From pink heritage mansions and floating raft resorts to traditional sailboats and beachfront lodges, these cool accommodation options will hit Intrepid itineraries in 2025.
Spend a night under the stars in Cape York (the largest wilderness area in northern Australia), fall asleep to the sound of the sea in Olympic National Park in the USA and live like a local on a South African homestay.
Wherever you go, Intrepid has you covered for fun places to stay and epic stories to bring home – so kick your travel off the beaten path this year and find somewhere new to find yourself.
1. Fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean in Olympic National Park, USA
Take a scenic, nature-focused road trip from San Francisco to Seattle and spend a night on Kalaloch Beach in the Pacific Northwest – newly added for 2025. This lodge sits right on the sand, where giant trees wash up on the shore, scattering driftwood along the coastline. From your beachside base you can watch the sunset, visit the Tree of Life (aka Tree Root Cave) and tuck into your included group dinner with the sounds of the ocean as a backing track.
2. Get to know the locals at a heritage homestay in Rajasthan, India
Revamped for 2025, Real Rajasthan serves up expansive desert views, ancient wonders and a unique homestay that will connect you with the locals. On this 18 to 35s adventure, watch the landscape transition from sand dunes to the lakes of Udaipur until you reach your homestay in Khinwara – a candyfloss pink heritage mansion. You’ll have free time to settle in, relax and chat with your friendly hosts before visiting a nearby farm for chai, cookies and an insight into local life.
3. Spend two nights in a floating resort in Thailand
On an upgraded Thailand Family Holiday you’ll spend two nights at Kanchanaburi’s Boutique Raft Resort. These floating rooms sit right on the river and are the perfect base from which to explore Erawan National Park. See the cascades of Erawan Falls – the seven-level waterfall with turquoise pools full of tropical fish – take a dip, then return to the resort, where you and the kids can hit up the swimming pool or take a raft down the River Khwae.
4. Relax in the heart of Franschhoek Valley, South Africa
On the all-new Premium Cape Town and Garden Route, take in gorgeous landscapes, indulge in local food and wine and spend two nights at a Feature Stay in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa sits among mountains and leafy vineyards in the small town of Franschhoek. Wander the grounds, chill by the pool or go winery-hopping (the local tram stops at all the good spots). On your first night, feast on a six-course dinner with wine pairings from boutique farms at the on-site Sauvage Restaurant.
5. Pitch a tent on one of Australia’s most remote beaches
Few travellers make it to the tippity top of Australia’s mainland – but the new Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer trip can take you there. Journey to ‘The Tip’ – one of Australia’s most remote and unique locations – and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture while exploring rainforest and savanna woodlands. You’ll spend a night on Chilli Beach within Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park – just one of many epic camping spots on this trip.
6. Venture into Greenland’s seldom-visited territory
Wild landscapes await on the new Greenland Expedition, one of the only trips in this region where you travel overland, rather than by cruise ship. The remote Disko Mountain Lodge will be your haven during a two-day hike on Disko Island. The challenging but rewarding hike takes you through volcanic mountains to your bright blue cabin on Lyngmark Mountain. Surreal and remote, the lodge has unbeatable views over Disko Bay and you can spend your afternoon hiking on the glacier or exploring Blaesedalen (windy valley) and Apostle Mountain.
7. Camp in traditional yurts along the old Silk Route
Yearning for a new experience far off the tourist trail? Consider Central Asia’s Premium Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan trip. On this new trip you’ll visit Kyzyk Tuu village on Lake Issyk-Kul – one of the largest lakes in the world. Meet with a local craftsman who’s keeping the ancient tradition of yurt making alive. See how they’re made with no electrical tools, including the process of kiiz-making (the felt layers that cover the yurt). Spend a night under the stars at a camp where all the yurts were made by the craftsman you just met.
8. Live aboard a dhoni boat in the Maldives
Paradise is calling. You can now spend eight days snorkelling and swimming among colourful corals, white-sand beaches and mangroves on the new Sail Maldives trip. The best part – you’ll spend the whole thing aboard a dhoni (traditional motorised vessel). The sleek boat houses 12 passengers with a small crew of five, including your captain and onboard chef. After days in the sun looking out for dolphins, turtles, manta rays and nurse sharks, watch the sunset every night from the deck.
9. Take the kids on the overnight Santa Claus Express in Finland
A winter wonderland, the Northern Lights and the man in red (yes, we’re talking about Santa) – our brand-new Finland Family Holiday ticks everything off your Christmas list. On this six-day adventure through Finnish Lapland, you’ll spend a wintery night on the famous ‘Santa Claus Express’ – a comfortable, cosy overnight train that takes you to Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus. After settling in for the night and watching the sky from your cabin window (keeping your eyes peeled for the aurora), you’ll arrive just south of the Arctic Circle to meet Mr. Claus himself.
10. Stay at a winery in New Zealand’s South Island
See all the highlights (and lesser-known spots) of Aotearoa on the 18-day Premium New Zealand Encompassed trip. In the scenic South Island, you’ll spend time chilling in Wanaka and walking the streets of Arrowtown’s heritage town centre before making your way to the new-for-2025 Feature Stay accommodation at Kinross Winery in the Gibbston Valley. Hitting itineraries in May 2025, this working vineyard boasts hot tubs, mountain scenery and an excellent restaurant where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting followed by a three-course dinner of fresh, local produce.
11. Sail the Turkish Riviera on a traditional gulet
Find your sea legs on the new Sail Turkey: Fethiye to Bodrum trip (see Sail Turkey: Bodrum to Fethiye for the same itinerary in reverse). After days spent sightseeing, hiking and swimming, you’ll spend your evenings chilling out on a locally made Turkish gulet (wooden motor sailboat). Sleep on the deck under the stars or start your morning with a sunrise swim – what better way to see Turkey?
12. Slow down with a village homestay in South Africa
The rural village of Phiring sits near ancient wetlands in northern South Africa. On the South Africa Family Safari with Teenagers trip, you can immerse yourselves in village life during a new homestay experience where you’ll be hosted by a local family. Your stay here helps to provide local women and youth with economic independence and social empowerment. Try your hand at some traditional activities like floor-making, cooking and Ba-pedi dancing. There are also plenty of opportunities for scenic walks in the surrounding mountain area.
13. Sleep in a sub-tropical rainforest near Byron Bay
See the Real Australia on a new 18 to 35s trip that hits all the good stuff along the East Coast. After road-tripping, stand-up paddleboarding with a First Nations guide and hunting down the best cold brew, you’ll head to Lamington National Park for a night to remember. This park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, home to ancient trees, scenic walking tracks, waterfalls and Binna Burra Lodge, where you’ll spend the night. Right in the middle of the sub-tropical rainforest, this lodge is surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery, the sounds of wildlife and the fresh smells of nature.
14. Redefine ‘all-inclusive’ on Lake Sevan, Armenia
On the all-new Georgia & Armenia Explorer trip you’ll spend a night on Armenia’s Lake Sevan in a waterside lodge run by a local NGO. This organisation’s mission is to encourage inclusivity and accessibility for people living with disabilities, helping them to experience and enjoy nature. When you arrive, maybe take a kayak out onto the lake or simply enjoy the view.
Find out what else is new for 2025 with The Goods.
