More Small Group Adventure Tours on the Chopping Block for Summer

Just about a week and a half ago, I told you about small group adventure tour operator GAP Adventures' surprising summer sale. Well, things must be shaky in the world of adventure travel as GAP's primary rival, the Australian company Intrepid Travel, has just announced a similar promotion.

 (Photo: Shaman outside of the central Cathedral in Mexico City; taken by Doctor Who/Creative Commons)

As with GAP, Intrepid runs tours to some of the more exotic corners of the earth and does so in a distinctly "green" fashion. Instead of cramming passengers into private busses, it uses only local transportation to get its clients from point A to point B. The company supports the local economy by booking passengers only into locally-owned properties, small guest houses, primarily, but also private homes, tented accommodations and inns. As with GAP, groups are limited to 15 people, and often go out with fewer. And also, as with its rival, prices are among the lowest in the industry--which makes a sale especially noteworthy from either company.

Intrepid's last-minute sale slashes 20% off the price of a number of tours. Here are some of the best deals:

•  Unforgettable India Tour (Delhi, Agra, Panna National Park): 15-day tour for $928 (formerly $1160)
• Mexico Unplugged (Mexico City, San Cristobal de las Casas, Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca, Chichen Itza): 15 days for $792 (formerly $990)
• Family Adventure in China (Beijing, Xian, Yangshuo, Hong Kong): 14 days for $1616 (formerly $2020)
• Magical Morocco (Casablanca, Fes, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Meknes, Marrakesh): 9 days for $880 (formerly $1100)

Rates are based on double occupancy and don't include airfare. On many tours an additional, reasonble payment is given to local operators.