Emerging from the airport, onto the busy streets of Delhi or Mumbai, the first-time visitor to India is immediately swept up in a sea of colours of every hue. Elegant and traditional reds, golds and blacks abound in Rajasthan’s Thar desert communities, with an infusion of more modern neon pinks, greens, oranges and turquoises. Heather Gramp, former Intrepid leader, is mesmerised by the fashions and styles of Indian women and her tip for female travellers is to have fun with it and follow their local lead…
“I often marvel that a crowd of Indian women look like they are ready for the red carpet on Oscars night, with sequins, beads and gold thread accenting the colourful cloth. Even in the most mundane midday market, women sparkle. The most popular clothing styles are the shalwar kameez, a pant suit originating in the Punjab and Kashmir and consisting of a long and loose kameez shirt (or collarless kurta shirt) over salwar drawstring trousers (either loose or the slim ankle churidar style), with a dupatta shawl draped across the neck and hanging down the back.
(more…)
When Intrepid Express subscriber Daryl Baker was asked to recall his most memorable travel moment, his mind wandered back to one strange but special day in Texas, United States…
“On the advice of three Texan girls, whom I met by chance at a paella cooking class in Barcelona some 12 months earlier, I was on the search for the best tubing river in America. The search had led me into the scorching Texan sun; walking along the side of a melting ring road that encircles the small town of New Braunfels, between Austin and San Antonio, trying to find the turnoff (that seemed much closer on the map at the bus stop) that would lead me to one of the many camping grounds that have sprung up along the Guadalupe River.
(more…)
“The world is book and those who do not travel read only a page.” Several years ago, Michelle Di Rocco was in Costa Rica when she first saw this St. Augustine quote…
“This phrase was painted in one of the hallways in eclectic form true of so many hostels around the world. It resonated enough that I took a photo to remember it always. Education through travel has been a big part of my life. If I think back to when I started realizing its impact on me, I would have been about 12 years old and in Acapulco with my parents. I vividly remember being struck by the young children milling about the city’s busy streets, selling Chiclets for whatever change they could inspire. Older women found their place on sidewalks accompanied by signs as testimony to their need for food and money.
(more…)
To really get to know a country you need to meet its people. The tuk tuk driver who takes you to your destination, the bartender who shares his local tips, or the babushka who sells sweets on a Moscow street corner. You will come across so many wonderful local characters and Intrepid’s Boris ‘Bob’ Golodets introduces us to a very talented young woman in Kolomiya…
“On our Intrepid Ukraine trips we have a hidden highlight for lovers of local art. You’ve probably heard of Faberzhe eggs, made more than 100 years ago by famous jewellery master Karl Faberzhe (known to many as Febergé). Well, the Slavic tradition of egg painting is still alive today, albeit in a more modest form than the richly decorated and priceless Faberzhe eggs. Fortunately the skills have been passed down through generations and if you know where to look you can find these fine artists in unexpected places.
(more…)
In October, Bruce McPhie clocked up 15 years full-time tour leading with Intrepid, making him the longest-serving Intrepid Group Leader in the world! This means that since 1997, ‘Lemon Juice’ Bruce has led 250 Intrepid trips, and shared the wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia with some 2,484 travellers from all around the world. In his words “I hope I’ve passed the apprenticeship”…
“When I first joined Intrepid I had no idea how long this new adventure would last. Looking back, I am amazed at how quickly the years have passed, how many diverse and interesting people I have met along the way, and how many incredible experiences I have had. It still feels surreal just to be here, still living this amazing life, and I have no wish for it to ever end!
(more…)
You’ve often heard it said by gung-ho travellers, “When in Rome…”, but sometimes you have to be game to really do as the locals do. In Vietnam everyone rides motorbikes and Intrepid’s Jared Alster was a little anxious about taking to streets on two wheels – that was until he discovered that he could let someone else take the handlebars…
“Sure, Hanoi and Saigon are spectacular metropolises anchoring Vietnam in the north and south. However, I prefer the serene countryside outside Hue, a city at about the midway point of the country situated close to the coast. This is where I experienced one of the highlights of my two-week trip.
(more…)
If one person is going to know that slow and steady wins the race, it’s Michael Turtle. This engaging travel writer recently won an Intrepid trip that saw him gaining an appreciation of a different travel style…
“Sailing the Greek Islands is about more than just movement. The stopping is just as important. But it took a week on a boat in the Ionian Sea with Intrepid Travel to discover this. The ways of the island hoppers were a mystery to me before I joined the trip. From all across Europe, they come – Greek flags on the boats mixing with those from Italy, Germany, England and Norway, among others. And these waters to the west of mainland Greece become their summer playground.
(more…)
On your travels have you ever met youngsters who completely wowed you with their resourcefulness and admirable command of other languages? For Amy Hill it was a chance meeting with an impressive group of girls that remains one of her favourite travel experiences…
“There are many reasons to fall in love with Vietnam, but for me it was the people who sealed the deal. One particularly fond memory I have of my month long stay is during a trek I did in the hills of Sapa. Along the way we were joined by a charming group of young girls making their way home from a long day of selling their art and craft in the town centre. Their smiling faces and bright personalities were infectious and equally impressive was their ability to speak English.
(more…)
The difference between a disaster and one of your best travel days can come down to the littlest things. A helping hand from a few locals was all it took for a rough day in Burma to end in smooth sailing for former Intrepid group leader Ian ‘Swamp’ Marsh…
“Another perfect travel day unfolding on the mighty Ayeyarwaddy. We were heading back to Mandalay on our small riverboat after spending an adventurous and fun morning in the ancient capital of Mingun. The sun was out. Smiles and waves from other riverboats kept us on our toes, as the 40 minute journey back unfolded. What could go wrong?
(more…)
