Intrepid Travel is better suited for travelers seeking structured, sustainable, and immersive small group tours with local guides. Booking.com is a better choice for travelers who prefer a wider selection of accommodations and the flexibility to customize their trips independently, but they should be cautious about potential hidden fees and varying cancellation policies.
| Attribute | Intrepid Travel | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|
| Price Transparency | Provides carbon labels on over 800 trips but excludes tips, some meals, local taxes, and extra services from the tour price. | Commission fee typically ranges from 10% to 25% per booking, varying by location and host agreement. Some reviews mention hidden fees and a lack of transparency. |
| Range of Destinations | Offers tours in over 100 countries across seven continents, expanding in China, Mongolia, and Central Asia. | Offers services in over 220 countries and territories. Sells flights in 55 markets and tours/activities in over 1,300 cities. |
| Accommodation Options | Varies by trip style, from budget hotels and hostels to comfortable 3- to 4-star hotels. Premium tours feature handpicked, high-quality accommodations. | Provides lodging reservation services for approximately 3.4 million properties, including 475,000 hotels, motels, and resorts, and 2.9 million homes and apartments. Can reserve short-term apartment rentals, as well as rooms at hotels and resorts. Also lists hostels. |
| Tour Customization | Offers tailor-made experiences for groups, allowing customization of existing itineraries or creation of fully custom itineraries. | Expanding its AI-powered features to deliver more tailored solutions for travelers. The AI Trip Planner helps travelers discover new places, plan itineraries, and get real-time answers. Smart Filter allows travelers to describe their ideal property in their own words. |
| Group Size | Small group tours, generally with an average of 10 travelers. Most trips have a maximum of 12-16 people. Overland trips may have up to 24 travelers. | Example: Villa Dives can accommodate up to 6 guests. |
| Sustainability Practices | Carbon neutral since 2010. Certified B Corporation, aiming to reduce emissions by removing short-haul flights and using electric vehicles. Focuses on ethical animal tourism. | Shifting to a focus on properties with third-party sustainability certifications. Accommodations with certifications will be marked with a distinct label, and users can filter search results to find certified properties. Offers resources for hosts, including a handbook on sustainable hospitality. |
| Customer Support Availability | Offers customer service 24/7 by phone or email. | Customer service is available 24/7 by phone at (888) 850-3958. Also available on X (formerly Twitter). |
| Booking Flexibility (Cancellation/Changes) | Allows changes to travel plans up to 56 days before departure with no change fees. Cancellation up to 56 days before departure receives a credit for future travel. | Free cancellation is offered for most rooms. If a booking is non-refundable, you can't cancel or make changes. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type. You can cancel your booking up to 30 days before arrival, but after that, the policy depends on the hotel. |
| Inclusions (Meals, Activities) | Inclusions vary depending on the trip style. Basix trips include fewer extras, while Original trips include some meals and activities. Comfort and Premium tours include more activities and meals. | What is included in the price depends on the property. Check the policy details of the property carefully before booking, including the payment and damage deposit policies and additional fees section. |
| Travel Style (Adventure, Luxury, Budget) | Offers various travel styles, including Basix (budget-friendly), Original, Comfort, and Premium (higher-end). | Offers various types of trips, including city breaks, outdoor & nature, active trips, and more. Offers different types of accommodations, such as cheap hotels, luxury hotels, and apartments. |
| Local Guides Expertise | Tours are led by local guides to provide authentic insights into the culture and support the local economy. Premium tours are led by the most experienced local leaders. | Not available |
| Safety and Security Measures | Enhanced safety procedures, including sanitation protocols, contactless technology, physical distancing, and health screenings. Received the World Travel and Tourism Council safe travel stamp. | Uses established security procedures to protect accounts. Recommends enabling two-factor authentication (2FA). Has safety tips for travelers, such as checking property policies and inspecting the property upon arrival. |