Katie

Feb 19, 2025

0/10 - Think twice before booking with Intrepid

I had a really negative experience with Intrepid on my trip to India, and based on this and the response to my complaint following this, I would warn people against using them. My guide was condescending and misogynistic and made many ignorant comments about life in other countries. He continually gave us factually incorrect information about the places we were visiting, and also about details of the trip or failed on several occasions to give us key information. I also had issues with the actual trip i.e. a poor safari experience, and being filmed even after explicitly stating multiple times I didn’t want to be. I also had a significant issue with their tipping system - in that we all contributed the amount asked of us at the start of the trip, to then on the ultimate day be informed by the guide that he had over spent by 80% and was now demanding additional contributions from each of us to cover this- I was frankly deeply shocked that they thought it acceptable to pre-spend the money of the guests without prior discussion, and not informing us at any point that the initial money had ran out. Furthermore intrepid run this trip 3x a week, so I assume they should be well versed in how much they require for the tips, so an 80% over spend seems pretty wild. I would also highlight the guide saw fit to tip in locations where we had clearly expressed we had issues i.e. with the filming and our poor safari experience. The tipping situations, the choice to consistently take us to over priced tourist traps to eat, and coupled with some ignorant comments re money, made me feel like I was being exploited to get as much money as possible from me throughout the trip. Following this experience I did make a complaint and I think their response has been incredibly disappointing. While they have taken some actions in speaking to the guide, there was a number of points I raised especially the tipping which they didn’t take ownership of and simply tried to explain away. They also offered no compensation initially and it was only on pushing them they offered me a very minor amount, meaning they have still profited a significant amount from me taking this trip, which I think most would agree, shouldn’t be the case. Overall, based on the negative experience both on and following the trip, I would strongly encourage you to think twice before booking a trip with Intrepid.