On your trip
This information can be found in the Joining Point instructions section of your Essential Trip Information.
Absolutely. If there are included or optional activities that you don’t wish to participate in, chat with your local leader, and they can help you find alternatives.
Please note that if you choose to opt out of an included activity, you will not be reimbursed.
Intrepid offers treks ranging from relatively easy to difficult. The easiest way to determine if a trek is right for you is to check the trip's ‘physical rating’ at the top of the trip’s overview page.
The beauty of traveling with Intrepid is that we encourage travelers to explore at their own pace. When you get to a destination, your leader will offer options on what you can do. Some of the group will do one activity, others will opt for something completely different, while others may just choose to lie in a hammock and read a book. Your Essential Trip Information has more details on what your trip’s itinerary and timeframes permit.
If you know in advance that you will be arriving late, please contact us. We will notify your leader, who will leave instructions with the hotel reception as to where to meet your group that night or the following morning.
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. If this happens, we will provide you with the most up-to-date information as to where your group will be and at approximately what time.
If you are late due to unforeseen circumstances or flight delays, please call the emergency contact number located in the Essential Trip Information. Intrepid cannot reimburse you for any portion of the trip unused, but this can often be claimed on your travel insurance.
We use a wide range of camping sites around the globe. Some campsites have all the creature comforts, while others, like bush campsites on the plains of the Serengeti, have limited facilities (though their amazing vistas make up for this).
Most camps will have basic facilities at a minimum. Your Essential Trip Information will give you a clear indication of what to expect on your decided trip.
Some trips have access to western toilets while others don't – it just depends on the areas you’re traveling in. As a general rule, the more remote the place, the less likely you are to find western bathroom facilities and squat or drop toilets will be more commonplace.
Along the way there are usually chances to do laundry, either through your hotel or using local services. Your leader will be able to let you know once you are on the trip.
We are only able to provide information on your joining and finish point accommodation, the details of which are listed in your Essential Trip Information.
As Intrepid likes to support numerous local businesses, we often have a few places in each city that we can alternate our groups between. For this reason, we can’t give you a full list before you travel. At the welcome meeting on Day 1, your leader may be able to provide you with this so you can email friends and family back home with the details.
The standard of accommodation depends on the Trip Style you have chosen. Learn more about trip styles.
We want our travelers to be as comfortable as possible, so when you are headed to a hot climate, you will likely have a fan or air conditioning. Of course, if you are staying in remote areas or at homestays, you will need to expect the facilities to be a little more basic.
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 like the Serengeti or the Sahara, or on treks or homestays, you may 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 WhatsApp or email to your friends and family.
Phone cards are easy to obtain; just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel.
If family and friends are unable to contact you in an emergency through email or phone, they can contact Intrepid directly. Emergency contact details (for your destination) are listed in your Essential Trip Information, or they can contact one of our Global Sales offices, who can pass on a message.
We can never guarantee your phone will work as desired, as many of our destinations can be remote, and you may have limited coverage.
Chat with 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 traveling in.
Alternatively, you can usually pick up a local SIM card when you arrive or use an eSIM.
Some places have wi-fi hot spots everywhere, and other places will have no coverage at all. If you stumble into the latter, take the rare chance to just sit back and get to know your fellow travelers the old-fashioned way.
You can recharge your phones, tablets and other electronics at the hotel in most places. We recommend you bring a travel adapter. On our overland trips, most vehicles have their own power supply, and you should be able to recharge onboard.
Since we do travel to some pretty epic destinations, an extra camera battery is always a good idea.
If it moves there’s a good chance you’ll be riding on it. The type of transport used depends on your trip style. Find out more about trip styles or see your Essential Trip Information for the specific type of transportation used on your journey.
In most places, tipping is expected. At your welcome meeting, ask your leader about the local customs and advice on how much is recommended at restaurants or with local guides.
If you're happy with the service you received at the end of your trip, though not compulsory, tipping your leader is always appreciated.
While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations.