Solo travel for over 50s & 60s

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Intrepid travellers are connected more by attitude than age. They’re a friendly, open-minded and curious bunch, and many elect to travel solo. Our small groups are a mix of genders and ages between 18 and 70, with like-minded travellers from all over the world.

On the majority of Intrepid trips (excluding family trips), the minimum age for travellers is 15. An adult must accompany all children under 18.

Our overland trips have a minimum age of 18.

Kiddos younger than 15 can join us on our family trips and Short Break Adventures, but make sure to check each trip for its minimum age.

Most trips don’t have a maximum age limit, but a self-assessment form is required for all travellers 70 years and over.

Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes to a minimum. Small groups allow us to remain flexible with itineraries, use public transportation wherever we can and visit communities without intimidating the locals.

Most Intrepid trips run with an intimate group of 12-16 travellers, though they usually average around 10 people.

Our overland trips use purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travellers. Group sizes are displayed in the description of each trip.

Absolutely! The beauty of the Intrepid style of travel is that many of our travellers join because they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people.

Learn more about solo travel

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. Please carefully consider whether you are physically and mentally able to complete the itinerary you have chosen, recognising that on many trips, you will be required to carry your own bags and use public transport.

Where we can, we will make reasonable adjustments to the operation of our trips to facilitate the requirements of disabled travellers – such as booking ground floor accommodation or having our leaders communicate important directions in writing as well as verbally. Many travellers with disabilities have been able to enjoy our trips by travelling with a friend or companion who can assist with specific needs. If joining a group trip is not practical, we may be able to provide you with a private departure. Please contact us for further information on any of our itineraries.

Learn more about accessible travel with Intrepid

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips if you’re travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number – it’s really important there are no barriers to getting emergency assistance for you.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

It’s completely up to you. Rooming on our trips is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on their passports.

However, if you'd like your own space, you can pay for an individual room on most of our trips. Just let us know when booking and we'll arrange it for you.

As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what's indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open-gender, multi-share basis (e.g. on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances, it will be stated in the Essential Trip Information.

The beauty of travelling with Intrepid is that we encourage travellers to explore at their own pace. 

We offer a range of trip styles – Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium – with different levels of inclusions and free time. To give you an idea, our Basix trips tend to have fewer activities included and more time to do your own thing, while Premium trips have more activities included with the group.  

Lean on the expertise of your local leader who can recommend places to explore during your free time or after the trip has finished, whether you choose to do that solo or with someone you met along the way.  

Your Essential Trip Information has more details on what your trip’s itinerary and timeframes permit. 

The main difference between a small group trip and a coach tour is the size of the group; our tours have 10 travellers each (on average), while coaches can hold up to 60 people. This means that you'll never have to vie for your leader's attention on a small group tour because you'll automatically have it.

Every destination is different – so do your research before you set off – but here’s some general safety advice for solo travellers:  

• Ensure loved ones are aware of your plans  

• You can grab a cab from the airport/station rank, but for peace of mind, you can usually book a private transfer with your hotel. If you’re travelling with us, we can book your transfer for you 

• Dress like locals to draw less attention  

• Keep track of travel times to avoid being caught out after dark  

• Have a rough idea of where you’re going before heading out; glance at your phone if you need directions but don't walk around with it looking confused 

Solo travel is all about confidence and being aware of your surroundings. If you’re relaxed, you’re more likely to blend in. Popular tourist areas tend to be a bigger target for pickpockets and scammers, so just be aware.