All about Intrepid Travel
Tours. There’s a word that sneers at backpackers all over the world. I never considered going on a “tour” vacation until I started planning my round-the-world trip last year. Traveling as a group always conjures up images of buses full of senior citizens. Or following someone by waving a flag or wearing matching yellow hats. However, there are some companies that offer small group adventure travel on a budget. Over the past decade, I’ve been on half a dozen “organized” trips. So here’s a breakdown of what I like and dislike about traveling with Intrepid Travel.
Why take a tour?
Tours allow you to see many destinations in a single trip and take the burden of planning a route and budget. All you need to do is set it up for you. Plus you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and share your experiences.
Traveling to a destination that has recently opened to tourism or is more at risk than others is much easier on a pre-arranged trip. Some countries such as India and places within the Middle East can be more challenging than others and a local tour guide will know the best places to visit and the places to stay away from.
It will also give you peace of mind. Even using local guides and companies can eliminate that fear if you arrive in a country and aren’t sure about exploring a particular area alone, especially for a bushwalk or off-road.
Pros and cons of taking a tour
Advan tages of taking a tour
Even if you’re not a ‘group tour person’, you’re bound to run into one at some point. Depending on the country you are visiting, some areas are only accessible on tour. Travel overland from Bolivia to Chile and you need a 4×4 and an experienced driver for some rough terrain and salt flats. A guide will get to know the terrain, the people and the local dialect in areas that would be difficult to visit alone.
You don’t have to stick to just overland tours. A sailing trip with a group of others is a great way to experience life on the open seas without having to worry about knowing how to sail. If it’s a special activity you want to do, tours are a great way to share your passion with others and offer experiences that might be difficult to organize alone.
All you need to do is drop in (or be picked up) and they arrange everything for you. You don’t have to worry about knowing the language and all the logistics are planned for you so you can relax and learn from the knowledge of the local guides.
If you want to see the highlights but still have the freedom to explore the world in your own way, Intrepid may be the right company for you. There’s also the added security of knowing someone is on hand if you need help. There is no eating place for anyone and there is always someone to talk to and share travel memories with. You can even find a travel companion to join you later or make plans to meet up at a later date.
Disadvantages of taking a tour
Although the price of a group tour may seem great, make sure you know what is included in the price. Generally, your airfare is not included and some meals or additional activities are not included. You will also need to share with someone else (unless you pay for your own room).
You may have to eat at select restaurants and have limited time in places where you want to stay longer. Being on a tight schedule and with the same people, 24/7 can be exhausting so you might as well be happy to be back on your own by the time your tour is over. Check the demographics of the tour before you travel to make sure you’re not going on a tour with couples or an older or younger crowd. You can even track nationalities.
You can only travel in a small area and then when you get a feel for the country and your confidence improves, you will be ready to go solo.
Why book an intrepid tour?
Intrepid Travel is one of the leaders in ethical travel and in this current COVID-19 climate, they are committed to following new health and safety guidelines to insure that your safety is their priority. . Their average group size of 10 people means you can avoid the big crowds but still have the security of small group tours.
They offer flexible bookings so you have the flexibility to change your travel plans and the assurance that you can rebook when the time suits you. You can change your travel plans up to 21 days before your departure without incurring a fee.
More than 50% of people who book their trips are solo travelers. They use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation. You can share a room with someone of the same sex or, if you prefer your privacy, there is the option to pay a supplement for your own room.
Intrepid has been guiding tours for over three decades and in addition to over 1,000 tours around the world, they also run women-only tours and expeditions so you can experience total immersion on a journey within specific countries. which is especially suitable for women. Your guide is female, and if you choose to hike, your crew will also be all female, allowing for that true cultural spirit.
You can spend 8 days exploring Israel and the Palestinian Territories, two weeks on a women’s expedition to Pakistan, or a twelve-day tour exploring what life is like for women living in Rajasthan, India. The best thing about women-only tours is that you get the chance to visit a country where you might not feel comfortable traveling alone, such as Jordan, Morocco, Turkey, Kenya or Iran. And they employed the first female driver in East Africa.
All their trips are carbon offset, meaning any carbon emissions from accommodation, transport and waste are offset by buying carbon credits associated with renewable energy projects.
The Fearless Foundation
They also have their own foundation! The Intrepid Foundation supports more than 50 non-governmental organizations in the destinations Intrepid visits. They contribute to health care, human rights, education, child welfare, environment and sustainable development, and wildlife conservation.
Are Intrepid Vacations Good Value?
Yes, all logistics and activities are designed for a low-level travel experience for a variety of travelers and budgets.
Each intrepid tour includes a group leader, who is a local and knows the country, and acts as a bridge of communication between you and the locals. They know the stories behind local dishes and cities and help you immerse yourself in a country the local way. Accommodation and transportation are included, as well as some group activities and meals (depending on the mode of travel you choose).
Many tours also include a homestay experience so you can share a meal with a local family and enjoy a cultural exchange. What is not included is the flight to and from your home country.
Their Basics tours are for those on a budget. These tours use simple accommodation that is centrally located including camping, homestays, guest houses and budget hotels. There is plenty of free time and optional activities so you can spend as much as you can. Meals are usually not included so you have the flexibility to choose to eat wherever you want. Transport is mainly local transport with some specialist overland vehicles in some areas.
Actual tours may include some camping and use of local guesthouses and homestays, as well as standard tourist-class hotels. There is a good balance between included activities and free time. Some meals are included and transport is a mix of local and private options. Whichever is the best way to get around.
Or if you have more money to spend and prefer to travel in total comfort, relaxing tours include comfortable hotels with private facilities, as well as some homestays and unique accommodations. . Lots of activities included but still some free time to explore for yourself if you wish. More meals are included than actual tours and private transportation is usually used unless local transport adds to the experience such as camels in the desert.
If you have any dietary needs, they cater to you as long as you don’t go completely off the beaten path. Tours range from 3 days to 365 days and cost from £350 (US $440) depending on where in the world you want to travel.
Who are these tours for?
Intrepid offers a range of tours on all seven continents. There are over 1000 adventures in 100 different countries to choose from. Their tours are designed for a variety of travelers and include cycling, walking and trekking adventures, dining holidays, adventure cruising and retreats. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s an active adventure, polar experience, wildlife tour, festival, short break or more relaxed travel than the original tour, you can find it. They also offer Lonely Planet Experiences and tailor-made tours.
What I really love about Intrepid is that they have tailored some of their tours specifically for solo travelers! They’ve selected some of their most popular tours and scheduled solo-only departures so you can only travel with other solo travelers. Find out more about Intrepid solo travel here.
If you are part of the LGBTQI community it is important to check with SmartTraveler or Equaldex to be aware of the laws of the destination you wish to travel to before you choose and book your travel.
If you are under 30 and prefer an adventure with the same age group, they also offer 18 to 29 specific adventures. Asia is a popular continent with this age group and Intrepid Tours Asia ranges from a 7-day Phuket Sailing Adventure in Thailand, to a 9-day Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak, Thailand, Cambodia, to a 30-day Southeast Asia loop. Vietnam and Laos are exploring the heart and soul of the region. Here are some of their popular Asia tours for all ages.
Examples of Fearless Trips
Intrepid Travel Myanmar – 9 Days
If you’re short on time, the Myanmar Highlights Tour takes you to all the country’s highlights and makes sure you don’t miss out. This 9-day trip starts from Bagan and ends in Yangon. See Bagan’s stunning temples on a bicycle, witness the Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset, and canoe past floating islands and village industries along Inle Lake.
You also have the opportunity to learn how to cook like a local and support a community library initiative at the same time. This tour is a great starting point for Myanmar but if you have more time, he also has the best Myanmar itinerary for 15 days.
Intrepid Bangkok to Singapore – 15 days
Fly out of Thailand and Singapore on this 15-day trip starting in Bangkok and traveling through Malaysia. This trip is perfect for foodie gals around the globe as you will be cooking authentic Thai dishes, and exploring a different side of Kuala Lumpur between street food and city cuisine. For nature lovers, you can hike through Khao Sok National Park and take a traditional long-tail boat along its lake.
Kayak through mangrove forests in Ao Thalane, and walk past colonial buildings and street art in Penang. You’ll be traveling overland on this trip so there’s some distance to cover, including an overnight train, but it’s a great way to see the best of the region in a two-week trip.
Intrepid Best of Vietnam Cambodia Tour – 18 Days
If you have more than two weeks, check out the best of Vietnam and Cambodia on their 18-day tour. Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam, this comprehensive tour takes you through the limestone karsts of Halong Bay on a boat tour before losing yourself in the charms of Hoi An and learning more about the country’s history in Hue.
You get to cycle past historic pagodas and rural farms to meet local producers and see the wonders of Angkor Wat on a guided tour before ending in Bangkok. The tour includes all hotels, an overnight boat and sleeper train, and daily breakfast as well as some other meals. It’s a great way to see the best of both countries.
More Information about Intrepid Journey
History – In 1988, Daryl Wade and Geoff Manchester traveled with a group of friends across the Sahara in a converted tipper truck. It was during this trip that the two university friends came up with the idea of a style of travel that would allow small groups of people to travel at a low level, meet local people, try local food, stay anywhere and everywhere, and enjoy the basics. will be taken to travel by local transport. . [from Wikipedia]
Where – Intrepid makes about 250 trips to Asia, which supports the stories that Intrepid is an Asia specialist. He also makes 80-130 trips to Oceania, Latin America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Compared to Gap, Intrepid covers the world’s continents more evenly.
Type – At its core, Intrepid is a grassroots tour operator. what is the meaning of this? Well, it means experiencing a new place through the eyes of a local. You will travel on public transport, eat traditional food and talk to local people. Additionally, Intrepid pays a lot of attention to sustainability: from carbon-neutral offices to carbon offsets for tours, to a clear policy on responsible travel. In addition, Intrepid runs tours specifically for families, gay and lesbian, and private groups. It also has a branch called Urban Adventures, which focuses on short city-based tours.
Length – Intrepid’s new urban adventures can be as short as a few hours, while their short breaks start at two days. Intrepid’s most epic tour is 150 days from Istanbul to Cape Town. Browsing their website, the majority of the 700+ trips are between 8 and 28 days. This is a few days longer than the average Gap Adventures tour.
Cost – Intrepid’s adventure tours (excluding urban adventures) range from USD100 for their 2-day short breaks to USD12,000 (including trip kit) for their 150-day long tour from Istanbul to Cape Town. A Kilimanjaro climb starts at around USD2,400 and a 12-day Egypt tour is around USD1,900.
Advantages of The Good – Intrepid:
- Already included travel companions starting/ending at the same location. A fun part of traveling solo is meeting new people and traveling together. But sometimes – let’s face it – you meet really nice people who just happened to be where you’re going and so on. Sometimes you meet someone on day one that you just click with. Other times you’ll be somewhere during the week, and you don’t always find people who want to go to the same place. Organized tours like GAP are perfect for this aspect. First, a lot of people who travel on these tours are young professionals, like me, who like to mix it up with small group adventure travel. Or a really interesting old couple, who you rarely meet in a hostel and are really unique people. You will often find like-minded travelers too. So you can skip the “oh, uh, I don’t really like to read anything but magazines” conversation. The typical intrepid/GAP traveler likes to have a good time. But the time is not good enough to wake up in the afternoon and drag your butt to the bus station and miss out on experiencing anything other than the local bar. It also changes the group dynamic for age combinations. It’s a nice break after the hosteling “scene”.
- Safety As a solo female traveler, safety is definitely high on my priority list. Yes, I use some common sense like dressing more conservatively, not walking alone at night, always knowing how to get back to my hotel, etc. But combining it with small group adventure travel is like a vacation from your vacation. Not having to overthink things is great. I took a three-week trip to Morocco through Intrepid Travel and then stayed in Morocco for several days afterwards. The difference being in a group vs. solo was huge! Having blonde hair and blue eyes will make you stand out in many countries around the world. But when you’re alone, you get talked about more (sometimes a good thing, sometimes a bad thing). And then and there in some places – it can be less comfortable, especially if you’re planning to travel within the country. A city break is very different from arriving in the city alone on the 11pm train.
- Get off the beaten track. This is one of my main reasons for joining an adventure travel company. I wanted to go to Eastern Europe and not just catch the train from Budapest to Bucharest to Sofia. Small group adventure travel on a budget is great when you want to get out of the cities, without recruiting a fellow traveler. I don’t really see myself hiking alone in the mountains of Bulgaria or taking an overnight train to Istanbul alone. Although I love seeing new cities, give me a week and I’ll go back to nature. Getting out and about in the countryside gives you a different perspective on countries and people.
- Budget options. When you usually think of group travel, you think of seniors cramming into coaches and queuing for the bathroom. Or cruise ship passengers who pay 20 times the price to take a bus where a public bus already goes. The best thing about G Adventures and Intrepid is that they have different prices and comfort levels. Baseline accommodation is similar to below (but still better than many hostels). The original goes a step further with more included items. And they also have comfort trips, because it’s so hard to please. I love that when I’m on a GAP trip, we’re traveling like I would if I were alone. For example, public buses, cheap trains and accommodation etc.
- Sustainable travel has become somewhat of a buzzword recently. But G Adventures and Intrepid are big on helping local communities and supporting local businesses. Sometimes when you stay in hostels it feels like you’re just getting recommendations for a lot of foreign businesses. Or trusting the Lonely Planet guidebook, and occasionally stumbling upon something truly unique on your own. I really enjoyed the local aspect of my trips. Whether it’s hiking with a local guide or having tea with a Berber family in Morocco. Or homestays in rural Romania or meeting people who grew up during the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. These are experiences you rarely have on your own. It doesn’t even feel forced. Because most of them are genuinely interested in sharing with you what’s going on in their lives. It’s not quite a Hallmark moment, but it’s definitely a good time. Helps you think about humanity instead of just hitting the beach and the bar.
- I have to share this room with only one other person? Not 24? I even lucked out and got my own room once! Let’s face it, hosteling for months at a time can get really old. Locking your belongings, carrying your toiletries to the shower, walking around on one foot while trying to change in the shower. Or being assigned to a smelly 12-bed dorm and just being female. Tiresome exchanging your ‘travel intro’ a zillion times. I loved the break from the hostel and my own room.
- It’s like your own personal Amazing Race and Survivor combined. I think it might be harmful to some people. But who didn’t think it would be fun to join an amazing race? I quite enjoy watching a group dynamic. While all of my visits have been pretty drama-free, there have always been some hilarious “OMG” moments. 😉
- Do whatever you want. Like I said, it’s your vacation, so you can do as much or as little as you want. I’m one of those people who needs space and alone time. Some days I would wake up early and go for a walk in the city. On other days he would hang out with a few people from his group.
- discount Did someone say discount? You know when you’re standing in line to buy tickets for something and you see group vs. solo prices. Wish you could scramble a group of 10 and get that discount? Group trips often include a few major attractions, like the Aya Sofia in Istanbul for my Turkey trip.
- Diversity We travel to see new things and experience new cultures and meet new people. You will meet all kinds of people on your travels. You’ll usually find more Canadians on G Adventures trips because they’re a Canadian company, and so with Intrepid and Australians. There are always some Americans, Brits, Kiwis or Germans on my trips.
- No planning required. As mentioned, it’s like taking a vacation from your vacation. Although I love planning and logistics, sometimes queuing up transport and hostels and figuring out schedules can be frustrating. This is especially true in countries where everything happens on “when it gets here” time. For example, when the road was closed due to flooding in Morocco, we had to backtrack for several hours. I wasn’t too worried. If I were alone, I would second-guess the driver’s motives. And wondering where I would live.
Cons of Intrepid
- You don’t have to choose your roommates (unless you’re traveling with them). On one trip I was the only girl so I got my own room. As luck would have it, on another trip we had 4 girls in their late 20s and 30s and 1 lady in her 60s. I’m not ageist by any means, but it just so happens that none of us have really hit it off with this lady. So we went around the rooms in turn. It wasn’t a disaster, but there was a lot of inward eye rolling on my part.
- You don’t need to choose your own tour guide. My guide in China was a nightmare. She was unprofessional, disorganized and even talked about how much work it was and how she didn’t make enough money. I had a great time on my trip, but it was in spite of that. Thankfully, I didn’t experience this a second time. And to the company My G Adventures expressed this problem.
- Tours are expensive. In general, organized tours cost more than if you do it alone. However, check out G Adventures and Intrepid’s last-minute sales sections. You can get 20 – 25% discount on “last minute departure” trips. While I was in Romania, I bought a Sail Intrepid trip leaving Istanbul after 3 weeks. Because I knew I would go to Istanbul. I also saved money by calling a local Intrepid office in Melbourne from my Skype phone. I paid in Australian dollars which saved me a few hundred dollars. They were charging more in USD and the 3% exchange rate fee on my credit card was worth it. Not sure if this is still a concern.
- Check out these extras. When you’re traveling with a group, sometimes you can get caught up in “groupthink” about activities and restaurants. It’s easy to say “no, that’s not something I’m interested in” when you’re on your own. However, when you’re with a group and you’re the only one who doesn’t want to do anything… you get the “UGGGH!” Can feel like! But it’s your vacation, so talk. Many times other people are going along just to please. Since I was on a budget, this wasn’t really a problem for me. I’m frugal to begin with, and I like to save a few things to spend on things I really care about. Many times everyone was going to eat at an expensive restaurant. I wasn’t ready to drop $20 on food and just wanted some street food. So I just said, “Hey, I think I’m going to grab something quick and cheap for dinner, so don’t worry about me waiting around”. Most of the time there were others who felt the same way and voilà I still had dinner companions. It only takes one to talk first!
- Arrange travel plans. Sometimes you arrive in a new city and find it charming and perfect and you want to stay for a week. Whereas other times you arrive and want to leave on the next train. When you’re on tour, it’s not a hop-on hop-off bus. You can’t really change your itinerary. Unless you want to pay for your own hotel and transport and leave the group. This part can be frustrating at times. But it really makes you want to go back to some places someday. They get a lot of feedback about people’s likes and dislikes about the trip. So time is usually given quite well.
- No one expects a wild card. Not only do you not have to pick your roommate, but you might just find a knitter on your trip. These things rarely happen, but they do happen.
- Optional Activities. It all depends on the tour leader, but I had one that was quite pushy to do some extra activities. It made me wonder what their motivation was, maybe a kickback. Most leaders also get free dinners when they join groups at restaurants. I usually don’t like eating in groups of 8-12. I had more fun breaking into small groups with a few people I really clicked with. Also, I was pretty vocal about my budget. If the tour leader mentions a “really good restaurant,” I’ll do a little research on my own to see what the price range is or stop to check out the menu. Splitting dinner bills is another thing I was wary of. A lot of times everyone will say, well let’s just divide it by 6 and it’ll all go away. Call me cheap, but I’ve usually said “no thanks”. I explained that it would never be “out” for me because I’m vegetarian, don’t order starters, and didn’t have 5 beers. It’s okay to lighten up every once in a while when you go back home. But when you’re on the road for a year, it can really add up. Thankfully, everyone has always been great about it!
Intrepid Travel Reviews
Intrepid Travel is an exclusively female-friendly company. This reputable tour company has many recommendations and glowing reviews from our solo female community. Here are some more reasons to travel with them.
“I’ve traveled intrepidly in Turkey and Southeast Asia on 3 separate trips. I loved the small groups; they’re a great way to meet people without being overwhelmed! Everything is always great with great leaders. Was well organized but without feeling too rushed. We always had plenty of free time, so you were never allowed to wander around like a typical tour group. The environment, animal welfare, and gin communities. They also have some great company values in helping them travel. I can’t recommend them enough!” – Rhiannon Hayhurst
“I just did an intrepid trip to Bali and it was great. I’m going to Thailand in December!” – Laura Macko
“Intrepid!!! I traveled with them to Cambodia and Vietnam and they were amazing! Most people were in their 20s-30s. I’m in my 30s and it was a great mix. – Charlie Hough
“I’ve been on a number of Intrepid tours, including Burma, which was good with Intrepid.” – Debbie Slinger
If you are concerned about traveling alone I would highly recommend Intrepid for booking a tour! I did a trip around SE Asia last year and there were many other solo travelers on the trip! – Holly Bennett
“I did berserk and it was amazing!” – Rachel Castro