Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Intrepid (MAD) make a difference projects are a joint venture operation between Intrepid and Madventurer bringing together the expertise from 2 of the world's leading responsible travel organisations. Join a group of like minded volunteers to experience and contribute to daily life in a rural village. Split your time between a building project and teaching at a local school. Working alongside local builders, staying in the community and spending time with the kids, you'll become an essential part of the community. This 42 day project will tackle needs that have been identified by your host community to ensure that your financial and physical investment is sustainable long into the future. Take part in a unique experience where you can really Make A Difference to a developing community.
To save you money and the hassle of booking multiple trips, this journey is a combination of some of our most popular adventures. As this is a combination trip your leader and group may change.
Style
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Physical Preparation
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Starting in Cuzco, Peru.
Meet your leader and your group in Cuzco. Please be at the hotel for no later than 10am. We will have an orientation meeting with rest of group and leader. If your flight arrives too late we recommend that you consider booking a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you can ensure you are able to attend this meeting.
We will set off to our village. On your way you will experience more of the sights and sounds that Peru has to offer. The roads twist and turn and can be quite bumpy as you get off the main road and drive along dirt tracks, but this will be forgotten as you pass through beautiful countryside and tranquil Andean villages bordered by donkeys and llamas tended by brightly-clad locals.
Travelling into the hills the road may become bumpier, look out for bustling crowds on their way to market carrying anything from sacks of rice to live chickens on local transport and the back of bicycles.
Arrival at our project house will be marked by a welcome from either our host family, head teacher or community representative. You will have the opportunity to unpack and pick your spot in one of the shared rooms.
Accommodation is in a shared house with your group. You will have access to water, and although there might not be running water available all day, drinking water will be provided. You will have a shower cubicle either indoor or outdoor; this will usually have running water, though it might not be hot. Electricity is normally available, but if not you will be given a chance to charge phones at least every weekend. You will sleep in bunk-beds and bedrooms are shared with your other members of your group. You will have a social area such as a living room and there may be a garden to enjoy relaxing in at the end of the day. Storage will be limited. Your accommodation is selected in a safe, proximate location to the project site. A local cook will be based on-site.
Also on day 2 you will have the option of taking a tour of the school and local village. Take time to soak up the scenery and meet some of the people you will be working with both in the school and the village. You will be given a chance to see the building site and see where you will be working on a new project or continuing an existing one. Enjoy the first of many 'how are you?' greetings from groups of giggling children who will follow us when we're out and about in the community.
Our first night in the village will be settling into our new house, planning our first day in school and enjoying our first meal provided by our local cook or host family.
Every Intrepid MAD adventure project is unique and the experience is enriched by your input and commitment, the more you put into your project the more you will get out of it.
Meet the school community from the teachers to the board of parents, to the numerous small faces peering curiously at you. The welcome smiles will be many and widespread.
Get to know your surroundings, find out where the local 'store' is and what delights they sell, be introduced to the nearest water source is and how your community makes the journey home with it. Enjoy the hearty local cuisine that will build up lots of energy for the busy weeks to come. Mark the first site of your new building or plot with a photo, the scene will soon change.
We will establish the routine at school including several hours in the morning building and again after lunch. Your usual working hours are 9am - 1pm with breaks during the day. Lessons will then be taught on a rota basis from 3pm - 6pm including preparation time.
You will have an opportunity to take a morning break for chai and chapatis (snack item) taken at school as well as lunch.
Throughout the day we will rotate teaching as and when lessons are timetabled. When not teaching we can return to work on the building site or plan our next lessons.
Each day we have the opportunity to explore the community after school and take part and organise activities with the community. We can take walks and discover the countryside or help out on farms milking cows or planting/weeding.
There are many opportunities that await you in your village. You can help set up nutrition programmes or support recycling or energy saving projects. Take the chance to visit the local clinic and learn about medical care. The key is get to know your village and how they need your support.
You may be able to join local adults in their cooperative groups, teach them English and learn their skills from dancing to weaving. We also can look for opportunities to play sport with youth groups, football is always a winner.
Each project reaches a 2 week milestone so your contributions will be recognised at the end of every milestone.
Relationships in your community will be developing so that you can take on more responsibility in your work. Running classes for adults or researching your village's particular challenges will lead to exciting side projects. By now you might have learnt a few words of Quechua, the local language, and you might be trying your hand at preparing local dishes with the cook or sharing your own culinary skills!
Tackling side projects such as educational murals or organising sports tournaments will inspire your community to work with you and achieve their goals that also become yours. Learning more about the wonderful Andean culture and local way of life will surprise and humble you as their fight for survival does nothing to diminish their resilient and cheerful spirits.
Your building will be changing radically from when you first began - make sure you photograph every stage so you can look back and appreciate the hard work that you've all put in. By now you will have learnt a number of manual skills on the building project, from digging a trench to building a mud brick wall, plastering or laying pipes. You might also have some ideas of workshops for the kids, maybe a recycling campaign or a themed day, why not plan a small outing, get together a play in English or organise an afternoon fancy-dress party?
Appreciate every day with your new friends in the community - the time will fly but the memories will last forever.
In your final weeks on the project your ideas will have been implemented in the building project and classroom and a good knowledge of the local culture gained. Give this time your all and see the results of your hard work on the building site and in the school. You will be leaving behind a sustainable project for the community and local children who will have benefited from your classroom work. If there is time, you might get to go on a hike around the area with the villagers who know it best. Visit the families of those you have worked alongside and share a meal. There will be plenty of opportunities for exchange of songs and stories around the campfire and don't forget contact numbers with your fellow travellers and friends from the village. Watch the last sunrise in your village to mark a unique experience that will never fade from memory and is only the beginning of your bonds with your home away from home.
Leaving your community will be marked with a special ceremony that will incorporate many members of the whole village. This is your chance to demonstrate and display the good work that you have achieved in the classroom, on the building site and out amongst the community. Traditional, typical Andean food, drink and dancing will be one of your last memories of your stay in the village.
You will be returned to Cusco for 6pm where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a leaving meal with your group. Accommodation for this night is not included in this itinerary.
We recommend you consider booking at least 1 extra night's accommodation after this trip to see all the sights of Cusco.
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated trip notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com
The comforts of home are more of a rarity. Expect extended stays of multi-share accommodation, limited access to hot water, simple food or days cut off from the rest of the world.
Depending on the trip, activities may include longer walks over uneven surfaces or adventure activities like flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which could be unfavourable. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.
Previous work experience is not required for work on the building site however a general level of fitness is important bearing in mind that some labour can be intensive in hot weather conditions. Adventurers are given every opportunity to take breaks when needed and encouraged to take them regularly. Some light exercise and preparation will be beneficial but you will find your body will also adapt and strengthen the more time you spend building, we stress that you do this at your own pace.
If in doubt seek medical advice prior to travel.
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional
activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included
activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Building - undertaking labouring work usually broken into 3 phases you will assist and learn from skilled local tradesman. The building project will be run by a Peruvian foreman. You will take part in the following activities depending on what phase of the project you are working on.
Phase 1 - Digging, brick laying, concrete mixing
Phase 2 - Brick laying and basic carpentry
Phase 3 - Plastering and painting
Not every building is the same so you may get to do more than just the activities listed above. The breakdown above is based on a 2 room classroom block.
Teaching - liasing with teachers and leader you will conduct classes individually or in pairs in English, Maths, Sports and Creative Arts.
Additoinal activties range from sports, healthcare and conservation depending on the needs of your community.
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with Intrepid.
At weekends we offer you the choice of either staying on the project site or travelling away with the rest of your group. Your leader will help co-ordinate and recommend points of interest and places to stay though they may not travel with you on this excursion. This is your time to relax in the village, enjoy the independence of discovering your host country's attractions or catch up on emails in the nearest town. You will need to be back at your host village no later than 05:00pm on the Sunday evening.
Got extra time before or after your Intrepid adventure? Maybe there is an URBAN ADVENTURE in one of the cities that you're visiting on your trip?
Intrepid's Urban Adventures are the city tour with a difference - there are more than 100 to choose from in over 30 cities around the world, with new trips added regularly. They are a great way to get under the skin of the city you're visiting, in just a few hours. To make a booking contact your local travel agent, Intrepid consultant or visit www.urbanadventures.com
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
1. Your timetable will vary depending on the needs of the community, balancing the amount of teaching and building for your group will be dependent on an agreement between the community, your leader and the group.
2. Every Intrepid MAD adventure project is unique and the experience is enriched by your input and commitment, the more you put into your project the more you will get out of it.
3. Projects do not have their own vehicle, you will be required to walk to and from school and local villages and markets when necessary. Local transport can be used for longer journeys but may require a walk to your nearest transport hub.
4. A knowledge of the Spanish language even at the basic level will further your interaction amongst the community, assist performance in the classroom and promote an increased level of cultural understanding. Why not take lessons or try out some DIY Spanish language aids before starting your project.
5.The itinerary is provided as a guide only, each project is unique and we encourage you to adapt to the specific needs of your community and how they may shape each of your days on project.
Maximum of 16 travellers per group
Mulltishare homestay (42nts)
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow for meals not included.
All meals whilst on project site
local bus, minibus
Every project has a leader – the person directly responsible for running the project.
All leaders are UK trained before going overseas to work including first aid training. They are slected for their knwoledge of the country they are working in and their ability to act as a bridge between you and your host community.
Crew are there to set things up, ensure the smooth running of the project and deal with any unexpected or emergency situations. It’s important to remember, however, that this project is a team activity, and they are team leaders. Here are a few points highlighting what to expect:
Project leaders are responsible for the final stages of the project setup, prior to Venturers’ arrival (initial research and setup is usually done by our Regional Manager), and know the background of the project well.
Leaders are there to liaise with the local community and any local partners who may be involved, to ensure the smooth running of the project. They will sometimes give specific responsibilities to adenturers, which helps to keep all members of the team involved and everyone to get the most out of the experience.
Leaders are not responsible for organising weekend activities for Venturers. On occasions they may decide to arrange a trip but they are under no obligation to do so. Adventurers are expected to organise weekend trips themselves and they can seek advice from their leader for this as it will promote your independece as a traveller.
Your leader is trained and equipped to deal with any emergency situation which may arise.
Finally, leaders are there to make sure you have a good time and get the most out of the project. If you have any ideas, please talk to your leader e.g. if you want to start extra activities, such as cricket, football or art classes, in the village.
Hostal Eureka
Chiuampata 591
Cuzco
Peru
Phone: (51 84) 233 505
Located 3 blocks from the main square, this old colonial house is right in the heart of Cusco: San Blas where painters, artists and handcraft makers work and live.
Eureka has 13 rooms. Its architecture follows the tradition and colonial style and match excellently with its surroundings. Most of their rooms have fantastic views over Cusco and it’s red tiled roofs.
All rooms have, phones, heating, cable TV and private security boxes. Bathrooms are spacious, clean and have hot water 24 hours a day.
Most of the staff speak English.
Other services include:
- Internet service.
- Fax service.
- Laundry service.
- Restaurant service.
- Luggage storage.
Cusco airport is a mere 2kms from the centre of town at Quispiquilla. The easiest way to do the journey is by taxi which should cost around US$5. Most of the drivers speak a little English and your hotel is well known. The following instructions in Spanish on how to get to the hotel may be of use.
Por favor lleveme al Hostal Eureka ubicado en Calle Chihuampata 591 en el Barrio de San Blas. Exactamente en la esquina de Chihuanpata con Carmen bajo frente al Hotel Casa Andina San Blas .
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your
group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing
customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions in the Trip
Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any
additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Hostal Eureka
Chiuampata 591
Cuzco
Peru
Phone: (51 84) 233 505
Located 3 blocks from the main square, this old colonial house is right in the heart of Cusco: San Blas where painters, artists and handcraft makers work and live.
Eureka has 13 rooms. Its architecture follows the tradition and colonial style and match excellently with its surroundings. Most of their rooms have fantastic views over Cusco and it’s red tiled roofs.
All rooms have, phones, heating, cable TV and private security boxes. Bathrooms are spacious, clean and have hot water 24 hours a day.
Most of the staff speak English.
Other services include:
- Internet service.
- Fax service.
- Laundry service.
- Restaurant service.
- Luggage storage.
Cusco airport is a mere 2kms from the centre of town at Quispiquilla. The easiest way to do the journey is by taxi which should cost around US$5. Most of the drivers speak a little English and your hotel is well known. The following instructions in Spanish on how to get to the hotel may be of use.
Por favor lleveme al Hostal Eureka ubicado en Calle Chihuampata 591 en el Barrio de San Blas. Exactamente en la esquina de Chihuanpata con Carmen bajo frente al Hotel Casa Andina San Blas .
Hostal Eureka
Chiuampata 591
Cuzco
Peru
Phone: (51 84) 233 505
Located 3 blocks from the main square, this old colonial house is right in the heart of Cusco: San Blas where painters, artists and handcraft makers work and live.
Eureka has 13 rooms. Its architecture follows the tradition and colonial style and match excellently with its surroundings. Most of their rooms have fantastic views over Cusco and it’s red tiled roofs.
All rooms have, phones, heating, cable TV and private security boxes. Bathrooms are spacious, clean and have hot water 24 hours a day.
Most of the staff speak English.
Other services include:
- Internet service.
- Fax service.
- Laundry service.
- Restaurant service.
- Luggage storage.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary
depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible,
but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself.
A visa is not required by British, Canadian, USA, Australian and Irish nationals entering Peru for a period of up to 90 days.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
Adventurers can enjoy washing their own clothes outdoors along side other members of the village. Using bar soap for your washing is less damaging to the environment.
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
Community donations
We encourage anything that can aid teaching such as pens/ exercise books/ acitivty books/ arts materials and sports equipment. Any donations should be used as part of lessons or directed through your leader or teachers to be dispersed on need or merit and not given as a handout.
Women should dress modestly whilst staying in the village. T-shirts and shorts are fine, shorts that cover the knees should be worn within the community, vests that show the shoulders or stomach are not appropriate.
Smarter clothing should be worn for teaching, although this does not need to be overly formal.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Passport - plus a photocopy to be kept separately,
Money: cash and/or Travellers Cheques – Keep a note of the serial numbers of your Travellers cheques and also the emergency contact numbers. Keep these details separately from the cheques.Credit cards for ATM withdrawals. It is a good idea to bring both Visa and Mastercard if possible as some machines only accept one type.
Travel Insurance - Take a photocopy of your policy with you or leave a photocopy at home.
Airline Tickets
Vaccination Certificates - if applicable
Confirmation Invoice.
Vouchers – occasionally vouchers are issued for certain services. If you receive a voucher please ensure you bring it with you.
1 Pair boots or strong shoes (MUST be worn for building work, useful for trekking)
1 pair sandals
Socks
Underwear
T-Shirts (one may get discarded after painting work)
Long-sleeved top (for evenings when mosquitoes are out)
Lightweight trousers
Fleece/sweatshirts – it can get very cold in areas of Peru at night – be prepared!
Shorts (knee length)
Hat and sunglasses
Swimming gear
Lightweight rainproof jacket
Other Equipment
Backpack (60 to 80 litre capacity should be enough to carry everything you need)
3 season sleeping bag – Peruvian nights may get quite cold
Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk, which packs smaller)
Sleep mat or Thermrest
Towel
Mosquito net (impregnated with insecticide is best)
Insect repellent (essential malaria protection, you’ll use a lot)
Bite & sting relief ointment
Torch with spare batteries
Sun cream (high protection factor, the sun is strong on the equator)
Aftersun / moisturiser
Toiletries
Day bag
Camera (compact digital or 4-5 rolls of film per month)
Work gloves (if you will be doing building work)
White coat (if you will be doing a medic project)
Pack of cards/books/guide book/music
Passport - plus a photocopy to be kept separately,
Money: cash and/or Travellers Cheques – Keep a note of the serial numbers of your Travellers cheques and also the emergency contact numbers. Keep these details separately from the cheques.Credit cards for ATM withdrawals. It is a good idea to bring both Visa and Mastercard if possible as some machines only accept one type.
Travel Insurance - Take a photocopy of your policy with you or leave a photocopy at home.
Airline Tickets
Vaccination Certificates - if applicable
Confirmation Invoice.
Vouchers – occasionally vouchers are issued for certain services. If you receive a voucher please ensure you bring it with you.
1 Pair boots or strong shoes (MUST be worn for building work, useful for trekking)
1 pair sandals
Socks
Underwear
T-Shirts (one may get discarded after painting work)
Long-sleeved top (for evenings when mosquitoes are out)
Lightweight trousers
Fleece/sweatshirts – it can get very cold in areas of Peru at night – be prepared!
Shorts (knee length)
Hat and sunglasses
Swimming gear
Lightweight rainproof jacket
Other Equipment
Backpack (60 to 80 litre capacity should be enough to carry everything you need)
3 season sleeping bag – Peruvian nights may get quite cold
Sleeping bag liner (cotton or silk, which packs smaller)
Sleep mat or Thermrest
Towel
Mosquito net (impregnated with insecticide is best)
Insect repellent (essential malaria protection, you’ll use a lot)
Bite & sting relief ointment
Torch with spare batteries
Sun cream (high protection factor, the sun is strong on the equator)
Aftersun / moisturiser
Toiletries
Day bag
Camera (compact digital or 4-5 rolls of film per month)
Work gloves (if you will be doing building work)
White coat (if you will be doing a medic project)
Pack of cards/books/guide book/music
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website:
www.oanda.com.
US$ travellers cheques and cash (notes printed after 2003) are the most readily changeable currency. If you bring travellers cheques it is very important that you also bring the encashment receipts. Pound Sterling is also widely accepted in both travellers cheques and cash. It is unlikely that you will be able to get hold of African currencies in your home country. Local currencies can be readily obtained at international airports, city banks and most major hotels. You are strongly advised not to walk around with large amounts of cash.
Using a VISA credit card is the best way to access cash from ATMs in Peru. You will have oppourtunity to access and spend cash mainly on a weekend. Mastercards are less widely accepted.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required. You should seek the latest advice from your health professional. Other vaccinations including Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus, Diptheria, Typhoid and Polio are recommended but we advise you to discuss this with your Doctor.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
You will be given a full briefing at your orientation meeting when you arrive in country on safety in country and on project. This will cover all areas from theft, taking public transport, sun/altitude exposure and safety on the building site.
1. You will have a supply of drinking water supplied by your cook and/or the school.
2. Project leaders are first aid trained and use specially designed first aid kits on each location.
3. Project sites are located with a maximum 4hr driving radius of a hospital that can be reached by a vehicle in case of emergency.
4. Be prepared that safety standards on the building site are not exactly as you would expect to find them at home. Our leaders risk assess the project regularly throughout and will guide you on avoiding unecessary dangers.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php for links to various travel insurance providers.
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the
frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and
likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group
- patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience.
Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time,
ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best
trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on
your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information
about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
With the exception of our Comfort trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org
All Intrepid travellers are required to sign a Participation Form on day 1 of the trip. Please note that signing the form is a prerequisite of
travelling with Intrepid. The wording of this form follows:
"I understand that travelling with Intrepid may involve risks (and rewards)
above and beyond those encountered on a more conventional holiday, and that
I am undertaking an adventure trip with inherent dangers. I understand that
I am travelling to geographical areas where, amongst other things, the
standard of accommodation, transport, safety, hygiene, cleanliness, medical
facilities, telecommunications and infrastructure development may not be of
the standard I am used to at home or would find on a conventional holiday. I
have read and understood the Intrepid trip notes for the trip I am
undertaking and have provided details of any pre-existing medical conditions
I have to Intrepid's representatives.
I accept these risks and obligations and I fully assume the risks of travel.
I release Intrepid Travel from any liabilities connected to these risks to
the maximum extent permitted by law."
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
Thanks!
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography, Intrepid hold an annual Intrepid Photography Competition.
There are five categories - real life experiences, travelling families, local friends, landscapes, icons - each with a fabulous prizes.For more information,
entry form and competition conditions, please visit www.intrepidtravel.com/photocomp. Send entries to
The Editor,
Intrepid Travel,
PO Box 2781,
Fitzroy DC 3065,
Victoria, Australia.
Express is our email newsletter that is full of interesting and exciting regular features, travel tips, competitions, great giveaways, reviews, recipes, travellers' stories and money saving specials! Plus we give you the chance to WIN an Intrepid trip every week - subscribe for free at http://www.intrepidtravel.com/express/
