6 experiences around the world that will change the way you travel
Find real connection with locals, travellers and place with Intrepid.
| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Intrepid |
What is travel all about? Connection. To locals, to other travellers, to place. So how do we find it?
Why we travel has been a question that philosophers have tried to answer for the best part of two millennia. Why do we seek out paths unknown to us and people we are yet to meet? One thing we know is that humans throughout history have continuously sought out connection – not only with people, but also with places.
Which is what Intrepid has learnt for over three decades of small group travel – groups just big enough to find experiences that aren’t open to individual travellers, and just small enough for unique, intimate journeys. The connections it helps foster can completely change the way one sees the world. Here are six unique experiences you can only have with Intrepid.
Discover moments no solo trip can offer with Intrepid.
1. Protecting Kruger National Park
South Africa‘s largest national park, Kruger, is a renowned destination for wildlife lovers – for good reason. Since 1898, the park has been known for its abundant wildlife, including the famous Big Five. Catching sight of any of Africa’s majestic animals is a thrill that can’t be understood until it’s happened to you.
There are many ways to adventure through this park, but Intrepid Travel has an especially unique experience. On the Vic Falls to Kruger tour, guests will visit the headquarters of the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, the Black Mambas. Discover how these 36 young African women not only protect these animals for generations to come, but how they broke into a male-dominated industry.
It’s just one of the experiences giving back in destinations around the globe that’s earnt Intrepid its B Corp status.
Spotting the Big Five in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (Image: Getty/Thomas Retterath)
2. Make art from Vietnamese silk
It’s no wonder Vietnam is famous for its silk trade. Artisans spends hours weaving thin strands through looms to create gorgeous patterns on unbelievably soft fabrics. While many travellers have the luxury of visiting one of these workplaces, not so many get to experience Vun Art in Van Phuc Village.
Join the Vietnam Family Holiday Comfort tour to visit this social enterprise and partner of the The Intrepid Foundation. Learn from the employees of Vun Art – people living with disabilities who have gained an opportunity to learn new skills and engage in meaningful work – as they make handicrafts and apparel from discarded fragments of Van Phuc silk. After watching the best, try your own hand (under the watchful eye of the experts) at making your own small artwork. It’s the ultimate souvenir.
See the vibrant colors of Vietnam.
3. Making mochi with the experts
Japan is a truly bucket-list destination. There are bright lights, a rich culture, stunning historic buildings and breathtaking nature – and that’s all before we even discuss the unique cuisine that has gained huge popularity the world over.
On Intrepid’s eight-day Japan Highlights tour, be taken even further into the tastes of Japan during a local homestay, exclusive to tour guests. Staying overnight at Hananeko House in the leafy town of Kawane, learn how to make the country’s famous mochi rice cakes.
Make mochi the traditional way.
4. Meeting heroes in Agra
Street food, the Taj Mahal, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur: there are many incredible experiences to be had in India. One that most travellers may not know about is the Sheroes Hangout Cafe in Agra. What makes it so special, amongst the unbelievable food offerings of India? The meals are delicious, for starters, but it’s also a one-of-a-kind social enterprise that empowers young women who survived acid attacks, offering them a safe space and employment.
Join Intrepid’s India’s Golden Triangle tour to meet these incredible ladies.
Dine with purpose at Sheroes Hangout.
5. Unleash your artistic side in Morocco
There’s nothing like travel to change our perspective and maybe even learn a new skill. And nothing can inspire the inner artist to shine like the vibrant wall colours and intricate tile patterns of Morocco.
On Intrepid’s Classic Morocco tour, spend time in the sprawling, earthy-coloured Ait Benhaddou – a place so gorgeous its long list of film and TV credits includes the likes of Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Join a local artist for a painting workshop to create your own image of the panoramic city views.
Wrap up your day with a warm Moroccan welcome.
6. Feast with Vietnamese nuns
It’s not far-fetched to say that Vietnam is one of the top food havens for culinary aficionados. Bustling food markets, modern cafes and fine dining restaurants serve up incredible pho, bahn mi and bun cha that are all guaranteed to get mouths watering.
Get involved in an entirely different type of food experience on Intrepid’s Vietnam Express Southbound tour. Head to the Thien Mu Pagoda Buddhist nunnery in Hue to not only meet the women who call it home, but to indulge in a Vietnamese vegetarian feast like no other.
Start planning your small group adventure and connect with the world with Intrepid.
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