Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Tokyo is a fusion of both ancient and modern worlds. Discover the best of Old Edo and her 'downtown' area, as well as all the highlights of New Tokyo, including Kabuki Theatre, Sony technology, stunning Japanese gardens, Ginza shopping, Sumo training, and Neon jungles. Then, keep your camera at the ready as you rush past the majestic Mt Fuji at over 250km/hour on the Shinkansen bullet train on your way to Kyoto. Of the 2000 or more temples and shrines in Kyoto, we have selected a few of our favourites to share with you. Visit a local market and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Keep your eyes peeled for the eye catching sight of an elegantly attired Geisha during an evening walk through the district of Gion.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Included Activities
Spending Money
Important Notes
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Free spirited adventures. Short Breaks are small group adventures that offer the freedom and flexibility of independent travel while removing some of the hassles of travelling on your own. With plenty of opportunity to have a real life experience or two along the way these trips are a great add on to a longer adventure, or just a short break in an amazing destination.

Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, please follow the instructions listed to get to Tokyo's old downtown area (Intrepid Travel does not arrange transfers in Tokyo so please make your own way to the starting point hotel). Our accommodation, a comfortable traditional Japanese-style inn (ryokan), is located in this area and you'll be pleased to know that you are only a few minutes walk from the scenic Sumida River and busy Asakusa, with its famous Sensoji Temple, shops, bars, amusement centers and restaurants.
To stay in a ryokan is a wonderful experience, as you'll get insight into how a typical Japanese family lives. Rooms have a tatami (woven straw mat) floor and are furnished sparingly, often with just a low table. Guests sleep in traditional style, on a futon, which is spread out on the tatami mat. During the day, the futon is kept in the closet, and at night, the ryokan staff will roll it back out. Shoes are removed at the main entrance to the ryokan, and indoors, you wear provided slippers. Slippers are used for walking around but should be removed before stepping onto the tatami mat. A yukata (Japanese bath robe) is also provided, which can be worn during your stay. The yukata can be used for both walking around the ryokan as well as in place of pajamas. All these customs may take a bit of getting used to, but travellers find staying in ryokans a trip highlight, and don't worry, every room is equipped with modern conveniences, such as air-conditioning, private bathroom facilities, mini-bar, TV and IDD telephone. There's also complimentary Japanese tea for your comfort.
The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore and information will be left at the ryokan for those who arrive early to do some sightseeing.
Meals: None included
Overnight: Shigetsu Ryokan, Tokyo
The Shigetsu Ryokan also has a wonderful cypress-decorated Japanese-style bath. Located on the top floor, you have great views of nearby temples and pagodas as you soak your worries away. Please note that the bath is gender segregated and the ryokan will give you further instructions regarding the experience.
Asakusa is a great place to start with sightseeing around Tokyo, a thriving city where the contrasts between old and new, modern and traditional, just keep coming. On our tour, we mix the new - Akihabara Electronics town, Sony Building, Ginza shopping area, Harajuku youth culture hub - with the old - sumo stable visit, traditional Japanese garden, world's largest fish market (Tsukiji), Meiji Shrine, Kabuki performance - over the two days. To get around, we rely on Tokyo's world class public transport system - quick, spotless and oh-so reliable.
There's plenty of free time while here also, to do some of your own personal sightseeing. Come prepared for flexibility, because with so many sights, seasonal and special festivals, we really don't want to peg you down to a rigid tour! A couple of things not to be missed if you're here at certain times during the year: cherry blossom viewing (hanami) at Ueno Park in spring, fireworks over the bay in summer, and the Japanese New Year, which also falls on 1 January, where homes are festively decorated and crowds flock to Buddhist and Shinto shrines to pray for a good year ahead.
You'll also be able to try delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine - sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market at 6:00am simply can't be beaten for freshness! There's also ramen (wheat noodles), which you can try sample at tiny stalls just big enough to stand up in, and delicious tonkatsu (deep-fried, breaded pork), served with a thick, dark sauce. The opportunities are endless...
Overnight: Shigetsu Ryokan, Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast included
Jump aboard the Shinkansen bullet train for the 2.5 hour journey south to the old capital of Japan, Kyoto. Be sure to keep your camera ready just in case you get a clear view of majestic Mt Fuji as you rush past - you'll have to be quick as your train travels at over 300 km/hour. Please note that you will not be accompanied on this train trip. Please note that on arrival, you need to make you own way to the Shimizu Ryokan - it is an 8-minute walk. After you've checked in, you have the rest of the day free to explore this exquisite, ancient city.
On arrival at Kyoto Station, follow signs to the north exit or to the Kyoto Tower side of the station. Once you are out of the station, turn left and head straight for the Kyoto Post Office (marked in English), 100 m away. On the right side of the Post Office is a Lawsons convenience store. Cross the road heading north, with the Lawsons store on your left, and keep walking straight for 300 m to the next set of traffic lights. Turn left on the main street - Shichijo dori - after crossing the road and take the next right. You will see the sign for Ryokan Shimizu about 100 m ahead on your right.
If you have any problems with finding the ryokan, please feel free to give the friendly staff a call on 075 371 5538 from one of the many public pay phones on the streets around the station.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: Shimizu Ryokan, Kyoto
Shimizu is a small traditional Japanese inn located close to Kyoto Train Station. The lovely rooms are equipped with modern conveniences, such as air-conditioning, private bathroom facilities, mini-bar, TV and IDD telephone. The ryokan also has a wonderful Japanese-style bath. The bath is gender-segregated and the ryokan will give you further instructions regarding the experience.
To stay in a ryokan is a wonderful experience, as you'll get insight into how a typical Japanese family lives. Rooms have a tatami (woven straw mat) floor and are furnished sparingly, often with just a low table. Guests sleep in traditional style, on a futon, which is spread out on the tatami mat. During the day, the futon is kept in the closet, and at night, the ryokan staff will roll it back out. Shoes are removed at the main entrance to the ryokan, and indoors, you wear provided slippers. Slippers are used for walking around but should be removed before stepping onto the tatami mat. A yukata (Japanese bath robe) is also provided, which can be worn during your stay. The yukata can be used for both walking around the ryokan as well as in place of pajamas.
Kyoto has more than 200 temples and shrines, so we have selected a few of our favourites to share with you over the next 2 days. The 400-year old residence of a powerful shogun, Nijo Castle is fitted with an ingenious ancient security system - 'nightingale' floors that sing and squeak with every footstep. Ryoanji Temple has a Zen rock garden neatly designed for quiet reflection and the magnificent golden building at Kinkakuji Temple is enchantingly beautiful throughout the year, rain or shine. Built to pay homage to the 1,000-armed Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, the amazing Sanjusangendo Temple has over a thousand statues of her placed in 33 bays. The view of Kiyomizudera Temple's pagoda and main hall, built on the edge of a hillside, supported by a system of wooden pillars and juts, is breathtaking. Take a peaceful stroll following the Philosopher's path, which runs alongside a canal lined with cherry trees.
Later, visit the Nishiki-koji market and familiarise yourself with an array of Japanese ingredients, from seafood to pickles and dried bonito flakes. Participate in an traditional tea ceremony, then take an evening walk through the district of Gion, a famous centre for Geisha. Learn about these beautiful women and their important contribution to keeping traditional Japanese arts alive.
Again, this is a flexible itinerary designed so that you can see what you really want to see. There's plenty of free time so you can take off on your own to explore the charming streets, to be part of the parade if the famous Gion Festival is on during your time here or simply relax in a traditional Japanese bath.
Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: Shimizu Ryokan, Kyoto
Today is at your leisure in Kyoto - a chance to buy some special souvenirs perhaps, or to do some final sightseeing! Your guide can offer advice on how to make the most of your time before you depart. Please note that hotel check-out time is 10:00am unless you negotiate late check-out directly with the hotel.
Meals included: breakfast
After the trip: Your feedback is important to us. We have made many trip changes over the years based on past traveller feedback. So if you want to tell us anything, from how great the service was at a particular hotel or how delicious an included meal was or if you have any improvement suggestions then please go to www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback
We'll even give you 5% off your next Intrepid trip if you fill in feedback within 4 weeks. Thanks!
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
This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. On most itineraries of this type you have the ease of 'Western-style' accommodation and any transport used is comfortable.
You may be required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary could include easy paced walks or possibly bike rides, but these are not overly exerting.
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.
Kabuki performance
Sumida river cruise
Hamarikyu Garden
Ryoanji Zen Garden
Nijo Castle
Kinkakuji 'Golden Pavilion' Temple
Sanjusangendo Temple
Kiyomizu Temple.
Walk along the Philisophers path
Visit Nishiki-koji market
Traditional tea ceremony
Walk through the Geisha district of Gion
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. Please note that during Sumo tournaments the stables are not accessible to the public. Another activity will be substituted in its place. Also, the Tsukiji fish markets are closed every national holiday and every Sunday.
2. Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partner.
Traditional inn (6 nts)
Please keep in mind that accommodation as shown in the itinerary is subject to availability at time of booking. The closest available alternative will be substituted if our first choice hotels are not available. Deductions or supplements may be applied to the trip price as a result.
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Allow USD $200 for meals not included.
6 Breakfasts
Bullet train, train, bus, metro, ferry, walking
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by a group leader. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however on occasion your leader may be new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Shigetsu Ryokan
1-31-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 3 3843 2345
Fax: +81 3 3843 2348
Ryokan Shigetsu is located right around the corner of the main street in Asakusa, "Nakamise-dori." This traditional ryokan in Tokyo has tatami mat rooms and is located in the historic Asakusa district.
Narita airport is approximately 60 km from Tokyo and a taxi would cost you about US$250. Therefore, we recommend you take the train. It's not complicated and there are plenty of people around to help you if you need to ask for directions. The train station is located under the airport, very close to the exit from immigration.
If you have a Japan Rail Pass and want to validate it you can do this before you get on the train. Then take the JR train to Tokyo station and from there change on to the Yamanote loop line (green) going toward Ueno. This is also a JR line so you can use your JR Pass. From Tokyo station Ueno is the 4th stop and should take about 8 minutes. On arrival at Ueno follow the signs to the Metro/subway Ginza line (marked with orange circles). You will need to buy a ticket for this as it is not covered on your JR Pass. Buy a 160 yen ticket and get on a train going toward Asakusa. Get off at the 3rd and final stop, Asakusa and take exit 1 or 3 (exit 1 has an elevator). Follow the directions to the hotel in the fourth paragraph.
If you do not have a Japan Rail pass or don’t want it validated yet we suggest you take the Keisei line train and get off at the final stop, Ueno. The fare is 1,920 yen for the express skyliner (about 1 hour) or 1,000 yen for the normal train (about 1.5 hours). When you get off at Ueno follow the signs to the Ginza metro line, marked with orange circles. Travel in the direction of Asakusa and get off at the 3rd and final stop, Asakusa (the fare is 160 yen). Take exit 1 or 3 (exit 1 has an elevator).
From Asakusa station walk west along Kaminarimon Dori until you reach the big red gate on your right (if you hit a big intersection and can see the river you’ve gone the wrong way). Turn right, walk under the lantern and along the shopping street (or along the less crowded alley parallel to it). The Shigetsu is on the 5th alleyway to the left of the main shopping street on the left hand side. Check-in is from 3pm but you can leave your luggage at reception if you arrive before then.
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your Short Break Adventure as scheduled, please contact the telephone number listed in the 'Joining Point' section of the Trip notes.
Pre Booked arrival transfers may be available in your region, please ask your agent at the time of booking. 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 your hotel. Note. 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 commence your Short Break Adventure is at your own expense.
Heianbo Ryokan
725 Heian - cho
JR Kyoto-ekimae
Shimogyo-ku
Kyoto
Japan
Phone: +81 75 351-0650
Fax: +81 75 371-1173
Our beautiful ryokan in Kyoto has a small garden, tatami mat rooms and a shared onsen and is within easy walking distance of Kyoto station.
The Heianbo Ryokan is a 5 minute walk from Kyoto station.
To get to Kansai Airport (Osaka) take the Limited Express Haruka (1 or 2 per hour depending on time of day). The fare is 3,690 yen or free with a valid JR Pass.
To get to Narita Airport take the Hikari Limited Express to Tokyo station (2.5 hours) then change onto the Narita Express. The fare is 16,330 yen or free with a valid JR Pass. Please be aware that the Narita express requires a seat reservation as there are no unreserved cars. This can be bought/reserved at any JR Green ticket window. Find out before you board the train which terminal you need to go to (terminal 1 or 2) by looking at your ticket or checking details on http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html. If you need to go to terminal 1 this is the final stop of the train and the station name is Narita Airport. The station name for terminal 2 is Narita Airport Terminal 2. Please do NOT get off at Narita station, this is the city, not the airport!
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For all other enquiries please contact our Reservations department which is open 24 hours, 6 days per week. 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.
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up to date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsability to have the correct travel documentation. Nationals of most countries do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. South African residents are amongst those who are required to get a visa. Please check for any changes prior to your departure.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. In addition, laundry services can be found outside our hotel in all major cities. There may be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non polluting/biodegradable soap.
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.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap or from drinking water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.
While Japan is known for its 'out there' fashions it is important to remember that we spend time at temples, working monastries, holy shrines, recreated villages and castles, cooking schools and ancient gardens where it is important to be respectful to the staff and other visitors by covering shoulders with t-shirts (no singlets) and wearing at least long shorts (knee length).
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.
Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, Health requirements arranged, Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card, Money pouch, First Aid kit, Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day, Alarm clock and torch/flashlight, Mosquito repellent, Refillable water bottle,Tampons are difficult to buy in Japan, Japanese phrase book, Warm clothes in the winter months (Oct to April). It is recommended to bring thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, hat and gloves, raincoat or umbrella especially winter.
Due to staying at local ryokans with tatami floors and the need to remove footwear each time you enter your room, shoes that are easy to slip on and off can make things a little easier.
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website:
www.oanda.com.
Please check the latest exchange rate for the Japanese Yen at your local bank or in the newspaper. It has been changing frequently in the past year. Japan is predominantly a cash society and locals carry large amounts of cash for daily business. Travellers cheques can be used although their use is quite limited and exchanging can be very time consuming. We recommend you arrive in Japan with as much Yen that you feel comfortable carrying and Yen travellers cheques.
Cash from non Japanese bank accounts via the Cirrus and Maestro system by direct debiting (as well as Mastercard and Visa cash advance) is now available at all post office ATM's around the country as well as all 7 Eleven convenience stores ATM's making it very easy to get access to cash throughout the trip at each location.
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.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our local operators and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
When selecting your trip please read the Intrepid brochure and itinerary carefully, and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please contact us at help@intrepidtravel.com should you require any clarification on what is involved on your itinerary. As we rely on public transport and do quite a bit of walking to get to our hotels you do need to be reasonably physically fit and able to carry your luggage. For travellers over 70 years a completed Intrepid Medical certificate is required.
Intrepid reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
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.
While life jackets are available on water craft in Asia, there may be occasions where child size life jackets are not readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense.
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.
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/