Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find a selection of answers to some of the common questions people ask about our Challenge trips.
There is also specific and more detailed information on each trip available in the trip dossier you can download on each trip page. If there is anything else please e-mail us your questions to ask@intrepidchallenges.com
How does a challenge work?
There are 2 styles of challenge:
1.Pay your way challenges: Easy! You pay your land only trips costs and a donation of $150 is included for a Charity (overseas challenges). The price has the same inclusions as the fundraising trip style except no international airfares are included.
2.Fundraising Challenges: Register with $500 of your own money and then agree to fundraise a minimum target (typically $5000 - $6000) to qualify for a place on an event. We will notify the charity of your online registration and they will send you a fundraising pack full of fun and creative ideas to start you on your way. Once you've hit your fundraising target the remainder of your trip costs are covered for you. International flights are included but you pay your own taxes and visas, travel insurance.
How do I book a place?
Check our tour calendar and click on the trip that interests you. This brings you to a summary page of the event. Click on 'Book now' to register directly on line. Please ensure that you have read and fully understood our booking conditions before submitting the form. We will send you a summary statement where you can check that all your details are correct. Please inform us straight away if there are any errors. Your surname and first name must appear exactly as it is shown in your passport.
We require a $500 non returnable deposit at the time of registration. This can be done by using the Paypal link on the registration form, notifying us of your credit card details or by making a direct deposit into the Intrepid Challenges bank account (details given on request).The balance payment is due 6 weeks prior to the departure date.
Is Intrepid Challenges part of Intrepid travel?
Intrepid Challenges operate as a trip style and separate division of Intrepid travel, an industry leader in adventure travel. Intrepid Travel was set up in 1989 and is an award winning global company with operations on five continents. The challenges have been run under the aegis of Intrepid Travel since 2002. For more information about Intrepid travel please see www.intrepidtravel.com
What Sort of people take part?
People on our challenges come from a huge variety of backgrounds and ages, from 18 through to their late sixties. They all share a spirit of adventure and a desire to make a difference in common. It's the people involved that really make these trips special. You'll be surprised at how many new friendships you will make and the great team spirit and camaraderie formed during the event. Don't worry if you are single and do not know anyone as this is a fantastic way of meeting friends for life..
What level of fitness is required?
Each challenge is graded on a scale of 1 - 5 and some are more demanding than others but all of them require a good level of general fitness. There will be people of widely ranging fitness levels taking part and the aim is for the whole group to complete the challenge. It is certainly not a race! The cycling and trekking is carefully managed at a suitable average pace with regular rest and refreshment stops. We recommend that if you do not take regular exercise that you should be training for at least 3 to 4 months in the lead up to departure. Please check out the cycling and trekking guide on the each event summary page for advice on training.
How many hours a day do we walk or cycle for?
That all depends on the particular day and your speed but generally between 4 - 7 hours. We operate a sweep system with a leader always at the front and one at the back. We have regular stops so that we can regroup and break for water refills and snacks. Travelling the way that locals do breaks the ice in terms of respect, trust and hospitality. It is the local interaction that makes the special moments on this type of environmentally friendly means of travel.
What will I need to take with me? Do I need any special equipment?
Intrepid Challenges provide a recommended packing list under 'what to take' in the trip dossier. Apart from a good pair of walking boots or a cycle helmet there is no need to go out and purchase expensive gear as these trips are fairly inclusive. All our overseas cycle challenges include bikes and we transport your luggage each day.
Some of the trips require that you bring along a sleeping bag.
How many people take part?
Group sizes vary according to the destination. We aim to take between 15 and 30 participants on each challenge event. We have found that this is the best group size to provide a supportive and lively atmosphere and yet the group is still small enough to get to know everyone.
Who leads the Challenges?
You will be well supported by a very experienced team of an Intrepid Challenges leader and local guides. They will encourage and motivate you as well as provide a unique insight into the host country from language and etiquette through to religion, beliefs and how their history has brought them to where they are today.
How safe are the activities?
The safety of the group is our first priority and a thorough risk assessment is made on each itinerary. You will be given a full safety briefing during the event and cautioned about any activity which could pose a hazard to your own or the group's welfare. It is recommended that you take the time to review the government travel advice regarding the country you're visiting at www.dfat.gov.au
Will I have to carry my luggage?
Your main luggage will be transported in support vehicles or by porters unless otherwise stated. A day pack is necessary to carry camera, sunscreen, snacks & small items with you. Please pack as light as possible as you will still have to carry your own gear to and from the hotel and loading onto the bus each day. Backpacks or soft holdall type bags are best. Suitcases are not recommended.
Please notify us if you want to bring out your own bike (cycling events only) so that we can notify both the airline (if Intrepid Challenges have booked your flight) and the leader in country.
What is the accommodation like?
We assign accommodation on a twin share basis and use different types of accommodation (hotels, teahouses or camping) depending on each itinerary. We aim for a 2 or 3 star standard mostly, this is a luxury tour! Rooms will always be clean and adequate for the purpose, though the standard will vary according to where we are and we ask for your patience, as at times things do not work the way you are used to at home.
Sometimes there may be no electricity, the plumbing may be temperamental, there is only cold water in the showers or no Western food for breakfast. This is all part of the adventure!
Rooming is based on a same sex and similar ages basis in twin share accommodation. If you are traveling with a friend or partner please ensure that you indicate their name on the registration form. .
Can I extend my trip?
Yes. The group flight details are shown on your statement which is sent to you soon after you have registered with us. If you want to extend your stay please let us know as soon as possible, the cut off date is 3 months prior to departure. There is an administration charge of $100 plus any difference in fare if you need a different flight to that booked. Please see our extensions page for more information:
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any Intrepid Challenge.
We strongly advise that you take out travel insurance as soon as you have paid a deposit. By doing this you any trip costs paid will be covered should you not be able to go on the trip because of illness or accident.
What about Passports and visas?
You must hold a full passport, which is valid for at least six months from the return date. If you need to obtain or renew your passport please allow at least six weeks to process. Details of any visas required can be found in the trip dossier. Please read carefully as some trips require a double entry visa and on others the visa application is made at the border crossing and you must bring passport photos with you.
We need your passport details at the time of registration. If you need to obtain or renew your passport please do this straight away as we need these details in order to book the group flights 3 months prior to departure.
