Intrepid Travel

Intrepid's four styles of travel - Basic, Original, Comfort and Premium – cover a whole gamut of travel experiences. 

• Basic - Experience the highlights and explore at your own pace and price, with a local leader to show you the way. Includes basic accommodation, inclusions on few days and an experienced local leader.
  
  
• Original - Dive deeper into a destination with more included activities, meals and chances to connect with its people. Includes standard accommodation, inclusions on some days and an experienced local leader.
  
  
• Comfort - Travel at a more enjoyable pace, with comfortable accommodation and more inclusions worth every moment. Includes comfortable accommodation, inclusions on most days and an experienced local leader.
  
  
• Premium - This is adventure, upgraded. Experience the best of a destination, with handpicked Feature Stays and Signature Experiences you’ll remember forever. Includes Intrepid's best accommodation, daily inclusions, experienced and top-rated local leader, Feature Stays and Signature Experiences.

Want to lie in a hammock and not move until cocktail hour? Intrepid have got a trip for that. Hiking and trekking more your speed? They’ve got trips for that too. To determine what type of trip suits you best, each trip comes with a Physical Rating between 1 and 5 to let you know how physically demanding the itinerary will be.

Intrepid offers a wide range of family friendly adventures around the globe. Most of their family trips have a minimum age of 5 to ensure that the included activities suit the whole family. Occasionally, some destinations will have a higher minimum age depending on the physical demands of the itinerary. Check the Essential Trip Information for minimum age requirements on each trip.

Intrepid travellers are connected more by attitude than age. They’re a friendly, open-minded and curious bunch, and many elect to travel solo. Small groups are a mix of genders and ages between 18 and 70, with like-minded travellers from all over the world.

Good things come in small packages, which is why Intrepid keep group sizes to a minimum. Small groups allow them to remain flexible with itineraries, use public transportation wherever they can and visit communities without intimidating the locals. Most Intrepid trips run with an intimate group of 12-16 travellers, though they usually average around 10 people. Overland trips use purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travellers. Maximum group sizes are displayed in the description of each trip.

On the majority of Intrepid trips (excluding family trips), the minimum age for travellers is 15. An adult must accompany all children under 18. Overland trips have a minimum age of 18. Kiddos younger than 15 can join Intrepid on their family trips and short break adventures, but make sure to check each trip for its minimum age. Whatever your age, please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assessed your ability to participate in activities and will enjoy Intrepid's style of travel.

While Intrepid can’t tell you who your leader is prior to departure, they can tell you they will be awesome. Intrepid's leaders are experts in their regions, some because they’ve been travelling there for years, others because they’re local to the region and can’t wait to show you around. On longer journeys, or ones that travel through multiple countries, you may change leaders part way through – but this just means double the awesomeness.

While Intrepid's itineraries are designed to include one-of-a-kind experiences up until the final day, they do understand that sometimes things don't go as planned. 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 early. If you’ll be arriving late or need to leave before the trip ends, let us know in advance and we will notify Intrepid to best accommodate you.

Please make sure you are happy with the itinerary of your chosen trip before booking. Intrepid are unable to make changes for individual travellers.

Once the trip is underway, all accommodation and transport are included. But if you want to arrive at your destination a little early to explore or stick around post-trip, we can help you there. Ask your Global Journeys Advisor for more info on extra hotel nights and airport transfers.

Absolutely! The beauty of the Intrepid style of travel is that many of their travellers join because they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

Rooming on all Intrepid trips is organised on a twin-share basis. Intrepid pair solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. If you'd like your own space, you can also pay for an individual room.

As a responsible tour operator, Intrepid strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries, some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (for example, on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will clearly be stated in your Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. Please carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognising that on many trips, you will be required to carry your own bags and use public transport.

Where Intrepid can, they will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of their trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travellers – such as booking ground floor accommodation or having their leaders communicate important directions in writing as well as verbally. Many travellers with disabilities have been able to enjoy Intrepid's trips by travelling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs.

Intrepid know that many of their travellers are part of the LGBTQIA+ community and their goal is that everyone feels comfortable when they travel with them. Travellers should be aware of the local laws and customs in the destinations Intrepid visit, as some countries have laws that discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people. We recommend you visit Equaldex or  Smartraveller before you choose your trip for up-to-date advice and information about LGBTQIA+-related laws.

Intrepid don’t tolerate any form of discrimination, violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between travellers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately.

Most trips have individual rooms available. You can request a single supplement at the time of booking.

Depending on the trip style you choose, you may be able to request a triple room at the time of booking. We will do our best, but room requests can’t be guaranteed.

If you happen to be the only solo person of your gender on the trip, you may be given your own room. Intrepid can’t guarantee this will be the case as they may have travellers book trips last minute.

If you’re travelling with a partner, just let us know you want to share a room (and a bed) at the time of booking. Intrepid can’t guarantee a double bed, but they’ll do their best to accommodate you. In some destinations, the option may be two single beds pushed together to form a ‘double’.

As most of Intrepid's trips are organized on a twin-share basis, if you’ve booked with a friend, you’ll automatically be bunked into a room together — unless you pay for individual rooms. Most twin rooms have two single beds, but please let us know if you want separate beds at the time of booking so we can pass this information on to Intrepid and the accommodation provider.

Intrepid will try their hardest to accommodate all dietary requirements, but in some out-of-the-way places, this can be very difficult to guarantee. Please let us know at the time of booking of any food requirements or allergies, and we’ll pass the information onto Intrepid and 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.

Food is one of the most exciting parts of travel. While there will usually be some familiar fare, you'll also be confronted with the new, interesting and downright weird of the culinary world. Intrepid like to think of it as an adventure for all the senses! Their flexible itineraries often allow you to eat with the group or branch out on your own, so you can eat to suit any budget or desire.

Flights - All transport during your trip is included in your trip price. Check your itinerary for a full list of what’s included. Flights to and from the starting point of your trip generally aren't included, unless you've purchased a specific Flight and Tour Package. If you'd like help booking an international flight, please contact us for a quote. Please note that we cannot book International flights if you’re in North America, but we can recommend services and companies.

Transfers - Transfers to and from your trip aren’t included in your trip price but can be booked at an additional cost. Some trip styles have transfers included, so please check your Essential Trip Information and itinerary for a full list of what’s included.

If you’d like an arrival or departure transfer, contact your Global Journeys Advisor and we can book this for you at an additional charge. Please book no later than two weeks before departure, but preferably earlier, to secure your transfer.

If you'd like to arrive at your joining point hotel early or stick around post-tour to explore, contact us, and we can help you book extra nights of accommodation.

If you need help finding the right travel insurance policy for your trip, just give us a shout and we can assist. Flights to and from your destination are not included in the trip price, but we can help you find the best options. Please note that we aren't able to book flights or purchase travel insurance on your behalf in all regions, but we can recommend services and companies for you.

With most of Intrepid's trips, you can request your own room and a single supplement at an additional cost will apply. Please note that availability does vary, so we recommend you book as soon as possible.

Individual rooms typically have a double or single bed, but please note that the standard of accommodation will vary depending on your trip style.

If you book a trip that is on request, it means Intrepid can’t confirm your booking immediately because they need to check availability with their local operators. Payment requirements depend on how close your trip is to departure:

• If your trip start date is outside the final payment period, a deposit is required at the time of booking
• If your trip start date falls within the final payment period, full payment is required at the time of booking

Once we receive your payment, Intrepid's local operations team will confirm key services such as accommodation and on‑tour transport.

• If space is available, your booking will be confirmed
• If space is not available, any payment made will be fully refunded

If you’ve selected an on request trip, your Global Journeys Advisor will email you with an update within 2 to 4 business days. Please don’t book any non‑refundable travel arrangements until your trip has been confirmed.

If you’ve placed a trip on hold, you'll need to pay the minimum deposit within five days to secure your place. If a sale happens to start within that five-day period, then you're in luck! If you don’t make a deposit within five days, your booking will be cancelled.

No, Intrepid don’t have a waitlist, and all trips are first come, first served. People sometimes cancel at the last minute, so if you have your eye on a particular trip that is sold out, we recommend checking our website again to see if space has become available.

Intrepid's promotions run for a limited time only, so you need to get in there quickly to snag the best deals.

Intrepid need a deposit because their operations team begins booking your services with their local suppliers straight away. Many of these services (e.g. on-tour activities like hiking permits) are non-refundable and can’t be transferred or used by another traveller. Even if services can be cancelled, they might incur a cancellation or admin fee, which is covered by your deposit.

The reason Intrepid request full payment for some trips is that they need to confirm each part of your adventure with their local operators and suppliers as they go (e.g. on-tour transport, activities and accommodation). If your place on the trip is unavailable, we’ll provide you with a full refund.

If you’d like to pay your share of the deposit only, your Global Journeys Advisor can organise that for you.

Don’t worry. If you paid too much by mistake, please your Global Journeys Advisor to organise a refund.

All invoices must be paid in the same currency in which the trip was originally booked.

You can redeem any Intrepid credit by contacting your Global Journeys Advisor to let them know you'd like to use it.

In most cases, credits have no expiry date. Whether you use it today, tomorrow or sometime in the future, it's your credit to use whenever you're ready. Please note that Intrepid's Polar voyages and select cruises have different conditions. Any credits you have with third parties may have expiry dates.

Intrepid do not have a loyalty discount ofr past guests, but Global Journeys does and it wil be automtically applied the next time you book with us.

We know you’re probably itching to see that confirmation email land in your inbox, but hold tight! It can take Intrepid a couple of days to process their side of things. Your Global Journeys Advisor will send you an update as soon as everything is confirmed. If you booked an 'on request' trip and space is unavailable, we’ll let you know via email and provide you with a full refund.

All trip details are available in your Essential Trip Information. If there are last-minute changes, such as a new joining or finishing point, we’ll email you an update before the trip begins. We recommend that you book pre/post-trip accommodation through Global Journeys and  Intrepid, as we have the ability to re-book you into a new hotel if the joining/finishing point changes to save you the hassle.

That's what we are here for, contact your Global Journeys Advisor who will sort this out for you.

Intrepid trips are guaranteed to depart once they have one fully paid customer, unless the minimum group size listed in the Essential Trip Information and/or Special Conditions state otherwise. They never want to cancel a trip, but sometimes unforeseen things happen that are out of their control. Intrepid closely monitor all their destinations, and if your trip is changed or cancelled due to a Force Majeure Event or for operational reasons, they'll aim to notify you at least one month before your scheduled departure date.

If your trip itinerary has changed, you will receive an email from us explaining the changes to your itinerary and any options that may be available. If you have further questions, please reach out via phone or email.

Plans can change – Intrepid get it! If you need to change your travel dates, it will depend on how close to your departure you are and the region where you've booked. If changing dates isn't possible for your booking, standard cancellation terms may apply.

Generally, you can change your travel plans up to 56 days before departure without additional fees. If you want to change your trip within 56 days of departure cancellation fees may apply in line with Intrepid's Booking Conditions (see link below FAQs).

We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking, as it may help cover cancellation costs. Partner-operated trips, including Polar trips, cruises, gorilla permit trips and select tineraries, may have different conditions. Please see Intrepid's Special Conditions or your Essential Trip Information for more details. If you need to change your booking, we recommend contacting us as early as possible. Changing dates is usually more flexible the further out you are from departure.

If it's outside the pay-in-full period, we may be able to transfer the spot to another traveller for a fee. When you pay your deposit, Intrepid will sometimes use those funds to secure certain non-refundable permits or activities on your trip. If you're outside the pay-in-full period but have paid for your trip, then a partial refund minus the cost of the deposit may be possible. If you are inside the pay in full period, then further fees may apply as per Intrepid's Booking Conditions. Please get in touch to discuss your options.

Please contact us if you need to cancel your trip. We can only process cancellations when we have received written confirmation from you. Depending on the departure date, you may also be charged a cancellation fee. Please see Intrepid's Booking Conditions (see link below FAQs) for more information.

Unfortunately, Intrepid can’t refund the difference of a trip that is now on sale. When you book a trip, you agree to Intrepid's Booking Conditions, including the total price of the trip at the time of booking. To book the trip at the sale price, you would need to forfeit the non-refundable deposit and re-pay your deposit to secure the discounted price.

Intrepid don’t offer full refunds if you choose to cancel your trip. However, you can cancel your booking up to 56 days before departure and either transfer your deposit to another trip or hold onto it as credit for future travel. Credits don't expire for most Intrepid trips. If your travel insurance policy covers trip cancellation, we can also provide you with a letter for a claim.

If you want to make changes to your booking less than 56 days before departure, you may incur a cancellation fee as per Intrepid's Booking Conditions. A number of trips, including Polar, cruises, and select itineraries, have different conditions. We strongly advise taking out cancellation insurance at the time of booking, which may cover cancellation fees.

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.

You can find information on visa and entry requirements in our visa section and in Intrepid's Essential Trip Information which you'll be provided with. Countries can change their requirements and advice at short notice, so check the latest information and travel advice. As stated in our booking conditions, it’s your responsibility to make sure you have everything you need to travel to and from your destination. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.

Yes, Intrepid can assist with letters of invitation and support documentation if you're travelling to a destination where this is required to apply for a visa. Check the visa section of your Essential Trip Information to find information about what you need to send to us, such as scanned passports or employment letters.

The safety of all travellers, leaders and on-ground operators is a major priority for Intrepid. With this in mind, Intrepid monitor world events very closely and make 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.

While Intrepid take all the precautions they can to make sure your belongings are safe, you'll want to make sure you're aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your things. Travel insurance is a must, and a lockable bag or money belt will always help.

We recommend having access to money from various sources - cash, cards and travel money cards are all commonly used.

Refrigeration availability cannot be guaranteed. As a general rule, many of Intrepid's city hotels provide access to small fridges; however, outside this, especially when trekking or in homestay environments, you cannot rely on access to refrigeration. Please be sure to let us know in advance if you are travelling with medication that requires refrigeration.

Vaccination and general medical requirements differ from country to country. Please see your local GP or travel doctor for details and advice about current vaccination requirements.

Intrepid's local leaders are trained to deal with these situations, and they will get you help as quickly as possible. If you must leave the trip early due to illness, Intrepid's local offices will help you find appropriate medical care and will do whatever they can to get you home or to your next destination. Travel insurance is compulsory on all Intrepid trips and should cover any costs incurred if illness occurs.

Please refer to the Money Matters section of your Essential Trip Information for an idea of how to budget for your trip. Travellers’ cheques are not common practice anymore, so 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 ensure that you are covered if one doesn’t work.

On most Intrepid trips, you will be required to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs and on and off transport. We recommend you travel with a backpack.

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).

There are 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 travellers feel more comfortable with their own sleeping bags or sleep sheets. If you are unsure whether a sleeping bag is required, refer to your Essential Trip Information.

Hiking boots are definitely recommended for walking, trekking, and hiking trips. If the physical rating is under 3, sneakers/runners will be adequate. Many Intrepid treks involve 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 Essential Trip Information.

It’s important to always travel with your current passport, visas, travel insurance and Intrepid trip documents.

Absolutely. If there are included or optional activities that you don’t wish to participate in, chat with your local leader, and they can help you find alternatives. Please note that if you choose to opt out of an included activity, you will not be reimbursed.

Intrepid offers treks ranging from relatively easy to difficult. The easiest way to determine if a trek is right for you is to check the trip's ‘physical rating’ at the top of the trip’s overview page.

The beauty of travelling with Intrepid is that they encourage travellers to explore at their own pace. When you get to a destination, your leader will offer options on what you can do, and some of the group will do one activity while others may opt for something completely different.

The amount of free time depends on the trip style you've chosen. You're welcome to ask your leader for a few tips, then head out alone or hang out with the group and see where the day takes you.

If you know in advance that you will be arriving late, please contact us. We will notify Intrepid and 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 plan to arrive a day or two into the itinerary (and our group has moved to a different destination), it will be your responsibility to catch up with the group. If this happens, Intrpid will provide you with the most up-to-date information as to where your group will be and at approximately what time.

If you are late due to unforeseen circumstances or flight delays, please call the emergency contact number located in the Essential Trip Information. Intrepid cannot reimburse you for any portion of the trip unused, but this can often be claimed on your travel insurance.

Intrepid use a wide range of camping sites around the globe. Some campsites have all the creature comforts, while others, like bush campsites on the plains of the Serengeti, have limited facilities (though their amazing vistas make up for this). Most camps will have basic facilities at a minimum. Your Essential Trip Information will give you a clear indication of what to expect on your decided trip.

Some trips have access to western toilets while others don't – it just depends on the areas you’re travelling in. As a general rule, the more remote the place, the less likely you are to find western bathroom facilities and squat or drop toilets will be more commonplace.

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.

Intrepid are only able to provide information on your joining and finish point accommodation, the details of which are listed in your Essential Trip Information. 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.

The standard of accommodation depends on the Trip Style you have chosen.

Intrepid want their travellers to be as comfortable as possible, so when you are headed to a hot climate, you will likely have a fan or air conditioning. 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.

Some places have wi-fi hot spots everywhere, and other places will have no coverage at all. If you stumble into the latter, take the rare chance to just sit back and get to know your fellow travellers the old-fashioned way.

If it moves there’s a good chance you’ll be riding on it. The type of transport used depends on your trip style. See your Essential Trip Information for the specific type of transportation used on your journey. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.

In most places, tipping is expected. At your welcome meeting, ask your leader about the local customs and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides. If you're happy with the service you received at the end of your trip, though not compulsory, tipping your leader is always appreciated.

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.