Keeping You Safe with a Responsible Return to Travel

As Intrepid Travel gradually return to running trips, the safety and wellbeing of their travellers, leaders, crew, staff and suppliers is their priority and the return to operations will be done in a safe and responsible way.

Intrepid have reviewed all their health and safety policies and are implementing new minimum standards that emphasise increased hygiene and sanitation. These are in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization and follow the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel protocols for tour operators. Before Intrepid resume trips in any destination, each itinerary will undergo a comprehensive risk assessment and audit, while leaders and suppliers will complete COVID-19 health and safety training.

Before you book your next Intrepid trip, be sure to check the government’s travel advisory and the World Health Organization website for the most up to date information about destinations and permitted travel from each country.

Here are some of the steps Intrepid are taking to ensure your health and wellbeing.

Team Training

Before travel commences, training will be provided for all Intrepid staff, leaders and crew who are involved in any part of your trip, covering all new health and safety guidelines.

All leaders contracted to provide a service or run a trip for Intrepid will receive appropriate training on any new health and safety responsibilities prior to commencement of service. This will include the training of suppliers, including 3rd party operators.

Hand Hygiene

Handwashing is one of the most important safety measures to prevent the spread of disease. Intrepid will actively reinforce its importance by ensuring frequent handwashing and promoting the importance of hand hygiene to all travellers.

On the ground, they will contract suppliers that have hand hygiene protocols in place and those who provide hand sanitiser in public places wherever possible.

Respiratory Hygiene

Practising good respiratory hygiene prevents the spread of disease by reducing the number of droplets in the air when you sneeze or cough. Intrepid will be training their leaders and suppliers on the importance of respiratory hygiene. In places where masks may be mandatory, they will ensure the correct protocols and handling is in place.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Intrepid follows the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that you only need to wear a mask if you are displaying symptoms or if you are taking care of or in close contact with someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

However, in certain destinations or on some airlines, it may be compulsory to wear a mask in public or in certain places. Guests are advised to check with airlines and foreign travel advice before travel and to source a mask from home, if it is a requirement.

Contactless Operations

Intrepid will be removing paperwork in place of digital solutions and increasing online payments and ticketing with suppliers. Any shared devices on your trip with be disinfected.

Physical Distancing

On each trip, Intrepid will follow local regulations and advice on physical distancing. Tour leaders and itinerary schedules will avoid crowds wherever possible, such as visiting attractions at non-peak times.

Sanitation

All suppliers involved in your tour will be required to detail their cleaning and sanitation protocols. This includes all cleaning and disinfecting products used, which must be approved by health authorities. High touch areas will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. It is a requirement that there be thorough cleaning of all rooms in each accommodation (including tents and camping ground facilities), equipment and vehicles between guests and groups. Hand sanitiser will be provided wherever possible.

Health Screening

Guest on Intrepid trips worldwide will be provided information regarding health screenings or COVID testing requirements for the destination. All guests will also need to complete pre-departure health assessments. While on the trip, your health will be monitored, and you should advise your leader should you be feeling unwell.

Intrepid Travel has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that we have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so you can experience ‘Safe Travels’. So when you are ready to book your next Intrepid trip, you know they have the measures in place to look after you.