One of the wonderful things about reading real travel tales from real travellers is reliving that feeling of being somewhere or seeing something for the first time. Our Intrepid group leaders always love seeing that first time excitement on the faces of our travellers and as Sameh Tawfik explains, we never tire of sharing these experiences with you…
“As a small boy growing up in Cairo, I always knew I lived in a special place. My fascination with the vast history of my country started when I was young and my desire to show my country to the world has only increased as I got older.
I am always delighted to see the expressions on the faces of my groups as we turn the corner and come into sight of the great Pyramids of Giza for the first time. (more…)
If you are in need of a little inspiration then try this novel tip from Intrepid Express reader Alice Kalambokas…
“Leaving Microsoft to Change the World, by John Wood, is not only extremely inspiring, encouraging and relentless, but giving. Giving to people and gives up a lot of potential wealth to pursue a purpose.
John Wood visited Nepal and was encouraged by locals to return with some books. He started a book drive and was overwhelmed by the response. So the next year he went back to deliver these books and on this journey decided to leave Microsoft to change the world – to build schools and libraries and assist with children’s education.
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As the year draws to a close, for many it is a time to reflect on what we have experienced through twelve months, contemplate what we have and revisit our hopes and dreams. Intrepid’s Responsible Travel Manager, Jane Crouch, considers the week that was and the future that can be…
“Along with many people around the globe, at Intrepid we hoped that our world leaders would make significant progress at Copenhagen and come to a sound agreement on carbon emissions reduction targets in the form of a treaty. An agreement that would herald actions heeding the warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that global emissions must not increase beyond 2015, otherwise we will pass the dangerous threshold of two degrees or more warming and our precious home, planet earth, will be irrevocably damaged.
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Urban Adventures unlock the hidden secrets in and around some of our favourite cities, even the very one you live in! Right now you can be part of the Urban Adventures journey by registering to be a tester. You’ll be the first to hear about new trips and special deals, plus just like Rebecca, you could try our day trips for FREE…
Urban Adventure: Rocks, Bridge and Bay Bike, Sydney
Tester: Rebecca
Background: Local Sydney-sider, keen to discover more about her home town.
Summary: “On Saturday 21st November I did the Sydney Explorer Ride as a Tester. I had an awesome time and was blown away with how beautiful my home city is. Our guide was friendly, charismatic and had really interesting stories to tell. I’m not a fan of long history talks, but I didn’t once get bored with his funny, sad, quirky and shocking tales of the history of Sydney.”
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Namaste Nepal. This is a country where peace is a way of life and where priorities become clear, as Intrepid Express reader Lindsey Carroll discovered…
“As we rafted down the river that had been cutting through Nepal for centuries, amazed at the vegetation that was somehow suspended over the river, we came to a stop. The day’s end was approaching and it was time to make camp on the bank of the river. Tents were pitched and we sat around the fire pit telling stories and eating yak cheese sandwiches.
I was younger at the time and threw caution to the wind and decided to venture out beyond camp. I walked for a bit, not too long, over the rocks that line the shoal. All of a sudden, as if out of nowhere, appeared a perfect, unspoiled, golden, powdery, beach. It was a small beach, but it embodied the very essence of private. Hollywood stars would have been jealous to get their hands on this little slice of heaven.
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During the day, Arusha is a pulsing tornado of hustling pedestrians and blaring car horns set against a glittering skyline of tin-roofed shanties and countless windowed storefronts. As night descends, the cars and people recede into the fading sunlight and out from the shadows come the children who call the streets home, searching for a safe place to huddle away from the night’s horrors.
Since 2001, Amani Children’s Home has been looking out for these children and The Intrepid Foundation has helped support their efforts to provide a peaceful haven for homeless kids. Every night new children appear on the streets, and each evening John Mbati, Amani’s Street Educator and a trained Tanzanian social worker, heads into the shroud of night to try to help these vulnerable youngsters.
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With this being the season to celebrate with family and friends, Intrepid Express thought you might enjoy trying these less traditional recipes, that embrace the international flavours of the festive season. Happy holidays and seasons greetings!…
Malaysian roast turkey with lime and lemongrass stuffing
Italian-style roast pork
Spicy potato tagine with olives
Frozen pistachio nougat with praline and caramelised figs
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Here’s a great chance for travellers to give and receive this holiday season. Book an exciting new Urban Adventure and you’ll be sharing the Christmas spirit around with Intrepid.
10% from every December sale made at urbanadventures.com will go to The Intrepid Foundation. What’s more, Intrepid Travel will match each of these donations in full, doubling the amount that the Foundation will receive to help support 35 community projects in destinations around the world.
From backpackers to business travelllers, and long layovers to locals who want to see a new side of their city, Urban Adventures appeal to anyone who wants to find out how a city really ticks. Local knowledge equals local experiences and Urban Adventures are not expensive, so that all adds up to the perfect travel gift this holiday season, for a loved one or even yourself!
* photo by Carinda Harris – Intrepid Photography Competition
Ancient ruins, windswept rock sculptures and a wild yet welcoming desert culture – this is the wonder of Jordan and why Intrepid Express reader Tori Salman couldn’t wait to experience it for herself…
“From the moment we enter the narrow, winding passageway called the Siq, I can barely contain my excitement. I’ve been dreaming of visiting Petra for years, and it is finally happening!
The walls of the Siq tower above our small group, and perhaps that’s why the passageways look as if they are narrowing. Suddenly, the Siq seems to open up and the sight before us takes our breath away. Standing almost directly in front of us is the Treasury.
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