If you’ve been thinking about booking a tour for your next trip, you might have come across Intrepid Travel, and I am here to provide an honest review based on my Intrepid tour.
Known for its small-group adventures, this company boasts about their local travel experiences.
My friend and I took an Intrepid trip last fall: the Turkey Backroads trip at the Basix level. While I cannot find the exact itinerary on Intrepid’s website right now, our trip started in Cappadocia, took us through Ankara, and Eskişehir, and ended in Istanbul.
Our tour was basically five days but we were connecting with a group that had already been on tour in Turkey together for over ten days. We were joining them at the end of their trip.
But should you take the plunge? Here’s my experience with Intrepid Travel, sharing both the good and the challenging, to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your next getaway.
Table of Contents
Should I go on a guided tour at all?
I am not, in general, a guided tour person. I did a guided tour once around China that was necessary at that time due to government restrictions. In the end, I was grateful for it as it also helped to navigate a country where road signs were unintelligible to me and the language was not something close to my native language.
But when my friend and I knew we had a limited amount of time we needed to maximize, as well as a fairly small budget we also needed to maximize, we opted for a tour.
Some other reasons why I would recommend tour packages instead of a DIY travel agenda:
- when culture and language are incredibly different and it helps to have assistance navigating it
- value of lodging and transportation combined into a package
- safety, particularly as a female solo traveler
- having someone else take the time to make all the decisions, inquiries, and bookings when you don’t have time
Picking the right tour (for pace, style, and itinerary) is important. There are countries where a guided tour isn’t necessary and likely more restrictive and costly than helpful (like Costa Rica, Portugal, Switzerland, Iceland, Ireland, and Canada). But in some places, it makes sense.
Of course, if you are overwhelmed by planning trips and enjoy the freedom of letting someone else do all the bookings and travel arrangements, tours are a great option, regardless of country.
Pros to an Intrepid Travel tour and trip
The Price: A Good Deal for What You Get
Let’s start with the biggest thing to consider when looking at tours —pricing. One of the things that impressed me about Intrepid was how affordable the tour was for the experiences we had. The cost covered everything from transportation in the country (travelers are responsible for their own airfare to arrive to and from the country of choice) to lodging, meaning we didn’t have to worry about any of the little details. It’s a great way to take the stress out of planning and get more bang for your buck. Of course, the lodging reflected the price. We were not put into luxury hotels because that’s not what we paid for. But everything was clean, in a great location, and, for the price, worth it. We probably would have spent more had we arranged all our own bookings.
Local Guides Are a Game-Changer
One of the standout features of the tour was having a local guide with us. There’s something special about being shown around by someone who truly knows the area—the hidden gems, the off-the-beaten-path spots, and the local customs. It added depth to our trip. A local guide can also provide insights that you won’t get from a guidebook or a general tour, making the whole experience more authentic.
All the Logistics Handled: Freedom to Enjoy the Journey
One of the best parts about going on a guided tour is the peace of mind that comes with having everything taken care of for you. You don’t need to think about where you’re staying, how to get from point A to point B, or what to do next. Intrepid’s tour handled all the logistics for us—transportation, lodging, and navigation—leaving us free to focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of each place we visited. It made the whole trip feel much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Small Groups = More Intimate Experience
Unlike larger, impersonal tours that crowd you onto a big bus, our Intrepid group was small, which made a big difference. We mostly used local trains and taxis to get around, which felt more immersive and less like we were being carted around like tourists. The smaller group meant we could move easily and have more personal interactions, both with our guide and fellow travelers. Plus, it’s always nice to feel like you’re not part of a herd!
The Itinerary: Just the Right Amount of Time
When you go on a tour, it’s essential to have a well-thought-out itinerary—and Intrepid nailed it. We felt like we had just the right amount of time in each location, and the pacing was spot on. There was no rushing through things or feeling like we were missing out. The guide seemed to know exactly how much we could fit into a day before we needed a break, and the schedule felt pretty chill without sacrificing must-see sights.
Perfect for Solo Travelers
If you’re a solo traveler, Intrepid is a fantastic option. I loved how the group was made up of people from all walks of life—different ages, couples, solo travelers, and nationalities. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people without the pressures of trying to coordinate with friends or family. You’re all in it together, which can make the experience even more rewarding.
Flexibility in Itineraries
Intrepid offers a variety of itineraries, so whether you’re traveling on a tight budget, seeking a longer adventure, or looking to explore a specific location, there’s something for everyone. Their flexibility is a big plus for anyone who wants options, so you’re sure to find a tour that fits your style.
Cons to an Intrepid Travel tour and trip
The Group Dynamic: Not Always Ideal
Not everyone is going to enjoy being “stuck” with the same group of people for the duration of the trip. I could see how it can feel a little limiting, especially if you are blindly assigned a roommate that you don’t enjoy. (Note that you can pay more for a single accommodation to avoid that possibility.) The same faces every day may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
A Bit More Guidance Would Have Been Nice
While we had a local guide, there wasn’t a ton of “guiding” involved in the way I had imagined. The guide was fantastic at facilitating and answering questions, but there wasn’t in-depth commentary or history at each stop. For us, that was fine as we booked separate guided excursions on our own, in our free time. But if you’re looking for more detailed insights or a more hands-on guided experience throughout your tour, you might want to know that in the event it’s a dealbreaker.
Not Always What You Would Plan Yourself
If you’re someone who likes to plan their own trip down to the tiniest detail, Intrepid might not offer the exact itinerary you’d put together. Our tour was thoughtfully organized, but it wasn’t necessarily the perfect fit for every personal preference. There were a few spots we wouldn’t have chosen ourselves, but overall, the itinerary was solid.
Extra Costs: They Can Add Up
One thing to note is that Intrepid charges extra for additional services, like airport transfers, extra nights at the tour hotel, or other special requests. While the base price is affordable, these extras can add up quickly, so it’s something to consider when budgeting for your trip.
The Verdict: Is Intrepid Travel Right for You?
If you’re looking for an easy, affordable, and immersive way to explore a new destination, Intrepid Travel is definitely worth considering. The local guides, small-group tours, and well-paced itineraries make for a fantastic experience. But if you’re a traveler who wants complete control over your schedule or if you’re someone who doesn’t love the idea of a fixed group, you might want to explore other options.
At the end of the day, Intrepid offers a great balance of convenience, adventure, and authentic experiences, making it a great choice for many types of travelers.
My friend and I certainly enjoyed our experience and the people we were traveling with. Our time in Turkey was joyful due in large part to the people we were with!
I’d go on an Intrepid trip again without hesitation.