Intrepid Travel
Varies by trip
4.4/5 · ~2,540 reviews on TrustpilotChecked 14 Nov 2026
- Melbourne-founded small-group tour operator
- Local leaders and small groups
- Trips across all continents
Browse Intrepid trips →
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✈️ Planning guide · updated 14 Nov 2026Planning a trip from Australia: tours vs DIY (2026)
A calm, practical planning guide for your next trip.
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1. Set a budget
Use our budget calculator. Flights and accommodation are usually the biggest costs.
2. Decide: tour or DIY
Small-group tours like Intrepid's bundle a leader, transport and many activities. DIY gives flexibility but more admin.
3. Book carefully
On booking sites, read the property's own cancellation terms. Booking.com's Trustpilot score (1.4) reflects frequent customer-service complaints, so keep every confirmation.
4. Stay safe
Check Smartraveller advice for your destination and buy travel insurance that fits your trip.
The comparison table
| Intrepid | Booking.com | Expedia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What | Small-group tours | Accommodation (also flights, cars) | Flights, hotels, packages |
| Trustpilot | 4.4 (~2,540) | 1.4 (130,518) | Not checked |
| Best for | Hassle-free adventures | Choosing stays | Bundles |
Pros and cons
Small-group tours (e.g. Intrepid)
👍 What we like
- Logistics handled
- Local leaders
- Good for solo travellers
👎 Watch out for
- Less flexibility
- Group pace
- Single supplements on some trips
DIY bookings (Booking.com, Expedia)
👍 What we like
- Total flexibility
- Huge choice
- Often cheaper
👎 Watch out for
- You fix every problem yourself
- Booking.com rates 1.4 on Trustpilot
- Cancellation terms vary by property
Ready to compare?
Booking.com
Varies per night
1.4/5 · 130,518 reviews on TrustpilotChecked 14 Nov 2026
- Huge range of hotels and apartments
- Many free-cancellation options
- Read each property's own reviews
Search stays →
Affiliate link. Low Trustpilot score, mostly about customer service. Keep confirmations and contact the property directly.
Expedia
Varies bundles
- Flights, hotels and packages in one place
- Bundling can sometimes save money
- Compare against booking direct
Search Expedia →
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