How does Rest Less make money
We make money through advertising and commission from affiliate links, which enable us to offer Rest Less as a free service to our users. The content on this page may use affiliate links, which track traffic from our website to a third party provider and enable us to receive a commission or payment from any traffic we refer.
* Affiliate links on this page have an * next to them. We place enormous importance on our editorial independence and the integrity of our content which means that we will never change how we write about something as a result of an affiliate link.
Sponsored content
Genuine adventure is more than just sightseeing. Authentic travel is about going beyond the pages of the guidebook to connect with the pulse of a place. It’s about learning and participating, discovering hidden gems, making new friends, and experiencing countless unforgettable moments.
To shine a light on how exciting immersive travel can be, we’ve partnered with travel company Intrepid, who have been taking travellers around the globe since 1989. As a B Corp, Intrepid is all about doing things the right way. Proudly carbon neutral since 2010, they support local communities through The Intrepid Foundation and help travellers give back in the places they visit.
On an Intrepid trip, you won’t just see a new place, you’ll experience it, too. This is purpose-led travel, where locals lead trips and people from all walks of life are connected. Plus, with small group sizes, holidays are intimate and personal. There are thousands of tours to choose from, but to show you how diverse these small group adventures are – and give you a glimpse of the unique experiences on offer – we’ve picked some of our favourites.
Here are five destinations to reignite your sense of adventure.
And, for a limited time, you can get up to 20% off selected 2025 trips, with the offer ending on August 31st.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica, one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, is known for its beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife – and on Intrepid’s 15-day Classic Costa Rica trip, you’ll see the best of both. Journey from the sprawling concrete jungle of the capital, San Jose, into the real jungle, where your leader will help you spot long-nosed tapirs, white-faced capuchin monkeys, ocelots, and adorable three-toed sloths.
Other highlights include hiking through lush rainforests, soaking in hot springs, and relaxing on pristine palm-lined beaches as you soak up the pura vida culture. Stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosol and cook dinner together, then visit an Indigenous Maleku community to learn about their way of life and meaningfully connect with its people and culture.
2. Japan
If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, why not treat yourself – and your taste buds – to an unforgettable gastronomic journey? Intrepid’s 11-day Japan Real Food Adventure journeys from Tokyo to Osaka, exploring the country’s most delicious foodie hotspots. But this trip is as much about Japan’s culture, history, and people as it is about the cuisine – with iconic experiences you’ll remember long after the last bite.
Take a sushi-making class in Tokyo, try plant-based monastic food in Koya-san, visit a sake brewery in Kyoto, and go on an epic food crawl in Osaka. Meet local farmers, browse lively markets, tour green tea and matcha farms, and learn about Buddhist history. Feast on sushi, ekiben, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and fresh seafood, and learn the tricks of the trade to whip up your own creations.
3. Peru
Home to Incan ruins, colourful towns, and the mystical, soaring Andes, Peru is arguably South America’s most captivating country. Intrepid’s 15-day Majestic Peru trip is an epic journey across wild Andean landscapes – from coastal plains to mountain rainforests and vast, gleaming lakes. You’ll learn about the unique culture and history, feast on delicious Peruvian food, and get to know local families.
Highlights include exploring the scenic Sacred Valley, touring Lake Titicaca’s floating islands, and visiting Machu Picchu, the once-lost Incan citadel perched upon a forested peak. You’ll hike the famous Inca trail, take tours of the capital Lima and colonial Cusco, pick up souvenirs in traditional markets, participate in local ceremonies, and admire the enormous Nazca Lines – one of Peru’s greatest mysteries.
4. Vietnam
Vietnam boasts one of the world’s freshest and most fragrant cuisines, and on Intrepid’s 12-day Vietnam Real Food Adventure, you’ll discover the flavours of this magical country. Travelling from the capital Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll visit many of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, dive into its culture, and learn about its history as you sip, slurp, and crunch your way through its food.
Explore historic Hue like a local – from the back of a bike! – as you tour its imperial monuments, cruise along the Mekong Delta, and feast on pho in Hanoi. Lose yourself in Ho Chi Minh’s narrow alleys, tuck into street food in lantern-lit Hoi An, and sail along the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Plus, meet produce vendors, enjoy traditional homestays, take cooking classes, and learn the secrets of local chefs.
5. India
Colourful, chaotic, and utterly compelling, Rajasthan has captivated visitors for centuries. On Intrepid’s 14-day Premium India in Depth trip, you’ll travel from forest to desert, uncovering the region’s rich culture, striking scenery and diverse cuisines as you go. Led by an experienced local leader, it’s the perfect introduction to this busy, beautiful country.
The vibrant and historic cities of Agra, Udaipur, and Jaipur are a joy to explore, while Mumbai and Delhi provide a snapshot of modern India. Visit elaborate palaces and imposing forts, tour the Taj Mahal, take street food tours and search for Bengal tigers on a wild jungle safari. Other highlights include dining beneath the stars on Pushkar’s sand dunes and watching traditional dance performances.
Final thoughts…
From the Far East to the furthest corners of South America, these five trips take you to some of the world’s most dazzling and diverse destinations. While each Intrepid excursion is different, they all go beyond the usual travel experience, reigniting not only your spirit of adventure but a sense of wonder, too.
With local leaders to show you around, you’ll see new sides to every place you visit – diving deep into culture, cuisine, and history, and connecting with the people you meet along the way.
Intrepid trips are about far more than good views and great times; they’re about creating positive changes through the joy of travel. So, if you’re keen to see more of the world, meet like-minded people, and create memories to treasure for life, why not explore with Intrepid?
To browse more Intrepid trips, head over to their website.
Are you tempted by any of these small group trips? Do you like the idea of purpose-led travel? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.