Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Intrepid's focus is on contact with local people, getting out into the countryside, visiting temples and shrines, travelling on interesting modes of transport, learning ancient traditions, sampling incredible cuisine, staying in local-style guesthouses and immersing ourselves in everything Asian. We do all this and more in Japan, which we have found to be a surprisingly adventurous destination with so much on offer. Although this is not a trekking trip as such, it does involve a decent amount of walking each day as we explore the many sites on foot. Temples and train stations involve a lot of stair climbing so a general level of fitness is required. Japan is a very developed country, but is still a fairly new destination for foreign travellers. We will be travelling in the traditional way so be prepared for the occasional frustrating situation. The plus-side of this is that we get to see and experience Japan at its most authentic. Pack a good sense of humour and leave all inhibitions behind.
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
The best value adventures on the planet! On a Basix trip, you can expect some amazing experiences, but none of the inclusions or 'extras' that you may not want. Which means simple and often multishare accommodation and a lot of local transport. These trips are ideal for first time travellers seeking fun and independence with the security of a group leader at hand and for backpackers wanting minimum hassle and maximum flexibility at the lowest possible price.
As travellers are arriving from all over the world, there are no activities planned for day 1 apart from a group meeting in the evening. Your leader will leave a notice for you at the hotel detailing the time and place. Please note that your leader will collect your local payment at the group meeting today.
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
Make the most of your free time in Tokyo, the modern dynamic capital of an ancient land. Contradictions are everywhere, as hi-tech gadgetry and neon lights play an integral part in the lives of a population steeped in tradition. As there is no centre to the city as such the different neighbourhoods have each developed their own unique characters and specialities so chose one that appeals and explore. Your leader can give you plenty of information and make sure you see the things that you’re interested in. The fantastic metro and train network that covers Tokyo ensures that any journey, while it may look confusing on the metro map, is fast and efficient.
On Sundays Harajuku is the place to be as youth from all over congregate here to see and be seen. Nearby all this youth culture and outrageous clothing is Meiji shrine, the most important Shinto shrine in Tokyo, dedicated to the Meiji emperor who guided Japan from being a rural feudal society to being one of the world powers in just 40 years! If it’s museums you’re after Ueno Park houses the National Museum and is also a great place to sit and people watch with a bento box lunch picnic. Nearby our hotel is the historic area of Asakusa, home to Senso-ji temple and heartland of the old “shitamachi” (downtown) spirit which is renowned for it’s down to earth outlook on life. Quite the opposite of this rough and ready area is glitzy Ginza, where designer labels jostle with trendy cafes for street frontage on some of Japan’s most expensive real estate. And then of course there’s Akihabara, electronics capital of the world, where geeks unite and celebrate everything manga, computer and anime related.
A world away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, serene Nikko (2 hours by train) is a popular retreat for frazzled city slickers and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by misty mountains and clear mountain streams Nikko has been a sacred site since the middle of the 8th century. There are plenty of temples and shrines dotted throughout the area but a visit to Toshogu shrine is highly recommended.
Dedicated to the first shogun of the Tokugawa Era, no expense was spared in the construction of this lavish complex. Gold leaf, detailed carving, laquerwork and brightly painted designs cover almost every surface of these amazing buildings. Uniting the country after centuries of war and civil unrest the government that Tokugawa Ieyasu founded ruled Japan for 250 years and was the longest period of peace the country has ever experienced.
A bus ride away through stunning scenery (1 hour) takes you to Lake Chuzenji, higher up in the mountains. Here there are some great hikes through ash forests and past beautiful waterfalls or you can walk around the clear waters of the lake itself and feast on Yuba (soy milk skin), a specialty of the area.
On day 5 we travel to Hakone (5 hours) to try to catch a glimpse of the elusive Mt Fuji. On a clear day you can see the sacred mountain reflected in the calm waters or Lake Ashi or from various viewing points in the area. Please be aware though that Fuji is a famously “shy” mountain and that seeing it is not guaranteed.
Weather permitting there may be a chance to climb Fuji on the full day you have in Hakone. Please be aware however that only people of good fitness and with appropriate hiking gear should attempt this as it is a long and difficult climb to attempt in 1 day and at the higher reaches you may suffer from altitude.
Hakone is famous for its many thermal water hot springs and a dip in an onsen is a must for those adventurous amongst us. No clothing or swimming costumes are worn in the bath (men and women bathe separately) so it’s time to shed those inhibitions! Historically Hakone is also significant as being one of the checkpoints along the Tokaido Highway, the main road connecting the Imperial capital of Kyoto with the Shogun’s capital of Tokyo during the Edo era (1601-1868). Parts of it are still walkable today and hiking along the ancient stone paved road is also highly recommended. For a less active option visit one of the many galleries and museums in the area.
Returning to Tokyo (1 hour) we make the most of our time back in the capital before making a day trip on day 8 to Kamakura (1.5 hours).
This former capital was the centre of Japanese culture around 900 years ago and retains many of the Zen temples built by the samurai warriors of the time. The most famous sight is the bronze Daibutsu (big Buddha), Japan’s second largest Buddha statue and nearby is serene Hase Dera which enshrines a sacred statue of the Bodhisattva of compassion. To the north of the city is a walking trail that encompasses some of the important Zen temples on the outskirts town before passing through lush forests past more temples and shrines. If you didn’t see Mt Fuji from Hakone you can try your luck from Enoshima, a small island reached by train and a short walk across a causeway.
Our final night dinner is back in Tokyo and we eat at one of the capital’s many restaurants before saying our final sayonnaras.
You are free to depart at any time on day 9 as there are no activities planned.
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.
There are no activities included in this itinerary. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, please see the optional activities section below.
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 US$100 for additional sightseeing.
Hamarikyu Garden, Tokyo – US$5
Shinjuku Garden, Tokyo – US$2
Edo Museum, Tokyo – US$5
National Kabuki Theatre, Tokyo – US$7
Soba noodle making, Tokyo – US$25
Chuzenji Lake bus ride return, Nikko – US$20
Imperial Villa, Nikko – US$5
Sake tasting at a working brewery, Nikko – US$0!
Open Air Museum, Hakone – US$10
Checkpoint museum, Hakone – US$3
Giant Buddha, Kamakura – US$2
Hase Temple, Kamakura – US$3
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 = JPY11000 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 = JPY15000 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. You will not be required to purchase a Japan Rail (JR) pass for this trip. However is highly reccommended that you obtain a rail pass before you leave home if you wish to travel in Japan before or after your trip ends. 7, 14 and 30 days passes are available for purchase through your travel agent. Your group leader will be able to assist you with the validation this pass. The JR rail pass is only valid for 3 months after issue and you only able to apply for this pass if you are visiting Japan on a tourist visa.
2. We cannot emphasise 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.
3. Please note that the weather is quite a bit cooler in more remote areas outside of Tokyo.
4. No bookings within 30 days of the trip departure.
5. Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partner.
6. Some accomodation has share bathroom facilities
7. Accomodation is on a same sex 3 or 4 to a room basis.
Maximum of 16 travellers per group
Traditional inns (8 nights)
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.
No meals included
Metro, local train, express train, bus, 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.
Sakura Ryokan
2-6-2, Iriya Taito-ku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 (03) 3876 8118
Fax: +81 (03) 3873 9456
Located within an easy walking distance of Asakusa, Kappabashi Street (5 minutes walk) and Ueno Park, this traditional Japanese inn also offers convenient access to all major tourist attractions in Tokyo, including the Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza and Narita Airport. Offering family-style service, the Sakura Ryokan provides its guests with access to free internet, a common bath, dining room, coin-operated laundry, vending machine and IDD telephone. The clean rooms have private bathroom, TV and air-conditioning.
Narita airport is approximately 60 km from Tokyo and a taxi would cost you about $US250. 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. We suggest that you take the Keisei line train from the airport 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 Hibiya metro line, marked with grey circles. Travel in the direction of Kita-Senju and get off at the first stop, Iriya (the fare is 160 yen). This is the closest stop to the Sakura Ryokan. Exit the station through either exit 1 or 2 then walk along Kototoi Street towards ASAKUSA for about 6 minutes. After the seven eleven on your left turn slightly left at the next big intersection. About 80m along you will see the Sakura Ryokan on your left.
If you have any problems please call the ryokan from a public phone and they will help you with directions.
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.
Sakura Ryokan
2-6-2, Iriya Taito-ku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 (03) 3876 8118
Fax: +81 (03) 3873 9456
Located within an easy walking distance of Asakusa, Kappabashi Street (5 minutes walk) and Ueno Park, this traditional Japanese inn also offers convenient access to all major tourist attractions in Tokyo, including the Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza and Narita Airport. Offering family-style service, the Sakura Ryokan provides its guests with access to free internet, a common bath, dining room, coin-operated laundry, vending machine and IDD telephone. The clean rooms have private bathroom, TV and air-conditioning.
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 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.
You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10kg / 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 and are not suitable. Many inns do not allow suitcases with wheels into rooms with tatami mat floors, so it is better not to use these. You will need a towel in the dorm accommodation in some of the hotels.
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, money pouch
Umbrella
First Aid kit and personal medical requirements. day pack to carry your personal needs during the day, alarm clock and torch/flashlight
Warm clothes (Oct to May)
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.
US$1 = 110JPY
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 entry into Japan. However, you should consult your doctor for current information regarding vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Japan. We recommend that you carry a basic first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses). Please be aware that for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
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.
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/
