Intrepid Travel

Which style of trip is right for me?

Intrepid's three styles of travel - Basix, Original and Comfort - cover the whole gamut of travel experiences. To find out which one has 'You' written all over it, view our trip styles guide above.

Are Intrepid's tours physically demanding?

Want to lie in a hammock and not move until cocktail hour? Intrepid have got a trip for that. Want to power up the side of mountain at high altitude? They have also got a trip for that. To determine what type of trip suits you best, each trips comes with a Physical Rating to let you know how physically demanding it is… or isn't.

Does Intrepid have trips designed for families?

Intrepid offers a wide range of Family Adventures around the globe. The minimum age (for Family trips) varies depending on destination, and Intrepid has set minimum ages to ensure that the included activities suit each age range. Additionally, you'll notice that some of the more adventurous destinations have a higher minimum age. Please click here full details and FAQs associated with our Family Adventures.

Who will be joining me on my trip with Intrepid?

Intrepid adventures are for travelers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you'retravelingsolo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is an Intrepid adventure to suit your interests and comfort level. Each Intrepid adventure has a physical and cultural grading to help you decide if the trip is right for you. No special skills are required for most adventures, just a sense of adventure and a curiosity about the world. Even on our camping adventures no previous experience is required; our tents are easy to set up, even for first-time campers.

How many people will be on my trip?

Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we're small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through communities without intimidating the locals. On most of our trips you'll be part of an intimate group of 12-16 people, though our group sizes are on average 10 people. Our Overland trips are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travelers. Group sizes are displayed on each trip's overview page on our website.

Are there any age restrictions on your trips?

For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children can join us on our Family trips and Short Break Adventures, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip's overview page on the website. Most of our trips don't have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over.

Can I just do part of the trip?

Although you won't be reimbursed for any portion of the trip unused, you can opt to sign off the trip if you need to leave a day or so earlier. If you let us know before travel that you'll be arriving late or need to leave before the trips ends, we will notify our team on the ground to best accommodate your requirements.

Can I add an extra night on the beginning or end of my group trip, either before or during the trip?

You sure can. Just ask your Travel Advisor at the time of booking.

I'mtravelingalone - is that OK?

This is the beauty of the Intrepid style of travel: many of our travelers join because they aretravelingsolo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. As a solo traveler, you will usually have the choice of either paying a single supplement (available on the majority of trips) to secure your own room, or sharing with someone of the same gender.

I have special dietary requirements - will they be catered for?

We will try our very hardest to accommodate all dietary requirements but in some out-of-the-way places it can be very difficult to guarantee. We will let you know if there are places on your itinerary where this is the case. Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies and we'll pass the information onto your leader. It is also a great idea to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language for those times you are eating away from the group.

What will the food be like on my trip?

Food is one of the most exciting parts of travel. There may be some familiar fare but often you'll be confronted with the new, interesting and downright weird of the culinary world but we like to think of it as an adventure for all the senses. In addition to this, our flexible itineraries often allow you to eat with the group or branch out on your own - this means you can eat to suit any budget or desire.

How do I obtain Trip Notes/itinerary for full details of my trip?

Make sure you bring these with you, your Travel Advisor will ensure you have the latest copy before you depart, however every trip on our website has a set of trip notes, accessible on each itinerary page, that gives you in-depth information about all aspects of your trip.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Intrepid travelers and should be taken out at the time of booking. You must provide proof of your travel insurance on the first day of your trip; you will not be able to join the trip without it.

What does my travel insurance policy need to cover?

At a minimum, your travel insurance should be 'comprehensive', providing cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum coverage of US$200,000. We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

How do I find out about the visa requirements for the trip I am interested in?

While Intrepid do include information in their Trip Notes about visa requirements, we always recommend that passengers check with their local embassy as visa rules can change without warning. Embassy websites in your home country will always have information about requirements, visa costs and will provide the required forms. Have a look at our Passports & Visas section.

What type of luggage do you recommend I take?

On most Intrepid trips you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes up stairs and on and off transport. We therefore recommend you travel with a backpack. We only have a handful of itineraries where sleeping bags are required and these are generally trips that involve camping. When we use homestays, blankets are provided but some travelers feel more comfortable with their own sleeping bag or sleep sheet. This decision is a personal preference. Refer to your Trip Notes if you are unsure whether a sleeping bag is required.

What clothes and footwear should I take on treks?

On a more physical trip, hiking boots are definitely recommended. If the physical rating is under 3, hiking boots or sneakers/runners will be adequate. Many Intrepid treks will be hiking in near freezing environments so please be sure to research the climate and weather conditions at the time of year you will be trekking and pack accordingly. There is also a packing 'checklist' in your Trip Notes.

Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

Intrepid only have a handful of itineraries where sleeping bags are required and these are generally trips that involve camping. When Intrepid use homestays, blankets are provided but some travelers feel more comfortable with their own sleeping bag or sleep sheet. This decision is a personal preference. Refer to your Trip Notes if you are unsure whether a sleeping bag is required.

Can I store excess luggage at the starting point hotel?

Most starting point hotels can store your excess luggage for you; however, this is at your own risk. Often a nominal fee is charged for this service. Of course, this is only an advantage if your trip is circular (i.e. returning to the same starting point).

How much should I take in credit cards/cash? Can I use my credit card during my trip?

The Trip Notes include a section on 'Spending money'. Please refer to this for an idea on budgets. It is a good idea to travel with a credit card and ATM card, or a bank issued 'cash card' specifically for travel. Having a couple of options will assure that you are covered if one doesn't work. In certain countries it comes down to potluck if you can withdraw money. One day it'll work, the next it won't, but it will work for your friend. Go figure! Visa cards are more widely accepted than Mastercard.

I'm concerned about the political stability of the country through which my trip will travel.

The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority for Intrepid. With this in mind, we monitor world events very closely and Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources, in particular the level of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) travel advisory. If this advisory is at Level 4 'Do Not Travel' then Intrepid will either cancel the Intrepid operated trip or reroute the itinerary to avoid the areas concerned.

How safe are my belongings whilst on the trip?

While we take all the precautions we can to make sure your belongings are safe, we aretravelingto some exciting destinations that are sometimes home to some pretty skilled thieves. Travel insurance is a must and a lockable bag or money belt will always help too.

Will refrigeration be available for medicines? eg. Insulin

Availability of refrigeration cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of our city hotels provide access to small fridges; however, outside of this, especially when trekking or in homestay environments, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. Please be sure to advise your Global Journeys consultant if you aretravelingwith medication that requires refrigeration.

What if I get ill or injured on the trip and unable to continue?

Intrepid's leaders are trained to deal with these situations and we will endeavour to get you help as quickly as possible. If you must leave the trip early due to illness, our local offices will help you find appropriate medical care and ensure someone at home is aware of the situation. We will do whatever we can to get you home or on your onward journey. Your travel insurance, which is compulsory on all our trips, should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.

What time can I check in at my arrival hotel?

Check-in times can vary from hotel to hotel and region to region. Generally, they are between midday and 2pm. If you do arrive earlier, you'll be able to store your luggage with the hotel and head out to explore for a couple of hours.

Can I opt out of certain activities if I want to?

Absolutely. If there are included or optional activities that you don't wish to participate in, you can do your own thing instead. The exception to this is when we are trekking ortravelingfrom one destination to the next. Please note that if you choose to opt out of an included activity, no reimbursement can be made by Intrepid.

Do I get any free time?

The beauty oftravelingwith Intrepid is that we encourage travelers to explore at their own pace. When you get to a destination, your leader will offer options on what you can do. Some of the group will do one activity, others will opt for something completely different while others may just choose to lie in a hammock and read a book. Your Trip Notes have more details on what your trip's itinerary and timeframes permit.

What if I arrive late and miss part of the trip?

If you know in advance that you will be arriving late, please let your Travel Advisor know. We will notify your leader, who will leave instructions with the hotel reception as to where to meet your group that night or the following morning. If you are late due to unforseen circumstances or flight delays, please call the emergency contact number located in the Trip Notes. Intrepid cannot reimburse you for any portion of the trip unused, but this can often be claimed on your travel insurance.

Will I be able to do any laundry?

Along the way there are usually chances to do laundry, either through your hotel or using local services. Your leader will be able to let you know once you are on the trip.

On Intrepid's camping tours, what facilities are at the campsites?

We have a wide range of camping sites around the globe. They range from having all the creature comforts to bush camping on the plains of the Serengeti with limited facilities (though their amazing vistas make up for this). Most camps will have basic facilities at a minimum. Your Trip Notes will give you a clear indication of what to expect on your decided trip.

Can you provide me a list of places we are staying at?

We are only able to provide information on your joining and finish point accommodation, the details of which are listed in your Trip Notes. As Intrepid likes to support numerous local businesses, we often have a few places in each city that we can alternate our groups between. For this reason, we can't give you a full list before you travel. At the welcome meeting on Day 1, your leader may be able to provide you with this so you can email friends and family back home with the details.

Is accommodation air-conditioned/ heated?

We want our passengers to be as comfortable as possible so when you are headed to a hot climate, it is likely that you will either have a fan or air-con. Of course, if you are staying in remote areas or at homestays, you will need to expect the facilities to be a little more basic.

What type of ground transportation is used?

If it moves there's a good chance you'll be riding on it. The type of transport used depends on your trip style. Find out more or see your Trip Notes for the specific type of transportation used on your journey.

Is tipping commonplace in other parts of the world?

Yes, in most places tipping is expected. At your welcome meeting, ask your leader about the local custom and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides.

At the end of your trip, if you're happy with the service you received, providing a tip for the leader - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations.

Generally airport transfers are not included in your trip price unless you're traveling on a Comfort or Independent Journey style trip where an arrival transfer is included. we recommend you arrange a taxi on arrival (this is the most economical and efficient way of getting you to your hotel). For more information on your arrival, refer to the 'Joining Point instructions' in your Trip Notes. Here, Intrepid often indicate the price you can expect to pay for a taxi from the airport to the hotel.