Intrepid Travel Company: A Good Choice?

Intrepid Travel is a travel company that has been taking travellers around the globe since 1989. They offer more than 1000 immersive trips in over 100 countries on all seven continents. The company has four different travel styles for their tours: Basix, Original, Comfort, and Premium. These styles vary in terms of accommodation quality, transportation, and included activities and meals. Overall, reviews for Intrepid Travel are mixed, with some customers praising the company for their unique experiences and knowledgeable guides, while others have criticised them for issues with customer service, accommodation, and safety.

Is Intrepid a good option for solo travel?

Intrepid Travel is a group tour company that operates in over 100 countries, offering small group trips of about 12 to 14 people. It is a good option for solo travel, especially for those who want to avoid the hassle of planning logistics and would feel more comfortable travelling with a group, especially when visiting regions that are known to be challenging for solo travellers. The company offers various trip styles, including 'Basix', 'Original', and 'Premium', which differ in terms of accommodation type and level of included activities. This allows travellers to choose a trip that suits their preferences and budget.

Travelling with a group can enhance your experience by providing company and added safety, especially when visiting regions that are known to be challenging for solo travellers. However, it is important to consider that the success of a group tour depends not only on the guide but also on the dynamics and interests of the group members. Therefore, it is beneficial to read reviews of specific tours and guides before booking. Additionally, some travellers may find that the cost of Intrepid tours is higher than expected, especially for the premium options, and there may be more affordable alternatives available. Nevertheless, many solo travellers have shared positive experiences with Intrepid, praising the local guides, immersive cultural activities, and opportunities to connect with like-minded adventurers.

When considering whether Intrepid is a good option for solo travel, it is essential to weigh the benefits of group travel against your personal preferences and budget constraints. While some travellers appreciate the convenience and camaraderie of a group tour, others may prefer the independence and cost-effectiveness of solo travel. Ultimately, the decision to travel with Intrepid or embark on a solo journey depends on your individual needs and travel style.

What are the pros and cons of travelling with Intrepid?

Pros of travelling with Intrepid:

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the globe since 1989, and has more than 1000 immersive trips in over 100 countries on all seven continents. They have locally-based leaders out front of every adventure and a wide range of family adventures around the globe. The minimum age for family trips varies depending on the destination, and Intrepid has set minimum ages to ensure that the included activities suit each age range. They also offer trips for solo travellers. Their trips are physically demanding, with ratings to let you know how physically demanding each trip is. They also offer flexible itineraries, allowing you to eat with the group or branch out on your own. They have four different “travel styles” for their tours: Basix, Original, Comfort, and Premium. They also offer exciting events for every age and interest level.

Cons of travelling with Intrepid:

Some customers have complained about the company's customer service, with reports of a lack of empathy and care, and an unwillingness to compensate for issues that arose during trips. Some travellers have also reported issues with accommodation, transport, and food. There have also been complaints about the company's cancellation and refund policies, with some customers reporting that they were not allowed to reschedule their trip after an earthquake in their destination country.

How does Intrepid handle customer complaints?

Intrepid Travel has a customer care team that handles customer complaints. Customers can reach out to the team via email at [email protected] or by calling 1300 854 500 or +61 3 8594 3903. The team is also available on social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook.

The customer care team usually responds to complaints within 24 hours. They may offer a refund, voucher, or other form of compensation, depending on the situation. In some cases, they may also escalate the issue to a customer care supervisor for further review.

It is recommended that customers provide as much detail as possible when submitting a complaint, including booking details, trip dates, and specific issues encountered. This helps the customer care team to better understand the situation and provide a more tailored response.

Intrepid Travel also has a feedback form on their website, where customers can provide feedback on their travel experience, including any complaints or issues they may have encountered. The form covers various aspects of the travel experience, such as transportation, accommodation, food, and the tour guide. Customers can also use this form to provide suggestions for improvement.

Overall, Intrepid Travel seems responsive to customer complaints and feedback, and they make an effort to address issues and provide resolutions. However, there have been some mixed reviews regarding the effectiveness of their handling of complaints, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction with the outcomes or lack of follow-through.

How does Intrepid categorise its trips?

Intrepid Travel offers four different trip styles, each with its own unique features and inclusions. These styles are:

Basix

The simplest and most cost-effective option, Basix trips use basic but comfortable accommodation and public transportation, with fewer inclusions to allow travellers more free time. Some Basix tours are specifically designed for the 18-29 age bracket.

Original

The classic Intrepid tour, Original trips use local 2-3 star accommodation and a mix of public and private transportation. They include a few more inclusions such as activities and meals, while still offering a good balance of free time.

Comfort

Intrepid's former highest level of tour, Comfort trips offer more comfortable 3-4 star accommodation and private transportation. The pace of these tours is usually more relaxed, with more inclusions such as activities and meals.

Premium

The newest and most luxurious option, Premium trips feature the best accommodation options, private transportation, and the most inclusions. Premium tours also include unique activities and accommodations, such as a "Feature Stay" in each destination.

Regardless of the trip style, all Intrepid tours focus on cultural immersion and local experiences, and are led by local guides.

How does Intrepid select its tour guides?

Intrepid Travel is a company that offers small group tours, independent adventures, and expeditions. They have a team of local leaders who act as guides and resources for local exploration. These leaders are trained and knowledgeable about the local area, and they accompany travellers throughout the trip. The company prioritises cultural immersion and local experiences, with accommodation and transportation that reflect the local culture.

Intrepid has a thorough selection process for their tour guides, who are chosen based on their expertise, leadership skills, and ability to foster cultural immersion. The company looks for individuals who are passionate about travel and dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for their guests. They seek individuals who are knowledgeable about the local culture, history, and attractions, ensuring that travellers receive accurate and insightful information during their trip. Additionally, guides are expected to possess strong leadership and communication skills, creating a safe and enjoyable environment for travellers.

The selection process typically involves a comprehensive application and interview process. Intrepid often looks for individuals with relevant qualifications, such as a degree in tourism, hospitality, or a related field. They may also prefer candidates with previous experience in the travel industry, particularly in guiding or customer service roles. During the interview process, candidates may be asked to demonstrate their knowledge of the local area and their ability to engage and interact with travellers.

Intrepid's selection process aims to identify individuals who embody the company's values and commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism. By choosing passionate and knowledgeable local guides, they ensure that travellers have an authentic and immersive experience while exploring new destinations.

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