Expedition tours: A new kind of adventure

Trips on or before 31 December 2022

If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

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.

Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy

An Expedition style trip is one that visits distant and often overlooked destinations with the idea of taking 'adventure travel' to a whole 'nother level. These trips will likely include active activities such as hiking, as well as plenty of community-based activities including local village visits and traditional festivals. Think trips in remote countries (ones that you'll need to find on a map), meals cooked by local families, and cultural practices you'll never have heard of but won't easily forget.  

Expedition trips may feature a variety of different accommodation standards including camping, multi-share, and homestays as the accommodation options are selected for the most authentic experience of the region. Due to the nature of the destinations these trips go to, the choice of accommodation can be limited. Just remember, it's all part of the adventure. 

You can enjoy Expedition trips with a reasonable level of fitness, however, some trips may have included or optional activities that fall under a higher physical rating. Read your trip itinerary carefully and communicate any concerns you may have to your leader as soon as possible - you can always opt out of any activities that you're not comfortable with during your trip. 

Expedition trip itineraries can also be faster-paced (multiple 1 night stops) and include long-haul overland travel so keep that in mind when choosing the right trip for you. 

What you should pack and how much you should pack will differ depending on which country/s your Expedition trip visits but keep in mind that on some Expedition trips you'll be expected to carry your own bag/luggage so it's best to keep the weight under 10kg / 22lb. You should always pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, plenty of layers (clothing items such as long-sleeve tops, cardigans, jumpers, and coats), waterproof clothing, and a day bag/backpack for day trips and activities. 

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their tour. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey. For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

Learn more about Accessible Travel