Intrepid deepens its focus on youth travel

August 2026

With an expanded 18 to 35s range and new ‘All In’ campaign, Intrepid is responding to growing demand for immersive, locally-led experiences for the next generation of travellers.

Intrepid Travel is deepening its focus on youth travel, building on strong growth across its dedicated 18 to 35s range and launching a new global brand campaign designed to inspire a new generation of travellers to go "all in" on meaningful experiences.

The move reflects Intrepid's broader strategy to grow with younger audiences by combining immersive, locally-led adventures with the values they increasingly seek from travel: authentic cultural connection, responsible exploration and experiences that go beyond the highlights reel.

Since launching in 2018, Intrepid's 18 to 35s range has grown to include 81 trips across 59 countries, with 16 new itineraries added for 2026 and further expansion planned for 2027. The portfolio spans everything from first-time backpacking adventures and wildlife encounters to active trips, all delivered through Intrepid's small-group, locally-led model. Intrepid's itineraries are designed to provide an alternative to traditional youth holidays. with trips like the new 9-day Essential Uganda: Gorillas and Chimps, where travellers trek through Uganda's rainforest in search of chimpanzees or the new 11-day Essential Sri Lanka, with opportunities to hike through Sri Lanka's tea country and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family.

The investment into the 18 to 35s range comes as new research commissioned by Intrepid reveals younger travellers are actively seeking a more meaningful way to see the world. The study of more than 8,000  travellers across Australia, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. found that more than three-quarters (77%) of younger travellers believe their experience will be richer with a local expert, while 86%  say travelling with a local guide gives them greater confidence.

The findings reinforce a shift in what younger travellers value most. Nearly two-thirds (67%) said they would prioritise lesser-known destinations over heavily visited hotspots, while 83%  want to visit places they don't typically see on social media. Responsible travel is also becoming a deciding factor, with 87% saying it influences how they choose to explore the world.

Erica Kritikides, General Manager of Experiences at Intrepid Travel, said:

"Younger travellers are redefining what travel success looks like. Rather than simply ticking destinations off a list, they're looking for deeper experiences, genuine local connection and opportunities to travel in a way that has a positive impact."                                                          

"We're seeing strong growth in demand for our 18 to 35s range, with bookings currently up 14% into 2027. As more young people seek experiences that feel authentic, adventurous and purpose-driven, we're continuing to invest in products and campaigns that meet them where they are and inspire them to go further." 

To support this growth, Intrepid has launched All In, a new global brand campaign celebrating the spirit of youth travel. The campaign encourages young travellers to embrace spontaneity, step outside their comfort zones and immerse themselves in destinations through the people who know them best: the locals who call them home.

Rather than focusing on bucket-list landmarks or curated social media moments, All In highlights the transformational experiences that come from saying yes to the unexpected, sharing meals with local families, navigating unfamiliar places with confidence and forming meaningful connections along the way.

The campaign reflects Intrepid's long-held belief that the best way to experience a destination is through local perspectives, while also reinforcing the company's ambition to become the travel brand of choice for the next generation of conscious travellers.

Intrepid's full portfolio of 18 to 35s trips can be found here, while the All In campaign can be viewed here.