Intrepid Expands Range of Tours for 18 to 35 Year Olds
by Dori Saltzman
A local guide leads a tour in Sri Lanka. Photo: Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is deepening its focus on youth travel, building out its portfolio of tours dedicated to travelers 18 to 35 years old. Simultaneously, the brand is launching an “All In” campaign designed to inspire a new generation of travelers.
According to the company, the move reflects a broader strategy to grow with younger audiences by combining immersive, locally-led adventures with experiences that provide cultural connections and responsible exploration. The move follows research by Intrepid that found that of more than 2,000 travelers across the U.S., 76% of younger travelers believe their experience will be richer with a local expert, while 89% said that traveling with a local guide gives them greater confidence.
“Younger travelers are redefining what travel success looks like. 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,” said Erica Kritikides, general manager of experiences at Intrepid Travel.
The findings also reinforce a shift in what younger travelers value 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.
“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,” Kritikides added.
Since launching in 2018, Intrepid’s 18 to 35 range had grown to include 81 trips across 50 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 provided in a small-group format.
Examples of new itineraries include the nine-day Essential Uganda: Gorillas and Chimps and the 11-day Essential Sri Lanka, which includes hiking through Sri Lanka’s tea country and lunch with a local family.
To support this expansion, Intrepid has launched All In, a new global brand campaign that encourages young travelers 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.





