intrepid tours in europe

Northern Europe

There are amazing experiences around every corner of northern Europe. With castles, volcanos, beer cafes and fjords, there’s something for everyone.

Northern Europe may be one of the most visited regions in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s all tourist crowds and queues for iconic sights. Our team on the ground know the area like no one else. They seek out alternatives to mainstream travel so your clients can experience genuine local delights, as well as the famous destinations.

The little volcanic island of Iceland punches above its weight in terms of sights per size. You clients will be able to cruise between icebergs, visit charming fishing villages or soak in a geothermal lagoon.  

In Ireland and the United Kingdom your travellers can spend their time exploring medieval castles, gazing out at dramatic landscapes such as the Cliffs of Moher or attending the Highland Games in Scotland.

The Baltic countries of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are off the traditional tourist trails and offer up plenty of amazing, lesser-known sights. Travellers will be immersed in Baroque architecture, fairytale forests, and national histories that come to terrifying life as told by our local guides.

In Scandinavia your travellers will be treated to chic cities, vast arctic landscapes, dramatic fjords and stories that range from gnomes to Russians to Vikings. They will search for the dazzling Aurora Borealis in Norway, explore Sweden’s maritime history in Stockholm, or explore Helsinki’s bustling waterfront market.

With options to travel by boat, train, kayak, bicycle or private transport, our local team can create a style of itinerary to suit every budget and every level of comfort. Whether it’s a luxury adventure to the Arctic Circle, or a family friendly trip to explore Scandinavia’s many islands, we’ll operate an experience-rich itinerary that meets your brand requirements.

Meet The Team

Zina Bencheikh

Florencia Allo Moreno

Region highlights.

Husky Safari, Finland

There is no better way to explore Finnish Lapland than on a husky tour. These responsible mushing tours will take your travellers out through marshes, forest glades and frozen rivers. There’s time to warm up with Finnish squeaky cheese or even spot the northern lights.

Snorkelling, Iceland

Iceland is possibly the most unique place in the world to snorkel. In water that is a mere 2 degrees Celsius your clients will snorkel the clearest water in the world, with visibility up to 150m, at the fissure that marks the border between Europe and America.

Kayaking, Norway

Your clients can get close to some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway with a kayaking tour off the Helgeland coast. They’ll explore narrow fjords, see majestic mountains and paddle around a variety of islands. Theirs is also a chance to find their own private beach.

• Destinations (A)
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Intrepid Travel Launches Great Walks of Europe

Each trip will include stays at small, family-run hotels and other accommodations, with minimal transport used, making them a sustainable option and supporting the local communities that have been affected by the pandemic.

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Europe Day Tours

Austria Vienna

Croatia dubrovnik, france paris, greece athens, italy florence, romania bucharest, spain barcelona, turkey istanbul, united kingdom london, see all destinations below for intrepid urban adventures.

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Highlights of Central Europe

• Fully Guided
• Sightseeing

• Introduction
• Day 1 Prague
• Day 2 Prague
• Day 3 Cesky Krumlov
• Day 4 Vienna
• Day 5 Vienna
• Day 6 Budapest
• Day 7 Budapest
• Day 8 Budapest

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Sustainability initiatives.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

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Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
• Ian · 26th August 2023 A well planned trip with some surprising accommodation stops. We were amazed at how much we enjoyed our trip, and can... Show more
• ruth · 20th August 2023 Enjoyable leusurely paced trip exposing us to both country and city aspects of Romanian life and history
• Abigail · 6th August 2023 Our tour guide mel was amazing, however the weather was not on our side for the tour.

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

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• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• December 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 27 May, 2024 Monday 3 Jun, 2024 English Almost Sold Out €2,305 Confirm Dates
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• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 16 Sep, 2024 Monday 23 Sep, 2024 English €2,390 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currencies € Euro Austria Kč Czech Koruna Czech Republic Ft Forint Hungary

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Czech Republic and Hungary. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Czech Republic and Hungary. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 12th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 12th June 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Intrepid Travelling

Intrepid Travelling Experiences, Reviews and Advice

Intrepid Travelling in Europe

Europe comprises the westernmost part of Eurasia which is generally considered as separate from Asia by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the Bosphorus strait. Yet the borders of Europe are in fact arbitrary, as the primarily physiographic term "continent" also incorporates cultural and political elements.

Europe is the world's second-smallest continent by surface area, covering about 10.1 million square kilometres or just 2% of Earth's surface and about 6.8% of its land area. Of Europe's approximately 50 countries, Russia is by far the largest by both area and population, taking up 40% of the continent, while the Vatican City is the smallest. Europe is the third-most populous continent after Asia and Africa, with a population of 740 million - 11% of the world's population. Europe is, relatively, traveller friendly with intrepid adventures found all over especially in the east of the continent. 

Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe in general refers to the eastern half of the European continent which is geographically, politically and culturally diverse... Destinations >>

Western Europe

Western Europe, comprising the western part of the European continent which is home to some of the Worlds most popular travel  Destinations >>

Scandinavia

Frequently referred to as the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden in the northern regions of Europe.. Destinations >>

United Kingdom and Ireland

The United Kingdom, comprising of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales (along with Ireland) are some of the most visited tourist destinations in the world... Destinations >>

Best of Central Europe

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• COVID-19 protected
• Sightseeing tour
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Art and architecture
• Customizable
• Booking Type Instant booking
• duration 15 days
• tour type Small group Request as private
• age requirement 15-99 yrs
• max group size 15
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-3044

• Starts Vienna, Austria
• Ends Budapest, Hungary
• Stay in old-school style while supporting a social cause during your time in Vienna. The city’s quirky Magdas Hotel is committed to helping local refugees earn a living through employment.
• Embark on a hike through the lesser known but no less stunning Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. With a range of trails available, you’ll be high above the valley floor admiring the vistas in no time.
• See the classic Polish cities of Wroclaw and Krakow and feel the emotional wallop of a sobering visit to nearby Auschwitz.
• Discover the magical Cesky Krumlov on a guided tour around town with your small group, passing by medieval buildings, verdant countryside and the flowing Vltava River.
• Get the low-down on Budapest’s classic charm, café culture, and eclectic neighbourhood vibes during your time here. Have you actually been to Budapest if you didn’t go to a ruin bar?
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
• Day 1: Vienna
• Day 2: Vienna
• Day 3: Cesky Krumlov
• Day 4: Cesky Krumlov
• Day 5: Prague
• Day 6: Prague
• Day 7: Wroclaw
• Day 8: Wroclaw
• Day 9: Krakow
• Day 10: Krakow
• Day 11: Tatra Mountains
• Day 12: Tatra Mountains
• Day 13: Budapest
• Day 14: Budapest
• Day 15: Budapest
• Hotel (12 nights), Pension (2 nights)
• 12 Breakfasts
• Train , Public bus , Private vehicle , Bicycle , Metro , Taxi
• An expert tour leader
• Vienna - Kaffee und Kuchen Experience
• Cesky Krumlov - guided tour
• Wroclaw - Orientation walk
• Swidnica - Cathedral and Church of Peace visit
• Oswiecim - Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum guided tour
• Tatranska Lomnica - Tatra Mountains Hike (not between Nov and Mar)
• Tatra Mountains - Hrebienok Funicular
• Tatra Mountains - Tatranska Lomnica Gondola
• Any international flights to Vienna and from Budapest are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
• Travel insurance is not included in this Best of Central Europe tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
• Protected Travel within your own bubble.
• Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
• Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
• Earn US$ 103+ in travel credits.
• Best price guaranteed.
• No credit card or booking fees.
• 100% financial protection.
• Carbon neutral tours.
• 25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
• Read more reasons to book with Bookmundi less Read less

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Best of Central Europe tour. You can cancel the tour up to 58 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 57 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 09 June 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 09 June 2024, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 57 days before trip departure.

Best of Central Europe tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this Best of Central Europe tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

• Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water.
• In some train stations and most of our accommodation there are no lifts or escalators. Please be aware that you will have to carry you own bags up and down stairs and on and off public transport. It is recommended you pack lightly. You can find some packing guidelines in the 'packing' section in the trip notes.
• If you have more time to explore the region you may want to check out our trip ‘Journey through Central Europe & Romania’ (trip code AMSCC). This trip heads further east and explores Romania and Bulgaria. Or you may want to consider our trip 'Vienna to Dubrovnik' (trip code AMSNC), continuing down the Balkans peninsula through Belgrade, Sarajevo and ending in Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast. Most departure dates are designed to create these perfect combos.
• On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly.
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer mandatory on departures after 1st January 2023. Nonetheless, all travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated as a safety measure to protect themselves and others on the tour. This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination are required.
• Also, proof of vaccination may still be required at specific entry points or by the airlines. Therefore, please make sure to check all the travel requirements carefully before travelling.

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

• This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
• Hygiene and safety guidelines will be followed to ensure your well being is looked after during travels.

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• Finish point description
• Finish point instructions
• Food and dietary requirements
• Money matters
• Your fellow travellers
• Itinerary disclaimer
• Physical preparation
• Climate and seasonal
• Important information
• A couple of rules
• Alternate Joining point instructions
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What Summer Travel to Europe Will Look Like This Year

By Arati Menon

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

With additional reporting by Sarah Allard

When travel journalist Jenn Rice decided to spend July and August in Italy and Croatia last year, she wasn’t expecting to be spending most of her time indoors. “It was very very hot, so I booked museum tickets during peak days or just lounged around in my room with a spritz and a book until the sun set.” In Dubrovnik she tried escaping to the sea for a cool dip, but everyone else had the same idea—resulting in sweaty, overcrowded beaches. “In Rome , gelato melted faster than the speed of light,” she says.

Come summer, major attractions like the Spanish Steps in Rome are thronged by international tourists and vacationing Europeans.

Rome and Dubrovnik weren’t the only European destinations overcome with heat. To travel in Europe in the summer of 2023 was to experience first-hand a single season of contrasting extremes. Temperatures swung from hot and dry to cold and wet, and heatwaves broke out across several of the most heavily touristed destinations, with temperatures reaching upwards of 100°F. In Northern Greece, wildfires broke out —the worst experienced there in 20 years —destroying homes, forests, and vineyards.

Yet in the midst of it all, the continent also saw record-breaking tourist numbers —the highest since pre-pandemic levels—even as hotel prices swelled and airfares hit peaks. From scenic escapes like Bellagio in Como and Taormina in Sicily (where the White Lotus effect was on full display) to bucket-list cities like Paris and Madrid , much of touristed Europe was completely overwhelmed.

“We had people calling us from Athens and Rome asking us to get them out [to somewhere cooler in Europe], because it was too hot and too crowded,” recalls Jan Sortland , founder of Scandinavia specialists Norwegian Adventures.

International tourists weren’t the only ones thronging these spots. According to the European Travel Commission , most Europeans took their vacations before the peak month of August, with Italy and France being their top destinations. This resulted in packed crowds at all the major attractions. For John Canning, an LA-based executive who traveled to Paris in July, the crowds were eye-opening. “We didn’t anticipate that everything we would want to see was sold out. We only got Musée d’Orsay tickets through our concierge at a substantial premium and could not get into the Louvre full stop,” he says.

Rice says the summer taught her to plan her travel differently this year—and beyond: “I’m going to try and do coastal Italy early in May, and if I decide to travel in Europe this summer it will be either Asturias in Northern Spain or the Julian Alps in Slovenia to keep cool."

She’s not alone—according to the travel specialists we spoke with, there’s an increased interest in lesser-known destinations offering a more laid back (and cooler) holiday. “Our guests are asking after places where they can be outdoors, yet have access to wine & foodie experiences and culture. Slovenia is a great example of where you can have all that without being overwhelmed with the heat; the Dolomites in Italy is another,” says Rachael Mendizabal, Europe travel specialist at Scott Dunn . Richard Hyde, COO at Small Luxury Hotels of the World , is seeing similar trends across their European portfolio: “Guests seem to be gravitating towards alternative destinations—Milos instead of Mykonos and Slovenia instead of Spain.”

Norway is a popular destination this summer, offering cooler weather and a myriad ways to be active outside, exploring the islands and fjords.

A big part of that shift will play into Sortland’s area of expertise: Northern Europe. With the Med getting too hot to handle, experts predict that tourism will shift northwards. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in Copenhagen and Stockholm for the cultural experience, and then onward to Norway for the nature. Currently, the fjords are still a favorite but Norway is a large country and there’s so much more to see—the Helgeland coast for example with its beautiful coastline and mountainous islands,” he says. The draw is a more moderate temperature and unique outdoor experiences. “ Iceland is a big favorite right now with the Northern lights being the most active this year from September through March,” says Mendizabal.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

In turn, for many, the more standard city breaks will fall later in the year. “Athens and Rome will always be desirable destinations, but we’ve seen an uptick in many people preferring to go there in May and October to swerve crowds,” says Carolyn Addison, head of product at Black Tomato , noting the weather in fall has been stable lately and enticing to travelers not tied to school holidays.

With this increased flexibility, shoulder season will become tricker to define, according to Mendizabal. Thanks to hotels extending their season as demand shifts to almost year-round and the high-season pricing window getting longer, the days of “scooping a deal in September are likely over.” At Jumeirah Palace in Capri , the season now runs from March to the end of December. “Thanks to the good weather, guests are staying longer than in the past,” says Ermanno Zanini, regional vice president at Jumeirah Group, Southern Europe and United Kingdom.

Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany 's Maremma countryside has traditionally stayed open in March and November. “We're pushing the low season as much as possible because we truly believe it is a wonderful time to discover Tuscany. There is so much for guests to enjoy from hiking to mountain biking, truffle hunting, and wine tastings,” says owner Neri Baccheschi Berti.

Crucially, traveling in the shoulder and off seasons isn't just about avoiding the crowds; it’s knowing that seasonal destinations are multi-dimensional, with year-round appeal. “One of my favorite things to do in cooler weather is to hike to the peak of Mount Solaro, with its beautiful views of the town of Capri and the bay of Marina Piccola with the Faraglioni, as well as Anacapri. You also see plenty of wintering birds on the island,” says Zanini.

Zanini adds that they are in talks with the island's municipality to consider what it would take to stay open in February and March, traditionally strictly closed off. “It's not as straightforward as you think. There’s a lot of infrastructure that needs to be geared towards the low season: restaurants need to stay open, as do shops, and guides need to be available; it can’t just be the hotel,” he adds.

However, with staying open longer, there’s a real opportunity to engage local communities year-round, not to mention stabilize the hiring pool—and improve work culture. “We’ve already seen the positive impact of a longer season for our partners on the ground and locals in the hospitality and tourism sector,” says Addison, who adds that shifts in travel seasons are far from a fleeting trend. “This pattern for more year-round travel will continue to pick up pace in 2025—and beyond," she says.

Travel specialists are quick to point out that even with some of this rebalancing, summer this year and next will continue to see high demand for travel to—and within—Europe. According to Hayley Berg, chief economist at Hopper, while airfare remains higher than at this time in 2019, 40% of all searches for international trips this summer are to Europe, in line with last year and slightly higher than in 2019.

“Sure, we think that traveler numbers on the Côte d'Azur will smooth out through the year, but summer will certainly remain the festive season—only it will be longer,” says Lucie Weill, owner of wellness retreat Lily of the Valley near St. Tropez , which sees its faire share of packed streets and crowded beaches come summer. Weill adds that the hotel has seen success in extending its season.

For travel specialist Cari Gray of Gray & Co . late requests and a lack of flexibility could mean getting turned away because of a lack of availability. “Whether it’s a visit to the Vatican or dogsledding in Alaska , access is going to be very difficult. And there are only that many high-end lodges in Lapland ,” she says. Addison offers the example of Lake Como , where the best properties can often get booked up a year or two in advance during the busiest summer months. “Knowing that the top hotels and guides are getting booked up and that weather disruptions are increasingly unpredictable, clients who want to commit to the most popular summer hotspots in Europe, like the Greek islands and Sardinia are securing their bookings a year out.”

The Balearic island of Menorca is a charming escape with its rocky coves, white-sand beaches, and green rolling hills.

Ultimately, it’s not about giving up on all the places you love: just about pivoting, even if within the same country. “Why not Menorca instead of Mallorca, with its explosion of fantastic hotels and its great beach front, or Epirus in Northern Greece on the Albanian border with its Stone villages, old-growth forests, and truffle hunts instead of the islands," says Gray.

"In Italy we’re always pushing to discover new areas, even in regions that we’ve been exploring for decades like Tuscany and Umbria because new hotels are opening up regularly,” says Courtney Mundy , a travel specialist at experiential travel experts Butterfield & Robinson.

And, a word of caution for the rising favorites: “Smaller destinations in Iceland & Norway will really need to consider how to manage the higher number of visitors than ever before,” says Addison. “Parts of Iceland are overtouristed,” agrees Sortland, “so, it’s not unreasonable to think that smaller communities in Norway could eventually be at risk, too.” Whether it's through new tourist tax regimens or limits on cruise ship day-trippers to reduce crowding, a shifting tide will need more alert local governments—and as we’re swapping beaches for the mountains or Rome for Stockholm, more responsible travel habits that leave fewer traces behind.

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South Island Tours & Vacations

New Zealand's South Island has alpine delights and natural wonders.

From hiking on glaciers to kayaking with dolphins, you can enjoy a range of active experiences while you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand’s South Island. If you’re looking for the perfect South Island itinerary, you’ve come to the right place. A New Zealand South Island tour promises breathtaking scenery, heart-pumping adrenaline activities, fascinating cultural experiences, and some of the best food and wine on the planet. If you're having trouble figuring out whether you should explore the South Island or the North Island of New Zealand, you simply have to look at all the fun experiences to be had, from overnight scenic cruises to cultural exchanges and exciting adventure tours. From sampling the region’s famous wine near Queenstown  to sleeping on Milford Sound and observing the famous kiwi bird in Christchurch , there are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand’s South Island.

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South island travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get to the South Island?

The two major airports on New Zealand's South Island are Christchurch and Queenstown.

Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than flying into Queenstown, especially during ski season.

Vehicle ferry services, which also take foot passengers, travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton at the tip of the South Island daily and take around three-and-a-half hours. 

Getting around the South Island

Most people hire a car or a motorhome or book a New Zealand tour to travel around the South Island of New Zealand.

InterCity buses are also available for long distance travel to the major towns in the South Island. 

When is the best time to visit the South Island?

If you would like to go skiing, the best time to visit the South Island is from late June to early September.

Visiting outside the school holidays is the best option if you aren't traveling with school-age children, as New Zealand's South Island is popular for family holidays and gets busy during these times.

Summer is pleasantly warm with low humidity and days that are generally clear and sunny.

Winter sees snow on the mountains and in the middle of the South Island. Some inland roads can be closed at times due to snow, so plan your journey accordingly.

Spring sees fewer crowds and is ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. 

What should I pack for the South Island?

The weather in the South Island can be changeable so pack clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, a hat and a beanie.

Even if you are visiting in winter, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt is a good idea if you are planning on going hiking as it can be get surprisingly warm in the middle of the day during the cooler months. 

What should I wear in the South Island?

The South Island of New Zealand is a fairly casual place although locals do tend to dress up if they are 'hitting the town' at night in major towns like Queenstown or Christchurch.

Smart casual is the norm at most restaurants, aside from the signature 'date night' ones where people tend to dress up more. 

What is the internet access like in the South Island?

There is good WiFi coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Can I use my cell phone in the South Island?

There is good cell coverage in major towns and tourist centers in the South Island of New Zealand, but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations, such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Ask Skift: What Are Summer Travel Trends for 2024?

Rashaad Jorden , Skift

April 12th, 2024 at 9:35 AM EDT

As a monster summer travel season is a rapidly approaching, here are some trends worth noting as the industry continues its recovery from the pandemic.

Rashaad Jorden

Travel brands are busy preparing for the upcoming summer season, and travel demand is xpected to surpass pre-pandemic levels . What are the major trends for this summer?

We put the question to our artificial intelligence chatbot  Ask Skift , which used information from our past news coverage and research, and we did additional reporting as well.

Ask Skift said:

Based on recent articles from Skift, several travel trends are emerging for summer 2024.

First, many travelers are keeping an open mind when it comes to their summer trips. In fact, 51% of visitors to a certain website and app are still undecided on a destination or departure date as of March 2024.

In terms of specific travel behaviors, there’s a growing trend of digital nomadism, where people are traveling while working, spurred on by the rise of remote work. This trend is not only popular among solo travelers but across different traveler segments as well. There’s also a noticeable increase in travelers seeking social connections during their travels. For instance, about 66% of Hostelworld’s guests travel solo to meet people to hang out with .

Personalized experiences are becoming more in-demand , with more travelers hiring private drivers and guides to design their unique tours, showing a growing demand for more independent travel experiences.

In terms of accommodation, hotels remain the top choice, but vacation rentals are also gaining in popularity . Direct bookings, especially for hotels and flights, maintain an upward trend. It’s also worth noting that international tourism is predicted to rise by 15% in 2024 , exceeding 2019 levels by 2%, suggesting a strong recovery for the travel industry.

Ask Skift Is the AI Chatbot for the Travel Industry

Go deeper into the business of travel with Skift’s new AI chatbot.

What else you need to know:

One trend to look out for this summer is the rise of “ coolcations ,” which are summer vacations in colder and more moderate destinations. Condé Nast Traveler listed coolcationing as one of 2024’s biggest travel trends , with a growing number of travelers looking to avoid scorching heat .

A survey by luxury travel network Virtuoso found 75% of travelers are seeking destinations with more moderate weather, according to its Vice of President of Sustainability Javier Arrendondo. In addition, 46% of Virtuoso advisors said climate change was causing their clients to travel differently.

As for where travelers might head to this summer, a survey by Skyscanner found 53% of those based in Europe, the Middle East and Africa said they’re choosing Europe as a summer holiday destination this year. That’s a 4% percent jump from 2023. Meanwhile, roughly 12% of EMEA travelers are looking to visit Southeast Asia this summer, a 1% increase from last year.

Skyscanner attributed that shift in part to a 4% decline in interest among EMEA travelers in visiting North America this summer, which the travel metasearch site said was likely caused by the strength of the U.S. dollar.

The strength of the U.S. dollar is also driving more Americans to plan travel to destinations where their money will go further. Tour operator Intrepid Travel said its North American bookings to Southeast Asia for this year are up 15% from 2023, according to the company’s President of the Americas Matt Berna.

As for travelers based in the Asia-Pacific region, more of them are looking to visit destinations closer to home this summer. Skyscanner found roughly 10% fewer APAC travelers are looking to book trips to Europe, while it saw 4% and 1% increases in those looking to visit North Asia and Southeast Asia this summer, respectively.

Finally, this summer is poised to see a further boom in the rise of ‘ destination dupes ,’ in which travelers opt to visit a less crowded or less expensive location with a vibe similar to that of a more popular destination.

“We’ve seen some more ‘alternate’ destinations starting to grow in popularity, like Balkans in Europe with lesser-known destinations like Albania becoming a popular alternate to Croatia,” said Berna, adding that bookings made to Italy and France for the first quarter of 2024 dropped 25% from the previous year.

“We anticipate more people this summer looking to avoid those bucket list trips this year to escape the crowds, as well as find better deals.”  

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Tags: ask skift , climate change , skyscanner , summer , summer travel

Photo credit: This summer will continue to see more scenes like this. Phil Shirley / Flickr

More From Forbes

Mother's day gift guide 2024: the coolest lightweight gear for backpacking.

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Backpacking gear is the perfect gift for an adventure mom who loves the outdoors.

For adventurous moms who love the outdoors, get them something they really want this year. Rather than the traditional flowers, perfume, or home goods route, why not show the intrepid mothers in your life how much you really see them and care about their interests and passions?

Whether heading to the local trail for a day hike, public lands for an overnight adventure, or the backcountry for a longer multi-day hiking trip, trail mavens will appreciate anything on the below list, curated specifically for backpackers who are interested in lightweight and hard-wearing gear.

SITKA: Women’s Dew Point Jacket

Anyone who has been backpacking for a while knows that it’s important to always bring along rain gear, even if you don’t think a downpour is in the cards. The Women’s Dew Point Jacket from SITKA, which is waterproof and lightweight, has an adjustable hood, deep front pockets, and an cinchable waist. Pair the jacket with the matching Women’s Dew Point Pant, which is also packable, durable, and waterproof, and your mom will be good to go.

Available at www.sitkagear.com.

Exped: Lightning 45

Exped’s Lightning 45

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As the weather warms up and your mom starts planning her next big trek, make sure she’s ready with one of the best lightweight packs for backpacking. Exped’s Lightning 45 is only 39.9 ounces yet it’s big enough to carry everything she’ll need while on an overnight adventure. This bag is water-repellent with a roll top closure. Plenty of pockets, including useful ones on the hip belt, are standouts and it comes in two different colors—black or forest. Bonus: the women’s version of this pack has shorter shoulder straps and hip belt for a better fit. If she’s trying to shed some weight, but needs a sturdy bag, this is it!

Available at www.expedusa.com .

Nomadix: The Ultralight Towel

Just because your mom is camping, it doesn’t mean she’ll have to be filthy the whole time. It’s easy enough to bring along a lightweight towel and small bar of eco-soap so that she can clean up on-the-go. Or, if she’d rather eschew bathing while on the trail, she can always use this towel as a picnic blanket or place to spread out her gear. The Ultralight Towel from Nomadix is everything she’ll need in an absorbent cloth: it’s packable, odor-resistant, quick-drying, soft, and it comes in over a dozen different fun colors.

Available at www.nomadix.co.

LEKI: Sherpa FX Carbon Poles

The Sherpa FX Carbon hiking poles

The new Sherpa Collection from LEKI offers a lightweight pole that is good for year-round adventures—yes, you read that right! Whether your mom loves to tackle the slopes in the wintertime or hike to the top of mountains in warmer weather when the wildflowers bloom, these poles are sturdy and up to the task.

The Sherpa FX Carbon sticks are lightweight, foldable into three sections, and incredibly durable—even on those long multi-day backpacking trips where poles are needed to safely make accents, descents, and water crossings.

Available at www.lekiusa.com .

Copper Compression: Powerknit Knee High Socks

The Copper Compression collection is a game changer for those who suffer from achy feet and legs while hiking for long hours on the trail. Whether your mom will need arch support, foot recovery, or even bunion relief, help is on the way. You may even want to purchase calf or knee sleeves for her to make sure that her feet and gams are protected for any activity she wants to participate in. These copper-infused products provide needed respite and support for joints, tendons, and muscles.

The Powerknit Knee High Socks are an affordable way to make it through challenging training sessions, day hikes, or overnight adventures. Inflammation will stay in check and the blood will keep flowing, keeping legs and feet strong and healthy.

Available at www.coppercompression.com.

Ultimate Direction: Flashpackher 30 2.0

Flashpackher 30 2.0

For a long day hike, look no further than the Flashpackher 30 2.0 from Ultimate Direction. This lightweight pack has a great zipper in the front for important need-to-grab items. There’s a huge stash pocket that is ideal for packing out trash or stuffing a warm outer layer like a puffer or rain jacket. Two pockets in the front can carry extra water, gels, and snacks. The women’s design is made to fit shorter and smaller frames. Amazingly, the bag fits like a running vest yet the weight of extra items is secured in the back properly for comfort on the trail. Plus, the color—a powder blue—is a cool option.

Available at www.ultimatedirection.com.

MSR: PocketRocket Deluxe Stove

If your mom is on an overnight adventure, and she’ll be cooking plenty of dehydrated meals from Backpacker’s Pantry , she’ll need a stove that is lightweight and easy to pack in her bag. The MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove has a handy push-start igniter, and a pressure regulator means that her food will heat up fast. It’s details like the wind-blocking burner lip that really set this stove apart from others on the market.

Available at www.mrsgear.com.

Exped: FlexMat

A lightweight mat for under your sleeping bag is not only useful for comfort, but also, for warmth. The Exped FlexMat is a foam mat that is perfect for three seasons of outdoor fun. It can also be combined with an air mattress, like the Ultra 3R , as well as an air pillow, like the Ultra Pillow , should your mom need more cushion and insulation for a good night’s sleep. Additionally, the mat can be used to sit on while at camp or during hiking breaks. Every little bit counts—this well-designed product is versatile and hardwearing.

Available at www.expedusa.com.

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