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Bags: check. Passport: check. Travel companion: check.
Destination: unknown.
A wise man once said that in life, fortune favors the brave. Intrepid Travel is taking that adage one step further and rewarding five of the most curious among us with a mystery trip for two somewhere in the world.
In this fast-paced world where we constantly seem time poor, our precious vacations are often planned down to the last detail to get the most out of our time away. We have a checklist of must-see sights and a limited amount of time to see them all. But somewhere between the researching and packing, the travel delays and long lines at tourist sights, we seem to have lost the simple joy of travel.
Shouldn’t it be more about those moments where the unexpected happens in the most delightful way? Where a new day brings the anticipation of new adventures ahead and where a chance meeting with someone worlds away from your own life reminds you that we are all in this together? Surely it’s those moments, those real life experiences in a far-flung land that truly capture the essence of what travel is all about.
At Intrepid, curiosity is what drives us to discover new people, places, and cultures. It’s what inspires us to get off the beaten path to really experience a destination. For over 21 years, we’ve shared this curiosity with thousands of travelers, taking them to over 100 countries on one of over 1,000 different itineraries. On all of these journeys, we encourage curiosity by eating at local restaurants and staying in locally owned accommodations. Our curious travelers may find themselves sharing a tagine with a Moroccan family or engaged in a conversation with a local while on an overnight train.
And because it’s hard to be curious while being shepherded from stop to stop on a huge coach bus, we travel only in small groups, with a maximum of 12 travelers on most trips. We also include loads of free time in our itineraries for travelers to explore their curiosities as they please, on their schedule.
This month, Intrepid is rewarding your curiosity. Imagine this: you’re at the airport, your bag is packed, the departures board is whirring, but where are you heading? Unlock the door to our ‘Curious minds, discover more…’ competition, answer some questions and Intrepid may just reward your curiosity with a mystery trip for two! Where will your curiosity take you?
Imagine stepping off a plane in a far-flung land with nothing but the anticipation of the adventures that lie ahead and the promise of once-in-a-lifetime experience. What’s around the corner? What’s behind the door? Where in the world will you end up?
Here’s how it works: visit Intrepid’s Facebook page and “like” Intrepid Travel. Play our travel quiz to test your knowledge of the world. Answer 10 questions correctly, and you can enter to win one of five mystery trips for two to discover more of the world. Don’t worry; the quiz is multiple choice and you can play as many times as you want until you get all 10 questions correct.
The winners will be chosen the last week of August and will be drawn live on Facebook, so make sure you check back to see if you won.
Here’s a sample of the possible destinations up for grabs, but remember, this is all about curiosity and discovery, so the actual trip will be a mystery until you check-in at the airport!
Peru
There’s so much more to Peru than Machu Picchu! It’s a fascinating country in that it has four distinct geographical regions. Not many other countries can offer beaches, mountains, rainforests and deserts on one visit.
Because of these distinct regions, there really isn’t a best time to travel. That’s why most of our tours operate all year-round. June to August are considered the driest months in the highlands or Amazon basin and are optimal if your visit should include a journey down the mighty river or if you’ve chosen a tour that involves a lot of hiking.
Some of the highlights in Peru include Machu Picchu, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, the jungle of the Amazon, and Lake Titicaca.
Morocco
Morocco is a great introduction into Middle Eastern culture. As a result of its location on the Mediterranean, Moroccan society is heavily influenced by Europe, namely France.
However, once you’re out of the main city centers of Marrakech and Casablanca, Morocco opens up into a wild frontier, ripe for adventure and exploration. The Atlas Mountains are best explored at the ground level by foot or bicycle.
Travel through Berber villages, down through lush valleys and past orchards, goats and Moroccan rural life. The seriously fit can tackle Mount Toubkal for incredible views.
Ride through the endless dunes of the Sahara on a camel. At sunset, the desert glows rich and red and at night, the stars turn the sky crystal as you sleep out in a traditional Berber desert tent.
Tanzania
Tanzania brings to mind epic safaris and the glaciated, soaring peak of Kilimanjaro. Couple that with the Big 5, the vast Serengeti, and the blissful beaches of Zanzibar, and you have one outstanding journey!
When traveling in Tanzania, Intrepid has a myriad of choices in styles, from bush camping on overland journeys to comfortable lodges while on safari.
In two weeks, you can cover most of the highlights, including wildlife viewing in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the “cradle of mankind” at Olduvai Gorge, and coffee plantations in Karatu.
If you’re game for a real adventure, try one of our numerous treks to the icy peak of Kilimanjaro.
India
India is colorful, chaotic, and enchanting. You could spend months exploring the diversity between the majesty of old world, colonial India and the 21st century economic powerhouse that India has become.
Intrepid offers fully guided off-the-beaten-path itineraries to all corners of this exquisite region. In the north, the province of Rajasthan provides an authentic introduction into the hectic yet serene Indian landscapes.
Stroll bustling markets, search for Bengal tigers, and visit Maharajahs’ palaces. If peace and quiet are more your thing, enjoy a stay with a local family in the Kerala backwaters, or just chill out on the beachside retreat of Goa.
Wherever your travels take you, India is sure to leave lasting memories of fiery flavors and colorful chaos.
Thailand
Thailand is where Intrepid got its start over 21 years ago. We’ve come a long way since those days, but Thailand still remains one of our favorite and most popular destinations. Every traveler to Thailand must experience Bangkok in all its gritty, urban glory.
Whether you’re traveling by tuk-tuk through the crazy streets, bicycling along back roads, or cruising on a longtail boat through the khlongs, the journey in Bangkok is definitely half the fun.
There are plenty of escapes from the city, including the tribal highlands of Chiang Mai, with its temples and elephant sanctuaries, or the famous beaches of southern Thailand.
The waters surrounding Krabi are dotted with hundreds of limestone karst islands. Kayakers and rock-climbers will love exploring them, while others can travel to the nearby floating villages or just relax on one of the region’s perfect beaches.