Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
This trip allows you to travel in style to see the sights of Japan and have a gastronomic feast along the way. With over 20 different methods of Japanese cooking to sample, from Okinomiyaki to Fugu (blow fish), there is no end to the variety and beauty of the art that is Japanese cuisine. This is a trip into Japan's heart and taste buds. Visiting all the major cities and some quieter destinations, we indulge our tastebuds from Tokyo to Kyoto. Join us for this brilliant combination of food, culture and the best of Japan's attractions.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Local Payment
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
Comfort is your kind of style if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on the whole grassroots travel experience. You get to stay in better hotels and guesthouses, all with plenty of local character, and may travel in private transport as well as joining locals on public transport. You're as likely to find yourself paddling a kayak as relaxing on a cruise along the Yangtze River. These are real life experiences, just with a softer landing. And all for just a little more than our Original adventures.
You can arrive at our joining-point ryokan at any time today as there are no planned activities. Please note that check-in time is not until 1:00pm. Your leader will contact you to arrange a group meeting for the evening of day 1, to be followed by dinner.
Note: Your group meeting is normally held at 6pm (please check at reception on arrival to confirm this) If you are going to arrive later than 6pm on day 1 - please check with reception on arrival as you leader will have left a note for you explaining when and where you can meet them and the rest of the group
Note that your leader will collect your local payment at the group meeting on day 1. Please bring new bills/notes in large denominations.
We are early on day 2 for breakfast (included) in the ryokan's dining room. During our time in Tokyo, we get to work making soba noodles as well as enjoy a chance to explore the famous Tsukiji fish market.
Takayama (approx. 5 hours by train) is famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the outdoor museum that is the Hida Folk village. There is free time here to explore the many folk art galleries, local markets, museums or just wander the streets of this delightful little town nestled amongst the Japanese Alps. We also discover the secrets of san sai ryori (a mountain vegetable), miso, Hida beef, and local sake, during our included breakfasts and dinners. We visit the 600-year-old morning market as well, to try out some of the unusual local specialties that farm women put out on sale from 6:00am every morning.
We have an opportunity to stay in a Buddhist monastery for 2 nights at Koya-san (7 hours by Shinkansen, local train and cable car). For our meals (included), we enjoy delicious vegetarian fare, prepared in this region for some 1,200 years. While here, you also have a chance to learn more about the resident monks' lifestyles and take part in zazen meditation.
Osaka (3 hours by train) provides the adventurous with a chance to visit a fugu (poisonous pufferfish) restaurant - at your own risk! We also have the opportunity to taste buckwheat noodles (soba) and okonomiyaki, the region's signature dish, in tiny backstreet shops around this feudal hub. Don't miss the local takoyaki (octopus balls), said to be the best in Japan.
Hiroshima (less than 2 hours by train from Osaka) is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history. We have free time to visit the ruins of the A-Dome building, one of 11 structures left partially standing after the nuclear bomb blast on 6th August 1945, as a horrifying reminder of the destruction of nuclear war. Around its perimeter is the peace park, with monuments and a museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international peace. For dinner we enjoy the local specialty, 'Hiroshima okonomiyaki,' at one of the most famous places for watching this great dish cooked in front of you.
In your free time here, you can spend an afternoon at the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' Torii Gate, smoked oysters and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Watch out though, for the inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the streets of Miyajima!
We travel on to Kyoto via Himeji-jo Castle, a sight to behold. Built in 1580, this 5-storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture, but a great insight into ancient life in Japan. From Hiroshima to Himeji-jo the journey takes approx. 1 hour, and then it's a further 1 hour on to Kyoto.
Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do! While here, we visit a Japanese cooking class featuring the seasonal specialties of the ancient capital. Afterwards, feel free to lose yourself in the streets, soaking up the wonderful atmosphere. The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening.
There is so much to do in and around Kyoto you might choose to extend your stay here. You can spend a day at Nara, home of Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to a 16 m-high Buddha. Or you could visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of the city's most famous landmarks - an ancient temple renowned for its architecture as well as a crystal-clear waterfall beneath it, whose waters are believed to have therapeutic properties.
You can depart Kyoto at any time on day 14. We recommend you use your JR rail pass to get back to Tokyo (3.5 hours), Osaka (1.5 hours) or Nagoya (1.5 hours) airports for departure.
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
Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.
Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
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.
Tokyo Fish Market
Soba making class and cooking school
Hida Folk Village entry
Morning market and sake brewery tastings - Takayama
Koya San entry to temple and monastery
Miyajima half day trip; Himeji Castle entry
Seasonal specialities cooking school in Kyoto
Inclusion to two of the best seasonal sites (garden, shrine, temple) in Kyoto.
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.
We suggest you bring along USD100 for additional sightseeing.
Shunjuku Park (Tokyo) - USD2
Edo Museum (Tokyo) - USD5
National Kabuki Theatre (Tokyo) - USD7
Festival Float Museum (Takayama ) - USD4
Kiyomizu Temple (Kyoto) - USD5
Sanjusangendo Temple (Kyoto) -USD3
Bike hire per day (Kyoto) - USD10
Festival Float Museum (Takayama ) - USD4
A Bomb Museum (Hiroshima ) - USD0.50
Osaka castle and park (Osaka ) - USD5
Bunraku Puppet performance (Osaka) - from USD30
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.
A local payment will be collected by your leader on day 1 of your trip. The amount of this local payment varies depending on whether you booked your trip on old or new prices.
Old price local payment = JPY22000 on day 1.
This applies for all departures prior to 31 Oct 2008 and for travellers paid in full prior to 22 Sept 2008.
New price local payment = JPY30000 on day 1 .
This applies to all departures after 1 Nov 2008 unless the traveller has paid in full prior to 22 Sept 2008.
Most of our trips require a compulsory local payment, which is part of the contract with you
(the customer) and Intrepid Travel Pty Ltd. This amount is the final payment for your trip
and is to be paid in the specified currency, in cash to your leader upon arrival.
The local payment is non-refundable, and is considered part of the total trip payment.
Further details and information on your local payment are shown in our brochures and on our website at
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/faq/#localpmt
1. All travellers must arrive with a 14 day ordinary JR rail pass. Please arrange this through your travel agent. The cost is around 45,100´ (approx. $US375) depending on exchange rates. The price may be subject to an agent service fee. Your group leader will assist in validating your pass on Day 2 of the trip. The pass can be used on Day 14 to travel to Tokyo or Osaka airports for your international flights. Please note the JR rail pass is only valid for 3 months after issue. If you are unable to apply for a JR pass due to living in Japan at the time of travel, we are able to purchase tickets for you along the way. Please allow US$525 for this.
2. Some accommodation has shared bathroom facilities.
3. We cannot emphasize enough the need to pack lightly as you will be carrying your own luggage while travelling on public transport. Train stations have a lot of stairs, and our travel connections are often made at a quick pace. Suitcases are not practical for travelling in Japan the Intrepid way.
4. Please bring own towel (particularly for the monastery stay)
5. Please note that the weather is quite a bit cooler in more remote areas outside of Tokyo.
6. No bookings within 30 days of the trip departure.
7. Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partner.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Traditional inns (9 nts), hotels (2 nts), monasteries (2 nts)
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 USD $250 for meals not included.
13 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches , 7 Dinners
Bus, bullet train, express train, cable car, walking
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. 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.
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 $US250. Therefore, we recommend you take the train. It is not too complicated and there are plenty of people around to help you out if you need it. The train station is located under the airport, very close to the exit from immigration. Go to the ticket office and ask for Keisei Line to Ueno Keisei station. Ask for 'futsu no densha' which is the local train costing approximately 1920Yen that takes about 1 hour to Ueno Keisei station. Many trains leave from the same platform so be sure to ask someone getting on the train that it's the right one.
On arrival at Ueno Keisei station, follow the yellow signs that say 'ginza line'. It is a short 3 minute walk and then get on any train going to Asakusa. It takes just five minutes and Asakusa station is the end of the line, 3 stops. It is a 5 minute walk to Shigetsu Ryokan.
Check-in is after 1.00 pm but you can leave your luggage at reception if you arrive before then, it will be safe there. There will be a notice from your leader at reception.
For departures 29 Mar 2008 and 14 Jun 2008 the trip will be starting at:
Parkside Hotel
2-11-18 Ueno Taito-Ku
Ueno
Tokyo
Ph. 81-3-3836-5711
Fax 81-3-3831-6641
Hotel Parkside is located in Ueno. From Narita airport please use the Keisei Sky-liner (Airport Express). It will take approx 60 minutes from the terminal to the Keisi Ueno Station.
From the Keisi Ueno Staion to our hotel is a 4 minute walk.
Please leave the station by the Ikenohata Exit, and turn left. When you get to McDonalds turn at the right corner onto Shinobazu Street.
You'll see the hotel on the left side about 150meters along the road.
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.
Shimizu Ryokan
644 Kagiyacho Wakamiya
Agaru Shichijio, Shimogyo-Ku
Kyoto
600-8317
Japan
Phone: 81 75 371 5538
Fax: 81 75 371 5539
Our new ryokan in Kyoto has tatami mat rooms, an indoor onsen and is within walking distance of Kyoto station.
To return to Tokyo airport from Kyoto
The train from Kyoto to Tokyo takes about 2.5 hours. Change trains in Tokyo for the 50 minute train ride to the airport. The tickets for these trains can usually be covered by your Japan rail pass. Your group leader can help you with your onward journey at the end of the trip.
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.
Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up to date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility 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.
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10 kg /22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage for up to 15-20 minutes at a time. Train stations are quite complex and usually require a lot of stair climbing, especially when doing a quick transfer from train to train. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Suitcases are very difficult to manoeuver around train platforms and the narrow staircases. Many inns do not allow suitcases with wheels into rooms with tatami mat floors, so it is better not to use these.
During your visit to Japan you may recieve hospitality from local families/people. A great way to reciprocate is to bring a small gift from your country, eg. clip-on Koalas, pens, flags or stickers.
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
Warm clothes (Oct to May)
Towel (for the monastery stay)
Raincoat or umbrella
Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
Comfortable walking shoes
Refillable water bottle
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. The arrival day of the trip in Tokyo is on the weekend so please ensure you have enough money for the first few days, by either bringing it with you or changing it at the airport.
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 about before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements . Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.
When selecting your trip please carefully read the Intrepid brochure and itinerary 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. 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.
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.
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender 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 a selection of our Comfort and Original style trips you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you will have your own room (where available). Please refer to the important notes if this trip has a single supplement and any accommodation on the trip that the single supplement will not apply to. 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.
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