Our Trip Styles
Over the years, Intrepid have developed many different styles of travel - styles that share a common philosophy of getting out there and experiencing the real world - and yet styles that are quite different from each other. Please take a few moments so you really understand the differences between all Intrepid travel styles as it is important that you consider carefully the style of travel that suits you. Now with so many different travel styles to choose from, there is a real life experience out there for everyone. Intrepid's world is your oyster!
This is how it all started; the trips that made us one of the world's leading operators of small group adventures. And they're still as popular as ever! Original trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities, and even the accommodation and transport we use. From homestays to market trips to visits to community projects, there's a new experience every day, with many activities included.
Key Features
| group size | Maximum 12 travellers who can be of all ages and from all corners of the world. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced leader accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | Clean and comfortable but simple - variety and character are the hallmarks we seek. |
| transport | Anything and everything that moves and adds to the adventure! Usually local transport. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Some inclusions and some free time - great flexibility. |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions. |
| single supplement | Not available. Single travellers share with someone of the same gender. |
The best value adventures on the planet! On a Basix trip, you can expect some amazing experiences, but none of the inclusions or 'extras' that you may not want. Which means simple and often multishare accommodation and a lot of local transport. These trips are ideal for first time travellers seeking fun and independence with the security of a group leader at hand and for backpackers wanting minimum hassle and maximum flexibility at the lowest possible price.
Key Features
| group size | Often larger than our Original style to keep prices lower, the group size varies from trip to trip depending on local conditions. You'll find the maximum group size of each trip in the facts box with each trip. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced leader accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | Usually very simple, often muilti-share and sometimes basic. The emphasis is on the journey, not the accommodation. Simple guesthouses, hotels, homestays and National Park lodges to name a few. |
| transport | You name it - we use it. Usually local transport but you never know when you'll find yourself riding a camel or paddling a kayak. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Few inclusions, lots of options, maximum flexibility. |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions. |
| single supplement | Not available. Single travellers share with someone of the same gender. |
Comfort is your kind of style if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on the whole grassroots travel experience. You get to stay in better hotels and guesthouses, all with plenty of local character, and may travel in private transport as well as joining locals on public transport. You're as likely to find yourself paddling a kayak as relaxing on a cruise along the Yangtze River. These are real life experiences, just with a softer landing. And all for just a little more than our Original adventures.
Key Features
| group size | Maximum 12 travellers who can be of all ages and from all corners of the world. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced leader accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | Its all about combining comfort and character - average 3 star. |
| transport | Usually private charter, with occasional local transport. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Some meals, sightseeing and activities are included. |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions. |
| single supplement | Single travellers can share with someone of the same gender or pay a single supplement. The choice is yours. |
A long way from the typical 'child friendly holiday', Family adventures give your kids a chance to discover the world as you do. And the best thing is there's just as much for parents to enjoy too. NOTE: this is not a baby sitting service; far from it, these trips are an opportunity to spend time together in a truly stimulating way. And with the security of an experienced team leader on hand, you don't need to be well travelled - just ready for adventure!
Key Features
| group size | Maximum 14 travellers. |
| travellers | Children must be in age range 5 - 17 years old. No adult can travel without children. Maximum of 2 adults per child. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced leader accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | Comfortable and clean, but simple - lots of variety! |
| transport | A mix of private and local transport. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | A great balance of inclusions and free time! |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions. |
| single supplement | These trips are designed for families; at least one parent/guardian and one child must travel. Minimum age is 5 years. |
Thrilling adventures is the simplest way to describe these trips. As you'd expect, activity is the key. Though we're talking cycling, kayaking and walking rather than rock climbing or paragliding - we'll leave the extreme sports to the experts! Active trips offer real life experiences, combining a challenging day's hike, say, with a night's stay in a hilltribe village. You don't need to be super fit for all Active trips, but they're ideal if you want a physical challenge along with plenty of cultural interaction.
Key Features
| group size | Maximum 12 travellers who can be of all ages and from all corners of the world. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced leader accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | Clean and comfortable but simple - variety and character are the hallmarks we seek. |
| transport | Anything and everything that moves and adds to the adventure! Usually local transport. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Some inclusions and some free time - great flexibility. |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions. |
| single supplement | Not available. Single travellers share with someone of the same gender. |
Short Breaks are the ideal add on to a longer adventure, or just a short break in an amazing destination. With a duration of 2-5 days these trips range from relaxing beach breaks, to excursions with a local guide or a short but sweet adventure. With guaranteed frequent departures, group size will vary from the single traveller to an average size of 12. Also guaranteed is the opportunity for the type of real life experience that makes travel so rewarding.
Key Features
| group size | Will vary from single traveller to an average size of 12. Some trips may be on a 'Join In' basis. |
| group leader | Yes, an English speaking local guide for sightseeing components. |
| accommodation | Generally tourist class unless specified. |
| transport | Usually private charter unless specified. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | This varies according to the trip. |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed, some exceptions may apply please refer to trip notes. |
| single supplement | Compulsory |
Big adventures through big landscapes; whether it's a road trip along world famous highways or an off the beaten track adventure along rugged roads, on an Overland adventure you'll experience the sights, sounds and smells of the world up close. Travelling in purpose built vehicles you'll explore bustling cities or isolated communities, search for wildlife, visit vast national parks, see changing landscapes and camp in tents. On an Overland journey you're more than just a passenger, you're part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food and even cook. And, like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out!
Key Features
| group size | Due to the size of our vehicles, the maximum group size of Overland journeys is between 13-24 travellers, depending on the destination. You'll find the maximum group size of each trip in the facts box with each trip. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced leader/driver and sometimes a campmaster or cook accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | Sleeping mostly in shared tents, but sometimes in hotels or swags, you'll be staying close to nature and all her amazing sights. Camping is usually participatory and you'll be required to set up camp. |
| transport | Travelling on purpose built safari vehicles, designed for rough conditions. For North America trips minivans are used. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Depending on the destination, most meals and group activities are included while camping. Please check specific trip notes for inclusions. |
| departure | For some trips departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 4 travellers. |
| single supplement | Not available. Single travellers share with someone of the same gender. |
If you, your friends, family or organisation would like an Intrepid real life experience but would prefer to travel in a private group, the talented Private Group Adventures Department at Intrepid Travel will be able to help.
For groups of 8 people or more we can organise a private departure of one of our advertised trips just for you or tailor-make an Intrepid-style itinerary to one of our destinations around the world. If you have special requirements, that's no problem either - we can give your trip an educational, physical or even an historical focus!
Key Features
| group size | Minimum of 8 travellers. Maximum group size will vary depending on your requirements. Average group size is 12 people. |
| group leader | Yes. A leader accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | Choose the style to suit your needs, we can offer Intrepid Basix, Original or Comfort standard accommodation - its all about combining comfort and character. |
| transport | Depending on the itinerary - may include domestic flights, a boat journey or an overnight train. We can arrange the roundtrip airport transfers. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Let us know how many meals you would like included. We can add activities to suit your group's needs - whether you are looking for an educational or cultural experience or have a special interest. |
| single supplement | Optional. Please let us know if you would like us to give you a single supplement cost. |
OUT Adventures are for gay and lesbian travellers and their family and friends who want to experience the world at the grassroots level while surrounded by like-minded people. No matter what style of travel you're after, there's an OUT Adventure to suit every interest and comfort level - Active, Comfort, Family, Independent and a premium level of travel, In Style. Whichever style you choose, these adventures are a great way to get OUT and experience the real world.
Key Features
| group size | Maximum 12-14 travellers who can be of all ages and from all corners of the world. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced gay or gay friendly leader accompanies every trip except OUT Independent Adventures. |
| accommodation | It's all about combining comfort and character - usually 3-5 star locally owned hotels or bed and breakfasts, depending on trip. |
| transport | A mix of private charter and local transport. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Some meals, sightseeing and activities are included. |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 6 passengers. |
| single supplement | On some trips single travellers can share with someone of the same gender or pay a single supplement. On other trips, single travellers will share with someone of the same gender. |
Urban Adventures are city tours that unlock the hidden secrets in and around our favourite cities. They range from 3 hour to 1 day adventures and uncover back streets, hidden gems and fascinating sights. While these adventures may be short, they're big on real life experiences. Step into the lives of the locals, find out what makes the city tick and get acquainted with the food and culture, all in the company of an expert local guide. See more than just the usual sights on an Urban Adventure.
Key Features
| group size | Minimum 1 - 2 travellers. |
| group leader | Yes. An experienced local guide accompanies every trip. |
| accommodation | When accommodation is part of the adventure, you can be sure it has plenty of local character, whether it's a homestay, guesthouse or hotel. |
| transport | A mix of private and local transport. |
| inclusions (meals, activities, sightseeing etc.) | Some meals, sightseeing and activities are included. |
| departure | Departure is guaranteed, subject to booking conditions. |
| single supplement | When accommodation is included a single supplement is compulsory for solo travellers. |
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