our trip styles & themes
Over the years, Intrepid has developed a number of different styles of travel - Basix, Original and Comfort - which all share a common philosophy of getting out there and experiencing the real world, and yet are quite different from each other. Please take a few moments to look over these as it's important that you consider carefully the type of Intrepid adventure that best suits you. Some of our trips also have a special interest or theme - see below for more details.
our trip styles
The best value journeys on the planet! On a Basix trip you can expect amazing experiences, but none of the inclusions that you may not want.
Which means budget (1-2 star) accommodation, plenty of free time, activities that are optional and the freedom to choose meals to suit your budget. On some trips you may be camping and required to set up your own tent. You'll also have access to a group leader to offer advice and help you uncover the region's hidden gems. On a Basix journey, the way you travel is all a part of the adventure. Depending on the destination and the itinerary, you could find yourself travelling on anything from a donkey to a bus or a private safari vehicle. These trips are ideal for first-time travellers seeking fun and independence with the support of a group leader. They're also ideal for independent travellers looking to make the most of their travel time with minimum hassle and maximum experiences.basix key features...
Group Size: Usually a maximum of 12-16 travellers.
Accommodation:
- Budget (1-2 star) accommodation with some shared facilities.
- Some accommodation may be on a multi-share basis.
- On camping trips, you will be required to erect your own tent.
Group Leader: Yes. A leader will accompany every trip.
Included activities: Your leader will facilitate many opportunities to interact with locals and experience their world up close. Depending on the itinerary this may mean a market visit or walking tour. There are also plenty of optional activities on offer so you can choose how to spend your time and your money.
Included meals: A few meals may be included. On camping trips your meals may be included and you might even be pitching in to cook, clean and shop for your food.
Single Supplement: Not available. Single travellers share with someone of the same gender.
Original trips are classic Intrepid adventures. With a mix of included activities and free time, they offer plenty of opportunities...
to explore at your own pace and take part in activities that really get beneath the skin of a destination. While the occasional meal may be included, you'll have the freedom to seek out your own culinary adventures. Accommodation is generally budget or tourist class (2-3 star), but you're as likely to find yourself as a guest of a local family as staying in a hotel or camping. Transport will vary as well. Depending on the destination and the itinerary you could find yourself travelling on anything from a camel to a train or a private safari vehicle. It's all a part of the adventure! Original travellers have a desire to make the most of their travel time and really get to know a place, its people and cultures.original key features...
Group Size: Usually a maximum of 12 travellers.
Accommodation:
- Usually budget or tourist-class (2-3 star) accommodation with private facilities.
- Some accommodation may be on a multi-share basis.
- On camping trips, you may be required to erect your own tent usually you will be staying in permanent tented camps.
Group Leader: Yes. A leader will accompany every trip.
Included activities: Your time is balanced between free time to explore at your own pace and included activities that help you experience things you wouldn't be able to on your own.
Included meals: A few meals may be included. Meals will be included on some camping trips, any homestay accommodation we may use and in some remote areas.
Single Supplement: Single travellers can share with someone of the same gender or pay a single supplement. Please note, when paying a single supplement there may be the occasional night, such as on a homestay, where a single room is not available.
Comfort is your style of travel if you want the whole grassroots experience with more inclusions, meals and creature comforts.
While accommodation is predominantly tourist class (3-4 star), on some itineraries there is the opportunity to stay with a local family, spend the night on a train or camp out in exotic places (without putting up your own tent of course). Along the way, you'll really experience the destination up close. You'll mingle with locals, enjoy a taste of their way of life and gain special insights from your leader. This is not luxury travel, but real world experiences - just with a softer landing!comfort key features...
Group Size: Usually a maximum 12 travellers.
Accommodation:
- Usually tourist-class (3-4 star) with private facilities.
- Some unique accommodation experiences may be on a multi-share basis such as a homestay.
- On camping trips, you will not be required to erect your own tent.
Group Leader: Yes. A leader will accompany every trip.
Included activities: Whilst we leave some free time for you to explore at your own pace we have taken the hassle out of your travel by including many activities.
Included meals: Some meals included. Visit some of our favourite restaurants with your group to get a taste of the region. Meals will also be included on camping trips and any homestays we may use.
Single Supplement: Single travellers can share with someone of the same gender or pay a single supplement. The choice is yours.
our themes
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Family
A long way from the typical 'child-friendly holiday'; these trips give your kids a chance to discover the world as you do.
The best thing is there's just as much for parents, grandparents or aunts and uncles to enjoy too. NOTE: this is not a babysitting service, far from it; these trips are an opportunity to spend time with your family in a truly stimulating way. Your trip is guaranteed to depart once your family has booked and generally you can expect to be joined by another 2-3 families. The maximum group size is 16, or 22 if Overlanding, and with the security of an experienced leader on hand, you don't need to be well travelled - just ready for adventure!
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Short Breaks
Short Breaks are the ideal add on to a longer adventure, or just a short break in an amazing destination.
With a duration of 2-5 days these trips range from relaxing beach breaks, to excursions with a local guide or a short but sweet group adventure. With guaranteed frequent departures, group size will vary from the single traveller to an average size of 12. Also guaranteed is the opportunity for the type of real life experience that makes travel so rewarding.
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Overland
Big adventures through immense landscapes. These journeys take you off the beaten track to experience the sights and sounds of remote regions.
Travelling in purpose built vehicles, you'll explore with a group of up to 24 travellers. Accommodation will depend on the style of adventure you choose. Most meals are included if camping and if there is a kitty you will be required to pitch in and cook meals. Like all great adventures, the more you put in the more you'll get out!
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Cycling
Experience the wind on your face and the world from two wheels. Our Cycling adventures span the gamut of two-wheeled challenges...
From a leisurely ride in the Lorie Valley to cycling across the roof to the world in Tibet. Our cycling adventures cover everything from the one-day rides through to itineraries where you'll be riding every day. We operate small group adventures that are led by experienced cycling leaders and are usually accompanied by a support vehicle. In some regions we also offer self-guided itineraries. Whatever your level of fitness, we've got you covered; simply bring a love of cycling, a desire for cultural interaction and a sense of adventure.
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Wildlife
Get wild on these adventures. Whether it's on a safari, at an animal rescue shelter or cruising along a river...
head back to nature and search out native wildlife. With luck you'll be face to face with some of the world's most amazing creatures.
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Walking
Get ready to take in beautiful vistas, breathe in fresh air and walk through some incredible places.
We offer an extensive range of both small group and self-guided walking itineraries all over the world that cover everything from one-day hikes through to itineraries where you'll walk every day. Armed with route notes and maps, self-guided walks allow you to explore at your own pace and are perfect for those wanting more independence. Or, if you want to concentrate more on the scenery, join a small group and explore with new friends. All your accommodation will be pre-booked, and your main luggage will be transferred between properties. So all you have to do is strap on your daypack and enjoy the walk!
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Marine
From cruising through the Galapagos to exploring Antarctica on an icebreaker, set sail on a boat-based adventure to explore oceans, rivers or seas.
Most of the time you will be sleeping, eating and living onboard a boat but there will be opportunity to head to dry land for day trips and side excursions. The size of your group will depend on the type of boat you are travelling on.
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Self Drive
Been dreaming of the ultimate American road trip but without the hassles of organising it? Hit the open road and explored the USA on your own terms on a self-drive adventure.
We'll take care of all the details, from hiring a car to booking your accommodation. Stay in hotels and lodges, or set up camp in a spectacular locale - travelling in the States has never been easier or more enjoyable! And when camping, we'll supply all the equipment you need and show you how to use it. Whether you're a couple of mates with a thirst for adventure or an entire family looking to explore, this is the perfect way to be your own tour guide and navigate the famous cities, sights and national parks of the USA
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Festivals & Events
Be immersed in local culture during a special event or festival. This is an opportunity to celebrate or commemorate amazing moments alongside locals...
Whether it's dancing all night long through city streets or a moving ceremony at dawn, you will experience it all first-hand.
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Explorer
Explorer trips let you experience the best the world has to offer. They cover a range of interests and are filled with fun, diversity and new experiences.
They allow you to journey through ancient worlds, dive into modern cities, witness cultural icons and try incredible cuisines. You'll also meet local friends, relax in out-of-the-way places, explore national parks and be awed by temples and ruins, all the while discovering a myriad of interesting cultures. All Explorer trips have an average group size of 12, travel on local transport where possible and are big on real life experiences.
