intrepid travel warning review

Intrepid Travel In-depth Review: Are their tours any good? [2024]

A tour that offers trips where you can spread positive impacts to the place you're visiting ... Are they too good to be true? What are their pros and cons? Find out now.

Have you ever thought about the impacts you have when you're on your trip? The way you travel, through what transportation methods you take, how you engage with communities, and what you leave behind after the trip can have various impacts on the destination you traveled to. 

In this review, we bring to you a review of a travel agency that'll help you plan your next trip while making sure that you travel responsibly. Stick around and read the entire Intrepid Travel review to find out how you can make use of this service.

What is Intrepid Travel?

In 1988, two friends, Darrell and Manch, were traveling with friends in a truck in parts of Africa when they came to a realization. They realized that more people would enjoy traveling while minimizing impacts by talking to many travelers. That kickstarted the tour operator  Intrepid Travel .

Apart from presenting a travel itinerary, Intrepid Travel also guarantees their customers a responsible travel experience with them. In order to ensure responsibility while traveling, Intrepid Travel has partnered up with many global and local funds and organizations like Blue Carbon Lab and Eden Reforestation Project.

Intrepid Travel has its own foundation, which funds initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and work towards a sustainable future. 

How does Intrepid Travel work?

Intrepid Travel has a simple and user-friendly interface. You could insert basic information and get a ready-made travel itinerary or have a trip tailor-made based on your preferences.

Readymade trips 

Once you visit the Intrepid Travel website, you can search for itineraries based on your choice of destination and the date of travel. Intrepid Travel will provide you with a range of options to choose from based on the information provided. These options vary from  Premium, Best of,  to  Classic , etc. 

Alternatively, you could also select from various styles and themes and find ready-made trips. In order to look for themes, you have to click on the  Ways to travel  option on the panel at the top of the website. These themes include 18s to 29s, Active Adventures, Adventure Cruising, Cycling, Expeditions, Family, Festivals, Food,  Lonely Planet  Experiences, Polar, Retreats, Sailing, Short-Breaks, Urban Adventures, Walking and Trekking, and Wildlife. 

Personalized trips 

Travelers using Intrepid Travels can also select tailor-made trips from the themes section. In this, you can flexibly choose when and where you want to go and what you want to do because the ready-made itineraries from Intrepid can't be altered. 

You would be traveling with local leaders or travel guides from any travel themes or styles. They will guide you on everything and even deal with the logistics of traveling. With their extensive knowledge of local culture and environments, you will surely get an immersive traveling experience. The help of local leaders also makes group travels easier. 

How old do you have to be to travel with Intrepid?

If you are traveling without adult supervision, you have to be 18 years of age or above. Styles of travel include Premium, Comfort, Original, and Basix. Depending on the style, the provision of services varies, but you would still get the basic services, though. 

Although there aren't any readily available promo codes from Intrepid Travel, they almost always have deals on their website. If you aren't looking to travel anytime soon, you can check the discounts available on the website. If you are making some late plans, you can choose to look at the last-minute deals they have to offer.

What we like about Intrepid Travel

• Ready-made packages

Intrepid Travel makes your trips so much easier. Choosing from a specific style and/or theme is the best part of this. It allows you to select a trip that is to your liking and within your budget. The intersection of the style and theme gives you even more options. What's even more remarkable is that all the destinations, accommodation, food, and transportation are arranged for you as you reach your destination.

• Personalization

The thing with ready-made packages is that they don't have flexible arrival and departure dates. If you're someone who needs that freedom in traveling, tailor-made packages are just the thing for you. Even if you are the one who's deciding things, you wouldn't be the one spending time getting things together. Intrepid Travel and its local leaders will do everything for you. 

• Responsible travel

Responsible travel includes less carbon footprint, respect towards local cultures, and support for local communities. Your use of Intrepid Travel would contribute towards funding grassroots organizations, initiatives, and local communities. After all, responsible traveling isn't just where you'll be going; it's also on you as an individual traveler. Intrepid Travel adheres to COVID guidelines and ensures your safety.

While you aren't required to have travel insurance, Intrepid Travel will recommend travel insurance services, like World Nomads ,  if you think it's something you would like to have.

What's not-so-great about Intrepid Travel

• Complaints on service 

Intrepid Travel doesn't have a lot of bad reviews. But, we came across some complaints about low-quality accommodation, unreliable local guides, and poor service. Some negative reviews spoke of Intrepid Travel's delay/failure to process refunds during the pandemic. As always, it's important to know that no service is perfect, and there could be issues occasionally. 

Compared to traveling solo, heading on a group tour with companies like Intrepid is a bit more expensive because most travel logistics and planning are arranged for you. Also, when you travel with a group, there's a higher chance of spending on extra "group" activities. However, you may not necessarily enjoy all of them. In this regard, we think it's better to  backpack  solo if you are quite a seasoned traveler. 

Is Intrepid Travel Worth It?

Most of the past users have left satisfying reviews of Intrepid Travel. We also recommend it to travelers that want more out of your travel experience. We believe what they're offering is a great way to explore the world while maintaining a positive impact on the places you go!

You also have many other choices like  G Adventures ,  EF Ultimate Break , and  Under30Experiences  for guided group tours. So, do consider these options before you pick one! 

Our Rating: 4.6/5

• Tours that makes a positive impact
• Responsible travel (low footprint)
• Great tour packages
• All Inclusive
• Few complaints on quality of the tours
• Slightly expensive

If you're looking to plan your own trip.

Regardless of which tour guides you pick, you're definitely all set to make some memorable experiences. We believe that you'll have a better time by planning and going on a trip solo or with friends and family! After all, traveling at your own pace and your own determined budget is always a win.

If you're planning to travel with your friends or colleagues or any other group of people, Pilot might be able to help you out with it.

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

Satisfy your wanderlust

Get Pilot. The travel planner that takes fun and convenience to a whole other level. Try it out yourself.

Trending Travel Stories

Discover new places and be inspired by stories from our traveller community.

Related Travel Guides

Contiki Tours Europe: No regrets... except? [Latest Review]

ToursByLocals Review: Can You Trust Their Tour guides? [2024]

Viator Tours Review [2024]: Are Their Tours Any Good?

Topdeck Review [2024]: Are The Travel Tours Worth It?

Make the most of every trip.

You won’t want to plan trips any other way!

The trip planner that puts everything in one place, making planning your trip easier, quicker, and more fun.

Suggested companies

G adventures, exodus adventure travels.

Intrepid Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.4.

1,980 total

Most relevant

I love Intrepid Real Food adventures…

I love Intrepid Real Food adventures and have now been on a few. India, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mexico. Morocco Vietnam, as well as Jamaica. It can be very get in amongst it, and they include public transport which can be tough, as well as glorious luxury. The food is always delicious. They are always interesting and full of learning and fun and adventure. Also sometimes it’s uncomfortable or crowded. You come home with memories and stories and new friends I am hooked and already planning the next. Note Intrepid support local business and make sure the local economy get the $. This matters

Date of experience : September 14, 2023

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Hi Lesley, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful review. Wow 7 Intrepid food tours!! We really appreciate your loyalty and are thrilled to read that you always have such a great time, enjoying the sights and sounds of a new place. Thank you also for helping us to further our mission of being a responsible travel company. We're looking forward to welcome you back on another trip soon!

So much iconic history!

I was fascinated by the historic sites we saw, and learning of their stories. Our guide Büsra, was excellent explaining the various activities, and in dealing with the minor crises, such as finding a dentist for my husband’s dental emergency! Turkish Delight is much better in Turkey than in Australia, but may be difficult on loose fillings! Unfortunately the tour does not include enough time in Istanbul, and we were glad to spend a week there exploring on our own. It was very safe on our own and with the group! ***** Ann

Date of experience : October 25, 2023

Hi Ann, thank you for letting us know about your experience during your time in Turkey! We are pleased to hear that you were supported by Busra during - what can be- a stressful time. We are pleased to know you arranged extra time to explore Istanbul and to indulge in some authentic Turkish Delight- how wonderful! We look forward to seeing you again, should you afford us the opportunity to host you in future. Have a fantastic rest of 2023! Stay well.

Bolivia Uruguay Argentina Brasil

Booked well in advance for Bolivia,Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil. It was an all round success , very knowledgeable guides in Henri and Karina. They must have done so much behind the scenes to make sure that all went well, booking extra transport , taxis as required where our accommodation was further away than expected , as an example. We were away for a very full 4 weeks and made some life long friends on this trip and will book further adventures. My only criticism , would be that the guides do tend to steer you to their preferred restaurants , if you don't like their choice of restaurant, for whatever reason tell them and eat where you wish too , as a group or otherwise. Apart from that , excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend Intrepid Travel !

Date of experience : February 09, 2024

Hi James and thanks for your lovely review! We're thrilled that you had such a great time on your trip in South America. It's really great to read that you have made life long friends and have had experiences that will stay with you. We love taking the hassle out of organising trips for our customers and this is particularly wonderful feedback for us. Thank you also for your honest and constructive feedback. This will help us to continually improve our offering and our customers experiences. Thanks for the recommendation and we can't wait to welcome you back on another Intrepid trip in the future!

Love Intrepid

Been on a few intrepid trips now (last one was Egypt tour in early Feb 2024) and can’t fault them. The guides and travel experiences have all been wonderful. I love that they give back to local communities and try and be as sustainable as possible.

Date of experience : February 03, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences with Intrepid, A- it is much appreciated! We are happy to hear that our focuses with local communities and sustainable practices are being recognized by our travellers. And we are delighted to know that you found value in the time you had with our guide(s). With kind regards and many thanks.

What a wonderful introduction to Cuba

What a wonderful introduction to Cuba! The guides (Will and Claudia, with George safely guiding our bus from place to place) were fantastic and we met dozens of Cubans from all walks of life. It was a perfect mix of culture, food, politics, and history. (For details, you can see my blog posts about Cuba, including what to expect and more about Intrepid) at PuffinlessTravel.com.)

Date of experience : November 05, 2023

Thanks for your fabulous review! We're delighted to read that you had a wonderful time in Cuba and that your guides Will and Claudia were able to enhance your experience, along with the driver George. Cuba is such a unique place to visit and we're thrilled that Intrepid got to be part of your experience. We hope to welcome you back on another trip with us soon!

Once in a life time trip

We had a phenomenal, once in a life time trip to Jordan with Intrepid. The itinerary was fantastic and our guide (Mutaz) was so knowledgeable and friendly and really made the experience exceptional for us. I cannot recommend this trip enough!

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Kirsty. It sounds like an incredible trip with a tour leader who delivered an exceptional experience for you. We are delighted to hear that you would recommend this trip and we are excited to welcome you on another Intrepid adventure.

Oman Discivery

Travelling to Oman in 2023 was my first experience with Intrepid From the initial phone call where team Members were knowledgeable courteous and easy to talk to through to the tour itself there were no problems or hassles. The Omani tour leader Said was exceptional approachable personable he is a true leader ably supported by Yousef and Amin. This team showed compassion and respect in an unobtrusive manner. Their constant good humour and their willingness to assist in the learning of Arabic was much appreciated. The interaction with Omanis during our travels was an inspiration and a joy Accommodation could not be faulted The whole tour of Oman was a gem which will remain in my memory My tour was in November an ideal time of year to travel

Date of experience : November 01, 2023

Hi Stephanie, thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are thrilled to know that you had a great time, and that Said and the team were so well liked. We also appreciate your mention of the time of year to travel and the insight you have provided around that. We hope to see you again when the time comes and we wish you all the best for 2024!

Intrepid really knows Morocco

We looked for an itinerary that included the cities and experiences we wanted, and chose our first-time trip with Intrepid. A great choice... Intrepid really knows Morocco. The itinerary was great, filled with experiences like a visit with a nomad in her tent, and camel rides to a from a night in tents in the desert. Our leader was outstanding and most of the local guides were great -- which made this a special trip.

Date of experience : October 03, 2023

Hi there, thank you for sharing your experience and posting this wonderful review. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your tour and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that Morocco has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you on another of our adventures soon!

Intrepid what can I say Excellent Tour

Intrepid what can I say I will say it’s the best organised trip I have ever been on I was reluctant to go on an organised tour reason being I like to do my own thing This gave everything I wanted to down time by ones self ,but most of all the companionship with others on the tour friendships we now have made but most of all the tour guide who went out of her way to make sure things were done to absolute perfection I would recommend this tour and guide and one could only hope I come across her once again for a tour leader “ Too travel is to Live “

Date of experience : February 15, 2024

Hey Jenice!! Wow we're so happy to hear you had such a great experience on your recent trip with us! So happy you made some life long friends and some wonderful memories. We can't wait to welcome you on another trip :)

Experience locals on an Intrepid tour

We have just come back from Morocco, completing our 9th Intrepid tour. We love the way Intrepid find interesting ways to link us with locals. In the Morocco Uncovered tour, for example, we visited a Berber tent on a cold rainy day. The home was toasty warm, the Berber shared his life (so different to ours in suburban Australia), music and love of the land. It was an experience I will never forget. On the same tour, my partners birthday was celebrated in a local house where the family had made all the ingredients for the meal! In the past we have happened (ie not part of the tour) on a circumcision party (Turkey), weddings (Sri Lanka, Turkey, Myanmar), developed an understanding of Jordan as the crossroad of culture, and sharing deep fried locusts (Cambodia). If you want to get to know what it's like to live in a country, meet some locals and have a great time, go Intrepid. Their organisation, logistics and guide are top class.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It's great to know that being a first time Intrepid traveller, you had an amazing trip and will be booking with Intrepid again. We hope you will find another itinerary to your liking and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Premium Morocco in Depth

Such a wonderful experience shared with a great group 11 Aussie's in total. We had Mikki as our guide and he went above and beyond to make everyone happy and contented. We were there during the earthquake but Mikki was exceptional during that time and making sure everything was safe for us. I will certainly look at taking another Intrepid trip in the near future.

Date of experience : September 02, 2023

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, Linda. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable time in Morocco and that your tour leader, Mikki went above and beyond to ensure the groups safety. We look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid Adventure soon.

Rome to Amalfi wonderful trip -highly recommended

Serena was an excellent guide who made the trip work so well. The group came together very quickly and we all had a fantastic experience. Serena ensured we went to authentic food outlets and we had some of the best meals ever in Italy. The structure of the trip suited us with train, private vehicles, path of the gods hike and lovely boat to Capri. Everyday was a great day and I would travel with Intrepid again based on this experience.

Date of experience : September 15, 2023

Hi Alanna, thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your great experience with us! We do pride ourselves our highly experiences guides. I am truly glad to hear you would travel with us again. Hope to see you soon! :)

My trip with Intrepid was excellent

My trip -Morocco Uncovered- with Intrepid was excellent. On the bucket list. I went solo but was with a small group which made it ideal. We had Khaled as a guide and he was the best. He is knowledgable, has a great sense of humour, very friendly and is familiar with all areas visited. We were given local, geographical and ecological information and had rides in a comfortable van. The places chosen for us to stay in were exceptional including the amazing desert stopover -food was a major plus.

Date of experience : August 24, 2023

Hi Viv, thank you for sharing your experience and posting this wonderful review. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your experience and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that Morocco has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you on another of our adventures soon.

The best of Sri Lanka was just that - and we can't wait to return

We have just returned from a 15 day tour of the Best of Sri Lanka! What a wonderful trip. This really was the best of.Our guide, Ranjan went above and beyond to ensure we had the most authentic trip and that everyone was well looked after. We woke to the sound of peacocks calling by the Indian Ocean in Mirissa, were served tea in the heart of verdant tea plantations on our treks, rode bikes through ancient temple sites at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa amongst the pilgrims and the monkeys, hung out of trains as they travelled through the lush green countryside, and marvelled at the treasures hidden up high in the Dambulla Cave Temples. New Year's Day saw us trek up Lion's Rock at 5am to toast the new year as the sun rose - we were rewarded with biblical rain instead! Our guide and driver were fantastic, even suggesting and organising detours to Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge and the Tsunami museum and Buddha statue....and introduced us to burnt cashew nuts. Wonderful trip, a wonderful guide. We will be back.

Date of experience : December 27, 2023

Hi JB! Thank you for the lovely review of your time with us- it sounds like the perfect way to ring in 2024. We are thrilled to know of your unique experiences and how Ranjan truly took care of the group. We look forward to seeing you for your next adventure, should you consider us. Stay well.

Wonderful trip overall with a few areas of opportunity

I want to start by saying that the guide for the trip, Islam ("Sam") was amazing! He is 100% devoted to the experience and satisfaction of his customers. I now consider him a friend, and when I go back to Egypt, it will be to visit him. What I liked about the trip: 1. The 15-day itinerary was fantastic, and I would recommend it to anyone who has the time. One suggestion I have is to alter the itinerary slightly and go to Alexandria after Cairo. Then take the sleeper train from Alexandria down to Aswan. It would save time, and I felt we needed a bit more in Luxor. 2. The transportation in general was top notch! I loved the sleeper train (because I love train travel!), and the buses were comfortable. 3. The night on the felucca was one of my favorite parts of the trip, and I think I speak for most our group in saying that we all wanted to stay on the boat longer. 4. The Nubian homestay was inviting and relaxed. We took a walk up to a lookout for sunset, and other that we mostly just played with the kids. It felt like visiting family. 5. Sam picked some stellar eating opportunities for us, and I just never wanted to stop eating. The food was phenomenal! 6. Sam had excellent recommendations for things to do during our free time, and he knew all the local places to buy snacks, get cash, do laundry, etc. He was incredibly helpful in all respects! Opportunities for improvement: 1. We generally had about an hour of free time at the major sites. This wasn't enough for me, and I really could have used another hour at least. I stayed in Egypt for a couple weeks after the tour, and I went back to some of the sites where I felt I had missed too much. 2. The timing of our visits to some of the major sites could have been altered so that we didn't arrive at the same time as the other groups. For example, we visited Philae Temple in the morning, and there were hundreds of people at the site. As we were leaving I noticed that everyone else was leaving too, and the site was nearly empty. The same thing happened with Abu Simbel. In both cases, we had free time in the afternoon, so there was no reason that we couldn't have visited the sites later in the day when we would have had them all to ourselves. In the warmer months, I understand it is necessary to beat the afternoon heat, but since it was cool season, the schedule could have been altered. 3. The hot air balloon ride with over Luxor was a disappointment. I have taken other balloon rides in the past (Cappadocia, Serengeti, Myanmar), and I have had good experiences on all of them. The Luxor balloon ride, in comparison, was a disappointment for several reasons. The ride was short (26 mins), it wasn't actually over Luxor or the Valley of the Kings, the captain was inexperienced and gave us a simple up & down flight profile, we were not given a safety briefing, his English was limited (which could be a major problem in an emergency), the transport vans caused their own traffic jams twice, and because we were late, we had to run to the balloon before it took off empty. It was a fiasco! 4. The hotels were generally subpar. I don't need anything fancy. I usually stay in guesthouses rather than hotels anyway. What I like in the places I stay is cleanliness, good customer service, and if possible, a bit of character. That's why I usually stay in guesthouses, which are often family-run and have a more personal feel. In any case, the Santana was probably the nicest hotel of the lot, but it really depended on the floor. The fourth floor (orange colored) was quite nice. The others, not so much. The hotel Cleopatra in Aswan was the worst, despite the fancy appearance of the lobby. The rooms looked like they hadn't had any sort of update since the 1970's, and cleanliness was definitely a problem. I get that Intrepid is trying to support local companies, and I appreciate that, but these companies don't seem to be very responsible when it comes to the satisfaction of their guests.

Date of experience : February 23, 2024

Hi Carl, thank you for your detailed feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your fantastic experiences, and that your tour leader -Sam- was amazing. We've shared your kind words with him. Your insights into the itinerary and accommodations are invaluable, and we're already discussing them with our teams for improvement. We're sorry for any shortcomings you experienced, please be assured that we are working to address them promptly. If you wish to further discuss your comments, please email us directly to [email protected], we will be happy to assist you. Thank you for helping us enhance our services. We hope to welcome you back soon!

The Incredible Balkans

Our fantastic guide Frano led us on a journey of discovery through the incredible Balkans. From amazing scenery in Montenegro to the sad history in Sarajevo, our trip provided a great insight into this region. Great food and the occasional rakia added to the experience. Thank you Frano and Intrepid.

Date of experience : September 23, 2023

Hi there, thanks for your wonderful review! We're glad that you had an enriching experience on your Balkans adventure exploring the history, cuisine and landscapes of the region. We hope to see you on your next trip!

'Premium Northern Thailand'

On my return from 'Premium Northern Thailand' in January 24, I contacted Intrepid to discuss what I saw as the ONLY fault in an otherwise superb trip (I have done eight, so I have solid grounds for comparison!) My complaint was centred around the train trip that takes place on day 6 of the tour. Various factors conspired to see the group travel in non-airconditioned carriages for 6 hours! I was heard by senior management of Intrepid, each of whom took my comments most seriously and have kept me advised about their actions. I felt that this matter could not have been more effectively dealt with and gave me continued confidence to travel again with Intrepid.

Date of experience : December 30, 2023

Dear Stephen, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so appreciative of your ongoing support for Intrepid, thank you for continuing to choose us! We truly value your input and are delighted to hear that our team expertly managed your feedback. We hope to see you soon on another adventure, take care.

Beautiful Bali indeed

Our guide Vahed Kenarang was extremely knowledgeable and organised the group really well. We always felt like we knew what was going in with timings and he was on hand to help with any hotel issues (usually just how to get hot water because we didn’t do it right) The experiences planned were amazing! They were so interesting and it was great to get so close to local people and traditions as well we doing some touristy things. We honestly loved it. The hotels were nice - some stunning! The food always delicious. All the excursions were well planned and we honestly believe we have had the honeymoon of a lifetime. We have made friends from every corner of the globe too!

Date of experience : August 19, 2023

Hi Rose, thank you for sharing your experience and posting this wonderful feedback. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your experience and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that Bali has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you on another of our adventures soon.

The Highlights of Andalusia trip was…brilliant

The Highlights of Andalusia trip was fabulous. Itinerary was a great mix of experiences and particularly loved our stay in Sierra Grazalema, a welcome break from the crowded cities. Our tour leader Ana could not do enough to make our trip memorable. A brilliant group, leader and tour.

Date of experience : October 07, 2023

Hi Meredith! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your comments with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had a fabulous experience, and that our tour offered you the most brilliant group, adventure and tour leader. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Sadly Traveling with Intrepid was just crap

Sadly Traveling with Intrepid was just plain disappointing. We were booked a double room on our Croatia Sailing Trip in 2018 for 2020 as the last part of our Honeymoon and was unfortunately like so many due to Covid, couldn't travel. The trip was pushed back to 2023 and we were excited to finally go. Booked 5 years in advance and the first book on our boat. Keep this in mind as we go . . . When we arrived, we found our boat was unavailable due to engine problems, understandable and a newer boat had been arranged, Great :-) We were driven to another wharf and led to our boat by our skipper. The room on board that we were given was not a double. . . Not even close but the other two couples on board were given large double rooms - how is this fair?? We paid the same and booked first!! (one of these couples only booked a few weeks before we departed). Why would you sell a single space as a double????? I was told "this is just how boats are". So we slept very little and woke up sore and stiff every day. Our skipper then proceed to advise us he had never had more than 5 guests plus himself on a vessel such small size - WE HAD 8 GUESTS PLUS HIM! My husband and i were expected to share a room the same size that the skipper had to himself, half the size of the actual double. One of the other guests had to sleep on the couch in the galley due to the configuration ( meaning we couldn't use it all trip), another guest was saturated in the night because his window seals leaked. We also got wet in the night as our window also leaked. We were then advised there would be NO SNORKLING GEAR as was promised on the Intrepid website - I was particularly upset by this as it was one of the reasons we even booked a sailing trip in Croatia. I adore snorkeling and was heartbroken. We were told to buy some gear ourselves when we stopped on one of the Island but couldn't find any at the places we stopped. The skipper then left us, we didn't see him until the next day - this happened every night and a couple of times, skippers from other boats had to come helps us secure mast lines etc because he had left us.. NO SAFELY BREIEFINGS ( i still don't know where the life jackets were), given vague directions to the supermarket and told we could no use the showers on the boat, only on land at the wharfs we stopped at overnight - some of which were truly gross. The skipper then proceeded to shower onboard EVERYDAY. He advised us we would be skipping 2 of the islands on the plan as we would need to conclude our trip one day early Including Vis and the Blue cave. When i mentioned this was something important to me to visit, he advised we would visit a better cave, much less busy. We didn't, we just skipped that whole part. We skipped 2 islands, TWO?! Completed our sailing a day early with NO COMPENSATION due to the boat needing to be returned to Split for the next group and have been ignored by Intrepid since, In fact they have lied repeatedly to my Travel agent about being in touch with us when we asked to discuss a partial refund due to the above reasons. We have been waiting almost 2 months and no contact at all from them. Croatia is beautiful and i highly recommend visiting, doing a sailing trip but 150% absolutely DO NOT DO IT WITH INTREPID. Just a S**T company with very little care for customers. "Pack as many as you can in" should be their Catch phrase. You ruined my Honeymoon Intrepid and you should be ashamed.

Hello Jess, Thank you for talking the time to post your review. We are genuinely disappointed to learn of your experience and we would welcome the chance to discuss this with you. Our customer care team will be reaching out to you, as we would like to address the concerns that you have highlighted. You are also welcome to contact the team at [email protected]

The Scoop: What to Know About Intrepid Travel

Local experts, a focus on sustainability, and immersive small group experiences help set intrepid travel apart from other tour operators..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Intrepid Travel helps travelers see the world in an immersive and impactful way, with a company mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. A leader in responsible travel for 35 years, Intrepid has been recognized by TourScoop as one of the best group travel operators in the world.

In 2018, it became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B Corp certification, and in 2020 it became the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets  through the Science Based Targets initiative. Its not-for-profit initiative,  The Intrepid Foundation , has raised more than $13 million for some 135 partners that include Greening Australia, World Bicycle Relief, Gorilla Doctors, and Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL: 10 Best Travel Companies for Solo Travel Tours

Intrepid has its own network of destination management companies in 26 countries, providing travelers with local expertise and perspective. Its small group travel tours come in a variety of styles and themes, traveling to more than 100 countries around the globe. Guests experience the well-known highlights, secret spots, and local culture in a responsible and insightful way.

TourScoop Takeaways

• Destinations: More than 1,150 small group tours offered in more than 100 countries on all seven continents
• Tour Size Average: Tours average about 10 people
• Tour Type: Small group guided tours

How to Book with Intrepid Travel

You can book a tour online through  IntrepidTravel.com , by phone at 800-970-7299, or with your preferred local travel agent.

Credibility Check

Intrepid is no stranger to industry awards and recognition, and it’s received some big accolades recently. It was named one of Time’s 100  most influential companies  in 2023 and made Fast Company’s list of the 10  most innovative corporate social responsibility initiatives  that same year. Dr. Susanne Etti, Global Environmental Impact Manager for Intrepid Travel, was also named one of National Geographic’s  Travelers of the Year  for 2024. On  TourRadar , Intrepid Travel has a rating of 4.6/5 based on more than 8,500 reviews.

Tour Destinations

Intrepid tours span the globe, with more than 1,150 small group tour options in more than 100 countries and on all seven continents. Some of its most popular tour destinations include Morocco, Vietnam, Peru, India, Egypt, Cambodia, and Australia.

Intrepid Travel offers four styles of tours for different travel styles and budgets. Its  Basix  trips feature simple accommodations like budget hotels, camping, or homestays and offer lots of free time for independent exploration. Intrepid’s  Original  tours typically feature three-star accommodations, some meals, and included activities, while  Comfort  tours offer a higher level of accommodations and inclusions. The top tour tier,  Premium , includes stays at memorable four-star-level accommodations, exclusive unique experiences, and the company’s most experienced leaders.

Within these four levels, a variety of themed tours are offered. These include  family tours ,  food tours ,  active adventure tours ,  wildlife tours ,  walking and trekking tours , and  cycling tours .

Tour Guides

Intrepid works exclusively with local tour guides. The company believes that the best people to show travelers a destination are people who actually live there. Intrepid Travel’s local leaders know the backroads and hidden gems in a destination and help tourgoers mingle with other locals.

What’s Included with an Intrepid Travel Tour

Intrepid’s tour prices include all accommodations and transport during the trip, group activities, and local tour guides throughout the tour. Other inclusions vary depending on tour type. For example, Premium tours have more activities and excursions included, while Basix trips have more optional activities for an additional cost. Every tour type except for Basix includes at least some meals.

What’s Not Included

• Flights to and from your trip 
• Transfers to and from your trip (for all tour types except Premium)
• Gratuities for local leaders
• Optional activities 

Typical Travelers

Intrepid tours are designed for and attract travelers of all ages and interests. Basix trips tend to attract younger travelers, while Premium tours draw in a more mature clientele. The company also offers a range of family adventures that bring together three to five like-minded families. The minimum age for these trips varies depending on the destination and activity level.

Communication

After you book a tour with Intrepid Travel, you will receive your final documents by email or mail about 30 days before departure; these include the itinerary and an Essential Trip Information package. Intrepid consultants are available by phone, email, or live chat to answer questions, and the company proactively informs travelers of any potential changes related to individual travel plans and bookings.

Intrepid Travel’s Loyalty Program

Anyone who’s traveled with the company becomes part of the  Intrepid Insiders  program. Members receive emails with Insiders-only previews of sales, info about new trips, and partner offers.

Sustainability Efforts

Intrepid has been carbon neutral since 2010, and it carbon offsets all trips. The company continues to look for ways to reduce its carbon emissions, such as by removing short-haul flight legs from some trips. It’s also added  carbon labels  to 500 trips (including more than 100 of its top-selling tours) that detail the emissions generated through the accommodations, transportation, food, activities, staffing, and operations that go into each trip. As a certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid prides itself on transparency and accountability.

Health and Safety Practices

Intrepid’s Travel Alerts page offers current info on travel alerts and advisories along with entry, health, and visa requirements travelers need to know. The Safe Travels Hub offers even more health and safety info, and Intrepid has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp for the health and hygiene protocols it has adopted.

More from TourScoop:

• 10 Best Tour Companies for Family Tours
• 8 Best Senior Travel Tour Companies
• 9 Best Women-Only Travel Groups and Tour Operators

Our running list of new-for-2025 tours

Solo Travel News: Road Scholar Debuts Exclusive Trips

Outdoor Afro and REI Co-op Team Up on New Trips Celebrating Black Joy

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

More about us

The scoop: What to know about Insight Vacations

Expect upscale offerings and immersive experiences.

It’s not too late: Here are 26 tours you can still book for summer 2024

It's not too late to have an amazing summer of travel.

The scoop: What to know about Costsaver

"Unpackaged" tours is the specialty of tour company Costsaver.

The Scoop: What to Know About Backroads

This tour company specializes in biking, walking hiking, and multi-adventure trips.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

805 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

36 Published Articles 3304 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1181 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Who are intrepid travel tours good for, intrepid travel styles, intrepid travel tour themes and destinations, intrepid travel top tours, intrepid travel reviews, intrepid travel vs. g adventures, intrepid travel insurance, intrepid promo code, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Traveling the world is an exciting adventure, but for many, it can be a stressful experience. Worries of safety, navigation, and tackling language barriers can be enough to put off many travelers, especially if you’re considering going solo.

Intrepid has been operating small group tours for over 30 years and is one of the major leaders in the industry. You can choose from over 1,000 tours to 100 destinations, selecting the comfort level that suits your budget and travel style. You’ll be guided throughout your journey — right from the point of booking — with advice on visas , currency, and other essential trip information .

Intrepid has been a fully carbon-neutral company since 2010 by investing in projects that actively reduce CO2 emissions. So you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re traveling as green as possible while embarking on your adventure. Intrepid small group tours usually accommodate up to 16 people but tend to have an average of around 10.

Solo Travelers

Most of us have been in a situation where we’ve been desperate to go traveling, but none of our friends or family are in the position to go with us. You’re then left with the dilemma of going it alone or missing out on the experience altogether. Thankfully, that’s where a small group tour can help.

Even though you’re traveling solo, you’re never really alone on an Intrepid tour. There are rarely single supplement rates as you’ll buddy up with another traveler of the same gender. Of course, you still have the option to upgrade to your own room if you would like to.

Friends or Groups

Joining a tour with a group of friends is great if you like the idea of spending time with them while also being open to mixing with other people. No one likes being the organizer, so joining a small group tour eliminates the pressure from 1 person having to book everything and manage payments. You’re all equal participants on an Intrepid tour.

If you’re traveling with children under 17 , you’re welcome to join a family tour. Let someone else do the organizing and navigating so that you can enjoy the experience of traveling with your family . An Intrepid family tour can be a fun and educational experience for your child and can help them gain confidence by interacting with new people.

Hot Tip:  You might have a long flight or some lengthy road trips to contend with. Prepare yourself with some entertainment by checking out the best podcasts and audiobooks for travel .

If you’re on a budget or believe that a hotel is simply somewhere to rest your head for the night, a Basix Tour could be for you. This tour style focuses on simple accommodation (such as camping or homestays) and lots of free time, so you’re not spending money on excursions that you have no interest in.

Original Tours combine tourist-class accommodation (2- to 3-star hotels) with local and private transport. There’s a blend of planned excursions and independent exploration , suiting those travelers looking for a balance between guided local knowledge and free time.

Comfort Tours feature more comfortable and unique accommodation with more frills than the Basix and Original Tours. Private transport is used throughout, and these tours run at a slower pace with exploration and activities usually led by a guide.

18 to 29s Tours

As the name suggests, these tours are specifically for those that fall into the 18- to 29-years-old age bracket and tend to cover the highlights of a destination with lots of free time. With around 10 people per tour, there are plenty of opportunities for making friends , while also allowing you to explore independently if you prefer.

Hot Tip: Contiki is a similar tour company that caters to young travelers in a similar age bracket —  18 to 35 years old. Some tours can accommodate much larger groups, upwards of 50 people. Read more about the tour types and destinations in our Contiki review !

Adventure Cruising

Adventure Cruises accommodate less than 50 passengers  so the ships can explore places that large cruise liners can’t reach. Groups are large enough to socialize with various travelers but are small enough to feel that your arrival on land doesn’t swarm a destination impacting that local experience.

Hot Tip: Our ultimate cruise vacation packing checklist helps ensure that you have everything you need to be dressed for any occasion.

Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours are an excellent way to enjoy the journey and the destination , peddling along with incredible views and authentic encounters. Each tour has a physical rating , so you can determine whether the trip is right for you, and includes a tour leader and support vehicle.

Hot Tip: If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll want to pack all of the essentials for your next active vacation.

Family Tours

Family Tours consist of family-friendly activities and accommodation mixed with flexible free time. Your tour leader will be specifically trained in family travel with groups accommodating 3 to 5 like-minded families.

Food Tours will give you a true flavor of some of the world’s most famous culinary destinations . Discover fresh food markets and local restaurants, or try your hand at a cooking class.

Lonely Planet Experiences

Intrepid has partnered with Lonely Planet to provide exciting tours for adventurous and independent travelers. Seek out the mountain gorillas of Uganda or ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. You’ll have a knowledgeable local leader and can read all about the destination before your trip with 12 months of free access to the Lonely Planet app .

Hot Tip:  Tours often include a fair bit of walking to see the sights, so you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots or shoes . 

Polar Tours

They may be polar opposites, but the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic have 1 thing in common — they’re both incredible destinations. Look out for polar bears and the Northern Lights in the Arctic and kayak among breaching whales in the Antarctic. Exploration ships have modern amenities , and expert leaders hold interesting seminars and guide travelers on exciting excursions.

Hot Tip: One of our writers sailed to Antarctica on a trip booked through Intrepid .

Retreats are short breaks that could be just a short drive or flight from your home, where you live and explore as the locals do . All retreats feature 1 accommodation, so you’ll only have to unpack once with all your free time spent immersing yourself in the local community rather than traveling.

Other Tour Themes

• Active Adventures
• Expeditions
• Short Breaks
• Tailor Made
• Urban Adventures
• Walking and Trekking
• Women’s Expeditions

Hot Tip:  Avoid the temptation of pickpockets and keep your hands free to explore with these crossbody bags and purses . 

Destinations

Intrepid Travel offers over 1,000 tours to over 100 countries within these continents and regions:

• Antarctica/Arctic
• Australia and Oceania
• Central America
• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Intrepid Australia

From lush rainforests and glistening beaches to baron deserts and cosmopolitan cities, Australia is a country of contrasts. Every region is uniquely different, and due to the sheer size of the country, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see everything in a single trip. Most tours stick within a particular region . You could be snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, heading out to Kangaroo Island, or exploring the vineyards of the Margaret River.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, and some excursions

Hot Tip:  As flights are not included in the tour price, you may want to check out the best ways to fly to Australia with points and miles

Intrepid Cambodia

The Cambodian people are the country’s shining stars. Incredibly friendly with smiles all around, this inspiring nation has risen from the 1970s bloodshed of the Khmer Rouge and welcomes visitors with open arms. It’s an unforgettable moment seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat or spotting a rare freshwater dolphin swimming along the Mekong Delta.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, some meals, and most activities

Intrepid Costa Rica

With an ecotourism scene , farm-to-table restaurants, and unspoiled natural surroundings, it’s not surprising that Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” – the pure life. Spot toucans in the mysterious cloud forests, try your hand at a surf lesson, or glide through treetop canopies on a zipline adventure. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica , and with a tour, you can let someone else do the driving.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some activities

Hot Tip:  Intrepid tours use locally run guesthouses, homestays, and restaurants to support local communities rather than large chains.

Intrepid Cuba

When you think of Cuba, you think of colorful colonial buildings, vintage cars, and turquoise waters. But there is so much more to see apart from the vibrant capital Havana and its beautiful beaches. Head out to Vinales to tour a traditional tobacco plantation or enjoy some salsa dancing in historical Trinidad.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and excursions

Intrepid Egypt

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders with a history as long as the Nile itself. Marvel at the magnificent pyramids and bargain for souvenirs in the bustling bazaars of Cairo. Sail down the River Nile on a traditional felucca and discover the ancient city of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and some meals

Intrepid Greece

Discover the ancient ruins of Athens before crossing the Aegean to island-hop your way between the beautiful Greek islands. Weave your way around the cute whitewashed houses of Santorini or explore the clifftop ruins of Delphi. Greece is also renowned for its nightlife , whether you’re looking for a quiet bar to watch the sunset or a club to dance into the early hours.

Intrepid Iceland

From bubbling hot springs to mountain glaciers, and lush green landscapes to frozen waterfalls, Iceland’s diverse landscape is one of the main attractions that draw visitors to the land of fire and ice. That and the prospect of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon or simply chat with locals in Reykjavik or any of the friendly coastal towns.

Intrepid India

India captivates many visitors with its thriving culture, historical sights, wild beaches, and wildlife. The busy cities and sometimes intense atmosphere prevent many from venturing to India independently, and taking a tour can alleviate the pressure . If you love exploring temples, then you’re in for a treat as India has millions.

Intrepid Jordan

Soak up the history of the Silk Road, explore the mysterious deserts of Wadi Rum, and visit the magnificent ruins of Petra. Jordan is a haven for history buffs and adventurers alike . For a more relaxed pace, travelers can watch an Arabian sunrise from their Bedouin camp or float in the mineral-rich Red Sea, enjoying every minute of the famous Jordanian hospitality.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some meals and excursions

Intrepid Morocco

Wander around chaotic and colorful Marrakesh before changing up the scenery with a trip into the Atlas Mountains where you can hike and visit a Berber village. Amble across the Sahara Desert by camel to reach your Bedouin camp or enjoy yoga or surfing in the coastal towns of Essaouira and Taghazout.

Intrepid Peru

Hike within the Andes to reach Machu Picchu — the most well-preserved archeological site for ancient Incan civilizations. Although these mountain ruins are the most visited attraction in Peru , there is so much more to this incredible country. Tours will take you to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and deep into the Amazon Jungle in search of black alligators.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and porters (guided hike)

Hot Tip:  Mosquitoes and other biting bugs can be found all over the world. If you prefer to steer clear of DEET-based repellents, take a look at the best natural insect repellents to help protect you.

Intrepid Sri Lanka

Due to its modest size, you can see a lot of Sri Lanka in a small space of time . Not that a trip to this enchanting country should be rushed. Savor your journey around the ever-changing landscapes, from the vast plains of the north, the rocky mountains and rain forests of the center, and beautiful beaches framing most of the rugged coastline. See the largest gathering of Asian elephants or go in search of the elusive leopard. The food is delicious, the culture is captivating, and the people are friendly.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some excursions and meals

Intrepid Vietnam

All who visit Vietnam are blown away by its natural beauty . Watch farmers harvest rice from the colorful fields or sail around the towering limestone rocks of Halong Bay. The powdery white beaches of Phu Quoc Island are glorious, and wondrous waterfalls and caves make for fantastic photo opportunities. If variety is what you’re after, that is exactly what you’ll get visiting Vietnam. One minute you’re negotiating swarms of motorcycles crossing the road in Hanoi and the next your rafting peacefully down the rivers of Ninh Binh.

Hot Tip:  Find out the best ways to fly to Vietnam with points and miles . Currently, there are no direct routes from the U.S. to Vietnam, but with Vietnam Airlines recently receiving the required Air Carrier Permit, this could be on the horizon.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Many customers have recently taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Trustpilot : 2.8 out of 5
• TourRadar : 4.6 out of 5
• Facebook : 4.9 out of 5

These are some reviews from Intrepid’s most popular tours, and more can be found on the individual destination pages :

Great Ocean Road Adventure ex Adelaide “Great little trip from Adelaide to Melbourne if you’re short on time and want to see the Great Ocean Road. The guide was excellent and the itinerary packed a lot in!” — Kaitlyn

Cambodian Traveller “A good introduction to the country stopping at the main points of interest. Would highly recommend Intrepid as its a well organized operation which takes the difficulties out of traveling in a less developed country where you don’t speak the language. The tour guide was a great help, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and kind. A great trip.” — Imogen

Classic Costa Rica “This has been my third trip with Intrepid. As usual I enjoyed it immensely. This trip deserves additional high praise. Their guides as usual are top class, very knowledgeable and approachable. They show not only in words but actions, how looking after the environment is a major part of Intrepids policy.” — John

Hola Cuba – for US citizens “The Hola Cuba Trip For US Citizens is an excellent introduction to Cuba, it’s people and their culture. The trip provides glimpses into the urban cultures of Habana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos while also allowing travelers to see the quieter lives of those in Viñales and Las Terrazas. Our guide Andy was very knowledgeable of the history a culture of his homeland and did an amazing job of sharing the beauty of Cuba through experience and storytelling. I absolutely recommend this trip for travelers thirsty to learn about Cuba and its people.” — Jason

Egypt Experience “Our group traveling in Egypt was a group of 10- a perfect number. Our leader was mature, very knowledgeable, organized, and treated us all with respect. He did not hover over us and gave us information to make decisions. To visit the antiquities of Egypt was amazing and we had plenty of time to absorb these awesome sites. Our visit to a Nubian village and share a family meal was special. This trip is highly recommended.” — Margaret & Tom

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos “Our sailing adventure true Greek islands was an unforgettable experience! If You love sailing and want to see a real beauty of Greece this trip is for you. Swimming and snorkeling in turquoise water, cave exploration, hiking, beautiful sunsets, sunrises and delicious food are all guaranteed. Great mixture of adventure, relaxation and fun. We also had the best skipper ever, Rita. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Took the best care of us.! Unbelievable woman with a great personality. She shows us so many beautiful places that we couldn’t even imagine. The boat was way over 10 years old, not 5 as in booklet. All through we had a great trip with great people :)” — Marcin

Northern Lights Escape “I had huge expectations of Iceland. My 6 day Intrepid small group tour (9 of us), met them all. Stefano, our guide, was fantastic – funny, knowledgeable and took great care of us. The itinerary allowed us to see and experience all the amazing highlights of Iceland, and more, even though we didn’t luck out with the aurora. Our tour was early March, so everything was white. I’d do it all again in a flash, and will return and do it in summer, too! I highly recommend Intrepid. Just do it!” — Margi

India’s Golden Triangle – For Solo Travellers “This trip was fantastic! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t done anything like this before but I’m so glad I booked it. All the hotels were of a good standard as were the tours and transport. Shakti was a fantastic tour leader as was the group I travelled with. I will cherish the memories of this trip forever. I can’t wait to book another trip!” — Chantal

Trek Jordan “Great trip. Ticked all the boxes I was looking for. Loved floating in the Dead Sea and the accommodation there was outstanding. Petra was awesome, especially the trek to the Monastery. That was a great day. Loved trekking Wadi Rum too. What a landscape – no wonder they used it for “The Martian” and other movies. And our guide Muhammad was brilliant – couldn’t have asked for better!” — Robert

Best of Morocco “Intrepid provided an authentic and special experience. I knew my money was going to the people who needed it most. Due to Intrepid’s dedication to providing socially and environmentally conscious tours, the tour drew a unique, like-minded group of people who shared similar values and an appreciation of diverse cultures and the environment. This, along with the exceptional tour guide, are why I will continue to travel with Intrepid in the future. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime!” — Penelope

Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Extension “This may not be the Inca Trail, but it is still beautiful and cultural. To stand in the Andes and listen to the silence, there are no words. It is still pristine as you wander up through farming communities and then on to the highlands. The waterfall is rather spectacular also and of course Machu Picchu itself. If you are lucky enough to have Kleberth Ovalle as your guide, you will leave much enriched.” — Deb

Cycle Sri Lanka “A wonderful experience to cycle through the country, meeting the local communities and sampling the local food. Some days the terrain was challenging and I was pleased I had an e-bike! Our guide Dodan was enthusiastic, well informed and always went above and beyond the call of duty. A great holiday and one I would thoroughly recommend.” — Heather

Vietnam Express Northbound “This trip gave an excellent overview of Vietnam. The presence of a guide made navigating a country with such a different language and culture to ours much easier. The transport was safe and well organised. Hotels were well situated and clean. We had plenty opportunities to explore on our own but there was always plenty of advice offered about places to avoid.” — Carol

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties , so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours if the range is a factor for you.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other , but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Travel insurance is mandatory when traveling on an Intrepid tour, and your tour leader will need to see documentation before you set off. Although Intrepid doesn’t offer travel insurance, it recommends booking through World Nomads .

Intrepid recommends that your travel insurance covers you for:

• Medical expenses and emergency repatriation
• Personal liability
• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Loss of luggage and personal effects

Hot Tip:  Don’t get overwhelmed with the variety of travel insurance options available! We’ve created an ultimate guide to buying the best travel insurance to help simplify the process. You may also have travel coverages and benefits offered by your credit card .

While it’s unlikely that you’ll find Intrepid Travel promo codes on third party websites, Intrepid does frequently feature offers for specific destinations or tours that need a push. You’ll also find that booking well in advance can provide savings of 10% to 15% . No promo codes are required to obtain these deals; just visit the Travel Deals page on the Intrepid website.

The heart of Intrepid Travel is in its tour leaders — friendly locals, born and bred in the countries you’re discovering. Who better to show you around? Intrepid’s are some of the best in the industry and are consistently praised in customer reviews for the knowledge and personality they bring to the table.

If you’re thinking about your first tour, or have traveled with another tour operator before, don’t hesitate to give Intrepid a go. You’ll have the most extensive choice of tours and destinations of any operator and the comfort of knowing that you’re traveling with a company committed to having a positive impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is intrepid travel a good company.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Most recently, many customers have taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, the actual tours are highly reviewed.

Where is Intrepid Travel based?

Intrepid was founded in Australia and has offices in Melbourne, Toronto, London, and New York.

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties, so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours, if range is a factor.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other, but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Are flights included in Intrepid Tours?

Flights are not included in the tour prices you see on the Intrepid website, however, you can book your flights through Intrepid. If you book your flights independently, you need to make sure you arrive in time for your welcome meeting on the first day of your tour.

What age group travels with Intrepid?

All age groups are catered for with Intrepid. 18-29s Tours and Family Tours are the only types that come with age restrictions; anyone else is free to join the other tours. Children over the age of 15 are permitted on most tours, provided they are accompanied by an adult over 18.

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

Discover the exact steps we use to get into  1,400+ airport lounges worldwide, for free  (even if you’re flying economy!).

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy  and  terms of service  apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Suggested companies

G adventures, exodus adventure travels.

Intrepid Travel   Reviews

In the Tour operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.4.

1,980 total

Most relevant

Premium Egypt in Depth

We just came back from Premium Egypt in Depth. Family of 4. Absolutely incredible experience. Everyday was a wow. Our guide, Ahmed, was fantastic and we felt very taken care of every step of the way. Gor to see and experience everything we wanted and more. Felt completely safe. Small group is amazing way to go. Can't say enough good things, far exceeded our expectations.

Date of experience : 01 March 2024

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Hello Scarlet! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your tour and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that Egypt has to offer. We can't wait to welcome you back on your next adventure!

Just loved it

Just loved it. Our tour guide Anh was amazing

Date of experience : 14 May 2024

Thanks for your lovely review Vanessa. We're delighted that you loved your trip. Thanks for your kind words about Anh! We can't wait to see you on your next trip!

Splendid Cycling Trip in Vietnam

For many years, I had always wanted to go on a cycling tour in Vietnam. I finally took the leap and joined up with Intrepid for an epic adventure that far exceeded my expectations. The cycling was fantastic, the guides & support team were amazing, and my fellow travelers were a pleasure to be with. The food, the culture, the history, the people. . . Vietnam is such a special place!

Date of experience : 14 March 2024

Hi Mark, thank you for taking the time to post your review. It great to know that having finally taken the leap to cycle Vietnam, the turned out to be an epic adventure with Intrepid that exceeded your expectations. That your guide, and support teams were amazing, and fellow travellers a pleasure to be with. Vietnam really is a special place to explore and take in the culture, history and amazing food. We do hope you will find another itinerary to your liking and that we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

India--not on my bucket list but now a favorite.

We went to India with several friends and did the Classic Rajasthan tour. India was not on our bucket list but it turned out to be one of our favorite tours. Things I really liked: small group (we were 6 of 12), our lodgings--old palaces, quaint, unique, the sights we were able to see in our short time there and best of all was our leader, Panchem. I would go to India again if it works out some time in the future.

Date of experience : 25 February 2024

Hi Jeff, thank you for taking the time to post a review. It’s wonderful to know that although not a bucket list trip, this turned out to be one of your favourite tours, that Panchem was a great Tour Leader and that you would like visit India again. India is a wonderful destination and there is so much to do and see. We hope you made some special memories of your time here, and that we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Northern light Iceland

This was one of the most amazing experiences and we would highly recommend this to anyone. It was very cold but that is to be expected as were interested in the northern lights however it was made up for by the natural spectacular beauty of Iceland. Our tour guide Ari was knowledgeable & superb; nothing was too much trouble for him and he went out of his way to assist in every way. The pace was just right for this tour, the accommodation good, the sights surpassed expectation and the bus was comfortable.

Date of experience : 24 February 2024

We are so pleased that you enjoyed the beauty of Iceland, Belinda, with all it has to offer with it's stunning scenery. It sounds as if this trip ticked all the boxes for you with good sightseeing, accommodation and comfortable transport. We look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the not so distant future.

Review of Galapagos Trip

I went in the Galapagos trip with this company in January 2024. I was asked to private review the trip after in an automated email , which I did in detail. I had a few issues I wanted to address but they did not even bother to respond to my review which they had solicited. A few issues: The hotel room on one of the islands was absolutely disgusting with dirt and hair and crumbs in every corner including the room and bathroom and millions of tiny little bugs got into cough candies, toothpaste and snacks if left out for more than 3 mins. They were in our bed sheets at night. The other hotels were very basic but perfectly fine for staying in on a trip like this. There was an issue with one of the travellers coming arriving very ill and no effort to even try to keep him isolated or masked in small quarters like the bus or at dinners or touching communal shared items, informing us etc , resulting in 80% of our group becoming ill and missing excursions of a lifetime. We realize people get sick but no effort was made by our guide to at least try to manage the ground zero guest or inform us to allow us to try and protect ourselves. The tour guide was amazing, she really did a wonderful job on the tour with the exception of the sick traveller and the below state of emergency. She really was very well educated and trained and was very entertaining. Intrepid does have a gem in her. We also had ZERO communication from Intrepid or our guide about the major events happening on the mainland of Ecuador while we were in Galapagos with plans to return to the mainland a couple of days later. The entire country was shut down for a state of emergency and as travellers we only found out about it when family from home contacted me and I brought it to the other travellers attention and I had to ask the group leader to address what is going on during breakfast. She didn’t bring it up and no emails or calls from intrepid for those travelling with them in the region. It’s like they wanted to ignore it and were very dismissive of it. We didn’t get any info from them for at least the first 24 hours (well after I asked questions) and even then they just copied and pasted what the government put out on their website. There were no offers to help anyone get home, help with changing flights/plans or to avoid travelling back through the mainland that was under a state of emergency and under lockdown due to riots etc. This should have been handled much better than it was. I wouldn’t travel with intrepid again just for the fact that they couldn’t do me the courtesy of a response to my private review. And they really didn’t address health and safety concerns between the state of emergency, the poor cleanliness and health of the group with a sick group member. Galapagos and Ecuador were both an amazing experience and I would certainly recommend travellers go and experience the wonders themselves.

Date of experience : 05 January 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post a review, May. We are disappointed to learn of your experience and that although you enjoyed exploring this beautiful part of the world and found your tour leader to be amazing at her job, there were elements of this trip that let you down. Your feedback is very important to us, and we would welcome the chance to discuss your comments around your experience in more depth. A member of our Customer Care team will be in contact with you shortly. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Back from Everest Base Camp trek and…

Back from Everest Base Camp trek and what an incredible experience. A massive thank you to our guide Gyaljen Sherpa who made every day outstanding. The knowledge and stories of the mountains will never be forgotten and I hope to return and experience the mountains again. The trip was planned to an exceptional standard and whilst the accommodation standards are what we are used to, we soon came used to the teahouses and each one was great in its own way. The food was pretty exceptional along the way and the trekking was such fun with a great group of people. Some were hard days but the feeling of accomplishment made up for it and the views in the morning when you wake up more than made up for the cold nights and dubious toilets. Thank you Intrepid and your guide and our porters made this trip so special for us

Date of experience : 01 April 2024

Hi Lee and Nicola, thank you for your lovely review! We are thrilled to hear of your experience, and that your guide as well as your porters were a benefit to your group. We are so pleased to know of your accomplishment of 'conquering' such a trip- bravo! We know it is not easy. We hope to see you along with us in future, and thanks again for your review. Stay well.

We did an Intrepid trip to Cambodia and…

We did an Intrepid trip to Cambodia and to Thailand- both were excellent. All the activities were wonderful, the staff were helpful, kind and informative at each attraction. We highly recommend Intrepid travel for their quality of service and taking off any stress from the holiday.

Date of experience : 01 January 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Wendy of your time in Cambodia and Thailand. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the activities and that all staff you encountered were helpful and kind. We look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid Adventure very soon. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Vietnam Classic

My husband and I went on the classics 10 day trip in Vietnam with an Intrepid group. This was the most interesting and incredible experience I have had. It covered all of Vietnams must sees and sight seeing. The group of people in our team were all lovely and felt like family/ friends by the end of the trip. The tour guide ‘Duc’ was professional, knowledgeable and always helpful. We continued on the to start another intrepid trip in Cambodia. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone wanting to see Vietnams highlights. 10/10 for our tour guide Duc.

Date of experience : 07 March 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience, Brenda on your Classic Vietnam trip. We are delighted to hear that you had a group who all bonded so well and a tour leader who was professional and knowledgeable which meant you had such an enjoyable time exploring the wonders of Vietnam. We hope you enjoyed Cambodia just as much and we look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid adventure in the not so distant future.

Premium Vietnam with Intrepid

Another Intrepid adventure with all the details taken care of so I can just relax and experience it. When I travel I don't have space for trying to pick the right hotel, reading miles of info so I have a great meal, knowing the best way to get from A to B depending on whether I want the scenic route or the destination is more important. Intrepid and their experienced guide made sure I got what I wanted from my travel experience with the hassles. The small group was an ideal size enough people to have some to chat with but small enough to not take forever to go anywhere.

Date of experience : 29 February 2024

Hi LC, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It good to know that when travelling with Intrepid you feel you can just relax and enjoy the experience. We are proud of our commitment to employ local tour leaders as we believe that with their intimate knowledge of their region, culture and of course the best places to visit, they really do serve to enhance the local experience, so it pleasing to know you got what you wanted from your experience. We do hope you will find another of our itineraries to your liking and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Our tour guide Anh Voung made all the difference

Our tour guide Anh Voung made all the difference. She was extremely well organized, disciplined and was able to make a cohesive group among the small group tour participants. Also, she knew thoroughly the history of the places we visited. We were able to see Vietnam through her eyes. That made all the difference.

Thank you, Michael for your sharing your experience with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed exploring Vietnam and that your tour leader Anh Voung made your trip extra special. We look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid adventure in the not so distant future. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Okavango Delta

Myself and my partner done our first trip with Intrepid in August 2023 from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls with Okavango Delta highlight. Everything was very well organised. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. The other guests were all very friendly. We would have found it difficult to put together a trip like this by ourselves. We will definitely consider doing another trip Intrepid and we would highly recommend them.

Date of experience : 12 August 2023

Thank you for taking the time to post our review and for your recommendation to others. We are delighted to know that being your first Intrepid experience you found the trip to be well organised and your guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We hope to welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Delhi to Goa

The whole trip just worked really well. I think this was also due to our fantastic guide, Gajraj Singh. He pitched the tour perfectly, was very knowledgeable about the places we visitedand occasionally slightly changed things to our benefit. The hotels and travel arrangements were as described and removed any stress.

Date of experience : 06 February 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. It’s great to know the trip worked well and that your tour loader Gajrag Singh contributed to your enjoyment. I’m sure he will be delighted to receive this feedback. We hope you will find another of our itineraries to your linking and we can welcome you back on another of our adventures soon.

Be careful if you are travelling solo

Booked a once in a lifetime, bucket list trip to Costa Rica, via Go To Adventures who book with Intrepid. I did not know this at the time of booking. The single supplement was around a third of the holiday price again and I was told if I was the only solo or the only person of my gender, I would automatically get a single room anyway. I was happy to take the chance, given the price, and decided the roommate couldn’t be that bad. I was sharing and the rooms were, on the whole, really terrible. A few highlights but mostly dreadful. My roommate snores for 8 hours without stopping and even the couple next door were kept awake. I tried to sleep outside the room at one point and even then I could hear her snoring. I felt terrible for waking her, making a noise while I searched for earplugs on top of my earplugs. Then she got gut rot and I woke up one night to find the toilet seat smeared with faeces. I took a photo and sent to Go To Adventures who said they couldn’t do anything and to buy more earplugs and contact Intrepid. The Intrepid Guide was wonderful and arranged for me to get some single rooms for a few nights so I could get some sleep. In the end, the roommate got a free upgrade to double rooms at my expense and I paid around £500 extra for pokey single rooms on top of the ones I had paid for already! On my return, I contacted Intrepid again and after 3 weeks they got back to me and said snoring happens and people get diarrhoea. But they would offer me 15% off the next booking! As if I would ever travel with Intrepid again! If you are a solo traveller, I strongly recommend you book with a different company. Intrepid was no cheaper than others I have gone with before but infinitely worse customer service. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, but it is very expensive and you should allow at least $600 for food, tips and entrance fees. Recommend the zip lining, which was the best of anywhere and Intrepid group price was good value. The wildlife is stunning but not as visible as in other countries.

Date of experience : 17 November 2023

Hi Dee, thank you for your review. We are sorry that you are not pleased with the resolution to your reported issues. We can assure you, your situation is quite unusual and the majority of solo travellers- and their new friends (aka roommates)- get along without a hitch. Ultimately, you faced circumstances that were not related to our services, or the tour time itself; upon investigating your situation, we are confident that our local team did offer solutions and support as necessary. Thank you again for your feedback- we are happy that you managed to find some positives with the ziplining and wildlife aspects of your tour. Stay well.

I’ll choose Intrepid Everytime

I’ve done about 6 tours with intrepid. My favorite are the Camping African tours. Very efficient way to see off the beaten path in different counties. Very well organized although I think some of the accommodations needs review. Team leaders, chefs and drivers have all been 10/10. Their customer service is very responsive when answering my queries about visas,food,airport connections ect. I travel at ease knowing I chose intrepid.

Date of experience : 28 November 2023

Hey Jeeleigh! Wow, 6 tours, that's amazing! Thanks for travelling with us. So happy you've had such great experiences. Thank you for your note about the accommodation - if you'd like to send us an email about your concerns regarding the accommodations, we can for sure pass them on to the right department for you! We can't wait to welcome you on your next trip :)

Great Nepal and Beautiful Bhutan

Great trip to Nepal and Bhutan. Such interesting and contrasting countries. Everything went smoothly. My tour leaders were fantastic. Definitely recommended!

Date of experience : 11 October 2023

Thank you, Kathryn for sharing your experience with us. We are pleased to hear everything went smoothly and your tour leaders were fantastic. We look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid Adventure in the near future.

What makes a great trip

What makes a great trip? The itinerary, the group, and the group leader. I was so lucky to have all of these on my recent trip to Jordan. I felt 100% safe the entire time, the group was fantastic, and our leader put it over the top. Don't hesitate if you want to see this wonderful country. Intrepid made it easy and I have wonderful lifetime memories!

Hi Sue, thank you for sharing your experience and posting this wonderful review and recommendation. It’s great to know how much you enjoyed your tour and that your leader did such a great job. Also, that you were able to experience the amazing history and culture that Jordan has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you on another of our adventures soon.

Intrepid are great

Intrepid are Fantastice. We did 2 back to back trips in Central America so feel very qualified to comment. On both trips the accommodation way exceeded our expectations aside from one night on each separate trip.The hotel put us in a wrong room. We were highly impressed when on discussion with our guide the next morning he immediately got us a new room. You can only admire that level of service. The 2nd night was when all our rooms were like youth hostels. We fully understand that this was unavoidable due to the distances we travelled and the isolation. Not a biggy at all. We still had a good time! The guides" know their stuff" and genuinely have the groups well being and experiences at heart. Multiple times they both went out of their ways to help those in the group with various issues. The food and the optional extra tours were great! Do them and make the most of it all. We highly rate Intrepid and highly recommend. Thanks for the most amazing holidays. Gayle and Adrian

Date of experience : 08 March 2024

Hi Gayle & Adrian! Thank you so much for your time and fantastic review. It is amazing to know that you both enjoyed your time travelling with us around Central America. We are happy to read that your tour leader was always helpful and that the accommodation exceeded your expectations. We are truly thankful for your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back on another Intrepid adventure!

No trust in reviews or vetting

I was on a Premium Uzbekistan trip in October where travellers were extremely unhappy. We were buttered up a bit at a dinner by the local operator after I reached out to Intrepid customer service. No further outreach or follow up from Intrepid. I want to be clear - I don't blame the local operators here. There is something seriously wrong with how Intrepid is communicating, marketing, vetting, and supporting the local operators. My understanding was that an Intrepid trip should not be a generic package bus tour or forced shopping march, just with a smaller group. I chose to go on a tour as an experienced traveller to unlock a unique experience in an unfamiliar part of the world. This was my first Intrepid trip, but many others on the trip were experienced Intrepid travellers. The sentiment was that Intrepid is no longer applying the same level of care in curating experiences, including helping providers tailor their trip to Intrepid travellers and their typical profile. Or aligning what they were selling with what could actually be offered. Or providing basic support to travellers who have transportation issues, illness, etc. There's no sign of my critical review on the website, maybe it didn't meet standards - OK! But no outreach from Intrepid either. Currently 4.8 stars and no critical reviews that match my group. I do not trust Intrepid's own reviews as a source of balanced information. I guess that's not a shock! I can see two reviews here with the same sentiment for this trip, which match my experience exactly. Intrepid will respond and tell me to reach out to customer care. Done that - it's pointless. I'm leaving this review not to try to get money, etc. I want advise folks who are new to Intrepid and looking at experiences from a few years back: you should take a very critical stance and look at third-party and *recent* sources for the specific trip before you commit. The current level of service and curation provided by Intrepid may not match the experiences from pre-COVID. Go to Uzbekistan - either solo or with a local provider. Uzbekistan is an amazing country. It's safe for female travellers, increasingly accessible, friendly, and astoundingly gorgeous. I'll be back, but I won't use Intrepid again.

Date of experience : 07 October 2023

Hi Julianne, Thank you for your very candid and specific review here of the tour. I am not sure when you sent your review into us via your post tour feedback form, but if you have it may well end up on the website, but the reviews don't auto populate, and that section of the website only gets updated a few times a year due to so many tours. We do hope you, and the other travellers on the tour have sent in your feedback as we use that as one of our most important tools when adjusting and improving to the product we offer and our own service levels for pre and post tour communications with passengers. We have forwarded this on to customer care but if you could email them as well so that they can have a record of exactly which tour you were on, then we can move forward to make the necessary alterations for future travellers.

An incredible company

An incredible company. I’ve been travelling with them for over 15 years. They are professional in everything they do. I won’t book my holiday with anyone else. A great Australian company.

Date of experience : 20 April 2024

Hi Gary, thank you do much for posting this review and for your loyalty to Intrepid. It’s great to know that having been travelling with us for 15 years won’t book with anyone else. We would love to hear more about your adventures with us, but I haven’t been able to locate your bookings from your post. If you could reach out to our Customer Care team, with your full name and contact information, we would love to arrange a call, to discuss your past and future travel experiences.

Deals of the Week   Captivating Costa Rica   Up to 50% OFF

Intrepid Travel

Headquarters in Melbourne, Australia

Intrepid Travel Reviews (8,731)

Georgia adventure.

Madagascar Baobabs & Beyond

Cambodia: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Ultimate galapagos: central islands (grand daphne), beautiful bali (including undisan), essential japan.

Madrid to Marrakech (10 destinations)

New zealand's north island adventure (southbound), bolivia highlights, central american adventure, about intrepid travel.

Intrepid was founded by two friends, Darrell and Geoff, who had a bold idea to build a travel company that benefited both travellers and the communities they visit. Their big idea sprung to mind in 1988, not long after they crammed themselves and some friends into a modified ex-council truck and headed off on a road trip across Africa. More than three decades later, Intrepid is proud to call themselves the world's largest purpose-led adventure travel company.      Today, they have hundreds of immersive trips in over 100 countries on all seven continents to choose from. With locally-based leaders out front of every adventure, they’ll take you beyond the everyday sights and introduce you to the culture without holding your hand at every step of the journey.    Intrepid is determined to change the way we all see the world. They connect people to the heartbeat of adventure and the soul of the planet. 

Why Intrepid

It's simple. Think immersive experiences, a perfectly sized group and a legendary locally-based leader. Plus, their style of travel shows you the world in a way that respects local people and places.      Immersive experiences   Hard-to-forget experiences in hard-to-find places. Everyone loves the highlights, but Intrepid believe the real magic happens well away from the beaten path. It’s the little noodle bars, hidden galleries and backstreet bodegas; the real-life experiences you won’t find in a search engine.      Small groups, big adventures   You can expect to travel with a tight bunch of like-minded adventurers (usually 12 to 16 people). Besides being able to go where larger tours often can’t, their group sizes create the perfect recipe for connection - offering up new perspectives and new friends to share the journey with.    Locally-based leaders   Expect locally-based leaders out front of every trip. Sure, they’ll lead the way, but they’ll also introduce you to the locals, show you the hidden spots that sidestep the crowds, and give you insider tips for the best places to explore in your free time – all with a smile.      Balanced Itineraries   Intrepid adventures strike the right balance between group activities and time to soak up what’s happening around you. There’s a good mix of time spent with your small group, as well as seeing and experiencing the places you travel to.    Responsible travel   Since the very beginning, Intrepid has been about running trips in a way that respects local people and places. They’re B Corp certified which recognises their commitment to using business as a force for good and their non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, supports organisations around the world that are making a positive difference. 

Who travels with Intrepid

Intrepid travellers come from different walks of life and age brackets. Some come in groups, others solo. With Intrepid, it doesn’t matter where you’ve come from or how you got there – it’s about where you’re going. They’ve got small group adventures in a range of styles and themes, each suited to different levels of fitness and thirst for adventure. Introducing  Intrepid Premium : a brand-new style of travel. From 2022, you can travel on this new range of trips that include all the best ingredients of an Intrepid adventure, elevated to a level never before available.

Intrepid Travel Adventures

Essential Morocco

• Stay with a local family in beautiful Moulay Idriss Experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Fes Ride a camel through the Sahara desert dunes Visit Ait Benhaddou, a traditional mud brick city Taste delicious Moroccan dishes in Marrakesh

Indian Getaway

• Enjoy a sunset on the Ganges Admire the mighty Taj Mahal Get lost in the pink city of Jaipur Barter for rare items at Tordi Garh

Classic Costa Rica

• Descend to the Caribbean lowlands to Tortuguero National Park Visit small town La Fortuna and the majestic Arenal Volcano Explore Monteverde National Park on a walking tour Discover exotic wildlife of Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore Jordan

• Spend the night at Wadi Rum's mystic desert Visit the legendary ancient lost city of Petra Grab that photo of a float in the Dead Sea Delve into culture and camp with the Bedouin people

North India Revealed

• Explore Dehli's historical sites and bazaars Ride a camel through the Thar Desert Discover the traditions of tribespeople Enjoy magical views at Savitri Temple

Costa Rica Experience

• Visit the most famous volcano - Arenal Wander the markets of San Jose Join a Mangrove tour by kayak Walking tour through the Monteverde National Park

Cycle Vietnam

• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Admire the lush panorama of the Mai Chau valley Take a stroll through fields of rice Discover the wacky architecture of Hang Nga Crazy House

Iceland Discovery

• Visit the impressive Golden Waterfall Soak in Myvatn Nature Baths Relax in Europe’s hottest thermal spring See the epic Skógafoss waterfall

Intrepid Travel Videos

Stone Town to Nairobi

• Explore fascinating Galapagos Islands Go snorkelling with seals Visit Charles Darwin Research Station Hike on top of the black lava field

Pure Galapagos (Grand Daphne)

Explore Croatia

• Relax on the quiet island of Lopud Walk the streets of "King's Landing" Swim the clear waters of Korcula Island Enjoy traditional Dalmatian meat loaf

Egypt Experience

• Experience the Land of the Pharaos See the Pyramides up close Sightseeing on a Nile River cruise Visit tombs in the Valley of the Kings

Mainland Greece Discovery

Utah Parks Circuit

• Enjoy the incredible Zion National Park Explore the breathtaking Utah landscape Go wild in Vegas Take in the views of Lake Powell

Intrepid Travel Destinations

• Morocco (22)
• Tanzania (18)
• South Africa (9)
• Botswana (5)
• Vietnam (23)
• Thailand (22)
• Indonesia (13)
• Malaysia (10)
• Cambodia (10)
• Jordan (10)
• Sri Lanka (9)

Australia/Oceania

• Australia (61)
• New Zealand (22)
• Turkey (17)
• Greece (14)
• Croatia (11)
• Iceland (6)
• Portugal (5)

Latin America

• Ecuador (27)
• Costa Rica (5)
• Argentina (5)

North America

Intrepid travel ships.

Grand Queen Beatriz

Intrepid Travel Guides

Ksana Petrov

Aaron Cooper

Anna Teneggi

Gerhard Swanepoel

Questions & answers, is tipping commonplace in other parts of the world.

Yes, in most places tipping is expected. At your welcome meeting, ask your leader about the local custom and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides. At the end of your adventure, you may also choose to tip your Intrepid leader.

What adventures include a kitty and what is it?

The Kitty system is operated on some adventures like the Overland and Basix. The kitty is a cash contribution to a central fund and overseen by the travellers and crew. It helps fund accommodation, camp meals or activities for the entire group. Contribution to the kitty is compulsory on some adventures while voluntary on others. Please check for the up-to-date amount 48 hours prior to your trip commencement.

Will the coach be modern and comfortable?

It depends on where you are travelling and on what style of adventure. On a Basix adventure in Asia, expect a local bus with no air-conditioning. On a Comfort or Original adventure in South America, there will be reclining seats and sometimes even refreshments offered.

What type of ground transportation is used?

Intrepid uses as much local transport as possible, which means travelling on everything from a camel to a train, minivan or bus.

Will I be able to charge my electrical appliances?

In most places you’ll be able to recharge your appliances at the hotel. On their Overland adventures, most of the vehicles we use come with their own power supply and you should be able to recharge onboard.

Will I get internet coverage?

It depends on the destination. Some places have Wi-Fi hot spots everywhere and other places will have limited or no coverage at all.

Will my mobile work?

Many of the destinations are out of the way and there maybe limited coverage so Intrepid cannot guarantee your phone will work as desired. Contact your phone provider before you leave about global roaming and the costs involved, and get their advice on the coverage you’ll receive in the places you’re travelling in.

How can friends and family get in contact while on tour?

Family and friends can contact Intrepid directly if they are unable to contact you in an emergency through email or phone. There is also a list of emergency contact details in the Trip Notes (for your destination).

What are the available communication facilities?

Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi so it’s usually possible to keep in touch with home every couple of days. In remote places (think Mali, Serengeti or the Sahara) or on treks or homestays, you will not be able to communicate as readily.

What standards of hotels should I expect?

The hotel standards depends on the Adventure Style you have chosen. Basic accommodation is generally budget (1-2 star), while Original is budget or tourist class (2-3 star). On a Comfort adventure, you can expect tourist class (3-4 star).

Are hotels air-conditioned/ heated?

When you are headed to a hot climate, it is likely that you will either have a fan or air-conditioner and if you are staying in remote areas or at homestays, you will need to expect the facilities to be a little more basic.

Is it possible to ask for the list of hotels we will be staying at?

Intrepid only provides information on your joining and finish point hotels. They can’t give you a full hotel list before you travel since they have a few hotels in each city that they can alternate the groups between, and due to operational requirements may change last minute. At the welcome meeting on Day 1, your leader can provide you with this so you can email friends and family back home with the details.

Will I need a sleeping bag/mat/tent?

On some adventures sleeping mats are provided, like their Africa and USA trips but you will need to bring your own sleeping bag. In Australia tents, blankets, linen and towels are provided so there is no need for a sleeping bag.

What are the facilities at the campsites?

Intrepid have a wide range of camping sites which vary depending on the region in which your are travelling. Most camps will have the basic facilities as a minimum and others will have more modern facilities.

Will I be able to do any laundry?

There are usually chances to do laundry, either through your hotel or using local services. Your leader will be able to let you know your options once you are on the adventure.

Are western toilets available on the adventures?

It depends on the areas you’re travelling in. Some adventures have regular access to western toilets while others don't.

What happens if I arrive late and miss part of the adventure?

Please let us know in advance that you will be arriving late so that the tour leader can leave information with the hotel reception for where to meet your group. However, if you plan to arrive a day or two into the itinerary (and our group has moved to a different destination), it will be your responsibility to ‘catch up’ with the group and Intrepid will provide you with the most up-to-date information as to where your group will be and at approximately what time. Intrepid cannot reimburse you for any portion of the trip unused, but this can often be claimed on your travel insurance.

Do I get any free time?

Yes, Intrepid lets you explore at your own pace. When you get to a destination, your leader will offer options on what you can do. You may choose to spend time with others in the group if you like or simply relax in your new surroundings.

How difficult is the trek on Intrepid's adventures?

Intrepid has treks ranging from relatively easy to extremely difficult. The easiest way to determine if a trek is right for you is to check the ‘physical rating’ of the adventure. If the rating is 1-3, it is manageable for those with a moderate level of fitness; those trips rated 4-5 will require a fit participant who has been training in the lead up to their adventure.

What is the name of the hotel where my adventure starts?

While this information is not always available due to operational reasons, please get in touch and we will try to assist you as much as possible.

Are airport transfers included in the adventure price?

Airport transfers are not usually included in the adventure price. The cost of the transfer will generally be more expensive than a taxi. This is because you are paying for a private service and a trusted driver will offer the security to travellers when they arrive into a foreign country.

Is it possible to request an early check-in?

We can’t help confirm an early hotel check-in. If you do not wish to pay for the extra night, you can try direct at the hotel (they may let you in early if the room is free) or you can usually store your luggage after enquiring with reception.

What is the check in time?

Check-in times varies depending on hotels and region. Generally, they are between midday and 2pm.

How does Intrepid support sustainable travel and protect the environment?

Intrepid works to make their business as responsible and sustainable as possible, from their head office through to their adventures run in mutliple countries around the world.

Can I opt out of certain activities if I want to?

Yes, if you don't want to participate in certain activites but please note that if you choose to opt out of an included activity, no reimbursement can be made by Intrepid.

Is it possible to book and pay optional activities now or during the adventure?

Optional activities are booked and paid for on the ground on some cases. There are a couple of exceptions to this: Rio Carnival extras, balloon safaris in Africa and Urban Adventures. These will all need to be booked prior to departure to secure the activity.

What are optional activities? Where can I find details on optional activities?

You will be given details of optional activities by your group leader once you arrive at your destination. You’ll also find more options available throughout the adventure, which your leader will advise you of at the time. Please contact us to request a copy of the Trip Notes for more details on available optional activities.

Is drinking the water in the countries I visit advisable?

In some destinations drinking the local water is not advisable, so drinking bottled water is recommended.

What will the food be like on my adventure?

Included meals are usually a great mix of familiar staples, local specialities and regional dishes. You also have the option to head out and discover local restaurants, food stalls and markets for meals not included as part of the adventure- your guide can always give you some good suggestions.

I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?

Intrepid will try to accommodate all dietary requirements but in some places it can be very difficult to guarantee. It is also advisable to bring a card with your dietary requirements written in the local language for those times you are eating away from the group.

Is it possible to book a single room?

Yes, you can: however, throughout your Intrepid adventure, rooming is generally organised on a twin-share basis. Some adventures do have a single supplement available for an extra cost.

Is it possible to book a triple room?

Intrepid adventures are organised on a twin, triple or multishare basis. Since the bookings are made well in advance, individual room requests can’t be guaranteed. Get in touch with us and we can find out for you.

Is there a single supplement for a solo traveller?

As a single traveller, you will usually have the choice of either paying a single supplement or sharing with someone of the same gender. The single supplement is not compulsory if you are happy to share.

Is a solo traveller allowed on the adventure?

Yes! Many of Intrepid's travellers join because they are travelling solo and want to meet and share experiences with other people.

Can I add an extra night on the beginning or end of my group adventure, either before or during the adventure?

You sure can. Feel free to contact us and we can asisst you with that.

Can I make any changes to the itinerary to the adventure?

Due to the nature of a group adventure, Intrepid is unable to change the itinerary for individual travellers.

Can I deviate from the adventure?

Yes, you can opt to sign off the adventure if you need to leave a day or so earlier. Please inform us before travel that you’ll be arriving late or need to leave before the adventure ends so that we can notify Intrepid's team on the ground to best accommodate your requirements.

Who is the group leader for the adventure?

Intrepid can’t provide the names of a group leader prior to departure, as this often changes due to operational requirements. Rest assured your group leader will be highly experienced, knowledgeable and passioante for the region you are travelling in.

How many people accommodated on each adventure?

Most of their adventures have a group of 12-16 people, though their group sizes are on average 10 people. Intrepid's Overland adventures are in purpose-built vehicles that can carry up to 24 travellers.

What are the types of people that travel with Intrepid?

Intrepid offers solo and group adventures and the age requirement ranges from 18 or 70 years old. Intrepid travellers are couples, friends, backpackers and solo adventurers keen to explore the world and have some incredible experiences along the way!

Are adventures physically demanding?

To determine what type of adventure suits you best, each of their trips comes with a Physical Rating to let you know how physically demanding it is… or isn’t. Please see the trip summary next to the tour map for details of the physical rating.

Are there age restrictions on your adventures?

For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18. Younger children are allowed on our Family adventures and Short Break Adventures, but check each trip for its minimum age, which is located on the trip’s overview page on the website. Most of our adventures don’t have a maximum age limit, but a Self-Assessment Form is required for all passengers 70 years and over.

Does the hotels/ hostels have internet or WIFI?

Communication facilities are always improving globally. Many hotels and public places have Wi-Fi so it’s usually possible to keep in touch with home every couple of days, if you so desire. In remote places (think Mali, Serengeti or the Sahara) or on treks or homestays, you will not be able to communicate as readily. Your leader will usually give you the heads up before you leave a place so you can send a quick email or two.

Contact our Travel Experts

+1 844 311 8331

24/7 Support

Our team of experienced adventure specialists have travelled to hundreds of countries around the globe and have decades of first-hand travel experience to share. Contact us now to have all of your tour-related questions answered!

Sign up for our newsletter

Save up to 50% on adventures! Get exclusive access to members only deals by email.

By submitting this form, I agree to the TourRadar T&Cs and Privacy policy .

Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.

Intrepid Travel Warning

Suggested companies

G adventures, exodus adventure travels.

Intrepid Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.4.

1,980 total

Most relevant

Intrepid Travel offers Terrible Unprofessional service Not sure why the reviews are so good.

Not sure why the reviews are so good. INTREPID maybe a Canadian company, but they are unresponsive and unprofessional to the point of exasperation. I had to insult them several times on the phone for their unprofessionalism and unresponsiveness. My air fares went up by 30% while waiting for their negative answers and I had to pry the answers with pliers over a 20 day period. Stay away. If sailing, try Intersail Group

Date of experience : 27 February 2024

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Hi Carlos, thank you for your review. We are sorry you had to wait for answers regarding your specific requests- our team wanted to make sure that we could provide the extra services you were after rather than booking you on a tour that would not have been what you had hoped for. Just to offer some clarity around our company, we are an Australian owned, Bcorps certified business and we do have global offices. We wish you well with Intersail.

Premium price basic accommodation

I booked a premium trip to India because I wanted good accommodation and the itinerary looked amazing. The itinerary did not disappoint, unfortunately the guide and accommodation let the trip down massively. One of the rooms was filthy, another had a missing window pane, that the guide tried to pass off as a feature! Too many of the hotels had problems with the drains that made spending time in the room unpleasant. The guide was reactive when he needed to be but was mostly focusing on his phone and getting to the end of the walk/activities as soon as he could. I had a good time because the group and places we visited were great but I won't be rushing to do another trip with intrepid anytime soon.

Date of experience : 20 January 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post a review. We are disappointed to learn of your experience and that although you had a good time, you had a good group and the itinerary didn’t disappoint, you will not be rushing to book with Intrepid again. Your feedback is very important, and we would welcome the chance to discuss your comments around your leader and your accommodation in more detail. Please reach out to our Customer Care team with your booking reference and your departure code to customer [email protected]

we have done quite a few trips with intrepid travel, and they have been so much fun with fantastic guides across Myanmar Thailand Vietnam and Laos and of course India, the last one was southern India wow

Date of experience : 02 April 2024

Hello Ray, we are so happy to hear that you were WOW'ed by Southern India! It is always so wonderful to hear when customers keep coming back for more Intrepid experiences, and what amazing destinations you have chosen for your fun adventures. We can't wait to hear about where you end up next time :D

Good - unless there are long bus rides.

I have now done four trips with Intrepid and can generally recommend them. Most guides are enthusiastic and speak good English, and the level of organisation is good. However, if your trip involves long distances to travel by bus be aware that Intrepid, in general, provides very poor quality in this department. I recently returned from a trip to Mexico, where the travel style was decribed as "comfort". Our bus was, however, the very definition of UNcomfortable. They mention in the trip notes that the bus may feel cramped, but not that it is old, has very limited suspension, and that a vast majority of seats will not accomodate people over 180 cm. I am 183 cm and returned from Mexico with knees that still ache from the experience. The quality of the bus was outrageous, and all travelers agreed on this. We saw buses of the same size, but of better quality, on the way so they do exist. That Intepid does not feel the need to renew its fleet of buses can only be described as stingy.

Date of experience : 02 March 2024

Hey Anders, thanks for getting in touch with us. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated, and we're happy to hear that you're pleased with our expert guides. We value your input and would love to delve deeper into your feedback about our fleet. Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at [email protected] with your booking reference number and so we can examine this more closely.

Do not book a tour with Intrepid

Do not book a tour with Intrepid. Their “policy” on deposits is unreasonable, inflexible and downright thieving. I booked a tour in India with them over seven months ahead of its departure date, paying a 400 euro deposit. I then learned that another tour I planned to take immediately following theirs was unavailable for my desired dates even though the website showed it was available. Because I then could not find any other suitable tours that fit with the Intrepid tour dates I booked, I asked Intrepid, just three days after my booking, to credit my 400 euro deposit to another of their tours. They very rudely refused, insisting that their “policy” didn’t allow credits much less refunds. They didn’t care that the tour was over seven months away or that I made my request for a credit within three days of the booking. Fortunately, the good people at PayPal saw how unfair this was and refunded my 400 euros. You may not be so lucky. Avoid the thieves at Intrepid. There are plenty of other tour companies that don’t try to rip you off like Intrepid does.

Date of experience : 25 January 2024

Hello Nic, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are disappointed to learn that, upon canceling your booking, you found our Booking Conditions did not align with your expectations. While we appreciate your request to cancel the booking came shortly after your booking was confirmed, in order to remain fair and transparent, we must adhere to the applicable Booking Conditions. As outlined in the applicable Booking Conditions, for cancellations made 30 days or more prior to departure, we charge your deposit of EUR 400/ CHF400 as a cancellation fee. These conditions are established to ensure consistency and fairness for all our customers, as well as to maintain the operational integrity of our trips. We apologize if our response didn't meet your expectations, and we hope you understand the reasons behind adhering to our Booking Conditions. We sincerely wish you all the best with future adventures.

Nice trip but overpriced

Intrepid don't actually run the Patagonia Short Break - Torres Del Paine trip which I took, but coordinate the customers with the organization in Puerto Natales, Chile, which runs the day trips which comprise the "Patagonia Short Break". The day trips are all worthwhile, especially if the weather cooperates, as it did for me. The first day was somewhat rainy, but it involved mainly a bus tour of parts of the Torres del Paine National Park with plenty of stops at various scenic sites plus a tour of the milodon cave, which is well worth the visit. The second day turned out to be a beautiful one for the cruise along the Ultima Esperanza Fjord with its spectacular glaciers and mountains. The third day involves a very tough hike to the base of the eponymous Torres del Paine peaks. The trip also includes four nights at a nice hotel plus a bus ticket to Argentina. This last often goes unused by the customers like myself, according to the local agency in Puerto Natales, which questioned why it is part of the trip package. It is a waste of about US$50 for the ticket to be issued, and in my opinion, should be an option, not automatically included in the trip fare. Speaking of cost, I find it hard to justify the total cost of the trip charged to customers. The activities are all worthwhile, and I don't regret the trip, but the price is definitely inflated.

Date of experience : 18 February 2024

Hi Anne, thank you for taking the time to post an honest review. We would welcome the chance to discuss your experience and suggestions in more detail. Please reach out to our Customer Care Team at [email protected] with your booking reference and one of the team will get back to you.

Very disappointing, incompetent and slow

I wanted to write something about my trip to New Zealand. Unfortunately, it never happened. I found Intrepid very unprofessional all the way through. I had to transfer the entire amount (a huge sum) before they even started an inquiry. My request for a single room could not be accommodated and I was offered the trip on a twin-share basis. I confirmed this within a day. Three days later I received the first email saying that the trip was no longer available. What could I do but accept? So I gave them my bank details to transfer the money back. Nothing happened for another three days and I received a similar email saying that the trip was no longer available a second time. I was offered a later date. After waiting five working days for any sign of the transfer, I tried live chat again. I was assured that the transfer would be initiated, but that it could take up to two weeks!!!! These are absolutely impossible and customer unfriendly business practices. While Intrepid is keeping my money back, I am now unable to organise the trip myself. I feel quite betrayed and will not consider or recommend Intrepid again.

Date of experience : 15 March 2024

Dear Carola, thank you for taking the time to post your review. We pride ourselves on our customer service, so we're very sorry that this was your booking experience. Please reach out to us at [email protected] with your booking number so that we can assist you further.

Easy booking and fantastic on the…

Easy booking and fantastic on the ground. Amazing local tour leaders, can’t recommend enough!

Date of experience : 05 May 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post a review and for your recommendation to others. We are pleased to learn that you have rated your trip with 5 Stars. That you found booking easy and it was fantastic on the ground. We really do have some amazing tour leaders and I am sure they will be delighted to receive your feedback. We do hope you will find another itinerary to your liking, and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

I chose Intrepid due to their small…

I chose Intrepid due to their small group. Their choice in hotels are "0". Here we are in Jakarta to Ubud trip, safety deposit box are encouraged. But i was placed in 3 Rms where they would not work or required someone to come in my room after the fact that I'm already checked in. The toilet also stopped flushing, I honestly had a meltdown! The last thing i need is someone working in the room after a long journey on a minubus or train. The guide was very thoughtful and helpful, a"5". Some of the local itinerary (local factories tour) was subpar or we didn't get a chance to see because they were off or it was the weekend or something else... My biggest disappointment was really choice in hotels. Oh and someone was sick in the group who was a talker and just kept coughing in everyone's face. We are stuffed in a minivan for long rides from city to city sometimes and he would talk non stop and didn't bother covering his mouth when coughing. Intrepid should encourage masking for people who have symptoms such as coughing. He got this other lady sick and I ended up getting sick after a week after.

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. Your feedback is important to us, and we are always looking at ways to improve our trips and our customer’s experience. We would welcome the change to discuss your feedback in more detail. Please reach out to our Customer Care team with your booking reference and departure code to [email protected]

I enjoyed the Inca Trail Express from…

I enjoyed the Inca Trail Express from Lima. However I have had the same problem as a previous review with Intrepid arranging the flights. The domestic flight from Cusco to Lima did not give me enough time to make the international flight to Madrid. I therefore missed the international flight with extra leg room seat booked. Neither Latam nor Iberia would take responsibility. I eventually got booked on to the next flight to Madrid, in a middle seat for 10 hours. It ruined the holiday. It was very very stressful. Also they would not honour the last leg to London so I was out of pocket a flight to London. Beware if they book your flights. I have made a complaint.

Date of experience : 16 November 2023

Thank you for taking the time to post a review. We are pleased to learn you enjoyed your time on the Inca Trail Express, but sorry to learn of the problem you encountered with your connecting flight. When booking flights all airlines have what is deemed a legal connection. This means that airlines publish flights with what should be sufficient time to make the connection. These connections can be affected by unforeseen delays, but in the event, this does happen, customers would always be booked to the next available flight. We are concerned to learn of your experience, and we would like to discuss this with you. We note you have already escalated a complaint, so one of our customer care team will reach out to you.

Avoid Intrepid

Many recent reviews are pointing to a sharp decline in quality and service with Intrepid. My recent experience echoes all that has been mentioned. They are appalling at responding to serious concerns. I have countless auto responses from its laughingly useless and lazy customer service department. Their financial management is a joke. They couldn't find my payment despite my twice providing traces from my bank. They are pathetic liars about not just the money. They lied about their failure to send me any information about my upcoming trip, how they omitted me from the group email circulation. They lied about anyone including a 'senior manager' trying to phone me. Even the length of the trip is a con with first day being nothing more than a brief meeting at 1800. The last 'day' being breakfast at the hotel with not a sight or sound of the Rep. Intrepid is a dishonest mess. They are now purely concerned with making money. Do not use this company. They are terrible and there are many better (and safer) providers out there.

Date of experience : 04 November 2023

Dear Mary, thank you for taking the time to share a detailed review. We're sincerely disheartened and sorry to hear about your experience. We never want our valued customers to feel disappointed with the quality of service or the quality of our trips. If you would like our friendly Customer Care team to investigate this matter further for you, please reach out via [email protected] with your booking details, and they will assist diligently.

Awful service resulted in us nearly missing our homeward flights

Intrepid arranged an internal flight for us with insufficient time to make our international flight home. Multiple emails voicing our concerns went ignored for weeks, and only intervention by our local guide meant that we got to the airport in time. Trying to contact Intrepid was like speaking to a brick wall. Intrepid used to be a great helpful travel company, but nowadays they seem to be relying on reputation alone. To completely ignore a number of emails about such an important aspect of our journey is totally unforgiveable. In response to Intrepid's reply below, I'm not complaining about slow email replies - I'm annoyed about the complete lack of replies, even now three weeks later. Live chat and phone wasn't an option to us with the dodgy WiFi we had available to us in the Himalayas, hence email being the only option.

Date of experience : 26 October 2023

Hi Sam, we are sorry to know of your negative experience, and hope in light of this you did enjoy your tour time. We would appreciate the opportunity to communicate with you around what happened, and how we can be doing better with our services. Our Live Chat and phone lines are available to you at any time- as well as our local emergency numbers- most commonly emails are the slowest of our response times. Should you care to, please contact us at [email protected] - we hope to hear from you. Stay well.

South India revealed

South India revealed, from 02.02 - 17.02.24 We thought the South Indian trip from Trivandrum to Goa was really good! The tour guide Thilip was extremely personable and constantly looked after us, even when no activities were planned. Explained everything and gave valuable tips, took us to local restaurants to eat and described the food before ordering. The journey with different means of transport, bus, TUK TUK, train and sleeping car was also stress-free with Thilip. The accommodations were good and clean according to the price/performance ratio. Since we ate a lot in local restaurants and also used public transport, we had many nice encounters with Indians. The houseboat trip on the backwaters with homestay was one of the highlights. Sightseeing in Verkala, Kochi, Madurai, Mysore and Hampi were great and well organized. Of course, our small travel group of 10 people also contributed to the whole trip being good and harmonious. We can highly recommend this trip, but you should also be willing to adjust to the country and its people!! Heino and Hannelore Müller, Münster, Germany

Date of experience : 12 March 2024

Hi Heino and Hannelore, thank you for your wonderful review! We're so delighted that you had such a wonderful time on your South India Revealed trip with Intrepid and experienced all the delights that India has to offer. Engaging with the local people is one of the joys of travel and we're so pleased that your trip afforded you plenty of opportunities to do so. Thank you also for your kind words about your tour leader Thilip. Our leaders are the hear of Intrepid and it's great to know that they were able to enhance your experience. We can't wait to welcome you on another Intrepid trip!

Intrepid: Excellent travel company with putrid customer service

I've used Intrepid many times. Their trips are well-organized and fun, the guides are mostly terrific, the people are friendly and ready to go, the accommodations are sometimes not so great but if you like adventure vacations then this will not be any different than you expect. I'm here though to write about their customers service, which is incredibly inefficient and unreliable. They are very hard to reach by ordinary means, and any communication that is at all imperfect - say, a guy is supposed to send you an email with information some trips after a 72-minute phone call covering 2 separate vacations - can never be recovered or revisited. If you try to add an extra night's stay or an extra mini-trip or book a transfer using their usual request and website tools, they will FAIL 100% OF THE TIME. I have booked 8 trips with Intrepid, and they have never, ever contacted me or followed through with flight requests, extra bookings, etc. Even getting them to record my height, which they requested and I sent for a bike fitting, can take 5 or 6 different customer interactions. One guy a couple of weeks ago gave me his direct phone number so I could call him back - it was Intrepid's usual call line with a long, long wait. Soon after a call to the Intrepid line was never answered - I submitted my number for a call back, and never got a call back. Also 2 weeks ago an Intrepid rep said he'd said me an email of trips we discussed, but never did. Other Intrepid employees I followed up with were unable to contact him or find my records he had entered in the computer. Currently I am trying, desperately, to book an INCLUDED airport transfer for my upcoming trip - the first time they forwarded my message to someone and never got back to me, and the second time they said the transfer was still on quote, implying I would have to REQUEST the transfer that was included in my trip price and then pay for it if I even got it. G Adventures has a profile for me that I click into and they immediately know exactly who I am and all my relevant details. To Intrepid, I remain a stranger every trip and have to fight just to submit my height (which they already took for my previous trip). It's weird and sad and diminishes the value of the otherwise incredible product the company offers. I will waste more time later today on their chat line, chatting about my airport transfer with an Intrepid employee who will not know how much it costs (nothing, it's included) or how to contact my trip leader or get me my reserved space.

Date of experience : 29 May 2024

Hi Jon, we are terribly sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction with our customer service and the frustrations with the booking process. We hear you, and we are working towards improvements that we acknowledge are essential to the betterment of the customer experience. We are glad to hear that you continue to support Intrepid, and we are grateful for your constructive feedback which will allow us to continue to drive towards improving the overall customer experience. In terms of your upcoming bookings, we have followed up with the sales team to ensure you receive the correct information and assistance. You are also welcome to get in touch with [email protected] you wanted to discuss your feedback any further.

An enjoyable Premium Sicily trip

Intrepid looked after all the organising; all we had to do was enjoy ourselves. Our Premium Sicily trip had mostly good accommodation - well located with good sized rooms and good breakfasts. There were lots of included activities making for fast oaced full days. The tour leader was very good. The city guides were also excellent, although perhaps a little wordy while standing in the hot sun. Lots of ancient Greek and Roman sites. A variety of other activities. Good quality food and plenty of it - perhaps too much. Some great wines. Bus was good but lacking in legroom for taller passengers. Driver excellent.

Date of experience : 03 October 2023

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. It great to know that you enjoyed your time exploring Sicily, while taking in the sights, enjoying the activities and the amazing wine and food on offer in this wonderful destination. We do hope you have some amazing memories of your time here and that we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Exploring Morocco

Morocco was a beautiful country with interesting history and very friendly people. I loved seeing many of its historic cities. This trip had lots of variety, a good guide, freedom to explore on our own without a group and great local experiences. I also liked the local transportation and the places we stayed overnight. It would have been nice if Intrepid offered an app with up to date trip details.

Date of experience : 28 September 2023

Hello Margriet, thank you for taking the time to post your review. We agree Morocco us a beautiful country with lots of history and friendly people, so it great to know you enjoyed you time here and that you had some great local experiences. We would love to have an Intrepid App, and this is something that has been discussed, but currently there are no plans to do this. We hope you have some amazing memories of your time in the special part of the world and that we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Intrepid is not respecting the booking conditions

I have always had positive experiences with Intrepid before Covid. The recent journeys have been lower in value for sure. Worst one is now. I need to amend the dates of my upcoming trip and Intrepid applies a 400 eur cancellation fee - instead of a change fee. Customer service is slow in response and it is impossible to escalate the complaint. Booking conditions are not properly written as they mention cancellations and change differently. I would advise not to travel with Intrepid and this is my last trip. I tried to amend the Booking more than 30 days before departure but was asked still to pay a cancellation fee of 400 eur which is crazy and even the reply below is not the same customer care actually confirms to customers.

Date of experience : 25 October 2023

Hello Francesca, thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are disappointed to learn that you have found our trips to be lower in Value since the pandemic. The trips we operate haven’t changed. However, destinations globally were affected by the pandemic and it did take a little time to recover from this. We note you wanted to change your current booking and you are disappointed that there will be a charge to do so. When booking an Intrepid Trip, you agree to our terms and conditions. We currently offer customers the option to change their trips up to 56 days before departure, but if your request was within the 30 days or more bracket of the T&C’s, as per your contract this does incur a cancellation charge. This is to cover unrecoverable costs, given reservations are booked and confirmed in advance. We are sorry for any delays in addressing your concerns. This is our busiest season and as such it is not always possible to offer an immediate response. We note you have been in contact with our sales and support team, and they have responded to your escalation. We are sorry they were not able to give the response for which you had hoped, but we hope you can understand why the cancellation charge applied.

Classic Costa Rica

The Classic Costa Rica trip was an absolute dream come true! I am a keen solo traveller, so this was my first proper group trip and I was a little apprehensive, but I needn't have worried. I shared the experience with seven other wonderful people (3 other solos and 2 couples), and Leo Araya was the most amazing tour leader - he truly went above and beyond to ensure we all had a great time and his knowledge was phenomenal! Everything ran really smoothly and we saw loads of wildlife (a highlight being the quetzal we spotted in Monteverde) and also enjoyed some more cultural experiences, such as a home stay where we helped to prepare dinner and a visit to an indigenous community where we painted our own souvenirs. I felt very safe and comfortable at all times as a solo female. Intrepid and Leo in particular have set the bar very high for any future group tours!

Date of experience : 11 May 2024

Hello Camille! What a wonderful review of your experience on Classic Costa Rica, we love hearing about our customers experience on their first time travelling with a group, we love solo travel too but sometimes its nice to have everything organised for you, for a change, isn't it? We are delighted to hear you had a great group and leader, the wildlife is one of our favourite things about Costa Rica - how lucky that you even spotted a quetzal! We hope to welcome you on another one of our tours in the future :D

Intrepid delivers!

My son and I had the holiday of a lifetime with Intrepid in Vietnam. So many things could have gone wrong but they all went right! Intrepid had thought about every detail of the trip before I had a chance to: activities we would enjoy, great restaurants to eat in, most convenient mode of travel...the list goes on...and on. We learned so much about the country we were travelling in as well. We were given fascinating accounts of history, geography, economy. But it was the tiny details which peppered the briefings that made the country come alive. Our guide was fantastic. The whole experience was perfectly balanced and so much fun!

Date of experience : 30 March 2024

Thank you so much for that awesome feedback from your trip. Vietnam is a truly magical place with so much history and beauty. We are so glad that you had a great experience with your son, creating memories that will last a lifetime! We can't wait to travel with you both again soon!

Overall experience after 4 trips with Intrepid

I have been on four different trips with Intrepid in diffrent countries and they have all been great. They are well organized, the tour leaders are considerate of the group and you get too see much more things than you would have been able to do on your own. On two of the trips there where some thing that did not go as planned, but in both cases the tour leader did the best they could to resolve the problem. Housing is genrelly simple and transports can be rough, so if you like comfort and luxury select another travel agency. But if you are up for a little adventure Intrepid is the way to go. (Review is based on trips to Peru, Mexico, Croatia and Morocco).

Date of experience : 01 January 2024

Thank you so much Emma for both your review and your continued support as a repeat traveller! We can't wait to see where you go next!

• Allianz Travel Insurance Review
• Coverage Options

Compare Allianz Travel Insurance

• Why You Should Trust Us

Allianz Travel Insurance Review 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

While traveling can be a fun escape, it's an inherently risky activity with many variables to consider. So many worries can remove you from the joy of travel, which is where travel insurance can help.

Allianz Travel Insurance Global Assistance is a prominent leader in the travel insurance space that has been around in some form since 1890. Allianz offers a variety of travel insurance plans that can suit your individual needs. Read on to learn more about Allianz.

Allianz Travel Insurance Summary

Allianz is one of the leaders in the travel insurance industry, included in our guide on the best international travel insurance . With 10 plans split between single trip, annual, and rental car insurance, Allianz has its bases covered. It also provides specific insurance for particular needs, such as annual policies for business travelers and sports equipment coverage for athletes. 

While Allianz is one of the best international travel insurance providers, it also has great CFAR coverage for its Prime and Premier single-trip plans, covering 80% of nonrefundable travel expenses when most policies usually offer 75%. It's also great for families, with coverage for kids 17 and under in its OneTrip Prime and Premier plan.

Allianz is well-reviewed among customers, receiving an average of 4.3 stars out of five across nearly 70,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Its Better Business Bureau page fares a little worse, receiving 3.64 stars out of five across 1,600 reviews. Positive reviews mentioned an easy and quick claims process with a responsive customer service team. However, negative reviews often mentioned difficulty specifically with claims for ticketed events.

Allianz also has a highly rated mobile app called Allyz TravelSmart through which you can contact customer service, view your plan, and file a claim. It received an average rating of 4.4 out of five stars on the Google Play store across over 2,600 reviews and 4.8 out of five stars from over 22,000 reviews on the Apple app store. 

Coverage Options Offered by Allianz

Allianz travel insurance offers different policies, grouped under two types: single trips and annual multi-trip insurance .

The company's travel insurance policies can include the following coverage types:

• Trip interruption coverage , which can help recoup costs if you leave a trip early.
• Travel delay , which can cover some costs if you need additional accommodations due to a delay in travel.
• Emergency medical transportation , which covers transportation to a hospital for eligible illnesses and injuries.
• Emergency medical expenses in case of a dental or medical emergency.
• Baggage delay , which can cover some costs if you need to purchase required items due to your bags being delayed by a certain period of time. Must have receipts for this.
• Baggage loss or damage , which can help recoup some costs if your bag is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Epidemic coverage endorsement, which can help recoup costs if you must cancel a nonrefundable trip due to an epidemic. It's important to note that there may be limitations and this isn't an option everywhere.
• Travel accident coverage , which can cover costs related to an injury that results in loss of vision, your hands or feet, as well as loss of life.
• Support via a 24-hour hotline

Single-Trip Plans

The general budget option is OneTrip Basic, which can offer various protections should something happen, if you file a claim for a qualified reason.

One step up is the OneTrip Prime policy, one of the most popular plans Allianz offers. It has higher coverage limits than the Basic plan, along with some additional perks.

A more complete option is OneTrip Premier, which includes more comprehensive protections should you need them. This policy is for more extensive, longer trips and includes extras like SmartBenefits—which up to $100 per day for a covered travel or baggage delay with no receipts necessary, only proof of delay—and sports equipment loss coverage.

The coverage limits available vary by plan. Here's an overview of what each policy covers:

Other OneTrip Premier benefits not mentioned in the table above include:

• Sports Traveler, reimbursement up to $1,000 in the event of a missed sports event for a qualified reason
• Sports Equipment Loss, reimbursement up to $1,000 to cover damaged or lost sports equipment
• Sports Equipment Rental, reimbursement up to $1,000 for the cost to rent sports equipment if your equipment is damaged or lost
• Vehicle return, up to $750 reimbursement to return your vehicle to your home if you can't drive it for a qualified reason
• Adventure and sports exclusions changes, which allows you to waive some losses in the event you participate in high-risk activities like free diving at 30 ft, scuba diving at 100 ft, caving, and more

There are two additional single-trip plans from Allianz that offer more specialized coverage: One Trip Emergency and OneTrip Cancellation Plus.

OneTrip Emergency Medical

OneTrip Emergency Medical is a budget option that exclusively offers post-departure benefits to cover you while you're on your trip. As such, the plan doesn't include pre-departure benefits such as trip cancellation or interruption.

• Travel delay, up to $200 per day per person for a maximum of $1000 for delays of six hours and beyond
• Travel accident coverage, up to $10,000
• Emergency medical transportation, up to $250,000
• Emergency medical expenses, up to $50,000 though dental emergencies have a maximum of $750
• Baggage delay, up to $750 with a delay of 12 hours or more
• Baggage loss or damage, up to $2000
• Epidemic coverage endorsement
• Concierge services included

OneTrip Cancellation Plus

The OneTrip Cancellation Plus policy by Allianz is its economical back-to-basics option that can recoup costs in the event of a travel delay, interruption, or cancellation for a qualified reason. This policy includes:

• Travel interruption coverage, up to $5,000
• Trip cancellation coverage, up to $5,000
• Travel delay, up to $150 with delays of six hours and beyond

Multi-Trip Plans

The aforementioned policies are for single trips, but with Allianz travel insurance it's possible to get an annual/multi-trip policy.

The starter annual plan is the AllTrips Basic policy which includes the most basic coverage, and it excludes both trip interruption and trip cancellation coverage.

The AllTrips Prime policy is geared toward travelers who take a minimum of three trips each year and comes with additional coverage compared to the basic plan.

Another annual plan is the AllTrips Premier policy, which is geared toward frequent travelers and includes higher coverage limits and choices.

AllTrips Executive

Additionally, there's the AllTrips Executive policy, which may be a good fit if you're a frequent business traveler. Under this plan, personal travel is also covered. This policy includes:

• Trip interruption coverage, up to $5,000, $7,500, or $10,000
• Trip cancellation coverage, up to $5,000, $7,500 or $10,000
• Travel delay, with a daily limit of $200 up to $1,600 for delays of six hours and beyond
• Travel accident coverage, up to $50,000
• Baggage delay, up to $1,000 with a delay of 12 hours or more
• Baggage loss or damage, up to $1,000
• Rental car damage and theft coverage, up to $45,000
• Business equipment coverage, up to $1,000 in the event your business equipment gets lost or damaged
• Business equipment rental coverage, up to $1,000 in the event you need to rent business equipment due to loss, damage, or theft
• Change fee coverage, up to $500 to recoup costs of changing a ticket for a qualified reason
• Loyalty program redeposit fee coverage, up to $500 to recover fees lost due to getting loyalty points back after a canceled trip
• Pre-existing condition coverage available when purchased within 15 days of first trip deposit

Additional Coverage Offered by Allianz

Aside from the travel insurance policies from Allianz listed above that help travelers prepare for interruptions and cancellations, there are additional add-ons that can cover more.

OneTrip Rental Car Protector

If you're looking for rental car coverage, Allianz offers the OneTrip Rental Car Protector policy for $11 per day. This policy includes:

• Trip interruption coverage, up to $1,000
• Collision damage waiver, up to $50,000 which helps cover costs in the event your rental car is damaged in an accident or stolen

On top of the rental car coverage plan, with the OneTrip Prime plan, there's an optional upgrade to get Required to Work coverage. If there is a work-related emergency and you need to cancel for a qualified reason, this coverage can help recover expenses.

Cancel For Any Reason

An optional upgrade for OneTrip Prime and OneTrip Premier, Allianz cancel for any reason policy covers 80% of nonrefundable costs when canceling a trip for any reason. Allianz stands out compared to the best CFAR travel insurance as most policies only offer 75% coverage. 

What's Not Included with Allianz Travel Insurance?

Allianz travel insurance covers the basics and more and has some high-risk activity exclusions in the OneTrip Premier plan. Aside from that, Allianz travel insurance excludes the following:

• Acts of violence, such as war, terrorism, and civil unrest
• Risky adventure sports
• Unexpected natural disasters (OneTrip Premier allows cancellation due to hurricane warnings)
• Any travel alerts or government regulations and more

If you're interested in coverage for activities like scuba diving, skiing, and more, consider World Nomads, which covers more than 200 activities.

Allianz Travel Insurance Cost

Allianz single trip travel insurance estimates.

How much travel insurance costs with Allianz will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of policy you purchase. To get a quote with Allianz, you'll need to provide the following:

• Your destination
• Travel dates
• The state you live in
• The total cost of the trip

As of 2024, a 23-year-old from Illinois taking a week-long, $3,000 budget trip to Italy would have the following Allianz travel insurance quotes:

• $102 for OneTrip Basic
• $151 for OneTrip Prime
• $184 for OneTrip Premier

A 30-year-old traveler from California is heading to Japan for two weeks, costing $4,000. The Allianz travel insurance quotes are:

• $153 for OneTrip Basic
• $195 for OneTrip Prime
• $270 for OneTrip Premier

A couple of 65-years of age looking to escape New York for Mexico for two weeks with a trip cost of $6,000 would have the following Allianz travel insurance quotes:

• $298 for OneTrip Basic (total for two travelers)
• $400 for OneTrip Prime (total for two travelers)
• $540 for OneTrip Premier (total for two travelers)

Allianz travel insurance premiums generally stack up favorably against the average cost of travel insurance  which is $248 per trip, but again, the specifics of your trip will largely determine how much you'll pay to insure it.

Allianz Annual Multi-Trip Estimates

To receive a quote on Allianz annual plans, you don't need nearly as much information. You just need the following:

• Insurance start date
• Your state of residence

A 30-year-old New York resident looking for travel insurance will pay the following prices for annual travel insurance with Allianz:

• Allianz Basic: $125
• Allianz Premier: $249
• Allianz Executive: $459

A 60-year-old couple from Texas will pay the following: 

• Allianz Basic: $63 per traveler, $126 total
• Allianz Premier: $217.50 per traveler, $435 total
• Allianz Executive: $485 per traveler, $970 total

Filing A Claim with Allianz Travel Insurance

If you purchase a travel insurance policy through Allianz and experience a qualifying event, you can file a claim on the company's website or via its TravelSmart app.

To file a claim with Allianz, you'll need to submit information on their website or app about the type of claim and provide supporting documentation, as well as payment information to get reimbursed. You'll need to select the plan and include your email or policy number as well as your departure date.

If you need assistance when filing a claim with Allianz, you can reach the company at 1-866-884-3556. To reach out to Allianz online, you can submit your request via its contact form.

The Allianz mailing address is:

Allianz Global Assistance

P.O. Box 71533

Richmond, VA 23255-1533

See how Allianz stacks up against the competition. 

Allianz Travel Insurance vs. AXA Travel Insurance

Competitor AXA travel insurance covers 75% of your nonrefundable costs if you choose to cancel, for any reason (as the name suggests) if you choose that as an upgrade and buy it two weeks before your first trip deposit. Allianz's CFAR policy covers 80% of nonrefundable costs.

That said, if we look at the travel insurance quotes based on a 30-year-old traveler from California going to Japan in the first two weeks of October paying a total of $4,000 for the trip, AXA travel insurance is more affordable. It's $97 for its Silver plan, which covers 100% trip cancellation and interruption. Compare this to $153 for the OneTrip Basic Plan through Allianz.

Read our AXA travel insurance review here.

Allianz Travel Insurance  vs. HTH Travel Insurance

Allianz is a good travel insurance option if you're looking for a variety of customized choices. Another competitor, HTH Worldwide Travel Insurance , has three trip protection options.

TripProtector Economy is HTH's budget option and may be a good fit if you're looking for higher medical coverage limits. This policy covers up to $75,000 in accident and sick benefits and $500 in dental benefits.

Plus, the policy covers up to $500,000 for an emergency evacuation. The OneTrip Basic policy from Allianz covers the same dental benefits but offers just $10,000 in medical expenses.

Read our HTH travel insurance review here.

Allianz vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance

A travel insurance policy can offer robust protections, but if you're looking for something basic for trip interruption or cancellation and rental car coverage, check your travel rewards credit card. If you experience illness, weather, or cancellations that affect your trip, you may be able to recoup costs.

Credit card travel insurance coverage may be a good fit for short trips where you don't have a ton of upfront prepaid costs. However, if you're going to be away for a while, have many prepaid expenses, and are concerned about medical coverage, traditional travel insurance may be your best bet.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Allianz Travel Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Allianz is a reputable and well-established travel insurance provider. The company offers various travel insurance policies for individual trips as well as annual plans. Coverage options may include trip interruption, trip cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and more. The company has mixed reviews from consumers but has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Nearly all travel insurance policies offered by Allianz cover COVID-19, aside from the OneTrip Rental Car Protector Plan. Through the Allianz Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, policyholders receive additional protections if they need to cancel a trip due to COVID. Unfortunately, while it's available in most plans it's not available in all jurisdictions, so be sure to read the fine print.

While the best plan is one best suited to your needs, Allianz's OneTrip Premier is the most robust policy, with high cancellation and interruption coverage. Additionally, kids 17 and under are included in coverage. This policy also includes unique benefits for athletes and adventurers thanks to sports equipment coverage.

If you need to file a claim, Allianz may require proof of incident in order to receive benefits. In cases of medical issues, you may need to provide a medical receipt or document. In other cases, you may need to provide other documentation for trip cancellation or trip interruption such as a death certificate, police report, or employment letter.

Allianz doesn't cover missed flights exactly but can help cover costs due to trip delays depending on your policy. So if you missed a connecting flight, you may be able to receive funds to recoup costs related to accommodations and transportation.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Allianz Travel Insurance

As part of this Allianz travel insurance review, we looked at the best travel insurance companies in the space. We reviewed the variety of options offered, coverage limits, benefits, add-ons, flexibility, protocols, claims process, and affordability.

Allianz succeeds in offering many different policies aimed at everyday travelers, business travelers, and athletes. To find the best travel insurance option for you, check out several companies, review the benefits, and compare quotes.

Read more about our travel insurance ratings methodology here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Suggested companies

G adventures, exodus adventure travels.

Intrepid Travel   Reviews

In the Tour Operator category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.4.

1,980 total

Most recent

A Dream Trip to Egypt

Intrepid's 8-day Egypt itinerary was jam-packed but balanced by fun evenings and travels that kept it fun and exciting. Our excellent local guide Mo was with us throughout the trip. Sharing a wealth of knowledge in the most perfect manner and the friend/fixer you need while traveling. This excellent trip etched in my mind! I SAW King Tut! and the pyramids, floated on the Nile...

Date of experience : February 28, 2023

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Hello Kelly!! Thank you so much for taking your time to share your feedback with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had a excellent experience in Egypt, and that our tour offered you the most balanced adventure and the best tour leader, Mo! We are looking forward to having you join another Intrepid tour soon!

Well Organized Company

Everything associated with Intrepid ran smoothly from the internet booking to the actual trip. Our guide was excellent, knowledgeable and personable. The trip was well planned. The vans were air conditioned and in excellent shape. Everything was well organized. I would highly recommend Intrepid to anyone looking for a small group tour.

Date of experience : February 26, 2023

Hello and thank you for such a wonderful review! We are glad to hear that everything was off to a great start and continued that way! We appreciate your feedback and recommendations to others. We hope that you will take another tour with us in the near future.

Sacred Land of the Incas Tour

Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for years. Intrepid's Sacred Land on the Incas Tour was fantastic, however, one should not under estimate the fitness level required to do the 3 night 4 day trek along the Inca Trail. Taking the train is the easier option, but you won't get the views from the Sun Gate. In addition to Machu Picchu, you'll visit the Peruvian rainforest & indigenous communities of the Uros Islands & Taquile, Lake Titicaca. An experience of a lifetime with great guides - Giscard, Roldan, Klebert & Junior were friendly, always helpful & very knowledgeable.

Date of experience : April 20, 2023

Hello, and thank you for the wonderful review. We appreciate you taking the time to do so. We are very happy that you got to explore Machu Picchu and the beautiful surrounding areas. We are also happy to hear that the guides added their knowledge and expertise to this tour. We do hope to see you again in the near future!

Excellent trip

Excellent trip, well planned with an outstanding local guide.

Date of experience : March 22, 2023

Hi Tim - Thank you so much for taking your time to share your feedback with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had an excellent trip and an outstanding local guide. We do hope it won’t be long before you travel with Intrepid again.

Annapurna circuit

I've done alot of tours, but this is up there. All the guys where amazing!!! I can't speak highly enough of them all. Well done, intrepid on an amazing experience and memories

Date of experience : March 07, 2023

Hi Diane. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. We are delighted to learn that your experience was so amazing. We will certainly share your feedback with our team in Nepal and hope to welcome you on another of our adventure soon.

Bucket list trip and fantastic support from intrepid

Was a nervous wait and concerns over local unrest before the trip but intrepid were wonderful with keeping us up with all the latest developments. Once we got there the intrepid service was fantastic and we felt totally safe. Enjoyed our knowledgeable guides everywhere we went. Usually trips of this kind there is something that you just have to accept as not great, but that never happened once on this trip. Absolutely magic. Thanks intrepid!!!!

Date of experience : March 12, 2023

Hi Marie – Thank you so much for sharing your feedback and providing such an amazing review. It is great to know that having been nervous to travel, we were able to keep updated with local developments about your destination, the service was fantastic and you felt safe throughout your trip. At Intrepid we are committed to ensure that our trips are safe for everyone involved and strive to provide the best travel experiences that we can, so its lovely to know that you had a magical experience that exceeded your expectations. We hope to welcome you back on another of our adventures soon. Comment

Iceland with intrepid was exceptional

Iceland with intrepid was exceptional, our guide Stefan, the magical sites and the northern lights all meshed together for the experience you dream of. Our small group were spoiled for 6 days on the “ Northern lights experience “ tour... The local guide with knowledge of the history and science plus the small wonderful group completed a unique experience. Note: Iceland is expensive, but the guide will assist with locating cheaper supplies.

Date of experience : March 13, 2023

Hi Mick - Thank you so much for leaving us a wonderful review! We're very happy to hear that you had such an amazing time on your tour and that your tour leader Stefan and your time spent in Iceland gave such an exceptional and unique experience. We hope to see you on another Intrepid trip soon.

Premium Sri Lanka In Depth…

Our Intrepid Premium Sri Lanka In Depth tour was incredible. Our guide and driver were amazing and everthing was just perfect. The accommodation was excellent and we really loved the whole Intrepid philosophy of thinking about the planet in everything we did. We really felt that we saw the best of Sri Lanka on this trip. Would highly recommend it to people of all ages.

Date of experience : February 19, 2023

Hi Jackie – Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. It is fantastic to learn that you had a excellent experience with us. that you appreciated our travel style and values and the tour offered the best of Sri Lanka. It's great to know how much you enjoyed your experience and we thank you for the recommendation of this trip to people of all ages. We hope it wont be long before we can welcome you on another of our adventures. Comment

My Tour Guide made the trip Extraordinary!

My Tour Guide hands down. Eslam was amazing! He made up for any challenges we faced. Very well organized and executed. My only suggestion is that there are not such long days or at least that members of the tour can opt out of later evening events (past 8:00pm) if they wish.

Date of experience : March 19, 2023

Hi Ana – Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're very happy to hear that Eslam, was an amazing tour leader who gave an extraordinary experience. Egypt is an amazing country with so many wonderful things to see and do, so our itineraries are quite full., but we have noted your suggestion around long days and we have shared your feedback with Eslam and our local team. We hope to see you on another Intrepid trip soon.

First time Inteprid and would go again

This was my first trip with Inteprid and I would definitely book again. There was a miscommunication about picking me up from the airport but other than that it went well. Our tour leader, Stephanie Kam was excellent. I saw all the wildlife I wanted to and more. The itinerary was just right and 10 days was a good amount of time in Borneo. Loved every minute.

Date of experience : March 18, 2023

Hi Clare, thank you for leaving a review. We're happy to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary through Borneo and were able to experience all of the wonderful wildlife. Thank you for highlighting what an excellent tour leader Stephanie was, we will be sure to pass on the kind feedback. We apologise for the complication regarding your arrival transfer, and hope this didn't impact your overall experience. Hoping to welcome you onto your second Intrepid trip soon!

Visiting mainland Greece in low season…

Visiting mainland Greece in low season with Intrepid was after all a good decision: very few tourists, no line ups, and a lot to see. My worries vanished when we met our group leader Mia, she went above and beyond to give us a real taste of Greece, local connections and a friendly and relaxed manner during our tour. Lucky for us the weather was dry and cool, with some snow on the mountains heading to Thessaloniki.Great greek food and music kept us warm and energized.Without the heat of the summer this was a perfect adventure. Meteora was my favorite experience with such a spectacular setting and hiking possibilities. Athens was a fun surprise, full of life day and night and diverse neighbourhoods, so close to the tourist center and still so authentically greek. Bravo Mia for your positive energy and good humour! And of course thanks again INTREPID for all the fantastic experiences you have given us through many years of travels with you. Simon and Antonio (Canada)

Date of experience : February 11, 2023

Simon and Antonio, thank you for your review! We loved reading your recount of your wonderful adventure through Greece. It sounds like you were truly able to experience the fascinating locations and sites that the country has to offer. Thank you for also highlighting Mia's positive energy and good humour. Our leaders are true assets to Intrepid, and we are glad to hear that Mia made your experience that extra bit special. We hope to welcome you on another Intrepid adventure soon.

The tour guides were not only…

The tour guides were not only exceptional, they really cared treated us like friends. I love that intrepid uses local family owned businesses whenever possible

Date of experience : March 10, 2023

Hi Cathy! Thank you so much for taking your time to share your comments with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had a wonderful experience with us, and that our tour offered you the most authentic adventure and an exceptional tour leader. We are looking forward to having you join another Intrepid tour soon!

Egyptian Travel and Fun

What an amazing experience. Mohammed our guide took us on a breathtaking and historical journey around Egypt. His knowledge created a deeper understanding of the places, history and peoples of Egypt. The tombs, the temples, the streets and the markets were magnificent. I especially loved the personal time with a Nubian family for dinner, an Egyptian family for lunch and a calm and glorious ride down the Nile. The tour was organized, on time and I loved the fact that I didn’t have to worry about hotels or transportation to any area we visited. We were greeted and helped through the Cairo airport by an Intrepid worker and were taxied to and from the airport. No worries and no headaches.I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend the trip to all.

Date of experience : March 24, 2023

Hi Jacqui! It is fantastic to read your review. Thank you so much for taking your time to share your feedback. It makes us happy to learn that you had a amazing experience with us, and that our tour offered you the most organized adventure and the best tour leader, Mohammed. We are looking forward to having you join another Intrepid tour soon!

Ecuador Amazon Short Break

Intrepid does an excellent job in giving its clients interesting and flexible experiences.

Date of experience : March 14, 2023

Hello Dennis, thank you very much for leaving us a wonderful review. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed our tour. We strive to give our travelers the most authentic experiences. We hope that you will join us again soon on another tour!

Great Journey!

For me, travel is about getting to know a place, and it’s people. The “Bangkok to Singapore” trip with Intrepid Travel provides this experience excellently. It’s not luxurious or restful but by using local guides and traveling in a small group (12 person max), we got an “insiders” view of the places we visited. If you want to be pampered, this might not be the best option but for me, it was great!

Date of experience : March 05, 2023

Hi Christopher! Thank you so much for taking your time to share your comments and feedback with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had a excellent experience with us, and that our tour offered you the most authentic experience full of interactions with locals. We are looking forward to having you join another Intrepid tour soon!

Really good organised tour

Really good organised tour, great value for money, expert guides with great knowledge cant wait to book the next trip and will be booking a few more

Hello Sue. Thanks for leaving us a wonderful review! We're so glad that every aspect of the tour was amazing! We hope to welcome you on another Intrepid trip soon!

Everyone should go to Morocco

We really liked the trip, it covers a lot of ground in 15 days. The tour guide was excellent, and we enjoyed our travel companions. We really liked eating meals with local families or having just having tea in their houses. The food in Morocco is not spicy and there's not a lot of variety. This would be a five star tour but we didn't like the shared accommodations in the desert (or no running water in the bathroom). Also the bus ride multiple days through the mountains made me car sick. Expect long days in the minibus on winding roads through the mountains.

Hello Lou! Thank you so much for taking your time to share your comments and feedback with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had a excellent experience in Morocco, and that our tour offered you the most authentic adventure full of delicious food and local interactions. We appreciate the constructive comments and will make sure to share it with our local team. We are looking forward to having you join another Intrepid tour soon!

On my Indian Getaway tour

On my Indian Getaway tour, Intrepid delivered on every promise. I never could have had the same experience on my own. I will be forever grateful to Intrepid and our guide, Mridula Jamwal, for making it the trip of my lifetime.

Hi Thomas. Thank you so much for leaving us a wonderful review! We're very happy to hear that you had such an amazing time on your tour and that your tour leader Mridula made this a very memorable experience for you. We hope to see you on another Intrepid trip soon! :)

I loved the trip and our tour guide was wonderful. The tour consisted of 6 travellers which was awesome. The highlight for me was sleeping under the stars in the Thar Desert. Beautiful cities and lots of history. India can be a huge culture shock so read up about your destinations. I did not like all the hotels. Found the hotel in Pushkar grubby. The local transport was ok except for the local bus and the fact that they changed the private transport on one leg to public. After a lot of fighting and a minor rebellion our guide managed to get it changed back to private transport. This tour is not for the faint hearted. If you like your luxury, rather take the upgraded tour. With all the food you have to buy it would probably work out the same.

Date of experience : February 14, 2023

Hello Irene. Thank you for leaving us a review. We are thrilled to hear that you have a wonderful memory of sleeping under the stars in the desert! Although we are happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour overall, we are disappointed that the accommodation and transportation didn't exceed your expectations. You are correct, this is a Basix style tour therefore next category up would be our original style which would include higher class of accommodation and transportation. Thanks again for your feedback Irene and we hope to see you again in the near future!

Hiking in Jordan, Petra & Wadi Rum

Amazing country and trip was really well organised by Intrepid travel. The hiking was a great was to experience Jordan and it all exceeded my expectations. First time booking with Intrepid and I would definitely book with them again.

Hi Julie! Thank you so much for taking your time to share your comments and feedback with us. It is fantastic to learn that you had a wonderful experience hiking with Intrepid, and that our tour offered you the most organized adventure. We are looking forward to having you join another Intrepid tour soon!