Welcome

to the Intrepid way of travel.

Intrepid travellers enthusiastic and curious, with an insatiable thirst for unchartered territory. Utilising the freedom and flexibility that accompanies small group adventure tours, and tapping into the unparalleled local knowledge of their guide, they get up close to some of the worlds more unfamiliar quirks and customs. It's time to get ready for some grassrootsadventuring
We started Intrepid many years ago, with the innocent idea of taking people to far-away places and facilitating opportunities to get off the beaten track in ways not usually accessible to travellers. With knowledgeable leaders and small group sizes, we wanted to help people get below that top layer of a destination which tourists are usually limited to, and discover the real people, cultures and energies that give a place its essential flavour. Back then, the market was full of blink-and-youll-miss-it whistlestop tours. So by offering authentic experiences in small groups, we believed we could offer something more to a growing breed of increasingly curious travellers. By searching out real life experiences - from enjoying a homestay with a family in Peru to rounding up goats with the Maasai in Kenya we believed we offered travellers the chance to discover the world in a way that left long-lasting and rewarding memories.
Above: Admiring the view of Bako National Park, Sarawak, Borneo - Adam John Slater

As time travels on, weve continued to expand our horizons through the range and diversity of our trips. Last year we returned to Burma and introduced trips to the Philippines; this year we are stepping out for the first time on a much-anticipated adventure along the Kokoda Track. Whether you want to get your pulse racing on an active trip or simply need a good old-fashioned relaxing break from the daily grind, Intrepid will have something for you. And with regular departures on trips in over 100 countries, youre bound to find dates to match your holidays. Not only are we committed to giving you the best trip possible, we are committed to contributing to the delicate balance of local economies, cultures and the environment. As an international company with roots in many developing countries, we want to leverage our influence to make positive change around the world. Our new project SAMA is a three-year global gender equality project that aims to improve the lives of communities and help to bridge the gender gap through education, and is just one way that we are continually striving to make positive change in the world. I hope this brochure inspires you to seek out an adventure with us.

Geoff Manchester Intrepid MD & Co-founder

Peek into every doorway and explore the world with the curiosity of a child
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Above: Happy friends, Bengal, India - Sudip Roychoudhury

See, touch & taste

Real value
Most people would be lucky to take one trip a year - so where they spend their hard-earned holiday cash is hugely important. Thats why Intrepid remains - above all else committed to providing fantastic value for our travellers. As an Intrepid traveller, you'll get far more than just a greatpriced adventure; you'll be benefitting from our 23 years, experience running small group tours, a team of destination experts who craft each itinerary in meticulous detail and our ability to give travellers unparalleled local knowledge on the ground. So ditch the dog-eared guidebook and join us as we dine at hole-in-the-wall eateries, break bread with local families, wander through community markets and visit sites that don't appear on any tourist map. It's this cost-effective, authentic way to experience new horizons that sets us apart.

the real world.

Innovative & interactive itineraries

We could say 'every day is an adventure with Intrepid' - but that's a little clich. What we can tell you is that each trip has been carefully constructed so you'll enjoy stacks of new experiences. From weird and wonderful local delicacies to a range of unusual modes of transport and from sleeping in mountain monasteries to camping under the stars - we aim to give travellers genuine insights into the places they visit, with plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure along the way.

Its all in the journey

Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself. Thats why Intrepid adventures come with all manner of transport modes - from the slightly unusual to the downright bizarre! You could find yourself gliding on a longtail boat, riding on a rickshaw or striding across the desert atop a camel, depending on your location and tripstyle.

Small groups, real experiences

We believe great things come in small packages, especially when it comes to group travel. You'll notice in this brochure that each trip has a maximum group size; that's because for us, this close-knit policy works far better than just 'bums on seats'. Our groups are also small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way through each place, without intimidating the locals. We can pile into rickshaws, jump on a local bus or join a game of street football. It's simply the way we love totravel.

Guaranteed departures
Planning a trip takes a lot of energy, so you need to be 100% sure it's going to happen. Unlike other operators, we generally run trips on a maximum-number basis, not a minimum, which means we guarantee departures for most of our trips. So unless minimum numbers are specified, once you have booked and paid your deposit, it's time to pack your bags!

Freedom & flexibility

For some, the notion of group travel conjures up images of being herded from one tourist mecca to the next, with no opportunity to discover things for yourself. One of the best things about our tours is that they strike the balance between group activities and free time. You might spend the morning exploring ancient sites with a guide, before heading off under your own steam after lunch. Grab a bicycle, lose yourself in the marbled halls of a museum or pull up some grass in a shady park - whatever floats your boat. After all, it's yourholiday!

Responsible travel
Our role as an industry leader in sustainable travel is at the forefront of everything we do. Since opening our doors in 1989, we have been dedicated to a style of travel that is culturally, environmentally and socially responsible. As we've grown, this philosophy has been extended to all Intrepid businesses and activities. We believe this commitment allows our travellers to really interact with other cultures, while directly contributing to local economies and protecting theenvironment.

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Think globally, travel locally.

Intrepid around the world
Wherever your travels take you around the globe, weve got you covered. We believe that by having offices on the ground, were able to provide our travellers with the best possible travel experience. Youll have access to plenty of expert local knowledge and the security of knowing that were working hard behind the scenes to ensure your trip runs smoothly. From Lisbon in the west and Brasov in the east to Marrakech in thesouth, our team is passionate about the entire region and will make sure that your adventure is filled with real life experiences. They share a love of travelling the Intrepid way and strive to make sure each and every one of our travellers does too.

How was it?

All Intrepid travellers are asked to provide us with post-trip feedback, as it gives us valuable insights and, importantly, it keeps us honest! But naturally you'll want to learn what past travellers have said for yourself. To read unedited feedback, please check out our website: intrepidtravel.com

Get the full story

Visit our website and discover the ultimate hub for Intrepid travellers. Search for trips by place, theme, region, special deals and loads of other options. You can also read detailed articles about every destination we travel to, check out traveller feedback and enter competitions. And while you're there, remember to subscribe to the Intrepid Express newsletter to get the latest news and special offers delivered straight to your inbox.

Multiple trip discount

What's the best way to cure post-holiday blues? Book another trip! Book three trips or more for yourself in the same booking and receive a five per cent discount off the total. It just goes to show - a little planning goes a long way. Some exclusions apply, so please visit the multi trip page of our website to learn more.

Recognition
Intrepid was honoured at the 2012 Cond Nast World Savers Awards, winning the Environment category.

Price guarantee
Our trip prices are based on currency exchange rates as of September 2012. Fluctuations in exchange rates, taxes or local operator costs may result in surcharges being added to the trip price. However, once your trip is paid in full, we will not surcharge any booking for travel within the validity period of this brochure. So to lock in your trip price, we recommend you pay in full at your earliest convenience. 4
Above: Dragon scale pattern, Thailand - Stephane Bidouze

Local leader profiles

Maman Suryaman INDONESIA
Maman has been a leader at Intrepid for five years. His passion for his job and his country is evident in the incredible feedback he receives from the passengers onhis trips.

Leading the way

Our leaders are the biggest asset we have at Intrepid. With you from start to finish, they are experts of their region. They'll give you insights not printed in any guidebook and have you mingling with locals in a way you could rarely do alone. They will help you navigate the tapestry of laneways and backstreets - theyve even been known to take groups to their mum's house for dinner! Our leaders have been frequently nominated for Wanderlust World Guide Awards; Intrepid favourite Bruno Dawson won bronze in 2010 and gold in 2011! Keep an eye on our leader pages on the Intrepid website for current nominations and awards, and then head to the feedback section to hear what yourfellow travellers have to say about our amazingleaders.

Welcome to a land full of smiles and friendly people. Home to more than 17,500 islands, 1,600 tribes, 700languages and five major religions, Indonesia is packed with much diversity. And travelling on an Intrepid trip is a great way to experience it all as the locals do - with the transport we use and the places we stay, you will always be surrounded by our real way of life. So, happy travelling and see you soon in Indonesia.

- Maman Suryaman

Bruno Dawson Sri Lanka

Consistently wowing our passengers as a leader for more than seven years, Bruno is one of Intrepid's most-loved leaders. In 2011, he won gold in the Wanderlust World Guide Awards.

Intrepid Meet Up app

If you grab Intrepids free Meet Up app, youll be able to chat with your group members before your trip. You can share all of the anticipation and buzz without rubbing it in the faces of those poor folk youre leaving behind. You can find the app in the following three locations: 1. Intrepid Facebook fan page: facebook.com/intrepidtravel 2. FREE download from iTunes: Search for Intrepid Meet Up in your iTunes Store. To download iTunes visit apple.com/itunes 3. FREE download from Google Play: Search for Intrepid Meet Up in your Google Play Store. Todownload Google Play visit play.google.com/about Once youve downloaded it, simply choose your trip from the dropdown list and select the date your trip departs (or add your departure). Then you can get the ball rolling with a message for your fellow travellers. Visit intrepidtravel.com/meetup for moreinfo.

I have come across many local travel companies and their policies and philosophies are totally different from Intrepid. I always say that Intrepid are the cool as a cucumber travel company. Intrepid offers the best for our passengers. We make sure we protect the local cultures were privileged to experience, and that we show our clients the very best parts of any country we visit.

- Bruno Dawson

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Your style
BASIX
The best value journeys on the planet! On a Basix trip you can expect amazing experiences, minus inclusions you may not be interested in. It means budget (1-2 star) accommodation, lots of free time, optional activities and the freedom to choose meals to suit your budget. If camping, you may have to pitch your own tent. Youll also have a group leader to offer advice and help you discover hidden gems. On a Basix trip, the journey is part of the adventure. Depending on the destination and itinerary you could end up travelling on a bus, a safari vehicle or even a donkey. These trips are ideal for first-time travellers seeking fun and independence with the support of a group leader. Theyre also ideal for independent travellers wanting to make the most of their time with minimum hassle and maximum fun.

of travel.

Our travel styles share a common philosophy of getting out there and experiencing the real world. Take a moment to choose the style for you.
ORIGINAL
Original trips are classic Intrepid adventures. With a mix of included activities and free time, they offer plenty of opportunity to explore at your own pace and join in activities that really get beneath the skin of a destination. While the occasional meal may be included, youll have the freedom to seek out your own culinary adventures. Accommodation is generally budget or tourist class (2-3star), but you might also find yourself camping or as a guest of a local family. Transport will vary as well. Depending on the destination and the itinerary, you could find yourself travelling on anything from a camel to a train or a private safari vehicle. Its all part of the adventure! Original travellers have a desire to make the most of their travel time and really get to know a place, its people and cultures.

COMFORT
Comfort is your style of travel if you want the whole grassroots experience with more inclusions, meals and creature comforts. Whileaccommodation is predominantly tourist class (3-4star), on some itineraries there is the opportunity to stay with a local family, spend the night on a train or camp out under the stars in exotic places (without putting up your own tent of course). Along the way youll really get up close and personal to the places you visit. Youll mingle with locals, dine on traditional local cuisine and gain special insights from your group leader. Intrepid Comfort trips are not luxury travel but real world experiences - just with a softer landing. So if you're ready to see the world in a little more style, then a Comfort adventure might be exactly what you're looking for.

Each trip comes with a physical and cultural rating, pick one that's right for you.
PHYSICAL RATINGS
Youll find the physical rating next to each itinerary. Thisindicates how much physical activity is required of you on the trip from none at all (unless you feel like it) to 8+ hours a day of hiking or biking. It also tells you how fit you need to be to enjoy it. Physical ratings range from easy and relaxing; to only for the seriously fit who are ready for a full-on, active adventure. Choose a trip for inclusive activities that only require a moderate level of fitness.

CULTURAL RATINGS
Youll also find the cultural rating next to each itinerary. This gives you an idea of the degree of culture shock you can expect whether theres any familiar food, health considerations and how much youll need to adapt to local customs. Culture ratings range from little or no adjustment required; to expect a real culture shock. On a rated trip you can expect some unusual food and language barriers, but still access to home comforts.

Opposite: Hilltribe trek, Thailand - Sarah Burgess

Some of our journeys have a special interest or theme. Keep an eye out for them as youre searching for your perfect trip.
OVERLAND
Epic adventures through immense landscapes - Overland trips traverse some of the world's most remote and iconic routes. Travel in purpose-built vehicles and explore with a group of up to 24 people - your accommodation is dependant on the trip style. When camping, most meals are included and if there's a kitty, you might get to cook as well.

WALKING
Get ready to take in beautiful vistas, breathe fresh air and walk through some incredible terrain. Armed with route notes and maps, self-guided walks allow you to explore at your own pace and are perfect for those wanting more independence. Or, if you want to concentrate more on the scenery, join a small group and explore with new friends.

EXPLORER
Discover the best the world has to offer on trips packed with fun and diversity. Admire ancient worlds, explore modern cities, visit cultural icons and try incredible cuisines. Youll also mingle with locals, explore national parks and be awed by temples and ruins. The average group size is 12, local transport is used where possible and you will enjoy many real life experiences.

SHORT BREAK
The ideal add-on to a longer adventure - or a mini adventure in an amazing destination. With a duration of 2-5 days, these trips range from relaxing beach breaks to excursions with a local guide. You can choose between either an independent adventure or a group adventure.

WILDLIFE
Whether on safari or cruising along a river, get back to nature and seek out native wildlife. Ideal for twitchers seeking to spot species or budding photographers after the perfect shot - these trips are full of oppurtunities to meet some amazingcreatures.

CYCLING
Our cycling tours span jaunts through mango groves in Cuba to rides across the Roof of the World in Tibet. We cover one-day group rides and itineraries where youll be riding every day. We operate small group adventures that are led by experienced cycling leaders and areusually accompanied by a support vehicle, as well as self-guided itineraries.

MARINE
From cruising in the Galapagos, Andaman Sea or Greek Islands to exploring Antarctica on an icebreaker, enjoy boat-based adventures through oceans, rivers or seas. Eat, sleep and relax onboard, and disembark for day trips and excursions. The type of boat you travel on will depend on your group size.

FESTIVAL
This is an opportunity to celebrate or commemorate amazing moments alongside locals. Whether it's dancing all night long through city streets or witnessing a moving ceremony at dawn - you will experience it all first hand.

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Unravel the layers of another culture and be rewarded with a greater understanding of the world.

Above: Rice paddy, Zhongliu, China - Matthias Bill

Tread carefully,
leave nothing behind.
As a travel company with a large global network, Intrepid is committed to creating trips that provide travel adventures that are sustainable and beneficial to local communities, the environment and our travellers.
Our Responsible Business Commitment
Intrepid Travel has joined more than 6,900 socially and environmentally conscious companies worldwide in signing the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). By signing the UNGC pledge, Intrepid aims to tackle global sustainability issues such as human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption. We report on our progress in each of these areas every year in our Communications on Progress report.

Intrepid & Climate Change

Weve come a long way in our mission to reduce the Intrepid Travel footprint, and we officially became carbon neutral in 2010. As an Intrepid traveller, you can relax in the knowledge that the most carbon intensive components of your trip - transport, accommodation and waste - have all been measured and offset on your behalf. We've also offset all emissions from our global offices, and the option to offset flights is available.

Responsible Travel
Intrepid Travel is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally, socially and economically responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. We aim to create trips that benefit local people, the environment and local economies by using public transport where possible, staying and eating in small, locally owned establishments and travelling in small groups.

Introducing SAMA
Creating a bright future for girls and boys SAMA is Intrepid's three-year global initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in developing countries through early education. Working with Plan as one of our major partners, Intrepid wants to make a positive difference around the world.

Responsible Traveller Tips Before leaving home, take some time to learn about your
destination's culture, customs and dress standards

Learn some local phrases to aid with conversation Avoid buying plastic bottles. Use a refillable bottle and
utilise water purification methods where necessary

Did you know? Half of the world's girls are illiterate, having been
deprived the same opportunities as boys attend primary school

Over 60 million girls around the world don't Over 70% of the 1.5 billion people living on less
than $1a day arefemale

Always ask before taking someone's photo Be mindful of limited resources like water, fuel and

electricity; always take a carry bag and avoid plastic bags local economies by purchasing their home-grown food and locally made products

Enjoy fresh produce as part of the experience. Support

For each year a girl goes to school beyond grade

four, family size drops by 20%, child death rate drops by 10% and wages rise by 20% Learn more at intrepidtravel.com/sama

Avoid venues or activities where animals are mistreated

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Treat the eyes to new shades of colour

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Above: Market, Jeypore, India - Gillian Cooke

See the world,

make a difference.
Travellers making a difference
Over the years, we found that more and more of our travellers were returning home having been moved by their experiences and wanting to make a positive contribution to the people or places that have left such an indelible imprint. And with such a large global network at our fingertips, we recognised that we were in a unique position to help. The Intrepid Foundation (TIF) was established in 2002, with a mission to invest in vital grassroots projects in the regions in which we operate. In 10 years, over $3 million has been distributed to more than 75 not-for-profit organisations in over 25 countries, working in areas ranging from health care and education to human rights, child welfare, sustainable development, and environmental and wildlife protection. TIF also provides ongoing support to several reputable international non-government organisations (NGOs) including PLAN, Amnesty International and The World Society for the Protection of Animals, and has the capacity to respond to emergency appeals around the world.

Projects:
Deepalaya India
Believing that 'every child deserves a chance', Deepalayas's focus is on the issues that affect the urban and rural poor, with a special focus on children. Their programs centre around the care, education and empowerment of children, to help them and their families break out of the cycle of poverty. After several years of supporting the Gusbethi Boys Home, we are now supporting their girls education program.

Friends of the Asian Elephant Thailand

FAE are world leaders at helping to protect the welfare of Asian elephants - both wild and captive. Intrepid travellers visit their site and hospital at Lampang where they may meet famous amputees Mosha and Motala, and learn about what needs to be done to improve conditions for elephants across Thailand.

We need your support

To continue TIF's work in the global community, we need travellers' support. Make a donation to the Community Project Fund to help grassroots NGOs in local communities around the world, including many you might visit during your trip. Alternatively, support the Perpetual Fund, which divides donations equally each year. Half is retained to conserve and grow future capital, while half is disseminated through an annual grants pool to our international NGO partners. Plus, making a difference has never been easier. Whether contributing to TIF at the time of booking your trip or after returning home, you can be confident that 100% of your donation goes directly to your chosen recipient, as all administration costs are paid by Intrepid.

Children's Hope in Action (CHIA) Vietnam

Based in central Vietnam, CHIA provides vital health, disability, education and housing services to children living in poverty. They endeavour to help as many children as possible, by diagnosing and treating health problems, maximising the opportunities for positive outcomes and helping to assure that, where possible, children avoid being institutionalised and can remain in the care of their families.

theintrepidfoundation.org

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