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Intrepid Travel Launches New U.S. Adventures — From Ranch Stays in Zion to Cycling Through Maine

"We're designing this product to show Americans America," Intrepid's CEO told T+L of expanding their trips throughout the U.S.

Tour operator Intrepid Travel is aiming to showcase how awe-inspiring and breathtaking America can really be with a plethora of new U.S. tours .

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From the vast expanse of Montana to the steep hills of San Francisco , the travel company tripled the number of tours it offered throughout the United States in 2022, Intrepid Travel's CEO James Thornton exclusively told Travel + Leisure . Intrepid added 38 new trips to its U.S. offerings, which cover 28 different states along with Washington, D.C.

"We're designing this product to show Americans America," Thornton said. "Naturally because Intrepid is a very global company... no doubt the trips will also appeal to customers from Australia [and] the U.K."

The new trips are a mix of outdoor active adventures that Thornton said are the backbone of Intrepid (think: walking and cycling ) along with culinary and sightseeing-focused itineraries.

"Intrepid has always been known for active [trips]… cycling, getting under the skin of the destination," he said, adding many people have been cooped up for the better part of two years and are itching to get outdoors. "I think it's something we were seeing pre-COVID and it's been accentuated by COVID."

The new trips, which launched in April 2022, include weeklong jaunts from Tennessee to Louisiana, tracing the country's music history from Elvis Presley's home at Graceland and Sun Studio in Memphis to a jazz-inspired walking tour in New Orleans . Or, revel in the sweeping landscapes of South Dakota and Montana on a parks explorer trip , complete with a visit to Yellowstone and Badlands National Park. Travelers can also explore national parks in Utah with a six-day ranch stay in Zion National Park.

When it comes to bookings, Thornton said reservations have started to reach 2019 levels in the U.S., which he called "a very encouraging sign that Americans are keen to get out and explore." But that doesn't mean travel habits haven't changed in the last couple of years.

"COVID has changed the way in which many of us are traveling," he said, adding that people are increasingly traveling domestically and "conscious around their carbon miles and carbon dollars."

For 2023, Intrepid has also expanded its Premium range of tours , with 10 new sustainability-focused itineraries that feature upscale accommodations and exclusive experiences by local leaders.

“Trends show that passengers are willing to pay for premium trips that offer an exceptional experience at an excellent value,” Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel's president of North America said in a statement. “Like all Intrepid trips, these new itineraries are designed to minimize travelers’ environmental footprint and maximize their positive impact for local communities — this is what makes Intrepid Travel so special.”

The launch marks the first Intrepid Premium itinerary in the U.S., with the introduction of Premium Alaska — one of four new tours offered in the Americas including Premium Costa Rica and Premium Patagonia. On the 10-day Alaska adventure, travelers will take the Wilderness Express Deluxe Dome cars to Denali to view spectacular landscapes by train, tour the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center , sample local beers on a private brewery tour, and visit the Alaska Native History Center to learn about Alaska’s Indigenous cultures.

In addition to new itineraries, the travel company offers more than 100 Indigenous experiences in the United States and beyond. Some of the new tours include a Utah national park hike with a Native American guide, a Mayan family farm visit and cooking class in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and camping at Kenya’s Tepesua Village, where travelers will hear stories about Maasai warriors and learn about how community efforts are supporting women's access to education and healthcare. 

Intrepid Travel has been a longtime supporter of responsible travel. In 2019, the tour operator launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan , which outlined how it would contribute to the country’s reconciliation efforts by supporting First Nations groups through tourism. It also helped launch the first-ever Indigenous Tourism Forum of the Americas in 2020, a meeting place for community, business, and government leaders to discuss the role that tourism plays in supporting Indigenous groups.

“Communities and people are at the heart of our trips,” Berna said in a statement. “We aim to get a better understanding of local views, support more community-based and First Nations experiences, and forge strong industry relationships. It’s critical to continue to elevate Indigenous culture through authentic experiences.”

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Intrepid Launches Largest Collection Of US Trips

November 17, 2021

Intrepid Travel has unveiled a collection of 38 new trips in the U.S. that will begin departing in 2022. The new collection is Intrepid’s most robust offering in the U.S. since its inception over 30 years ago.

Each trip was designed to provide opportunities to forge meaningful connections between travellers and the people who make this diverse country so rich in culture.

James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, said: “We’ve thought for a long time about the unique role Intrepid can play in the United States. We felt compelled to not only offer sustainable and unique travel experiences for both domestic and international travelers, but to also ensure we use the power of tourism as a force for good.”

He continued: “We created these itineraries to showcase the U.S. through a more authentic and diverse lens. While they will offer travellers the chance to see the country’s most iconic sites and cities, they also celebrate the lesser-known places, communities and highlights that make up the rich fabric of America.”

And Thornton added: “While we did include many of the well-loved places that get people excited to travel, we took it a step further by celebrating the small towns and varying perspectives that allow travelers to understand what America is – not just at its surface, but rather at its core.”

Intrepid’s new U.S. trips will incorporate the must-see attractions while giving travelers more curated, in-depth offerings. From enjoying local delicacies and going on human-powered active adventures, to spending time with First Nations tribes, each trip will provide a unique take on the destination.

The launch of these new trips brings Intrepid’s total portfolio in the United States to 57 tours, together covering 28 states and Washington D.C. and including a mix of walking, cycling, multi-active, culinary and general sightseeing adventures.

Go to www.intrepidtravel.com/united-states for more.

Photo courtesy of Intrepid Travel 

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The Scoop: What to Know About Intrepid Travel

Local experts, a focus on sustainability, and immersive small group experiences help set intrepid travel apart from other tour operators..

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Intrepid Travel helps travelers see the world in an immersive and impactful way, with a company mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. A leader in responsible travel for 35 years, Intrepid has been recognized by TourScoop as one of the best group travel operators in the world.

In 2018, it became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B Corp certification, and in 2020 it became the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets  through the Science Based Targets initiative. Its not-for-profit initiative,  The Intrepid Foundation , has raised more than $13 million for some 135 partners that include Greening Australia, World Bicycle Relief, Gorilla Doctors, and Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust.

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Intrepid has its own network of destination management companies in 26 countries, providing travelers with local expertise and perspective. Its small group travel tours come in a variety of styles and themes, traveling to more than 100 countries around the globe. Guests experience the well-known highlights, secret spots, and local culture in a responsible and insightful way.

TourScoop Takeaways

• Destinations: More than 1,150 small group tours offered in more than 100 countries on all seven continents
• Tour Size Average: Tours average about 10 people
• Tour Type: Small group guided tours

How to Book with Intrepid Travel

You can book a tour online through  IntrepidTravel.com , by phone at 800-970-7299, or with your preferred local travel agent.

Credibility Check

Intrepid is no stranger to industry awards and recognition, and it’s received some big accolades recently. It was named one of Time’s 100  most influential companies  in 2023 and made Fast Company’s list of the 10  most innovative corporate social responsibility initiatives  that same year. Dr. Susanne Etti, Global Environmental Impact Manager for Intrepid Travel, was also named one of National Geographic’s  Travelers of the Year  for 2024. On  TourRadar , Intrepid Travel has a rating of 4.6/5 based on more than 8,500 reviews.

Tour Destinations

Intrepid tours span the globe, with more than 1,150 small group tour options in more than 100 countries and on all seven continents. Some of its most popular tour destinations include Morocco, Vietnam, Peru, India, Egypt, Cambodia, and Australia.

Intrepid Travel offers four styles of tours for different travel styles and budgets. Its  Basix  trips feature simple accommodations like budget hotels, camping, or homestays and offer lots of free time for independent exploration. Intrepid’s  Original  tours typically feature three-star accommodations, some meals, and included activities, while  Comfort  tours offer a higher level of accommodations and inclusions. The top tour tier,  Premium , includes stays at memorable four-star-level accommodations, exclusive unique experiences, and the company’s most experienced leaders.

Within these four levels, a variety of themed tours are offered. These include  family tours ,  food tours ,  active adventure tours ,  wildlife tours ,  walking and trekking tours , and  cycling tours .

Tour Guides

Intrepid works exclusively with local tour guides. The company believes that the best people to show travelers a destination are people who actually live there. Intrepid Travel’s local leaders know the backroads and hidden gems in a destination and help tourgoers mingle with other locals.

What’s Included with an Intrepid Travel Tour

Intrepid’s tour prices include all accommodations and transport during the trip, group activities, and local tour guides throughout the tour. Other inclusions vary depending on tour type. For example, Premium tours have more activities and excursions included, while Basix trips have more optional activities for an additional cost. Every tour type except for Basix includes at least some meals.

What’s Not Included

• Flights to and from your trip 
• Transfers to and from your trip (for all tour types except Premium)
• Gratuities for local leaders
• Optional activities 

Typical Travelers

Intrepid tours are designed for and attract travelers of all ages and interests. Basix trips tend to attract younger travelers, while Premium tours draw in a more mature clientele. The company also offers a range of family adventures that bring together three to five like-minded families. The minimum age for these trips varies depending on the destination and activity level.

Communication

After you book a tour with Intrepid Travel, you will receive your final documents by email or mail about 30 days before departure; these include the itinerary and an Essential Trip Information package. Intrepid consultants are available by phone, email, or live chat to answer questions, and the company proactively informs travelers of any potential changes related to individual travel plans and bookings.

Intrepid Travel’s Loyalty Program

Anyone who’s traveled with the company becomes part of the  Intrepid Insiders  program. Members receive emails with Insiders-only previews of sales, info about new trips, and partner offers.

Sustainability Efforts

Intrepid has been carbon neutral since 2010, and it carbon offsets all trips. The company continues to look for ways to reduce its carbon emissions, such as by removing short-haul flight legs from some trips. It’s also added  carbon labels  to 500 trips (including more than 100 of its top-selling tours) that detail the emissions generated through the accommodations, transportation, food, activities, staffing, and operations that go into each trip. As a certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid prides itself on transparency and accountability.

Health and Safety Practices

Intrepid’s Travel Alerts page offers current info on travel alerts and advisories along with entry, health, and visa requirements travelers need to know. The Safe Travels Hub offers even more health and safety info, and Intrepid has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp for the health and hygiene protocols it has adopted.

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Intrepid Travel   Reviews

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Reviews 4.3.

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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

Reply from Intrepid Travel

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Date of experience : March 08, 2024

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This Central America trip was basix but very good.

This trip was basix, which means not much included, i.e. much flexibility. The hotels were good, clean, good beds. The guide was excellent, - one of the best I have ever had.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are pleased to hear that your Central America trip, although basic, met your expectations and that your tour leader was one of the best you have ever had. We look forward to you joining us on more adventure soon.

Intrepid Travel

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$215 — 36,420

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Age Range: 18 - 80

Average Tour Price: $2,377

Accommodation Style:  Unique stays in boutique 3  and 4 star hotels

Group Size: Small groups - max 16 on most trips. To increase travelers safety during Covid-19, Intrepid has decreased their group size to an average of 10 people

Travel Style: Cultural immersion, active adventure, overland

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Intrepid Travel - Quick Facts

Founded in 1989

No Single Supplement (rare exceptions)

Small Groups: max 16 on most trips (10 max during Covid-19)

Average Age:  48

Travel Style: Cultural immersion, adventure, overland,  sustainable, and active

Accommodation Style: Camping, Hostels, 3 /4 star hotels, locally owned

Top Regions: Asia, Africa, Europe, South America

Other Brands: Peregrine

Commonly compared with G Adventures »

Intrepid Travel is all about ‘real life experiences.’ With a name meaning fearless and adventurous, Intrepid offers nothing less than big travel adventures -- such as an 11-day hike through Papua New Guinea.  However, Intrepid is broad-based enough to offer varied experiences such as food tours in Greece, complete with a visit to a Kalamata olive grove.

What Makes Intrepid Travel Stand Out?

• Responsible travel
• Industry experts
• Authentic experiences
• Small groups

Intrepid believes that with great travel experiences comes great responsibility. They are focused on responsible tourism which includes not only treading lightly but also making a positive impact on the destinations they send travelers to.  As a Certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid donates to grass root projects around the world, are a carbon-neutral business and are committed to animal welfare.

Travelers can rest assured when they travel with Intrepid because they will be in the hands of industry experts . Intrepid partners with local leaders to be guides for travelers. This gives travelers first hand experiences from someone who knows the area well.

Above all else, Intrepid strives to get its travelers off the beaten path and under the surface of the local culture. To accomplish this, group sizes are small, maximum of 16 on most trips. This allows for more use of local transportation and lodging, along with fostering cultural immersion . Intrepid also employs local English-speaking leaders who act more as a resource for local exploration than do typical ‘guides,’ shepherding groups from one place to another. 

Who Will Enjoy Traveling With Intrepid Travel?

• All types of travelers
• Cultural enthusiasts

Intrepid is one of the early pioneers of the “adventure”-style guided trip . Despite its informal beginnings and emphasis on younger, highly adventurous travelers, Intrepid has expanded to a global company with a broad range of trips to fit all ages.

Intrepid divides its small-group trips into three separate styles of travel, all priced accordingly. “Basix,” for budget travelers , keep inclusions to a minimum and offer plenty of free time. “Original” journeys offer more included activities and hotels, while “Comfort” trips offer luxury experiences that include the highest level of included activities and standards of accommodation, as well as roomier vehicles. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a style right for your specific desires.

The age range on Intrepid tours varies widely from tour to tour, and they are welcoming to all ages.  The only exception to this are their 18-29 themed tours which are specifically for that age group. 

Intrepid travelers have  a real sense of adventure - whether this means hard adventure, or simply going deeper off the beaten path. Interacting with locals is an important factor when you travel, as is gaining a unique cultural perspective.  A sense of fun is also essential, whether it means going out at night with your tour mates, trying new foods, or exploring the local markets.

Which is better? Intrepid Travel or G Adventures?

Commonly compared, both G Adventures and Intrepid Travel specialize in culturally immersive and off-the-beaten-path experiences. They are top companies to consider if you enjoy local & authetic travel and value having lots of free time during the itinerary. See our ultimate guide to decide which is right for you: Intrepid vs G Adventures, full comparison »

Top Destinations

Originally focused on small group adventure tours to Asia , Intrepid has expanded rapidly over the years, while maintaining its classic, adventurous, and immersive style. Today Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 different experiences in over 100 countries, on all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia , South America , Africa , and Europe .

Does Intrepid Travel include flights?

While all your internal transportation is taken care of, often utilizing traditiona local methods such as tuk-tuks in Thailand, international flights to and from your home and the tour destination are not included.  Their travel specialists can recommend where to look for flights however.

Intrepid Travel Style

Intrepid enjoys using local, unique forms of transportation. You might find yourself traveling by felucca in Egypt   or in a tuk-tuk on the best Thailand tour of your life.

Accommodations, which could range from guesthouses to home stays, are also locally owned, allowing a more authentic taste of the region while contributing to the local economy.

There are a few broad travel styles to choose from when deciding on an Intrepid tour:

1. Basix - Budget travelers who don’t mind, and in fact prefer, simple accommodations - camping and homestays with basic amenities, and crave a lot of free time for exploring independently will love these tours. Public transportation is used exclusively so pack light! These trips often attract a younger crowd who love the idea of throwing a backpack on, keep plenty of room for the unexpected in their schedule, and allocate their travel funds towards spontaneous bus tickets and street food instead of museum tours and 5 star restaurants.

2. Original - These trips take the backpacker spirit of local immersion, incorporating all the benefits that come with going with a planned itinerary. This style is called “Original” because it’s the type of travel that put Intrepid on the map...pun intended. Accommodations are still simple and budget minded - often homestays are used to give you a true sense of place, personality, and culture . Mostly public transportation is used.

3. Comfort - Intrepid is known for the active adventure style of travel and these trips keep that mentality, with a few more creature comforts thrown into the mix. You can expect higher luxury accommodations that include a wider variety of included amenities, transportation is mostly private, though you can still expect to use some public transport, as is the Intrepid way. More meals are included in the trip price, and more group activities - which means a bit less free time to explore on your own.

Why Choose a Tour With Intrepid Travel?

Intrepid is a good tour company if you don’t mind foregoing some creature comforts for a truly authentic, local experience . If you enjoy meeting locals when traveling, sampling new and exciting foods , and traveling in mixed-aged groups of 10-16 people, Intrepid could be a good fit for you.

It’s important to note, sometimes “ample free time” can be a blessing and a curse. It sounds great on paper, but if you’re looking to maximize your dollar and your vacation time, be sure you understand the implications of having a lot of free time during your itinerary.

For some travelers this is an absolute requirement, but for others it can be tough to branch off and explore independently - you also need to make sure you allocate enough travel money for independent meals .

The tour leaders are great resources of information for how to spend your free time, but if you like having a full day scheduled from breakfast to dinner, Intrepid may not be the best company for you.

Lastly, if sustainable and responsible travel is important to you, Intrepid has poured millions of dollars into local economies, and has a very strong emphasis on responsible travel. So you can feel good knowing that your money helps support some of the innkeepers, vendors, and communities that you’ll meet along the way.

Is Intrepid Travel Safe?

Yes, Intrepid is a very safe company to travel with and they take the safety of their tour goers very seriously.

In response to Covid-19, Intrepid has reduced their group size to an average of 10 people. Their guides have been fully trained on new sanitation requirements and Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.

They have also implemented flexible booking options. 

General Covid-19 Travel News

Some countries are beginning to reopen to international visitors, with entry restrictions, while others have remained closed. 

Keep checking back regularly to keep up to date with the frequently changing situation of the coronavirus.

Want more information about travel safety and the coronavirus? Read about where it's safe to travel to in 2020 >>

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About the company, the intrepid travel experience.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

•   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
•   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
•   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
•   Local transport - get close and personal
•   Local accommodation - experience real living
•   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

• Integrity – Doing the right thing
• Responsible – Think global, act local
• Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
• Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
• Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
• Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

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The Sky’s the Limit as Intrepid Launches a New Program of Free Fridays

C loud cover permitting, real-life stars will get their chance to shine tomorrow — and just days after a spectacular Pink full moon, there’s no doubt as to which planet will steal the show.

Cast your eyes skywards as Intrepid Museum launches a new season of Free Fridays, with Tim Straube, deputy manager of APS for NASA’s Orion spacecraft leading an Astro Live discussion on NASA’s work to return humans to the Moon under the Artemis campaign. 

Local astronomers will be on hand to help visitors navigate the night sky and answer questions about astronomy and stargazing. You’re welcome to bring along your own binoculars or look through the high-powered telescopes of the experts.

American Sign Language interpretation will be available for the Astro Live and the Museum demonstrations as well as for telescope viewing on the flight deck.

Doors open prompt at 5pm, with last entry at 8:30pm (doors are subject to close earlier, entry is not guaranteed). All visitors must enter through the Welcome Center to receive a ticket prior to entering the Museum.

While you’re there, be sure to visit Intrepid’s new temporary exhibition, Apollo: When We Went to the Moon,  which highlights the remarkable history of humanity’s voyage beyond our home planet, and the extraordinary individuals who made it happen.

If you can’t make it this time, there are more Free Fridays planned for June 28, July 26, August 23 and September 27.

For more information, visit  intrepidmuseum.org .

The post The Sky’s the Limit as Intrepid Launches a New Program of Free Fridays appeared first on W42ST .

The Freedom of Minimalism: Crafting a New Wardrobe and Redefining Travel Footprints The Intrepid Traveler

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In this episode of The Intrepid Traveler, join host Robin Cline as she shares her expert insights on the art of packing light for extended trips. With over 30 years of travel experience, Robin unveils her personal tips for efficient packing and offers valuable advice on selecting versatile clothing, essential travel accessories, and sustainable toiletries. Through engaging travel anecdotes, she demonstrates the liberating benefits of traveling light and highlights the joy of solo exploration. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to the adventure, Robin's practical tips and inspiring stories are sure to ignite your passion for travel. So, grab your virtual passport and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery with The Intrepid Traveler. Thanks for joining us on today’s episode of The Intrepid Traveler podcast! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please rate and review our show to help us reach even more aspiring travelers. Don’t forget to check out our website, visit us on Facebook, Instagram or follow us on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on our latest epic travel adventures! Use the following links when planning your own travel! TRAVEL INSURED INTERNATIONAL MEDJET VIRTUOSO PROJECT EXPEDITION

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