Photo: Machu Picchu - Vance Haywood
Virgin Holidays and Intrepid partnership
Real world experiences are the times you try something for the first time, mingle with villagers in far-flung
corners of the planet away from the beaten track, get treated to a home-cooked meal by your new local friends or
laughing at your travel companions as you fall out the back of a tuc tuc! It is the real life experiences that
add incredible value to travelling overseas and for this very reason, Virgin Holidays have partnered with Intrepid
Travel, experts in the art of enjoying the simplest of travel arrangements whilst maximising enjoyment and reward.
We loved Intrepid's concept of small group adventures to each corner of the globe; the variety of accommodation;
multitude of locations and the various forms of transport and, in some destinations, a chance of a local home stay.
Sharing the same travel philosophy, these small group adventures allow you to experience the real world without
impacting on the fragile ecologies that so many of the world's unique cultures depend upon.
Richard Branson
Intrepid Travel is about meeting local people in an atmosphere of respect and experiencing their culture without
dominating it. From our humble beginnings with just 2 staff, 1 destination and just 47 travellers, Intrepid now take
around 80,000 like minded travellers to over 100 countries. Perhaps the most remarkable thing is that despite our
growth, our philosophy on travel hasn't changed. We still believe that the best way to experience a country is to
get close to it.
Intrepid Travel are thrilled to be joining forces with Virgin Holidays. The partnership just seems so natural -
Intrepid are leaders in innovative, adventure holidays throughout the world, while Virgin Holidays are leaders in
tailoring quality holidays for British travellers. Working together we can offer some of the greatest travelling
experiences available today.
Darrell Wade
Intrepid Travel CEO & Co-founder
BASIX & OVERLAND - The best value adventures on the planet!
On a 'Basix' tour, you can expect some amazing experiences, but none of the inclusions or 'extras' that
you may not want - which means simple accommodation and a lot of local transport. These tours are ideal for
first time travellers seeking fun and independence with the security of a group leader at hand. Minimum hassle
and maximum flexibility at the lowest possible price. On an 'Overland' journey you're more than just a passenger,
you're part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, shop for food and even cook. You'll also be travelling in a
specially designed safari truck and camping in some of the worlds most incredible locations.
ORIGINAL - how it all started
The most popular of our adventures, Original tours are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities,
and even the accommodation and transport we use. They are the trips that started it all for Intrepid, getting close
to the country you're travelling in, from home stays and market trips to visits to community projects, there's a new
experience every day, with many activities included.
ACTIVE - not for the faint hearted!
Thrilling adventures is the simplest way to describe these tours. As you'd expect, activity is the key. Though
we're talking cycling, kayaking and walking rather than rock climbing or paragliding - we'll leave the extreme sports
to the experts! Active tours offer real life experiences, combining a challenging day's hike, say, with a night's stay
in a hill tribe village. You don't need to be super fit for all Active trips, but they're ideal if you want a physical
challenge along with plenty of cultural interaction.
FAMILY - adventure not a babysitting service!
A long way from the typical 'child friendly holiday', these Family Adventures give your kids a chance to discover
the world as you do. The best thing is there's just as much for parents to enjoy too. It is important to understand
that these adventures are not baby sitting services, far from it; these trips are an opportunity to spend time
together in a truly stimulating way. With the security of an experienced leader on hand, you don't need to be well
travelled - just ready for adventure!
COMFORT - a few little extras
Comfort is your kind of style if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on the whole grassroots
travel experience. You get to stay in better hotels and guesthouses, all with plenty of local character, and solo
travellers will have the choice of paying a single supplement or sharing with someone of the same gender. You'll
also travel in private transport - though you're as likely to find yourself paddling a kayak as relaxing on a cruise
along the Yangtze River. These are real world experiences, just with a softer landing, and all for just a little more
than our Original adventures.
COOKERY - add flavour to your adventure
With the widely varied cuisine available in the UK, we've benefited from the opportunity to sample some of the
finest cuisines from the far flung corners of the planet. There comes no better way to add value to your real life
experience than to extend your stay on one of the cooking courses offered in this brochure. These extensions are
independent stays and are not escorted by a guide.
physical grading
This indicates 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 hiking or biking up mountains. It also tells you how fit you need to be to enjoy it. The
physical gradings range from:
easy and comfortable
trip for inclusive activities - such as walking and kayaking - that only require basic fitness and a tolerance of hot weather.
only for the seriously fit, 'happy to rough it' crowd who are ready for a high altitude adventure.
culture shock grading
This gives you an idea of how much 'difference' you'll find - as a contrast against your home comforts - such as
the familiar food available and whether you'll need to adapt to the surroundings and local behaviour. Culture shock
gradings range from:
little or no adjustment required, western-style hotels and English speaking guides
mid-point rated trip you can expect the occasional cold shower, squat toilet or packed public bus, but you'll be pretty comfortable most of the time.
roughing it in places completely different, no home comforts.