Here at TourScoop, we’re fans of Intrepid Travel, a tour company that’s equally engaged in creating incredible experiences for travelers and working to make the world a better place. Intrepid’s mission to “create positive change through the joy of travel” shines through in its more than 900 itineraries that trend in the small-and-active tour direction. And for three straight years, we’ve recognized Intrepid as one of the best group travel operators in the world.
Intrepid’s small group travel tours come in a variety of styles and themes on tours to more than 120 countries around the globe. Itineraries feature a mix of well-known highlights, secret spots, and local culture, all visited in a responsible and insightful way.
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In 2018, Intrepid 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.
TourScoop takeaways
- Destinations: More than 900 small group tours offered in more than 120 countries on all seven continents
- Tour Size Average: Tours average about 10 people
- Tour Type: Small group fairly active guided tours
How to book with Intrepid Travel
Book a tour online through Intrepid‘s website, by phone at 800-970-7299, or through a 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 8,800 reviews.
Tour destinations
Intrepid tours span the globe, with more than 900 small group tour options on all seven continents. Some of its most popular tour destinations include Morocco, Vietnam, Peru, India, Egypt, Cambodia, and Australia.
New tours for 2025
Intrepid has 55 new itineraries for 2025, adding six new countries and more than 200 new experiences. Among the new itineraries are a 10-day Greenland expedition; a 15-day West Africa tour that includes Ghana, Benin, and Togo; a guided train journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway; and a six-day family Iceland tour; and a sailing trip in Turkiye from Fethiye to Bodrum on a Turkish Gulet boat.
Tour types
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. It lowers its carbon emissions on trips, for instance 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.
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.
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.
