all FAQ

Resuming trips in Burma (Myanmar) isn't a decision Intrepid has made lightly. In 2003, we responded to the call for a boycott on travel to Burma by the then democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy (NLD) party was denied the right to govern the country by the military dictatorship.

After recent positive events within the country including the elections in November 2010, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest and the subsequent call to end the travel boycott by the NLD, Intrepid has been prompted to consider returning to Burma.

By reintroducing our grassroots style of travel, we can contribute to improving the circumstances of the Burmese people by way of initiating a two-way exchange. Firstly, resuming trips will give them a chance to interact with visitors from other countries, thus giving a rare glimpse into life and governance in other parts of the world.

Secondly, taking passengers to Burma will help to build awareness of the complex issues this country continues to face, as well as positively contributing to the economy.

Yes, a laundry service at a reasonable cost is included on every ship.

The menu changes every day. Breakfast is buffet style. Lunch often features a buffet. Dinner is plated service, with a choice of three main dishes. A vegetarian choice is always offered. Afternoon tea, with pastries or cookies, is provided every day. Fresh pastries arrive warm from the oven for early birds about 6am.

With luck you’ll go ashore most days once we reach the Antarctic. You’ll have the opportunity to go on zodiac excursions to research stations, penguin colonies, pebble beaches and around icebergs. However, we operate under IAATO guidelines that limit the number of travellers and expedition staff allowed ashore during each landing. No more than 100 people can be ashore at any one time, and in some locations that number is 50. None of our Antarctic vessels carry more than 128 travellers.

Pick a spot no closer than 5 metres (15 feet) from the penguins. Sit or kneel - you're making yourself smaller, therefore less threatening. Wait quietly, with your camera ready to take some incredible photographs. Penguins are curious. They may come to you.

Leaving an extra 10% on top of your restaurant bill is considered polite in Chile, as is tipping porters and other service workers. Feel free to leave spare change or tip extra if the service is particularly good.

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Vietnam, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

Although tipping isn't customary in Turkmenistan, establishments in tourist areas like Maputo are increasingly accepting (and expecting) tips. A tip of 10% in restaurants and cafes should suffice, although it's not entirely necessary. With many service workers receiving low wages, tipping waiters, porters and drivers is considered generous.

A service charge will be included in restaurant bills. A small tip for hotel staff may be expected.

Tips are appreciated by Egyptians so if you are satisfied with the services provided, tip as appropriate. Generally, add 5-10% to cafe and restaurant bills, whereas loose change is an acceptable tip for food purchases from street vendors and markets. It's also a good idea to tip local guides and drivers - US$2-4 per day is acceptable.