Last Updated: July 20, 2020
There’s something about getting out of our everyday bubble and into the thick of somewhere new. But how does someone actually get under the skin of a destination? Where should you eat? What should you see? If only there was a local to show you around your whole trip so you don’t miss out, right? Well, you’re in luck. That’s exactly what Intrepid Travel does.
Intrepid’s local guides take travellers to the must-see sites, as well as the hidden gems of a destination. Think of it like that - that savvy out-of-town friend that takes you to the best local haunts. Intrepid takes you off the beaten path. We mean, truly off it – from staying in a ger in Mongolia to bonding with an Albanian over a cold raki.
Intrepid has been running small group adventures for over 30 years. Now with over 1,000 different trips across every continent, they’ve come a long way since two bearded backpackers began the company with just a typewriter and a kitchen table. To this day, grassroots experiences and a responsible mindset has remained the core of every Intrepid trip. Here’s how they do it:
Smaller groups
Some companies cap ‘small’ at 49 passengers. Not Intrepid Travel. With an average size of 10, Intrepid Travel groups are small enough to feel like you’re exploring a destination independently but big enough to create a vibe (not to mention some great friendships).
Flexible bookings*
When you book an Intrepid Travel experience, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from their new flexible options. Ask your Travel Expert how you can book a tour with confidence.
- Flexible payment Lock in your trip with a deposit and then pay the rest in instalments whenever you like, with no interest or fees. Just make sure you've paid in full by 21 days before your trip is scheduled to depart*.
- Flexible deposit If you cancel your trip* up to 21 days before departure, you can transfer your deposit to another available trip or hold your deposit on file indefinitely.
- No change fees Let us know about your change in plans 21 days before your departure and there’ll be no fees* to change trips.
A little group time, a little you time
The best small group adventures are the ones that strike the perfect ‘just right’ balance between planned activities and ‘you time’. It’s your holiday, after all, and Intrepid Travel doesn’t want to cramp your style. While you do have an itinerary to stick to, there are plenty of opportunities to make your journey a little more you.
The ultimate itineraries
Intrepid Travel has been honing its itineraries since 1988, so there’s no need for you to spend hours agonizing over hotel bookings, train connections and where to find the best vegan laksa when you can leave it to someone who lives and breathes your style of travel.
Great value
Most Intrepid itineraries come with a few more inclusions than you might expect on a typical group adventure. While other group tours might drop you off at the Great Wall or Taj Mahal and leave you to fend for yourself, Intrepid’s expert local leaders give you great value every step of the way.
Legendary local leaders
Intrepid Travel has got some of the best in the bunch. For real. They realized pretty early on that the best folks to show you the heart of a destination are the ones that live there (funny that!). Their leaders are travel experts and locals who know their countries back to front, from every noodle joint and teahouse to gallery and martini bar. They’re the big, smiling face of Intrepid Travel.
More ways to travel
Over the years, Intrepid Travel has developed a range of trip styles to suit (just about) every traveller. On a budget? Try a Basix trip – they keep things simple to give you an amazing experience at a great price. Want a trip with equal parts included activities and free time? Intrepid’s Original trips are what they built their reputation on! And if you’re after something a little more plush, check out their Comfort trips, which feature a more relaxed pace of travel, cushy accommodation and more included activities and meals.
Travel is not just the places you visit
The beauty of small group travel isn’t just touching down in a new destination. It’s about gaining new perspectives, sharing stories and forging friendships. Like attracts like. Intrepid travellers come from all walks life – what unites them is where they’re going.
Responsible travel
Intrepid Travel believes the world is a pretty amazing place, and they want to do their bit to keep it that way. They believe that all it takes is a little dash of self-awareness, a slightly softer tread. Sustainable travel doesn’t mean no fun. Intrepid’s belief is that it means benefitting others, by using locally owned transport and accommodation to support local economies, using public transport and carrying reusable water bottles to encourage responsible travel, and upholding a social responsibility to all the regions they visit. Overall, to Intrepid it means Respect.
Inspired to see the world with Intrepid Travel? Get in touch with Flight Centre's Expert Travellers to find the perfect tour for you!
* Ask your Flight Centre Travel Expert for full details.
