Travel Demand Fuels Biggest Month Ever for Intrepid

October 2026

Customer numbers hit record high with Morocco and Vietnam top destinations

Intrepid Travel reported a record-level of travellers in September 2026, with over 35,000 customers travelling with the operator during the month.

The surge in travellers resulted in an 11% year-on-year (YoY) rise in monthly departed revenue, with significant growth in travel to the Middle East, Europe and Asia.  Australians made up the largest proportion of the operator’s travellers globally, accounting for 43% of all customers.  

Globally, the most popular destination in September was Morocco, followed by Vietnam and Italy. There was also significant rising demand for Ecuador (where customers rose 93% YoY), Argentina (+59%) and Uzbekistan (+40%).  

Following the uncertainty around the Middle East region earlier in the year, the uplift in customer numbers in September reflects a return to traveller confidence, the popularity of shoulder season travel and continuing demand for immersive, locally-led travel experiences.

Intrepid is also seeing a rise in travellers seeking active and nature-based adventures, as well as growing interest from families with young children wanting to explore the world together.

As Intrepid Travel Chief Executive Officer James Thornton commented: 

“September is always a popular month for travellers looking to enjoy the milder post-peak season temperatures across Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa, but this year the demand has been exceptional.

“Despite rising cost pressures and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, travel remains a key aspiration for more and more people.

“In addition to a bumper month of departures, I’m proud to share that Intrepid’s NPS score finished ahead of target at 83. This is testament to our ongoing commitment to delivering on our promise of authentic experiences led by incredible local leaders, while also managing our busiest month ever.”

To support the growing demand for Intrepid’s style of experience-rich travel, the company has launched over 80 new trips for 2027, catering to a wider range of travellers, from closer-to-home options across Australia and New Zealand, Europe and North America, to lesser-known adventures across Turkey’s Black Sea region and Northern Spain’s Picos de Europa. Learn more here.