I flew out there to be with him as Intrepid left him thousands of miles from home with no follow up. This company shows no duty of care towards it's customers and the group leader merely told him to "Be a man" before leaving for a jolly with the rest of the group (my son was also the youngest member of the group). Absolutely disgraceful company who have now tried to deny all responsibility for their actions and refused to refund any of the cost. My son had to stay in hospital for two weeks and was in serious risk of heart failure. Intrepid couldn't care less! Please please avoid them! He would never have made it back if I'd left it in their hands. Do not believe the glossy veneer and fake reviews. They don't even deserve a one star rating, I would give them zero if I could.

Dawn, we are deeply sorry to hear about your son's hospital admission and the distress this has caused. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our customers is our highest priority, and we take matters like this very seriously. We can see that our Customer Care team is already in contact with you regarding this matter.

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Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

779 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

34 Published Articles 3147 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1172 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Who Are Intrepid Travel Tours Good For?

Intrepid travel styles, destinations, intrepid australia, intrepid cambodia, intrepid costa rica, intrepid cuba, intrepid egypt, intrepid greece, intrepid iceland, intrepid india, intrepid jordan, intrepid morocco, intrepid peru, intrepid sri lanka, intrepid vietnam, intrepid travel reviews, intrepid travel vs. g adventures, intrepid travel insurance, intrepid promo code, final thoughts.

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Traveling the world is an exciting adventure, but for many, it can be a stressful experience. Worries of safety, navigation, and tackling language barriers can be enough to put off many travelers, especially if you’re considering going solo.

Intrepid has been operating small group tours for over 30 years and is one of the major leaders in the industry. You can choose from over 1,000 tours to 100 destinations, selecting the comfort level that suits your budget and travel style. You’ll be guided throughout your journey — right from the point of booking — with advice on visas , currency, and other essential trip information .

Intrepid has been a fully carbon-neutral company since 2010 by investing in projects that actively reduce CO2 emissions. So you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re traveling as green as possible while embarking on your adventure. Intrepid small group tours usually accommodate up to 16 people but tend to have an average of around 10.

Solo Travelers

Most of us have been in a situation where we’ve been desperate to go traveling, but none of our friends or family are in the position to go with us. You’re then left with the dilemma of going it alone or missing out on the experience altogether. Thankfully, that’s where a small group tour can help.

Even though you’re traveling solo, you’re never really alone on an Intrepid tour. There are rarely single supplement rates as you’ll buddy up with another traveler of the same gender. Of course, you still have the option to upgrade to your own room if you would like to.

Friends or Groups

Joining a tour with a group of friends is great if you like the idea of spending time with them while also being open to mixing with other people. No one likes being the organizer, so joining a small group tour eliminates the pressure from 1 person having to book everything and manage payments. You’re all equal participants on an Intrepid tour.

If you’re traveling with children under 17 , you’re welcome to join a family tour. Let someone else do the organizing and navigating so that you can enjoy the experience of traveling with your family . An Intrepid family tour can be a fun and educational experience for your child and can help them gain confidence by interacting with new people.

Hot Tip:  You might have a long flight or some lengthy road trips to contend with. Prepare yourself with some entertainment by checking out the best podcasts and audiobooks for travel .

If you’re on a budget or believe that a hotel is simply somewhere to rest your head for the night, a Basix Tour could be for you. This tour style focuses on simple accommodation (such as camping or homestays) and lots of free time, so you’re not spending money on excursions that you have no interest in.

Original Tours combine tourist-class accommodation (2- to 3-star hotels) with local and private transport. There’s a blend of planned excursions and independent exploration , suiting those travelers looking for a balance between guided local knowledge and free time.

Comfort Tours feature more comfortable and unique accommodation with more frills than the Basix and Original Tours. Private transport is used throughout, and these tours run at a slower pace with exploration and activities usually led by a guide.

Intrepid Travel Tour Themes and Destinations

18 to 29s tours.

As the name suggests, these tours are specifically for those that fall into the 18- to 29-years-old age bracket and tend to cover the highlights of a destination with lots of free time. With around 10 people per tour, there are plenty of opportunities for making friends , while also allowing you to explore independently if you prefer.

Hot Tip: Contiki is a similar tour company that caters to young travelers in a similar age bracket —  18 to 35 years old. Some tours can accommodate much larger groups, upwards of 50 people. Read more about the tour types and destinations in our Contiki review !

Adventure Cruising

Adventure Cruises accommodate less than 50 passengers  so the ships can explore places that large cruise liners can’t reach. Groups are large enough to socialize with various travelers but are small enough to feel that your arrival on land doesn’t swarm a destination impacting that local experience.

Hot Tip: Our ultimate cruise vacation packing checklist helps ensure that you have everything you need to be dressed for any occasion.

Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours are an excellent way to enjoy the journey and the destination , peddling along with incredible views and authentic encounters. Each tour has a physical rating , so you can determine whether the trip is right for you, and includes a tour leader and support vehicle.

Hot Tip: If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll want to pack all of the essentials for your next active vacation.

Family Tours

Family Tours consist of family-friendly activities and accommodation mixed with flexible free time. Your tour leader will be specifically trained in family travel with groups accommodating 3 to 5 like-minded families.

Food Tours will give you a true flavor of some of the world’s most famous culinary destinations . Discover fresh food markets and local restaurants, or try your hand at a cooking class.

Lonely Planet Experiences

Intrepid has partnered with Lonely Planet to provide exciting tours for adventurous and independent travelers. Seek out the mountain gorillas of Uganda or ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. You’ll have a knowledgeable local leader and can read all about the destination before your trip with 12 months of free access to the Lonely Planet app .

Hot Tip:  Tours often include a fair bit of walking to see the sights, so you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots or shoes . 

Polar Tours

They may be polar opposites, but the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic have 1 thing in common — they’re both incredible destinations. Look out for polar bears and the Northern Lights in the Arctic and kayak among breaching whales in the Antarctic. Exploration ships have modern amenities , and expert leaders hold interesting seminars and guide travelers on exciting excursions.

Hot Tip: One of our writers sailed to Antarctica on a trip booked through Intrepid .

Retreats are short breaks that could be just a short drive or flight from your home, where you live and explore as the locals do . All retreats feature 1 accommodation, so you’ll only have to unpack once with all your free time spent immersing yourself in the local community rather than traveling.

Other Tour Themes

• Active Adventures
• Expeditions
• Short Breaks
• Tailor Made
• Urban Adventures
• Walking and Trekking
• Women’s Expeditions

Hot Tip:  Avoid the temptation of pickpockets and keep your hands free to explore with these crossbody bags and purses . 

Intrepid Travel offers over 1,000 tours to over 100 countries within these continents and regions:

• Antarctica/Arctic
• Australia and Oceania
• Central America
• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Intrepid Travel Top Tours

From lush rainforests and glistening beaches to baron deserts and cosmopolitan cities, Australia is a country of contrasts. Every region is uniquely different, and due to the sheer size of the country, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see everything in a single trip. Most tours stick within a particular region . You could be snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, heading out to Kangaroo Island, or exploring the vineyards of the Margaret River.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, and some excursions

Hot Tip:  As flights are not included in the tour price, you may want to check out the best ways to fly to Australia with points and miles

The Cambodian people are the country’s shining stars. Incredibly friendly with smiles all around, this inspiring nation has risen from the 1970s bloodshed of the Khmer Rouge and welcomes visitors with open arms. It’s an unforgettable moment seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat or spotting a rare freshwater dolphin swimming along the Mekong Delta.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, some meals, and most activities

With an ecotourism scene , farm-to-table restaurants, and unspoiled natural surroundings, it’s not surprising that Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” – the pure life. Spot toucans in the mysterious cloud forests, try your hand at a surf lesson, or glide through treetop canopies on a zipline adventure. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica , and with a tour, you can let someone else do the driving.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some activities

Hot Tip:  Intrepid tours use locally run guesthouses, homestays, and restaurants to support local communities rather than large chains.

When you think of Cuba, you think of colorful colonial buildings, vintage cars, and turquoise waters. But there is so much more to see apart from the vibrant capital Havana and its beautiful beaches. Head out to Vinales to tour a traditional tobacco plantation or enjoy some salsa dancing in historical Trinidad.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and excursions

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders with a history as long as the Nile itself. Marvel at the magnificent pyramids and bargain for souvenirs in the bustling bazaars of Cairo. Sail down the River Nile on a traditional felucca and discover the ancient city of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and some meals

Discover the ancient ruins of Athens before crossing the Aegean to island-hop your way between the beautiful Greek islands. Weave your way around the cute whitewashed houses of Santorini or explore the clifftop ruins of Delphi. Greece is also renowned for its nightlife , whether you’re looking for a quiet bar to watch the sunset or a club to dance into the early hours.

From bubbling hot springs to mountain glaciers, and lush green landscapes to frozen waterfalls, Iceland’s diverse landscape is one of the main attractions that draw visitors to the land of fire and ice. That and the prospect of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon or simply chat with locals in Reykjavik or any of the friendly coastal towns.

India captivates many visitors with its thriving culture, historical sights, wild beaches, and wildlife. The busy cities and sometimes intense atmosphere prevent many from venturing to India independently, and taking a tour can alleviate the pressure . If you love exploring temples, then you’re in for a treat as India has millions.

Soak up the history of the Silk Road, explore the mysterious deserts of Wadi Rum, and visit the magnificent ruins of Petra. Jordan is a haven for history buffs and adventurers alike . For a more relaxed pace, travelers can watch an Arabian sunrise from their Bedouin camp or float in the mineral-rich Red Sea, enjoying every minute of the famous Jordanian hospitality.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some meals and excursions

Wander around chaotic and colorful Marrakesh before changing up the scenery with a trip into the Atlas Mountains where you can hike and visit a Berber village. Amble across the Sahara Desert by camel to reach your Bedouin camp or enjoy yoga or surfing in the coastal towns of Essaouira and Taghazout.

Hike within the Andes to reach Machu Picchu — the most well-preserved archeological site for ancient Incan civilizations. Although these mountain ruins are the most visited attraction in Peru , there is so much more to this incredible country. Tours will take you to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and deep into the Amazon Jungle in search of black alligators.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and porters (guided hike)

Hot Tip:  Mosquitoes and other biting bugs can be found all over the world. If you prefer to steer clear of DEET-based repellents, take a look at the best natural insect repellents to help protect you.

Due to its modest size, you can see a lot of Sri Lanka in a small space of time . Not that a trip to this enchanting country should be rushed. Savor your journey around the ever-changing landscapes, from the vast plains of the north, the rocky mountains and rain forests of the center, and beautiful beaches framing most of the rugged coastline. See the largest gathering of Asian elephants or go in search of the elusive leopard. The food is delicious, the culture is captivating, and the people are friendly.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some excursions and meals

All who visit Vietnam are blown away by its natural beauty . Watch farmers harvest rice from the colorful fields or sail around the towering limestone rocks of Halong Bay. The powdery white beaches of Phu Quoc Island are glorious, and wondrous waterfalls and caves make for fantastic photo opportunities. If variety is what you’re after, that is exactly what you’ll get visiting Vietnam. One minute you’re negotiating swarms of motorcycles crossing the road in Hanoi and the next your rafting peacefully down the rivers of Ninh Binh.

Hot Tip:  Find out the best ways to fly to Vietnam with points and miles . Currently, there are no direct routes from the U.S. to Vietnam, but with Vietnam Airlines recently receiving the required Air Carrier Permit, this could be on the horizon.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Many customers have recently taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Trustpilot : 2.8 out of 5
• TourRadar : 4.6 out of 5
• Facebook : 4.9 out of 5

These are some reviews from Intrepid’s most popular tours, and more can be found on the individual destination pages :

Great Ocean Road Adventure ex Adelaide “Great little trip from Adelaide to Melbourne if you’re short on time and want to see the Great Ocean Road. The guide was excellent and the itinerary packed a lot in!” — Kaitlyn

Cambodian Traveller “A good introduction to the country stopping at the main points of interest. Would highly recommend Intrepid as its a well organized operation which takes the difficulties out of traveling in a less developed country where you don’t speak the language. The tour guide was a great help, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and kind. A great trip.” — Imogen

Classic Costa Rica “This has been my third trip with Intrepid. As usual I enjoyed it immensely. This trip deserves additional high praise. Their guides as usual are top class, very knowledgeable and approachable. They show not only in words but actions, how looking after the environment is a major part of Intrepids policy.” — John

Hola Cuba – for US citizens “The Hola Cuba Trip For US Citizens is an excellent introduction to Cuba, it’s people and their culture. The trip provides glimpses into the urban cultures of Habana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos while also allowing travelers to see the quieter lives of those in Viñales and Las Terrazas. Our guide Andy was very knowledgeable of the history a culture of his homeland and did an amazing job of sharing the beauty of Cuba through experience and storytelling. I absolutely recommend this trip for travelers thirsty to learn about Cuba and its people.” — Jason

Egypt Experience “Our group traveling in Egypt was a group of 10- a perfect number. Our leader was mature, very knowledgeable, organized, and treated us all with respect. He did not hover over us and gave us information to make decisions. To visit the antiquities of Egypt was amazing and we had plenty of time to absorb these awesome sites. Our visit to a Nubian village and share a family meal was special. This trip is highly recommended.” — Margaret & Tom

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos “Our sailing adventure true Greek islands was an unforgettable experience! If You love sailing and want to see a real beauty of Greece this trip is for you. Swimming and snorkeling in turquoise water, cave exploration, hiking, beautiful sunsets, sunrises and delicious food are all guaranteed. Great mixture of adventure, relaxation and fun. We also had the best skipper ever, Rita. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Took the best care of us.! Unbelievable woman with a great personality. She shows us so many beautiful places that we couldn’t even imagine. The boat was way over 10 years old, not 5 as in booklet. All through we had a great trip with great people :)” — Marcin

Northern Lights Escape “I had huge expectations of Iceland. My 6 day Intrepid small group tour (9 of us), met them all. Stefano, our guide, was fantastic – funny, knowledgeable and took great care of us. The itinerary allowed us to see and experience all the amazing highlights of Iceland, and more, even though we didn’t luck out with the aurora. Our tour was early March, so everything was white. I’d do it all again in a flash, and will return and do it in summer, too! I highly recommend Intrepid. Just do it!” — Margi

India’s Golden Triangle – For Solo Travellers “This trip was fantastic! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t done anything like this before but I’m so glad I booked it. All the hotels were of a good standard as were the tours and transport. Shakti was a fantastic tour leader as was the group I travelled with. I will cherish the memories of this trip forever. I can’t wait to book another trip!” — Chantal

Trek Jordan “Great trip. Ticked all the boxes I was looking for. Loved floating in the Dead Sea and the accommodation there was outstanding. Petra was awesome, especially the trek to the Monastery. That was a great day. Loved trekking Wadi Rum too. What a landscape – no wonder they used it for “The Martian” and other movies. And our guide Muhammad was brilliant – couldn’t have asked for better!” — Robert

Best of Morocco “Intrepid provided an authentic and special experience. I knew my money was going to the people who needed it most. Due to Intrepid’s dedication to providing socially and environmentally conscious tours, the tour drew a unique, like-minded group of people who shared similar values and an appreciation of diverse cultures and the environment. This, along with the exceptional tour guide, are why I will continue to travel with Intrepid in the future. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime!” — Penelope

Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Extension “This may not be the Inca Trail, but it is still beautiful and cultural. To stand in the Andes and listen to the silence, there are no words. It is still pristine as you wander up through farming communities and then on to the highlands. The waterfall is rather spectacular also and of course Machu Picchu itself. If you are lucky enough to have Kleberth Ovalle as your guide, you will leave much enriched.” — Deb

Cycle Sri Lanka “A wonderful experience to cycle through the country, meeting the local communities and sampling the local food. Some days the terrain was challenging and I was pleased I had an e-bike! Our guide Dodan was enthusiastic, well informed and always went above and beyond the call of duty. A great holiday and one I would thoroughly recommend.” — Heather

Vietnam Express Northbound “This trip gave an excellent overview of Vietnam. The presence of a guide made navigating a country with such a different language and culture to ours much easier. The transport was safe and well organised. Hotels were well situated and clean. We had plenty opportunities to explore on our own but there was always plenty of advice offered about places to avoid.” — Carol

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties , so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours if the range is a factor for you.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other , but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Travel insurance is mandatory when traveling on an Intrepid tour, and your tour leader will need to see documentation before you set off. Although Intrepid doesn’t offer travel insurance, it recommends booking through World Nomads .

Intrepid recommends that your travel insurance covers you for:

• Medical expenses and emergency repatriation
• Personal liability
• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Loss of luggage and personal effects

Hot Tip:  Don’t get overwhelmed with the variety of travel insurance options available! We’ve created an ultimate guide to buying the best travel insurance to help simplify the process. You may also have travel coverages and benefits offered by your credit card .

While it’s unlikely that you’ll find Intrepid Travel promo codes on third party websites, Intrepid does frequently feature offers for specific destinations or tours that need a push. You’ll also find that booking well in advance can provide savings of 10% to 15% . No promo codes are required to obtain these deals; just visit the Travel Deals page on the Intrepid website.

The heart of Intrepid Travel is in its tour leaders — friendly locals, born and bred in the countries you’re discovering. Who better to show you around? Intrepid’s are some of the best in the industry and are consistently praised in customer reviews for the knowledge and personality they bring to the table.

If you’re thinking about your first tour, or have traveled with another tour operator before, don’t hesitate to give Intrepid a go. You’ll have the most extensive choice of tours and destinations of any operator and the comfort of knowing that you’re traveling with a company committed to having a positive impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is intrepid travel a good company.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Most recently, many customers have taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, the actual tours are highly reviewed.

Where is Intrepid Travel based?

Intrepid was founded in Australia and has offices in Melbourne, Toronto, London, and New York.

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties, so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours, if range is a factor.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other, but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Are flights included in Intrepid Tours?

Flights are not included in the tour prices you see on the Intrepid website, however, you can book your flights through Intrepid. If you book your flights independently, you need to make sure you arrive in time for your welcome meeting on the first day of your tour.

What age group travels with Intrepid?

All age groups are catered for with Intrepid. 18-29s Tours and Family Tours are the only types that come with age restrictions; anyone else is free to join the other tours. Children over the age of 15 are permitted on most tours, provided they are accompanied by an adult over 18.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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• April 30, 2024

Intrepid Travel Reviews | IntrepidTravel.com

• Intrepid Travel is an adventure travel agency founded in 1989
• Fully escorted tours for small groups
• Helps travelers experience travel at the grassroots level, where travelers meet local people, try local food and have real life cultural experiences.  Intrepid carries core values of maintaining responsible and sustainable travel
• Top 20 Must-do Trips list , as voted by Intrepid Travel customers
• Popular destinations include: Australia, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Italy, Machu Picchu, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Spain, Thailand, United States, Vietnam

Our Editor’s Review:

The small group tours that Intrepid offers are typically limited to about 12 travelers, with 3 different “styles” of trips to choose from: Basix ,  Original ,  Comfort .  We liked that we could search by “style” and “theme” to truly find the type of package that would suit our interests.  The basix style offers the least amenities in budget and shared accommodations. The original style steps it up a bit with private accommodations and more inclusions, while the comfort style packages are the most luxurious tour packages offered by Intrepid.  We were shocked to find 5-day comfort tour packages for only $450 (HINT: sort results by price to see these deals).

If you’re up for adventure but not sure where to go, check out Intrepid’s Top 20 Must-do Trips list. Here we found excellent information about the best rated tours all on one page. They also list the price of the tour including airfare from either NYC or LAX, so you can instantly see whether it is within your budget.  Click on the package inclusions button to see what’s included.  Many travel tours include meals, but not all of them do.

If you want to stay close to home, they’ve got some amazing adventure packages within the U.S., such as the 21-day American Experience where travelers hike the Mojave Desert and tour the Grand Canyon, Zion, and relax in Napa Valley with the local wine.  For the more adventurous passport-carrying traveler, we can think of nothing better than the 15-day Best of Morocco tour package complete with a camel ride and a night of camping under the stars in the Sahara.

Intrepid provides an absolute plethora of information about each trip, which you can view in the “Trip Notes” section. This several page document is a very valuable read, and will tell you all you need to know from the daily itinerary, to tipping guidelines, to where to do your laundry. Of interest is the “Physical Rating”, which lets you know on a scale of 1-5 how physically demanding the tour is expected to be.  For instance, a level 3 requires you to be in good physical condition, while a level 5 requires you to be ready for extreme conditions.

We like that Intrepid doesn’t censor their customer’s feedback comments , which are posted prominently throughout their website.  Intrepid Travel wants feedback from their customers, which they’ve proven with their feedback discount.  When you return home from your Intrepid Travel trip and leave online feedback at IntrepidTravel.com within 4 weeks, you may qualify for a 5% discount off your next trip.   Another way to get a discount is to book one of their last-minute trips that hasn’t sold out at a 20% discount , which you can find under their Specials tab .

With such an extensive website, we kept getting lost and forgetting where to find information, which was a bit of a challenge.   F or fami lies that travel with their children, be aware that Intrepid’s age policy often only allows for children age 12 and over to take part in their tours.  While we assume this is for safety reasons and many children under the age of 12 may not be physically ready for an adventure travel tour, Intrepid is excluding a large customer base of families that wish to take their children on learning adventures.  That being said, we did find about 37 family-themed tours that allowed children (we saw one for children over the age of 6).   A link to these family tours can be found here , or under their Styles tab .

Read the extensive package details page (aka. Trip Notes) carefully, and read it twice if you need to.  You don’t want to be caught off-guard if something is not included in your trip that you thought should be.  Airfare and airport transfers are typically not included in an Intrepid Travel package, but may be added at the time of booking.

Intrepid Travel Fees & Policies*:

• Cancellations 60+ days before departure, traveler will forfeit deposit amount (typically $250) + airline fees
• Cancellations 30 – 59 days before departure, traveler will either forfeit deposit or 50% of the total booking cost (whichever is greater) + airline fees
• Cancellations less than 30 days before departure, traveler will forfeit total booking cost paid to Intrepid + airline fees
• $50 Administrative Fee for last-minute bookings made within 15 days of departure
• $125 Change/Transfer Fee for traveler to transfer from one package to another, at least 60 days before departure

* Based solely on research done by TravelSiteCritic.com, these figures may be inaccurate and are subject to change.Verify policies with Intrepid Travel before you book. Please  be aware of airfare taxes & fees , applicable to any booking that includes airfare.

Intrepid Travel Coupon Codes & Deals:

20% off these last-minute adventure tours on intrepid travel.

May expire at any time

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Please  be aware of airfare taxes & fees . TravelSiteCritic.com is a marketing affiliate of IntrepidTravel.com. Read our  review disclosure .

Best of Italy offered by Intrepid (an Australian company)

Beware travelers from US, I found out that I had paid 80% more than non-US based travelers. I certainly expect the US company make some money selling this package, but 10 to 15% seems to be a lot more reasonable.

The scheduled itinerary was fine, however there was too much hustling to catch a train from one location to next. Hotels were sub-standard, just to have them close to train stations.

The tour leader was too arrogant and not much concerned with the travelers’ needs.

In spite of the Intrepid poor arrangements, I enjoyed my trip as I am travel savvy and independent and can find the things of my interest, figure out my way around, and do as I prefer.

I do not think the cost of the trip was right for the service I received. I could have done the trip on my own, with a few days longer and a lot cheaper. I will not travel with Intrepid ever again.

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Intrepid Travel

Health Safety +

Northern Lights Escape

Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, Jokulsarlon

• On this trip we are travelling in our own private minibus as this allows us to reach some more off the beaten path destinations and gives us flexibility which would not be possible by public transport. And on top of that all our vehicles in Iceland have complimentary Wi-Fi.
• There's a lot more to Iceland than ice and vikings. Follow the scenic 'Golden Circle', visiting geothermal springs and geysers, the mighty waterfall of Gullfoss and the site of the nation's first parliament at Thingvellir
• Drive along the island’s spectacular South Shore past the Reynisdrangar Rocks and volcanic black sand beaches
• Head to Skaftafell National Park and get adventurous with a hike to Vatnajokull, Europe's largest glacier
• The aurora borealis is the best lightshow on Earth, and this trip is your ticket. Stay up late to see the northern sky dance with green light (subject to weather conditions and activity)

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

Iceland Discovery

Akureyri, Blue Lagoon, Jokulsarlon, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Skogafoss, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Thingvellir National park

• There's a lot more to Iceland than ice (and Bjork). Ford the fjords, glaciers, volcanoes and black sand beaches, and consider adding on a visit to the renowned Blue Lagoon for a soak in the geothermal springs.
• Spend the evening at the quirky farm town of Modrudalur – an isolated settlement and the highest inhabited place in Iceland and enjoy a home-cooked dinner at our guesthouse at Snaefellsnes.
• Walk to the mottled blue, grey and black tongue of Vatnajokull glacier – an ice cap so large it covers eight per cent of the country – and discover the incredible Skogafoss Waterfall.
• Glide past blue-white icebergs on an included boat tour of Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon and soak up the silence of the surrounding grey sand desert..
• Experience the unearthly scenery at Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir.

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

Explore Jordan

Amman, Dead Sea, Hadrian's Wall, Jerash, Jerusalem, Kerak Castle, Madaba, Petra, Wadi Rum

• With an included two-day pass to majestic Petra, you will not only have a guided tour of the complex but will also spend time at your leisure to focus on the sections that interest you.
• Experience the best buoyance this side of outer space with time for your small group to effortlessly float in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea.
• Hop in a jeep and see the extraordinary desert scenery of Wadi Rum – a rugged lunar-like landscape of huge sandstone mountains and ancient structures hidden in the sandy dunes.
• After your day of four-wheel-driving in Wadi Rum, spend a night under the stars with a special experience at a desert camp run by Bedouin locals – full of good food and warm hospitality.
• Marvel at the well-preserved ancient Roman city of Jerash on a guided tour, and discover the religious significance and Ottoman and Byzantine influence in Madaba.

Cultural, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking

Why we love Intrepid Travel

They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.

Galapagos Discovery

Galapagos, Isabela Island, Otavalo, Quito, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz

• Get your blood pumping as you scale Sierra Negra Volcano during an epic hike, then cool off with a swim in the perfect waters of Isla Isabela’s beaches.
• Many come to Isla Santa Cruz just for the giant tortoises. Get up close and personal with these enormous animals as they drag themselves through the sand.
• Learn about the unique habits of the marine iguana. This dinosaur-like little creature has an iridescent sheen and is only found on the Galapagos Islands.
• Birdwatching at the Galapagos is quite an experience. Watch the aerobatic routines of blue-footed boobies and the death defying stunts of the frigate birds as they whizz through the air.
• This trip combines plenty of must-try activities and islands with generous mounts of free time, so you can explore the Galapagos at your own pace.

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Best of Galapagos

Cotopaxi, Darwin, Galapagos, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Otavalo, Quito, Ronda, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz

• Explore the islands on this in-depth adventure, coming face-to-face with some of the most extraordinary wildlife on earth.
• Get your blood pumping as you scale a volcano on Isabela Island.
• Acquaint yourself with the beautiful churches and graceful boulevards of Quito, Ecuador's capital.
• Get up close and personal with giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island. These nearly extinct creatures are one of the greatest drawcards to the Galapagos.
• This is a land based Galapagos trip, meaning you'll use locally owned hotels on the islands and have more opportunities to interact with the locals as opposed to staying on a boat.

Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trekking & Expeditions

India's Golden Triangle

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal

• Experience the character of Old Delhi on a rickshaw and walking tour, weaving through the narrow alleyways and exploring Delhi’s oldest mosque.
• See the Taj Mahal up close and wonder at the intricate optical illusions that decorate the marble on this sumptuous masterpiece of Indian architecture.
• Tour the spectacular hillside Amber Fort and wonder at the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where the walls are covered in a mosaic of reflective and coloured glass.
• Take a break from bustling cities in rural Rajasthan, where you can catch your breath and spend the night in the faded opulence of your heritage stay.
• This trip is perfect for people short on time, as long travel days are kept to a minimum on an itinerary that hits several icons of North India.

Mexico Unplugged

Central America, Chichen Itza, Mexico City, Palenque, Playa del Carmen, San Cristobal

• Visit the community of San Pedro Tlahuac, home to Nahuatl descendants who practice traditions like chinampa farming, fiestas and ancient ceremonies.
• Wander the stalls, snap some photos and pick up traditional handicrafts at the markets in Mexico City and Puebla.
• Escape the Mexican heat in the highlands of San Cristobal de las Casas and explore surrounding villages where traditional customs and roots are thriving.
• Explore the stunning Mayan temples of Palenque dating back to AD600 and stroll through Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Finish off your epic journey and recharge with a little beach time in the beachside hub of Playa del Carmen.

Costa Rica Experience

La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde

• Try to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal when you’re exploring Monteverde’s steamy cloud forests. Better yet, why not consider a jungle zip-line to get high in the sky for the best views?
• Spend time wandering through the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias artisan stalls in San Jose – Costa Rica’s cultural heart. With plenty of time to stop for a refresco (smoothie), this is a good opportunity to people-watch.
• Lend a hand at a farmstay outside of Santa Rosa de Pocosol and learn some home-cooked recipes and techniques from the locals on a visit to the Juanilama agricultural community.
• Marvel at the size and stature of the Arenal Volcano on the horizon, maybe taking a soak and relaxing in La Fortuna’s lava-heated thermal springs.
• With plenty of time to chill out at your own pace, Quepos’ surf vibe is ideal for catching some waves, lazing on the white-sand beaches or hiking the lush trails of Manuel Antonio with your travel pals.

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On Travelstride you can find 987 trips to Intrepid Travel and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Intrepid Travel

Independently owned by its founders, Intrepid is a collection of three tour operator brands and 25 destination management companies united by the vision of Changing the Way People See the World. For more than 30 years, Intrepid has been taking small groups to travel the local way, on real life experiences that give back to the places and people we visit. As this style of travel has caught on, Intrepid has grown to now offer more than 2,700 trips to more than 120 countries and on all seven continents. We cater for all ages, budgets, and appetites for adventure through Intrepid Travel, Peregrine Adventures, and Urban Adventures. Globally renowned as a leader in responsible travel, in 2018 Intrepid became the world’s largest travel business to be certified B-Corp, joining a growing community of businesses looking beyond the bottom line. We have been a carbon-neutral business since 2010, carbon offsetting our trips on behalf of customers. In 2020, we aim to become climate positive. That means we’ll be removing more carbon from the atmosphere than we create as a business. By doing this, we will create greater environmental benefits by removing even more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while continuing to decarbonize through reductions in emissions from our trips and operations. Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation has raised over AUD $9M for more than 130 charities around the world by matching traveler donations dollar-for-dollar.

When and why did you begin your impact tourism program?

Responsible travel has always been at the heart of who we are as a business. Over the years we have instigated many different responsible travel initiatives including focuses on animal welfare, gender equality, child protection, responsible production, consumption & supply chain, and climate action.

One of key areas of focus when it comes to responsible travel is that of community-based tourism (CBT). CBT ensures community ownership and management of the tourism experience and ensures that the economic benefits of tourism stay within the community. CBT products showcase a local community’s heritage, cultural practices, and natural resources, and in this way offers an immersive and authentic experience for travelers. While we have included CBT experiences like homestays since Intrepid began, over the last five years we have made a commitment to not only working with existing CBT providers, but in playing a more active role in developing new CBT enterprises to benefit local communities.

We actively work with communities and a range of local partners to support the development of new CBT experiences in destinations that otherwise wouldn’t see the benefits of tourism. Then, when we visit the communities on our itineraries, our travelers have the opportunity to connect with the local people and make a positive impact.

Please provide brief examples of some of your most impactful projects.

Our CBT lodge in Myaing, Myanmar, exemplars our new approach to CBT. A joint project between Intrepid Group and the nonprofit organization ActionAid Myanmar, the CBT lodge was the first of its kind in Myanmar, created to give communities living in poverty from villages near Myaing the opportunity to earn an alternative income and grow as a community, while giving travelers from around the world a genuine insight into rural living in Myanmar.  

Our teams, along with ActionAid, helped shape the design of the lodge, identify tourism activities like hikes and cycle routes, source local guides and provide health and safety training. 

The lodge is also ideally situated, as tourists are able to visit all four villages by bicycle to gain insight into the life of local people and hear firsthand from a female leader from the village why the CBT project is so valuable to the community.  

Travelers also get to experience traditional cuisine made by local hands with local produce and contribute to preserving the environment by planting their own tree as a way of marking the memory of their visit. 

We include a two-night stay at the lodge on our signature Myanmar itinerary, Best of Myanmar. Since our travellers began staying there in January 2017, we have contributed over $150,000 USD in revenue.

The success of Myanmar inspired our business to seek out new opportunities to develop CBT around the world. In Vietnam, our team worked with the nonprofit Action on Poverty to create CBT in Da Bac, where we now include an overnight stay on four of our best-selling Vietnam itineraries. In Nepal, we worked with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and WWF to build a homestay network in the Madi Valley region.

Has your impact tourism program helped, hurt, or had no impact on your business?

At Intrepid our strategy is to grow with purpose. While impact tourism in some form has been part of our business since the very beginning, since we formalized our commitment to creating purpose beyond profit by becoming a certified B-Corp in 2018, we have had two record years of growth–in 2018 we saw 17 percent growth in revenue and in 2019 reported 21 percent growth in Total Transaction Value (TTV).

Vetting Process

How do you select projects.

There are many different factors that we take into consideration when embarking on a new CBT project. We are very aware that we’re a tour operator–small group adventure travel is our area of expertise, not community development–so we need to partner with the right organizations who have the appropriate expertise in this area. When we’re selecting projects, the suitability of the partner organization–what their existing relationship is with the community, what their values are, what role they’ll play in the implementation–is vital for success.

In looking at the viability of the project, our primary aim is to include the CBT initiative on our itineraries so we’re supporting them with revenue over the long-term and it’s imperative that it’s a great experience for the traveler. To determine whether it’s suitable, we need to assess the location – is it in an area where we already operate trips and where we expect demand to increase in the future? Does it complement the other experiences we already offer on that itinerary? Does it showcase the natural resources of that area? If it’s not a good experience for our travelers, then we are not able to include it on our itineraries as we will not be able to support the project over the long-term.  

At the heart of the CBT model is community empowerment and decision making when it comes to tourism. Of the most important factors is creating shared value and meeting the community’s needs and objectives. They need to have a genuine desire to welcome visitors. In terms of the community benefits, these can vary from project to project, but what’s generally common to all is providing an alternative source of income through tourism (and therefore helping to stop forced urban migration), empowering women and other disadvantaged groups, and preserving cultural practices and traditions.

What is the structure to ensure ongoing accountability?

Part of the requirements of our partnership agreements with the local NGO is the submission of regular reports, usually submitted quarterly, which allows us to see the progress made. Another important accountability mechanism is our travelers and tour leaders, who are regularly visiting these projects on our trips. They will provide feedback after every visit, which we’ll then communicate to the CBT enterprise to ensure continuous learning and improvement.

Employee Engagement

How are your employees and your company involved in the projects.

There are a few different mechanisms through which our employees and company are involved in the projects:

• Our local operations staff in-destination are heavily involved throughout the whole process, from initial research right through to training community members and monitoring.
• Our Global Responsible Team, including a dedicated CBT Manager, oversees our CBT initiatives on a global level, including vetting projects and monitoring and evaluation.
• Our tour leaders bring the positive benefits of CBT alive for our customers while they’re on a trip by telling the story of why Intrepid believes in CBT and how their stay makes a difference to local people.
• Our marketing and PR teams tell the story more broadly through press releases and media familiarization trips where journalists can experience the trip for themselves.

What have been staff reactions?

Staff reactions have been hugely positive. Our values and commitment to responsible travel are some of the main reasons listed by our employees as what they most enjoy about working for Intrepid.

Have you provided staff training to support your impact tourism program?

In February 2019, we took 13 different staff members from our offices around the world (Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Croatia, China, Australia, Canada) to our CBT lodge in Myaing in order to help them learn about the model and better understand our approach. We also do extensive training with our tour leaders about CBT and our responsible travel ethos more generally, so they can communicate this to our customers on the ground.

Funding Model

How are funds raised from travelers.

Our CBT projects are not reliant upon raising funds from our travelers but are usually funded by a combination of a direct donation from our business, plus often additional funding from an NGO or government partner. Of course, once travelers have visited our CBT enterprises and seen the community benefits for themselves, they do often wish to donate which we encourage to do through The Intrepid Foundation.

How do you solicit donations?

Our tour leaders receive extensive training and how to talk to our travelers about what community-based tourism is and how they can be part of supporting these important initiatives. We also include information about donating on our website and in email communications to our customers.

Are donations tax deductible?

As an Australian-registered foundation, we are able to offer tax-deductible donations to Australian donors, but this is only applicable to certain projects – as many are small grassroots organizations that are not recognized in Australia as international charities.

Do project funds go into a separate account or to a foundation to ensure transparency and separation from business revenue? If not, what is your process to ensure financial accountability of donated funds?

Yes– any fundraising goes via The Intrepid Foundation which is a registered charity in Australia.

Visitor Engagement

Do travelers visit the project sites why or why not.

Yes – our travelers visiting our CBT sites is how we create impact, through bringing much-needed revenue to communities that are far off the typical tourist trails. Central to our initial analysis of any project is how accessible it is, what existing itineraries we might be able to include it on, and therefore how many customers we can bring there. While we are always sensitive to get the balance right in terms of how many travelers the CBT enterprise can host per week, month and year, in order for it to be successful we need to have a regular stream of visitors.

Being able to have a CBT experience on a trip is a wonderful way for us to illustrate our responsible travel ethos in a tangible way to our customers, while giving back to the communities where the CBT is based.

Do you offer opportunities for voluntourism and/or material donations? Why or why not?

Intrepid does not offer voluntourism programs for customers. Intrepid Travel is primarily a travel operator, and we believe that’s our strength. While we have some very long-standing and rich relationships with local communities, we believe communities seeking volunteers are best served by specialist agencies.

How is the impact tourism promoted or marketed to guests?

Community-based tourism forms part of our broader responsible travel program & policies. This is communicated during trips via tour leaders and through social media, blog posts, on our trip pages, and through PR activity.

What type of educational opportunities and/or materials do you give to travelers?

Via our tour leaders, we provide our customers with lots of information about the dos and don’ts of responsible travel. This is conveyed during the trip so that customers can learn on the ground and it is a continual educational piece for the customer.

We also have a wealth of material on our website and through blog posts about this topic, which we share through social media and other digital channels, including emails pre-trip and post-trip.

Community Perspectives

How do you ensure that your values and approach align with the community supported.

Our local operations team will visit the community and spend time with the local people there before we agree to a project. As we usually will work with a nonprofit partner, we also significantly rely on their expertise and experience in the community. Making sure that the community understands our objectives and has a genuine desire to welcome travelers into their lives is absolutely critical for the success of the project. We also want to ensure the community shares our values, for example our commitment to female empowerment and gender equality.  

How are you ensuring that your projects meet the most relevant needs of the community?

We absolutely rely on our nonprofit partners, for example ActionAid Myanmar, to work closely with us in shaping the CBT initiative to ensure it meets the needs of the community. While we will of course spend a significant amount of time in the community consulting with the local people, often the nonprofit has been working there for years previously, so they are in the best position to make sure the CBT fulfils the community’s needs.

Do you engage in ongoing dialogue with the local community? If so, how?

Yes – primarily through visits by our local operations (DMC) staff and our tour leaders when on trips.

Has there ever been a time when adjustments to your approach or project have needed to be made as a result of community feedback? Please explain how you were able to adapt.

In 2018, we saw a significant decline in our customer numbers to Myanmar overall as a result of the country’s ongoing Rohingya crisis, with a subsequent decline in the revenue we were able to supply to the CBT lodge.

In 2019, in order to better support the community we decided to increase the number of nights customers stay at the lodge from one to two nights which not only meant more revenue for the community, but a better customer experience with more time to relax and enjoy time spent there. 

Lessons Learned

Why do you feel your impact tourism program has been so successful.

Measuring success can be done in a number of different ways. From an impact point of view, we don’t just look at metrics like the number of livelihoods we support through CBT, or the amount of additional income that tourism brings to households. The qualitative data is also really important, which is not easy to capture in facts and figures – for example, the empowerment felt by the female CBT Lodge staff members. Customer feedback is also an essential element of what constitutes success, as CBT can only be sustainable over the long-term if its also a great customer experience and can sustain demand.  Usually the CBT experiences we include on our trips are listed by our customers as the highlight of their trip with us.

What challenges has your company faced in developing a successful program?

Our key challenge has been finding the right partners – those who offer complementary skills to our own, and who work in areas with a high tourism potential. We often come across opportunities to develop tourism in incredibly remote areas, which while we believe the end product and experience will be incredible for customers, we can’t guarantee the volume of travelers required to really drive significant revenue and therefore impact into the community.

Why do you feel it is important for the tourism industry to not only promote a produce but to provide environmental and community support?

Traveling responsibly by providing environmental and community support is crucial for long-term sustainability – it just makes good business sense. If local people don’t see the benefits from tourism, they will push back. As travel companies, we profit from taking our customers to beautiful destinations all over the world, so we also have a responsibility to protect these destinations from harm. Thankfully, the concept of sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly mainstream due to customer demand.

What would your advice be to another company that is hoping to establish a successful impact tourism program?

There are so many different avenues in which to pursue impact tourism, so it’s important to think about where your expertise lies – where can you add value through what you already do. Partnerships are crucial in terms of complementing your skill set. We would also suggest considering your destinations – what are the key issues there, and how might your product work to help solve them?

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Awards & Recognition: Our Myaing CBT Lodge in Myanmar was a finalist in the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in 2019 and has been certified by ASEAN as a ‘Gold Standard’ CBT enterprise.

For more information contact: Myvawny Costelloe, CBT Manager, [email protected] Websites: www.intrepidtravel.com/community-based-tourism

Photos courtsey of Intrepid Travel

This Impact Tourism Handbook was made possible by generous financial support from Elevate Destinations , Hilton , Holbrook Travel , and Overseas Adventure Travel .

Travel | Travel Troubleshooter: Expedia said it would…

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Travel | walmart to close all 51 health centers, including 8 in central florida, things to do, travel | travel troubleshooter: expedia said it would refund my tickets four years ago. help.

DEAR TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER: I need help getting a refund from Expedia. I booked two round-trip Air Transat tickets from Toronto to Paris through Expedia back in 2020. I had to cancel the flights, and under the refund rules during the pandemic, Expedia said I could get my money back. Expedia said it would process the refund in a matter of weeks.

I waited a few months, but the refund never showed up on my credit card. I contacted Expedia in early 2022, and they told me to contact Air Transat for my refund. I did, and an Air Transat representative said the airline had already sent my refund to Expedia.

I’ve contacted both Expedia and Air Transat on numerous occasions since then, and I’ve also asked my credit card company for help. It says that there’s no record of a refund from Expedia or Air Transat.I would love to get my refund. Can you help me?

— Keith Dawe, Toronto

ANSWER: Expedia should have refunded your money four years ago. I believe this is a new record for the longest airline refund case. (Congratulations, Expedia!)

Air Transat is a relatively small charter airline, so that might explain the initial delay. But at some point, Expedia should have taken ownership of this problem and helped you get a refund. Instead, it looks as if you bounced between Expedia, Air Transat and your credit card company for years. Literally, years. You must be exhausted.

What happened? It looks as if Air Transat refunded part of your purchase with a check, which appears to only cover taxes and fees. This left an outstanding balance of about $1,002. Air Transat claims it sent the money to Expedia, but Expedia said it never received the money.

Here’s the thing: When you buy an airline ticket through an online travel agency, it is responsible for the refund. It doesn’t matter if the airline refunds it or not. So, if Expedia says that you’re entitled to a refund, and it promises to process a refund in a few weeks, it’s on Expedia.

You were way too patient with your airline and online agency. You should have received the promised refund promptly, and if you didn’t, you should have filed a credit card dispute to recover your funds.

I list the names, numbers and email addresses of the Expedia executives on my consumer advocacy site, Elliott.org . A brief but firm email to one of them might have motivated Expedia to find your missing money.

I contacted Expedia on your behalf. In response, the company apologized and admitted that there was “an error with the refund.””The refund has been processed,” a representative said. Expedia also added $200 worth of points to your loyalty account as an apology for the delay.

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps consumers solve their problems. Email him at [email protected] or get help by contacting him at elliottadvocacy.org/help/ . (c) 2024 Christopher Elliott Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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