Let’s break it down using our own experiences. I’ve gone on 3 EF Ultimate Break trips solo, 1 with Tyler, and most recently, 1 with Intrepid. Despite the similarities in what they offer, our adventures with each company varied. Depending on your preferences, this could make or break your trip!
If you haven’t traveled outside the US before or feel a bit nervous about it, Intrepid might not be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a company that offers a chance to make new friends after exploring alone, with a guide to suggest great spots, then Intrepid is the way to go!
Intrepid Travel is a certified B Corporation and a popular company for small group adventure trips. They offer more than 1,100 guided tours worldwide, usually with around 10 travelers per tour. Local guides lead their tours, they encourage using public transportation, and they prefer supporting locally owned accommodations.
So, you’re all set for a trip, but the question is: where to begin? You stumble upon group trips with companies like Intrepid and EF Ultimate Break, but which one suits you best?
Get ready for our candid reviews of both companies, along with an easy-to-read list comparing the two. (Check the very bottom for our side-by-side list!)
COMPRESION IN A TABLE
Intrepid – A Review
When we decided on an Intrepid tour earlier this year, it was a spontaneous move – just two weeks before takeoff, lured in by the unbeatable $625 per person for a 16-day adventure.
Our choice was the “Basix” package, geared towards 18-29-year-olds, though we managed to get special permission for Tyler, who was just beyond the age range at 30.
The next 16 days unfolded with new friends, train rides, a visit to a world wonder, and unforgettable memories in India.
Pros of rolling with Intrepid include ample free time and the freedom to chart your own course. Your fellow travellers share a passion for adventure, genuine experiences, and immersing themselves in local cultures.
However, the cons emerge with the “Basix” package’s simplicity – minimal meals and activities included, plus non-inclusive tours mean flights are on your tab.
Intrepid suits the independent traveller. If you’re a first-time international explorer or feeling travel jitters, it might not be your go-to.
But if you’re up for creating a squad after solo adventures and appreciate a guide suggesting cool spots for your own explorations, Intrepid is your ticket!
Read More: Which Is Better Adventure Island Or Aquatica
EF Ultimate Break – A Review
I’ve had the pleasure of embarking on 4 EF Ultimate Break trips, with Tyler joining me on one. From China to Tanzania, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic (plus Egypt later this year), EF has been my global travel companion.
These trips mark my first “solo” international adventures, and I’ve noticed a higher percentage of first-time travellers with EF – though the percentage of repeat travellers is also notably high. On most trips, the average age hovers in the low 20s, promising lively nightlife and a bit of partying.
EF Ultimate Break is famed for its “Instagramy” vibe, tailoring itineraries to hit the most popular spots for that picture-perfect moment.
Pros of journeying with EF Ultimate Break include a vibrant community of new friends, many of whom are keen to plan future EF adventures. Their “all-inclusive” approach means more included activities and meals.
Yet, some cons come with the territory: the itineraries are lightning-fast, leaving minimal free time. Activities are chosen for Instagram appeal, translating to a lot of snapping away.
EF Ultimate Break is tailor-made for those stepping into solo or international travel for the first time. With hands-on guides, tour directors, and an “all-inclusive” mindset, you’re in for a guided adventure. The community tends to be younger, seeking daytime thrills and nighttime festivities. And yes, you’ll hit all those Instagram-worthy spots while exploring a country!
FAQs
What is the age range for EF Ultimate Break?
EF Ultimate Break is designed for individuals between the ages of 18 to 29.
Is EF Ultimate Break only for girls?
No, EF Ultimate Break is open to all genders and welcomes anyone within the specified age range.
What is Intrepid useful for?
Intrepid is a travel company known for its small group adventures focused on sustainable and responsible tourism. It offers diverse travel experiences globally.
What does EF stand for in EF Ultimate Break?
EF stands for Education First, the organization behind EF Ultimate Break, which specializes in educational tours, language learning, and cultural exchange programs.
Greetings, fellow explorers! Nicholas Clark here, leading expeditions with “Trip Traveling Guides.” With a keen eye for adventure and a heart for discovery, I’ll guide you through landscapes unknown. Let’s create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
