Intrepid Travel is better suited for travelers seeking organized, small-group tours with a focus on responsible travel and local experiences. TripAdvisor is a better choice for travelers who prefer a wider range of options, user reviews, and the ability to customize their itineraries.
| Attribute | Intrepid Travel | Tripadvisor |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Varies widely depending on the trip style and destination. Averages around $2,377. Multi-day trips can be well under $1,000, while polar cruises and longer overland tours can exceed $5,000. | TripAdvisor offers a range of prices depending on the tour, activity, or accommodation. There's no cost to list vacation rentals on TripAdvisor, with a booking fee of 3%. |
| Destination Coverage | Operates in over 100 countries across all seven continents. Regions with the most trips include Asia, South America, Africa, and Europe. | TripAdvisor offers information and services for destinations in over 200 countries worldwide. It covers destinations in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, Russia, and Turkey. |
| Tour Style | Small group tours (maximum 16 people, average 10). Offers different tour styles: Basix (Budget-friendly), Original (Mix of included activities and free time), Comfort (More comfortable), Premium (Highest level) | TripAdvisor offers various tour styles, including private and group tours. |
| Accommodation Quality | Varies by tour style. Ranges from budget hotels and homestays in "Basix" tours to boutique 3 and 4-star hotels in "Original" and "Comfort" tours. "Premium" tours include memorable feature stays in unique accommodations. | TripAdvisor provides user reviews and ratings for accommodations. Users rate overall satisfaction and service attributes like value, location, sleep quality, rooms, cleanliness, and service. |
| Inclusivity (meals, activities) | Inclusions vary depending on the tour type. Premium tours have the most included activities and meals. Every tour type except "Basix" includes at least some meals. Prices generally include accommodations, transport during the trip, group activities, and local tour guides. | Inclusivity varies depending on the specific tour or activity. Some tours include meals, drinks, and entrance fees. |
| Sustainability Practices | Committed to responsible tourism. Carbon neutral since 2010, donates to grassroots projects, and committed to animal welfare. Certified B Corp since 2018. Focuses on using local transportation and lodging. | TripAdvisor has a GreenLeaders program to highlight accommodations engaging in environmentally friendly practices. The program ranks properties based on their green practices, with levels like Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Consultants are available by phone, email, or live chat. Proactively informs travelers of potential changes. Offers 24/7 support from local leaders and teams on the ground. | TripAdvisor offers a Help Center to answer customer service questions. They also provide a general inquiries page for support. Responding to reviews promptly and professionally is encouraged. |
| Guide Expertise | Partners with local leaders as guides. Premium tours guarantee the best and highest-rated guides. | The expertise of tour guides can vary. Reviews often mention the knowledge and helpfulness of guides. |
| Group Size | Maximum of 16 people on most trips, with an average of 10. Smaller group sizes allow access to remote areas and reduce environmental impact. | Group sizes vary depending on the tour. Some reviewers prefer smaller tours for better interaction with the guide. |
| Booking Flexibility (cancellation policy) | Flexible booking options, including the ability to change travel plans up to 56 days before departure without fees. Flexible deposit policy, where cancellations made 56 days or more prior to departure have the deposit held as a credit for future travel. Flexible payments: after the deposit, the rest can be paid in installments. | Cancellation policies vary depending on the booking. In many cases, you can cancel for a full refund up to 1 day before the activity. "Cancel Booking" option might not be available if the tour/activity is designated as 'Non-Refundable'. |
| Itinerary Customization Options | Unable to change group trip itineraries for individual travelers. However, they offer tailor-made itineraries for private groups. | TripAdvisor offers an AI-powered tool to create custom travel itineraries. Users can specify their interests and preferences to personalize the itinerary. |
| Travel Insurance Options | Travel insurance is compulsory for all international trips. Recommends policies that cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage. Partners with Allianz Global Assistance and battleface to provide travel insurance programs. | TripAdvisor has partnered with Allianz Global Assistance to offer travel insurance. They offer both Prime and Basic plans with different levels of coverage. |