Intrepid vs. EF Ultimate Break - Which is right for you? [2023 Honest Review]

3/13/2023

So you're looking to book a trip, but you don't know where to start. You find some group trips through companies like Intrepid and EF Ultimate Break, but which one's better for you? In this post, we're using our own, personal experiences to compare both companies. Over the past couple years I've been on 3 EF Ultimate Break trips solo, 1 EF Ultimate Break trip together with Tyler, and most recently 1 Intrepid trip together as well. Although what they offer is pretty similar, our experiences through each travel company were quite different, and depending on what you're looking for this could really make or break a trip! Read on for our honest reviews of each company, as well as an easy to read list comparing the two group travel companies! (Scroll to the very bottom for our side by side list!)

We think it's important to note that each tour destination through each company can run differently, so for example, our experience with Intrepid in India could be different than an experience with Intrepid through Vietnam, and the same goes for EF Ultimate Break. The people on your tour can also vary widely, and these reviews are only based on our personal experiences.

Intrepid - A Review

When we booked our tour with Intrepid earlier this year, we booked it only about 2 weeks before departure and soley based on the cheap price. I mean, who can pass up a 16 day trip for $625 a person? Our trip was their "Basix" package and catered to travelers aged 18-29, however we were easily able to get special permission for Tyler to join the tour, who was just outside the age range at 30 years old.

For the next 16 days we would be traveling with a new group of friends throughout India, riding trains, visiting a world wonder, and making incredible memories. Some "pros" of traveling with Intrepid is that you have a lot of free time, and you're free to do pretty much whatever you want. You also have a group of travelers that are interested in the adventure, authentic experiences, and learning about the culture of a given place. On the other hand, some "cons" of traveling with Intrepid is that the "Basix" package is very basic, and there weren't any meals or many activities included. Tours also aren't all inclusive, meaning flights don't come with.

Intrepid is great for independent travelers. If you've never been outside the US before or are nervous to travel, this might not be the company for you. If you want a new group of friends to meet up with after exploring on your own, and a guide to tell you some great spots to check out on your own, then Intrepid is the way to go!

Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are a lot of travel companies out there, but some are better than others. These are our favorite websites and resources to help you plan an incredible trip.

For flights, we recommend using WayAway or Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to your destination.

Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you if you're heading somewhere international!

We always use AGODA for hotels. They have an easy-to-use platform where you can compare the best rates.

To keep cell phone service if you're traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Klook also does the trick, especially for tours in Asia.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for your international or domestic travels.

EF Ultimate Break - A Review

In total I've been on 4 EF Ultimate Break trips, and Tyler has joined me on one of those. From China to Tanzania, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic (and Egypt later this year), I've been fortunate to travel the world with EF Ultimate Break, and they were even my first "solo" international trip! From my personal experience, I would say the percentage of first time travelers is much higher with EF Ultimate Break - however - the percentage of repeat travelers is also much higher.

On most of my trips, the average age of travelers was in the low 20s, meaning a bit more nightlife and partying. EF Ultimate Break is also known to be very "Instagramy" meaning that a majority of their itineraries are specifically designed to hit the most popular spots and get you the perfect photo. Some "pros" of traveling with EF Ultimate Break is you'll get a super fun community of new friends, many of which will want to plan a future trip with EF Ultimate Break as well! They also have a more "all-inclusive" approach, meaning there are many more included activities and meals. On the other hand, some "cons" of traveling with EF Ultimate Break is that their itineraries are VERY fast paced, and many times you don't get a lot of free time to explore on your own. Activities are often chosen based on Instagram worthiness and there will be a LOT of picture taking.

EF Ultimate Break is the perfect company for travelers that might be taking their first solo or first international trip! With hands on guides and tour directors, as well as an "all inclusive" approach, you'll have someone there the entire time to lead your adventures. Travelers with EF Ultimate Break are typically a bit younger, and are often looking to adventure during the day and continue the party at night! You'll also be hitting all the IG spots while touring a country!

If you end up booking with EF Ultimate Break, they have a "refer a friend" program where we can get you an extra $100 off! Just DM us your email on IG! :)

INTREPID :

open to all ages (specific tours for 18-29 year olds)
flights to destination not included, can ask for help to book flights
has 4 trip styles - Basix, Orginal, Comfort, and Premium based on your price range and travel style
rooms are assigned on a twin share basis, with the option to choose your roommate or upgrade to your own private room
trips are typically not cancelled by Intrepid due to small group member numbers, but can be due to natural events, and the amount you've paid will be automatically refunded (minus travel protection and any flights you added on)
easy to use payment plans with a down payment, within so many days of the trip you might be asked to pay in full
met other tour members & guide the day our tour started, it was our responsibility to create a group to connect and message each other
itineraries are focused on bringing responsible, small group travel to places around the globe, all while cultivating authentic travel experiences
customer service (online chat) was very responsive & we had a great experience
many sales throughout the year, as well as cheaper prices for certain seasons
as of 2019, Intrepid has closed their loyalty program

EF ULTIMATE BREAK :

open to 18-35 year olds (repeat travellers can typically go up a year)
option to include flights from your closest airport
has 3 trip styles - Backpacker, Essential, and Plus based on your price range and travel style
rooms are assigned on a twin share basis, with the option to choose your roommate or upgrade to your own private room
trips can be cancelled by EF Ultimate Break if not enough people book or because of a natural event, and you will receive a voucher for the amount you've paid so far (minus travel protection) that must be used within one year
easy to use payment plans with a down payment of $150 (certain sales bring this down payment down to $5), must pay in full by 60 days of trip
you are typically connected with your tour members & guide about 3 months before your trip via Facebook group to ask questions & get to know each other
itineraries are very Instagram inspired, with the goals to get you the best photo and visit top spots
customer service sucks (lol) seriously can't even get an email back
sales throughout the entire year, as well as a large group of "ambassadors" to give you an extra $100 off
repeat travelers get up to $300 off a trip (depending on how many trips you've completed with them)

We've personally been to China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Tanzania through EF Ultimate Break and India through Intrepid. Leave your comments or any questions you have below!

Watch our Adventures in India here!