G Adventures vs Intrepid: Which Group Tour Is Worth Your Money?

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Let me tell you – choosing between G Adventures vs. Intrepid was hard. After multiple trips with both companies across 4 continents, I’ve collected enough opinions, experiences, and travel stories to finally break it all down for you.

If you’re anything like me when I started, you’re probably tabs-deep in both websites right now, wondering: “Which company is actually better? Will I feel safe as a solo woman? Is one better value than the other? And will I make friends or be stuck with a bunch of couples?“

I get it – I’ve been in your shoes. That’s why I put together this super honest comparison specifically for solo female travelers.

Why I Started Taking Small Group Tours as a Solo Female Traveler

I still remember sitting in my apartment years ago, desperately wanting to go to Morocco but terrified of navigating it alone as a woman. My friends either couldn’t afford it or couldn’t get time off work (ah, the eternal solo traveler’s struggle).

After weeks of overthinking, I booked a G Adventures tour, and honestly? It completely changed how I travel.

Here’s why I fell in love with group tours as a solo female traveler:

• The safety factor is huge. Having a local tour guide who knows which areas to avoid, when to take taxis instead of walking, and how to handle unwanted attention was worth the tour cost alone.
• No more eating dinner alone! Unless you want to, of course. Group tours mean built-in dinner buddies and people to share those “did that really just happen?” travel moments with.
• Someone else handles the stressful stuff. No figuring out train schedules in languages you don’t speak or negotiating with taxi drivers who may or may not be taking you to your actual hotel.
• Access to places I’d never find alone. Like that tiny family restaurant in Vietnam where we learned to make spring rolls, or that hidden cenote in Mexico I’d have never found on Google Maps.

The big question isn’t whether small group tours are worth it (for many destinations, they absolutely are) – it’s which company will give you the best experience as a solo female traveler.

G Adventures vs Intrepid: The Basics

G Adventures: The Fun Canadian Company

Founded in 1990, G Adventures feels adventurous, social, and purpose-driven with their small group tours. Their “Ripple Score” shows how much money stays local. Their guides? High-energy, warm, and laser-focused on building community in the group. They call them CEOs – Chief Experience Officers – and it shows.

Intrepid: The Aussie Sustainability Pioneer

Also founded in the ‘90s, Intrepid leans more into cultural depth and ethical travel. They were carbon neutral way back in 2010, banned elephant rides before it was trendy (I love that), and generally take a slower, more immersive approach.

Their guides are professional and knowledgeable but a little more hands-off. Great if you want space, not as great if you’re hoping for travel BFFs.

G Adventures vs Intrepid: Key Differences

I’ve had great experiences with both, but I consistently felt more comfortable and connected with the crowd on G Adventures tours – they just had a warmer, more welcoming vibe for solo travelers.

Tour Styles: Finding Your Perfect Trip

Both companies have different types of small group tours, and choosing the right style is super important for having a good experience.

G Adventures Tour Styles

Here’s my breakdown of G Adventures trips by tour styles, based on actually taking them (not just reading their marketing):

• 18-to-Thirtysomethings: These are the budget backpacker trips. Think: shared rooms, public transportation, and fast-paced itineraries. Great if you’re in your 20s and want to make friends, less great if you need your own space or a good night’s sleep.
• Classic: This is their most popular style and my personal favorite. Good mix of included activities and free time, decent hotels (usually 3-star), and diverse age groups. Most of my Classic tours had travelers from mid-20s to mid-50s.
• Active: Hope you’ve been hitting the gym! These small group tours focus on hiking, biking, and kayaking. I did their Costa Rica Active tour and my legs were sore for DAYS, but in the best way possible.
• National Geographic Journeys: The fancy option. Better hotels, more included activities, and usually smaller groups. Worth the splurge for special destinations.

Intrepid Tour Styles

Intrepid categorizes their small group tours a bit differently:

• Basix: Similar to G’s 18-to-Thirtysomethings, these are no-frills budget trips. Think hostels and public buses.
• Original: Their standard tours (equivalent to G’s Classic). Comfortable but not luxurious. Most of my Intrepid trips have been this style.
• Comfort: Nicer accommodations, more included meals, and generally a slightly older crowd.
• Premium: Their top-tier option with the best hotels and lots of inclusions.

They also have special interest tours like:

• 18 to 29s: Specifically for younger travelers
• Food tours: Heaven for foodies (their Vietnam food tour was worth every calorie)
• Cycling/hiking trips: For the active crowd
• Women’s Expeditions: Female-only trips in countries like Morocco and Iran, which allow access to women-only spaces and experiences

Destinations: Where Each Company Shines

While both companies operate worldwide, each has regions where they really excel.

G Adventures’ Standout Destinations

Based on my experiences and talking to other travelers, these G Adventures trips really stand out:

• Latin America: Their Peru, Costa Rica, and Mexico trips are exceptional.
• Africa: Great safari options and Morocco itineraries
• Southeast Asia: Strong in Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia

I took their Classic Peru trip, and the community connections they’ve built there over decades made for unique experiences I couldn’t have arranged on my own.

Intrepid’s Standout Destinations

Intrepid trips particularly excels in:

• Middle East: Their Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco trips are outstanding
• Asia: Especially strong in India, Nepal, and Japan
• Australia & New Zealand: Their home territory is well-covered

Their women-only expeditions in Morocco, Jordan, and Iran are unique offerings that many solo female travelers rave about.

The Solo Female Traveler Experience

Now for what you really want to know – which small group tours are better for solo female travelers?

G Adventures for Solo Women

On every G Adventures trip I’ve taken, at least half the group was solo travelers, and most of those were women. They seem to attract a lot of solo female travelers, which instantly creates a comfortable vibe among fellow travelers.

What I love about G Adventures as a solo female traveler:

• Their guides actively try to create group bonding. On my Peru trip, our CEO organized optional group dinners on free nights so no one had to eat alone.
• They use WhatsApp groups before the trip starts, so you can “meet” people virtually before the awkward in-person introductions.
• Their roommate matching system works well. I’ve always been paired with awesome roommates (and made some lasting friendships this way).
• I never felt pressured to participate in everything. When I needed alone time, I could skip optional activities without feeling judged, something I’ve missed on other tours.

Intrepid for Solo Women

Intrepid also attracts a ton of solo travelers (around 50-60% of their groups), and they have some unique advantages:

• Their Women’s Expeditions are a game-changer if you’re traveling to more conservative countries. I haven’t taken one personally, but my friend did their Morocco Women’s Expedition and got to visit hamams, have dinner in family homes, and experience things that mixed-gender groups can’t.
• They hire more female guides in countries where that’s unusual.
• They tend to offer more free time, which can be great if you’re an experienced solo traveler who wants some independence and own pace.

If safety is your top concern (and let’s be honest, it’s always on our minds as solo female travelers), both companies have excellent safety records. I’ve never felt unsafe on any tour with either company.

Price Comparison: G Adventures vs. Intrepid

I compared similar 10-day trips to Thailand from both companies last year:

After comparing dozens of itineraries across both companies, I’ve found G Adventures is typically 5-10% cheaper than other trips with Intrepid. Not a massive difference, but if you’re on a tight budget, it adds up.

The Single Supplement Situation

As a solo traveler, the dreaded “single supplement” can be a budget-killer. Both companies handle this similarly:

• You can pay extra for your own room (G calls this “My Own Room”)
• OR you can be matched with another solo traveler of the same gender

G Adventures’ single supplement (own room) is typically about 10-15% cheaper than Intrepid’s for comparable trips.

What’s Included in the Group Tour?

This is where you need to read the fine print. Most tours from both companies include:

• All accommodation
• Transportation between destinations
• Some meals (usually breakfasts and a few dinners)
• Some activities and entrance fees

What’s NOT included with either company:

• International flights
• Most lunches and many dinners
• Optional activities
• Tips for guides (budget about $5-7 per day)
• Travel insurance (mandatory for both)

G Adventures tends to include slightly more activities in the base price, while Intrepid offers more as optional add-ons. This isn’t necessarily better or worse – it depends whether you prefer more inclusions or more freedom to choose.

Booking & Cancellation Policies

• G Adventures:
  • Lifetime Deposit – cancel anytime and reuse your credit later
  • Very forgiving if plans change
• Intrepid:
  • Standard policy – the closer you cancel to departure, the more you lose

Loyalty Programs & Travel Deals

• G Adventures:
  • 5% discount on your next trip if you complete a feedback form
  • Regular sales and limited-time offers (often seasonal or flash sales)
  • Lifetime Deposit can be reapplied if you cancel – no money lost
• Intrepid:
  • As of now, no active loyalty program
  • They used to offer a free trip after 10 tours (called the Legends program) – now discontinued
  • You can sometimes catch sales via their newsletter or around Black Friday

If loyalty rewards and cancellation flexibility matter to you, G Adventures is the stronger option.

Solo Female Traveler Safety on Group Tours

G Adventures Safety Features

• Guides give local safety tips (esp. in cities like Marrakech)
• No overnight dodgy transport – always vetted
• Group WhatsApp chats before the trip
• 24/7 emergency support line

Intrepid Safety Features

• Cultural briefings on arrival
• Female guides in conservative regions
• Audits of every hotel and activity

I’ve always felt safe with both. But G’s guides tended to check in with me more often and have more “insider” safety tips for women.

Sustainability & Ethical Travel

Both companies are leaders in sustainable travel, but with different approaches.

G Adventures’ Approach to Sustainability

G Adventures focuses on:

• The Ripple Score: Shows what percentage of your trip cost stays in local communities
• G for Good projects: Community development initiatives you’ll visit during your trip
• Planeterra Foundation: Their non-profit that supports community tourism enterprises

On my Peru trip, we visited a women’s weaving cooperative supported by Planeterra. Seeing how tourism directly benefited these women made the experience so much more meaningful.

Intrepid’s Approach to Sustainability

Intrepid emphasizes:

• Carbon-neutral operations since 2010
• The Intrepid Foundation: Their non-profit that supports various projects
• Strong animal welfare policies: They were early adopters of ethical wildlife tourism

Both companies are genuinely committed to responsible travel, which makes me feel good about traveling with them.

Quiz: Which Company Should YOU Choose?

After all this comparing, you might still be wondering which company is right for YOU. Let’s make it simple with a quick quiz:

1, What kind of group energy do you prefer?
A) Friendly and social – I want a built-in travel crew!
B) Chill and independent – I like doing my own thing too.
2, How important is flexibility with cancellations?
A) Super important – plans change, I need options.
B) Not a dealbreaker, I usually stick to plans.
3, Where are you traveling?
A) Latin America, Africa, or Southeast Asia
B) Middle East, India, or Australia/New Zealand
4, How much free time do you want during your trip?
A) I prefer a structured plan with some downtime
B) I want lots of free time to explore alone
5, How do you usually approach budgeting for trips?
A) I’d love to save 5-10% if the quality is still great
B) I don’t mind spending a little more for special themes or perks
6, Are you interested in themed or women-only trips?
A) Not really, I want a well-rounded group experience
B) Yes – foodie trips, women-only expeditions, or hiking tours sound amazing!

Results:

• Mostly A’s: G Adventures is your match!
  • You’re all about good energy, social bonding, and smooth logistics. G Adventures gives you slightly better pricing, tons of departure options, and flexible booking. Plus, their CEO guides are known for creating a fun, group-oriented atmosphere that’s perfect for solo women looking to connect.
• Mostly B’s: Intrepid might be your travel soulmate.
  • You love travel with depth and freedom. Intrepid tours gives you more free time, niche themes like cycling and food tours, and women-only trips in countries where cultural access matters. If you’ve done some solo travel already and want flexibility with substance, this might be your jam.

My Personal Take After Multiple Group Tours

After traveling with both companies multiple times, here’s my honest opinion:

You truly can’t go wrong with either one. Both deliver amazing experiences for solo female travelers, with similar price points and excellent safety standards.

I personally lean toward G Adventures for most solo female travelers, especially first-timers, because:

1. Their lifetime deposit policy has saved me twice when plans changed
2. Their guides seem more focused on creating group bonding experiences
3. The pre-trip communication creates more opportunities to connect with other travelers before you even arrive
4. They typically have more departure dates, making planning easier
5. They’re usually a bit cheaper for comparable itineraries

That said, for certain destinations (particularly Middle Eastern countries), Intrepid’s women-only expeditions offer unique cultural access that can’t be matched. If you’re interested in deeper cultural immersion in these regions, Intrepid might be the better choice.

Practical Booking Tips (No Matter Which Company You Choose)

Whichever tour company you go with, here are my hard-earned tips for getting the best experience:

Timing is Everything

• Book 3-6 months ahead for the best prices
• Check both websites for identical itineraries (sometimes there’s a significant price difference)
• Consider shoulder season for fewer crowds and better rates
• Sign up for newsletters to catch flash sales (I saved $400 on my Colombia trip this way!)

Perfect First-Time Trips for Solo Female Travelers

If you’re new to group travel, these itineraries have a great balance of safety, sociability, and adventure:

With G Adventures:

• Classic Thailand (Bangkok to Chiang Mai to islands – the perfect introduction)
• Costa Rica Adventure (safe, beautiful, and wildlife-focused)
• Peru Classic (Machu Picchu with good infrastructure).

With Intrepid:

• Vietnam Express (well-paced introduction to Southeast Asia)
• Morocco: Women’s Expedition (unique access to women’s culture)
• Best of Egypt (historic sites with expert guides)

Packing and Preparation Tips for Small Group Tours

• Pack light! You’ll likely be carrying your own luggage up stairs and into boats
• Bring earplugs if you’re sharing rooms (trust me on this one)
• Join pre-trip Facebook/WhatsApp groups to make friends before you arrive
• Budget for optional activities – they’ll tempt you, and FOMO is real
• Get travel insurance the day you book (both companies require it anyway)

Video Review: G Adventures vs. Intrepid

Prefer watching? Here’s a video by a traveler who’s taken 11 trips with both companies. She compares everything from small group tours vibe to cancellation policies.

Which Tour Company Is Worth Your Money?

After many trips with both companies, my wallet votes for G Adventures tours.

I’ve consistently paid less with G Adventures while getting more included activities, better guides, and that game-changing lifetime deposit policy that saved me when I got sick before my Thailand trip. And honestly, I’ve just clicked better with the people on their tours – it always felt more welcoming.

Intrepid’s women-only tours in the Middle East are absolutely worth it if that’s where you’re heading. But for everything else? G Adventures just gives you more for your money.

Have you tried either company? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your experience!

Let’s get lost together!