Intrepid Joins Us in 2026: A Year of Transformative Travel
▶Intrepid Joins Us in 2026: A Year of Transformative Travel
At the start of the year, Travel Trends host Dan Christian called 2026 “The Year of Transformative Travel.” Not as a prediction, but as an observation of what’s already happening.
Travelers are shifting. They’re seeking purpose, connection, and experiences that change how they see the world. They want to travel more responsibly, connect with local communities, limit their impact, and come home with a new perspective.
That’s why we’re especially grateful to have Intrepid Travel sponsoring our Travel Trends Season 7 & 8 conversations for this full year ahead. Their commitment helps ensure we can continue exploring these important ideas all year long.
A Personal Full-Circle Moment
Long before our Travel Trends Podcast existed, Dan’s first small-group adventure was with Intrepid, traveling from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, through Cambodia and Angkor Wat, more than 20 years ago.
It shaped how Dan would choose to experience the world, from his time working at Lonely Planet in Melbourne, Australia (also Intrepid’s home city) to continuing to build a career focused on meaningful, experience-driven travel. Over recent years, that connection has deepened through conversations with James Thornton, Intrepid’s Global CEO, and a long-standing friendship with Christian Wolters, President, Canada offering valuable insights on Intrepid’s growth, values and long-term vision.
Why Intrepid Represents Transformative Travel
Intrepid Travel is the world’s largest adventure travel company, offering 900+ small-group trips across 100+ countries, built around a simple idea: travel should leave a positive impact.
Their trips are:
Locally led, by people who live where you travel
Intentionally immersive, beyond the tourist trail
Small-group by design, creating real connection
Purpose-full and stress-free, so travelers can focus on the experience
Keeping Important Conversations Moving
Our mission with Travel Trends has always been to explore where the travel industry is headed and why it matters. Support from partners like Intrepid allows us to keep those conversations flowing.
As transformative travel moves into the global zeitgeist, we encourage travelers and travel advisors alike to lean into this style of travel in 2026. Choose experiences that support communities, protect places, and offer something deeper than the surface.
To learn more about Intrepid’s trips, their programs for travel advisors, and their B Corp and sustainability commitments, visit IntrepidTravel.com. ၊၊||၊-✈