Welcome to Intrepid real life experiences... we hope that you enjoy exploring the world as much as we do.
Pack your best winter gear as we explore the far north of Japan - a part of the Land of the Rising Sun that few people get the chance to see. It is a fascinating part of the country and you will have the opportunity to see the best of the Northern Winter Festivals, including the amazing Sapporo Snow and Ice Festival, as well as have the chance to enjoy some winter sports that Hokkaido is growing famous for. On our return journey south we will visit the beautiful Nikko National Park as it undergoes its annual transformation into a beautiful winter wonderland where you can explore 800 year old temples and shrines set amongst 400 year old cedars.
Style
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Local Payment
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Meals
Meal Inclusions
This is how it all started; the trips that made us one of the world's leading operators of small group adventures. And they're still as popular as ever! Original trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities, and even the accommodation and transport we use. From homestays to market trips to visits to community projects, there's a new experience every day, with many activities included.
You can arrive at the joining-point hotel at anytime on day 1 as there are no planned activities aside from a group meeting in the evening followed by dinner at a nearby local restaurant. Your leader will contact you to arrange this meeting via a welcome note on your arrival, and will also collect your local payment at the meeting.
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
Tokyo is famous throughout the world as a megacity, but you will soon discover that there is more to Tokyo than its neon lights.
Harajuku is where the present and past collide as the cos-play kids prance and preen just outside one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines. Teenagers from Tokyo and the surrounding area converge on Harajuku, out to see and be seen in their goth/punk/French maid finery. Nearby Yoyogi park is another meeting point for the areas fringe groups. Right next to all this modern youth culture is Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the late Meiji emperor and his consort. The Meiji emperor is revered as the emperor who brought Japan out of its self imposed isolation as a semi-rural backwater and put it on the track to rapid modernization in the early 20th century. Shinto wedding ceremonies still take place today for the cities high society and elite who can afford the service in such a revered place.
Nearby Harajuku are the Shinjuku and Shibuya areas. Famed for a seedy underbelly that feels nothing like the rest of Japan or indeed Tokyo, the adventurous can venture for a night walk through ‘Piss alley’ and Kabukicho areas of Shinjuku for some local beers and buzzing neon filled night scenes, or stroll the backstreets of Shibuya’s ‘love hotel hill’ to see another slice of the complex contemporary Japanese city life.
We will visit the world’s biggest fish, Tsukiji Fish Market where 1,700 stalls sell an amazing 2,000 varieties of seafood over the year including many you have probably never seen before! Arrive early for the chance to see the tuna auctions, which take place at around 5:00am, then feast on some of the freshest sushi and sashimi you are ever likely to get. Just remember to stay out of the way of the motorized carts that whizz around the area delivering and picking up seafood from the hundreds of stalls!
There is also an option (availability permitting) to watch a sumo training session at one of the many beyas (stables) in the area but be aware that even if this is offered the stable master requests that complete silence and no photos be taken during training as it would distract the wrestlers.
Check in at the Hotel isn't until 4pm but you can leave your bags with reception and explore the area if you arrive before then.
On day 3 we travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Japans northernmost island of Hokkaido (10 hours). We arrive in time to enjoy Sapporos famous ice festival, one of Japans biggest winter events which began in 1950 when high school students made 6 snow statues. These days it has developed into a week-long extravaganza including 15 international teams competing to build the best snow statue (judged on February 7th). In total there are generally about 300-400 statues constructed in the various sites that the festival takes place and the TV tower in Odori park is an excellent spot to get a birds eye view.
In between the festivities take some time to enjoy the other attractions Sapporo has to offer: constructed in 1878 the clock tower is the oldest building in the city, take a cable car up the nearby mountain to look down over the city or visit brewery which produces the famous beer to which Sapporo lends its name. For hearty and warming meal slurp down a bowl of miso ramen for which Sapporo is famous or warm up in one of the many bars with some heated sake.
On day 6 We travel north to Asahikawa (2 hours) by local train. Once the largest settlement of the native Ainu tribe then a centre for history and commerce in the Meiji Era (1868-1912) it is also famous for being one of the first areas in Japan to be developed as a ski resort. Another claim to fame is the coldest recorded temperature in Japan at -41 degrees celcius (-41 degrees farenheit) recorded in 1902!
While we are in town there is the opportunity to see the city's local snow and ice festival which while smaller than Sapporo's is also worth seeing for the various seasonal events that take place as part of it.
If you're interested in skiing or snowboarding use our time here to head up the slopes on one of the many runs available. Nestled in the Taisetsu mountain range, Asahikawa is the perfect base for some of the best snow Hokkaido has to offer. Spend your evenings back in town warming up in an onsen or sampling some of the local sake. The area has long been a center for sake brewing, using the clear mountain water to make the high grade rice based alcohol. If you want to learn more about the brewing process visit the sake brewing museum or visit one of the many breweries in town.
Dinners here are included with our traditional ryokan serving up beautiful meals featuring the best of Japanese cuisine.
On day 8 we leave Hokkaido as we travel south to Japans largest island of Honshu. In the stunning mountains in the north of the island and a 6 hour train ride from Asahikawa is Hirosaki, a beautiful castle town which makes a perfect stop off point on our way to Tokyo. Hirosaki castle was built in the 17th century and many of the buildings and the surrounding park are very well preserved. Ruled by the Tsugaru clan that controlled most of northern Honshu Hirosaki also has a number of temples which are beautiful to wander through in the snow.
We have some time to explore the town in the lead up to its own Snow Lantern Festival. This yearly event is a popular fixture on the winter calendar in Hirosaki and originated as an opportunity for community interaction and exercise during the long, cold winter. The present-day festival showcases exquisite snow sculptures and features attractions and events to interest and entertain the whole family.
Further south (4 hours by train) we stop in at the beautiful Matsushima Bay. Famous as one of the Japan’s three most beautiful views the eroded pine topped islands that dot the bay have long inspired poets and painters alike who made what was once a month long pilgrimage to the area. After a long journey a haiku poet of the 17th century was so moved by the view that he could only write “Matsushima ah!/a ha Matsushima, ah!/Matsushima ah!”. Many both before and after him have stood in equal wonder at the viewing spot we will visit.
We will also visit Zuigan-ji, the most notable Zen temple in this area of Japan. Founded in 828 it is a temple of the Rinzai school of the Zen sect of Buddhism and was rebuilt in 1604 by the one-eyed samurai who ruled much of the area.
A short train ride (2 hours) takes us to Nikko, north of Tokyo. Established as a monastic retreat in the 8th century, Nikko became more famous in the early 17th century when it was chosen as the resting spot of the first Tokugawa shogun. He unified Japan after decades of civil war and no expense was spared in construction of Toshogu, the shrine dedicated to him. It is picturesquely surrounded by a forest of 350 year old cedar trees and we have the chance to explore it as well as other temples and shrines in the area.
A recommended bus ride for those who want more nature is possible up to the amazing Nikko National Park and Lake Chuzenji where you can see wild monkeys, deer, boar and birdlife amongst volcano peaks, spring-fed lakes and wildflower-filled ash fields.
Heading back to the metropolis of Tokyo (2 hours) we take advantage of our time to explore some of the many fascinating sides to one of the world’s largest cities. Check out one of the many museums, do some last minute shopping or simply explore some of the many backstreets of the city’s fascinating neighbourhoods.
As there are no activities on day 14 you are free to depart at any time. If you'd like to stay a little longer, there are plenty of sights to see, in and around Tokyo.
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
You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.
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.
Entry Tosho-gu Shrine and Temple complex - Nikko;
Ashikawa sake brewery entry and tasting;
Zuigan ji Zen temple and gardens - Matsushima
Hirosaki Castle and gardens entry;
Tokyo subway pass and Tokyo one day tour including Meiji Shrine tour
Tour of Sapporo Snow festival sights and performances
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.
Shinjuku Garden (Tokyo) - USD2
Edo Museum (Tokyo) - USD5
National Kabuki Theatre (Tokyo) - USD7
Chuzenji Lake bush walk (bus ride) (Nikko) - USD20
Hakone Open Air Museum (Hakone) - USD10
Festival Float Museum (Takayama ) - USD4
Kiyomizu Temple (Kyoto) - USD5
Sanjusangendo Temple (Kyoto) -USD3
Bike hire per day (Kyoto) - USD10
A Bomb Museum (Hiroshima ) - USD0.50
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 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. 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. Please note this Intrepid trip is operated by our experienced local partner.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotels (5nts), Ryokans (Japanese-style guesthouses) (9nts)
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 $400 for meals not included.
2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Sinkansen (Bullet Train), local train
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. They 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. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Your leader is available from 12 midday on arrival day until 12 midday on departure day.
Kinuya Hotel
2-14-28 Ueno Taitoku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 3 3833 1911
Fax: +81 3 3833 1915
Kinuya Hotel is in the heart of Tokyo, so it is a great location for wandering around town. Ueno park is the height of activity on weekends, so well worth a look.
Although Tokyo is a big city, it is not too difficult to get around, quite safe and people are friendly and helpful. Be sure to take a business card from reception before heading out into the streets, just in case!
Additional nights at the Kinuya Hotel can be reserved at http://www.kinuyahotel.jp/ or email info@kinuyahotel.jp
Narita airport is approximately 60km 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 1000Yen and takes about 1.5 hours 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, turn right after you have passed through the ticket gates. Climb the stairs and the Kinuya Hotel is directly over the street. Once at the reception of the hotel tell them you are with "In-to-repido"- no need to show them your voucher (your group leader will need this later). 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. Your leader will help you validate your rail pass on Day 2 in Tokyo. This will enable you to use the JR system to reach either Narita or Kansai airport from Kyoto (considerably more expensive than Narita Airport to Ueno Keisei on the Keisei Line) on Day 14 or Day 15 for those staying an extra night in Kyoto at the end of the tour. If you are flying in on Day 1 - arrival day - and flying out Day 14 - departure day - you can validate your rail pass at Narita Airport on arrival and still use the JR system to reach either Narita or Kansai airport from Kyoto.
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.
Kinuya Hotel
2-14-28 Ueno Taitoku
Tokyo
Japan
Phone: +81 3 3833 1911
Fax: +81 3 3833 1915
Kinuya Hotel is in the heart of Tokyo, so it is a great location for wandering around town. Ueno park is the height of activity on weekends, so well worth a look.
Although Tokyo is a big city, it is not too difficult to get around, quite safe and people are friendly and helpful. Be sure to take a business card from reception before heading out into the streets, just in case!
Additional nights at the Kinuya Hotel can be reserved at http://www.kinuyahotel.jp/ or email info@kinuyahotel.jp
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.
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.
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, 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)
Refillable water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes, ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
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 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/
