
Responsible Travel
Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment.
Carbon Neutral
Intrepid aims to become a carbon neutral company by the end of 2009. It's a big goal, but with the support of our staff and travellers we think we can do it.
Responsible Travel Award

Intrepid are thrilled to win the Best Tour Operator and be the Overall Joint Winner of the 2006 Responsible Tourism Awards in the UK.

For travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world. With a huge variety of travel styles available, Intrepid travellers explore the world's most amazing places - discovering real people, real cultures and having incredible real life experiences along the way.
is this your first intrepid adventure?
Don't be nervous about the name Intrepid Travel. Whilst some of our trips are quite adventurous others are very relaxing and comfortable.
In fact, we have a style of travel to suit just about every budget, comfort level and activity in most destinations around the globe. We have even graded the level of cultural shock you are likely to experience.
If you are still not convinced after reading all the information below, please review feedback/testimonials from our travellers as they are the best judge of our performance.
what we're all about
our story
Geoff and I started Intrepid in 1989 with a passion to get travellers off the beaten track in Asia. We wanted to share some of the special places we knew and introduce our travellers to different cultures and ways of life.
We wanted to develop a style of travel that was all together different, where as travellers we became a part of country - and not just tourists looking in. We wanted to have fun, meet people, learn things, explore, and do stuff we could never do at home. We wanted to travel by anything and everything, and stay anywhere and everywhere! We wanted to be intrepid!
Today Intrepid has over 600 staff, over 400 different trips, over 90 different destinations and many different styles of travel.
And yet our philosophy on travel is unchanged.
In these uncertain days it is all the more important that we get out and explore our wonderful world. It is through travel we breakdown prejudice, build understanding and create a better and more caring world. And we can have the time of our lives doing it!
Happy Travelling,
Darrell Wade
Director and Co-founder, Intrepid Travel
our core purpose and core values
Our core purpose is to enrich peoples lives by creating unique, interactive travel experiences.
We provide fun, affordable and sustainable travel adventures that are beneficial to local communities.
Our Core Values:
- We act with integrity
- We are passionate about what we do
- We encourage personal growth
- We have fun
- We are creative and innovative
- We believe in responsible travel
responsible travel
Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us.
That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment. We mostly take public transport, stay and eat in small-scale locally-owned establishments, travel in small groups, and spread the word of sustainable tourism wherever possible. And every year we evaluate each trip to ensure its compliance with our Responsible Travel Code of Conduct. Taking these small steps, we're able to make a big difference. And that goes for the whole trip experience too. Our travellers get the chance to meet local people and really get to know their culture first hand. You'll contribute directly to local economies and help develop cross-cultural understanding. In others words, enjoy a real life experience. For more information see our Responsible Travel pages.
local partners
In many parts of the world, Intrepid Travel works with highly reputable local operators.
These local partners are all passionate and enthusiastic about the countries they operate in, and offer the same high standards as Intrepid. By working closely with these local companies, we are best able to put money back into the local economies of those countries through which we travel.
travelling with intrepid...
small groups
We think the smaller the group, the better the experience. That's why we average just 10 travellers per trip. Our Overland journeys are the exception where we use purpose built safari trucks that can carry up to 24 travellers.
Travelling in a small group makes it feel more like travelling with a bunch of friends than on an organised tour. It means you get to experience more of the local culture too. As a small group, we don't dominate; we can actually get to know the people we meet and do the things they do. Sharing their buses, their streets, and their homes, we're more likely to be asked to join in, not just to buy stuff.
home from home
Where you stay is all part of your Intrepid experience and something we put a lot of thought into.
Whether it's a centrally-located city hotel, or a homestay in a tribal village, staying close to a region's people and culture is the guiding principle. Our choices are based on friendliness as well as facilities, character as much as convenience. Of course, standards vary according to trip style, with Comfort adventures offering a superior level, and Overland journeys camping out, but we always try to choose accommodation that best captures the essence of the location.
freedom and flexibility
One of the great things about travelling with Intrepid is that it's quite a lot like travelling independently, but with none of the drawbacks.
You're free to do as you choose; to pursue your own interests one day and take part in activities or sightseeing we've arranged for you the next. Our leaders have years of experience and really know their travelling, so you can get the most out of yours. And that could include anything from tackling the challenge of the Machu Picchu trek to cooking up a feast in Italy. There's a whole world of variety on offer.
food, glorious food
It is a well-known fact that Intrepid travellers love their food! We spend much of our time eating it and a lot of our time talking about it too.
No matter where you travel with us, great food travels with you. Intrepid trips have some meals included, while at other times you are free to choose when, where and with whom you would like to eat. Each itinerary in trip notes provide an estimate of how much you should allow for meals not included. On our Overland journeys you'll be a part of the cooking crew too, pitching in to shop for and cook your group's meals.
amazing value
Intrepid trips are designed to be different, but one thing they do have in common - without exception - is great value for money.
For the cost of one trip, you'll take home many unforgettable experiences. We really know the best of what there is to see and do in all our destinations, you won't waste any of your precious time away. What's more, we save you the cost of a single supplement by booking on a twin share basis on our group trips.
it's all in the journey
Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself.
We believe getting from A to B should be a highlight of your trip, not a chore. That's why Intrepid adventures come with all manner of weird and wonderful transport options, from the familiar to the downright bizarre. The actual 'vehicles' will depend on when and where you go, as well as the trip style (Comfort and our Egypt adventures include private transport and Overland journeys travel on purpose built safari vehicles). You could find yourself riding an elephant, a bicycle or a bamboo raft, boarding a bus, a bemo, or an airplane. However you go, as with all things Intrepid, you'll go the local way.
local payment
Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment, which is part of the contract with you (the customer) and Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd.
This amount is the final payment for your trip and is to be paid in the specified currency, in cash to your leader upon arrival. The local payment is non-refundable, and is considered part of the total trip payment.
kitty
On some Overland trips you contribute to a Kitty instead of a Local Payment.
The Kitty is a compulsory
local payment put into a central fund and overseen by the travellers and the crew. It funds accommodation,
camp meals and activities which the group does as a whole. A full description of what the kitty includes
is in the Trip Notes.
The kitty amounts published in this brochure may change. Current Kitty amounts can be found on our
website so please check for the up to date Kitty amount 48 hours prior to your trip commencement.
experienced leaders
Behind every great Intrepid trip is a great Intrepid leader.
Their enthusiasm, versatility and knowledge of local culture are second to none - in many cases because they're taking you round their home country! Others are westerners with an urge to share their passion for travelling in foreign lands. And every one of them is the reason why so many travellers return to us year after year.
multiple-trip discount
We've noticed that more and more of our travellers are choosing to book multiple trips with us all at once! In future, if you have Intrepid mania, we'll reward you with a multiple-trip discount.
Each traveller who books three trips or more for themselves, all at once, will receive a 5% discount per person off the total trip price! For more info
more trips, more often & guaranteed to depart!
There are over 300 different trips in the Intrepid entire range in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, The Middle East & Australasia - so we are sure to have something for you.
Many of our trips depart every week, so there will be a departure date to suit you. And most trips are guaranteed to depart! Come on, join us!
see the world - then change it
Intrepid travellers want to make a difference to the world, not just hang out in it.
Support The Intrepid Trust and you'll be doing just that - helping to improve lives in local communities all over the world. We have over $300,000 invested in long-term charitable programmes, from health and education projects to human rights and environmental protection. And you could help us contribute even more. For every dollar you give, we'll match it - and guarantee that 100% of your donation reaches your nominated programme - because we cover all administration costs. Find out more and make a donation at The Intrepid Foundation pages.
think twice before booking
This may sound like a strange thing to say on a travel web site, but it is important that you understand our style of travel.
Intrepid travels in a way that fully appreciates cultures and lifestyles very different from our own. While striving to provide the very best holiday possible, we do not shield you from the cultural differences, inefficiencies and frustrations that are a part of the places we visit. Indeed, the emphasis is on getting out there and experiencing the real world - warts and all. Please bear this in mind when choosing between our travel styles and trip options.
how you can be a more responsible traveller
Before leaving home, learn as much as you can about the country you're visiting - its religion(s), values, customs, and rules.
Pay particular attention to appropriate behaviour, dress and body language. The pre-departure information on our website should get you started. Learn some of the language and don't be afraid to use it; simple pleasantries help break the ice, as does a smile! Always ask before taking photos of people and offer to send copies if you can. Treat the environment as if it were your own home.
travelling with children?
Welcome to our Family Adventures! These trips are specially designed for travellers with children six years and older.
The itineraries are tailored with the wants and needs of families in mind. This way the whole family can explore the world, discover new places and enjoy themselves together, while experiencing a truly intrepid adventure! Check out what trips we have at our Family Adventures page.
how was it?
Naturally, you'll want to know what past travellers think of us and you can find out by checking the 'Traveller Rating' in the 'Trip Facts' on any trip page.
At the end of every trip we ask our travellers to complete a survey - and invariably receive fantastic reports. The key question - 'How would you rate your overall experience?' is used to determine the Traveller Rating, which is simply an average of all the scores given in answer to this question. You can also check out the 50 most recent quotes from travellers.