Intrepid Travel is ramping up its focus on the youth travel market, expanding its 18 to 35s range and launching a new global brand campaign, All In, aimed at inspiring the next generation of travellers.
Bookings into 2027 for the 18 to 35s range are up 14 per cent year on year, as younger travellers increasingly seek immersive, locally-led experiences over traditional youth holidays.
Since launching in 2018, the 18 to 35s range has grown to 81 trips across 59 countries, with 16 new itineraries added for 2026 and further expansion planned for 2027. The range spans first-time backpacking adventures, wildlife encounters, active trips and cultural journeys.
New itineraries include:
9-day Essential Uganda: Gorillas and Chimps – travellers trek through Uganda’s rainforest in search of chimpanzees.
11-day Essential Sri Lanka – includes hiking through Sri Lanka’s tea country and a home-cooked lunch with a local family.
Research points to shifting traveller priorities
The expansion is backed by new research commissioned by Intrepid, surveying more than 8,000 people across Australia, the UK, the US and Canada on changing travel preferences among younger travellers. Key findings include:
- 77 per cent believe travelling with a local guide leads to a richer experience.
- 86 per cent say local guides give them greater confidence when travelling.
- 67 per cent would prioritise lesser-known destinations over heavily visited hotspots.
- 83 per cent want to visit places they don’t typically see on social media.
- 87 per cent say responsible travel influences how they choose to explore the world.
New campaign steps away from bucket-list marketing
The expanded range is supported by Intrepid’s new global brand campaign, All In, which captures the experience of travelling on an Intrepid trip. Rather than focusing on bucket-list landmarks, the creative highlights spontaneous moments, local connections and the experiences that come from seeing a destination through the eyes of those who know it best.
Intrepid Travel general manager of experiences Erica Kritikides said younger travellers were redefining what travel success looked 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,” Kritikides said.
“We’re seeing strong growth in demand for our 18 to 35s range, with bookings currently up 14 per cent 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.”
Notes on Uganda and LGBT+ travel:
