Intrepid Encourages 18-35s to go All-In on Meaningful Experiences

Intrepid Travel says it is deepening its focus on youth travel, building on strong growth across its dedicated 18 to 35s range and launching a new global brand campaign designed to inspire a new generation of travellers to go “all in” on meaningful experiences.

The move reflects the small-group tour operator’s broader strategy to grow with younger audiences by combining immersive, locally-led adventures with the values they increasingly seek from travel: authentic cultural connection, responsible exploration and experiences that go beyond the highlights reel.

Since launching in 2018, Intrepid’s 18 to 35s range has grown to include 81 trips across 59 countries, with 16 new itineraries added for 2026 and further expansion planned for 2027. 

The portfolio spans everything from first-time backpacking adventures and wildlife encounters to active trips, all delivered through Intrepid’s small-group, locally-led model. 

Itineraries are designed to provide an alternative to traditional youth holidays. with trips like the new 9-day Essential Uganda: Gorillas and Chimps, where travellers trek through Uganda’s rainforest in search of chimpanzees, or the new 11-day Essential Sri Lanka, with opportunities to hike through Sri Lanka’s tea country and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family.

The investment into the 18 to 35s range comes as new research commissioned by Intrepid reveals younger travelers are actively seeking a more meaningful way to see the world. The study of more than 2,000 younger U.S. travellers found that more than three-quarters (76%) believe their experience will be richer with a local expert, while 89% say travelling with a local guide gives them greater confidence.

Intrepid says the findings reinforce a shift in what younger travelers vallue most. Nearly two-thirds (62%) said they would prioritize lesser-known destinations over heavily visited hotspots, while 87% want to visit places they don’t typically see on social media. Responsible travel is also becoming a deciding factor, with 87% saying it influences how they choose to explore the world.

“Younger travellers are redefining what travel success looks like,” says Erica Kritikides, Intrepid’s General Manager of Experiences. “Rather than simply ticking destinations off a list, they’re looking for deeper experiences, genuine local connection and opportunities to travel in a way that has a positive impact.”

Kritikides adds: “We’re seeing strong growth in demand for our 18 to 35s range, with bookings currently up 14% into 2027. As more young people seek experiences that feel authentic, adventurous and purpose-driven, we’re continuing to invest in products and campaigns that meet them where they are and inspire them to go further.”

To support this growth, Intrepid has launched All In, a new global brand campaign celebrating the spirit of youth travel. The campaign encourages young travellers to embrace spontaneity, step outside their comfort zones and immerse themselves in destinations through the people who know them best: the locals who call them home.

Intrepid says the campaign reflects its long-held belief that the best way to experience a destination is through local perspectives, while also reinforcing the company’s ambition to become the travel brand of choice for the next generation of conscious travellers.

Intrepid’s full portfolio of 18 to 35s trips can be found here, while the All In campaign can be viewed here.