Geckos Adventures

Geckos, a sister company of Intrepid Travel, focuses on the “young, adventurous, and penniless.” They say they do the “hard haggling” for you so you can save money and enjoy yourself more on your trip.

What Makes Them Stand Out? 

Geckos is adventure travel for the young, budget-minded traveler, with an eye toward responsible travel. This means traveling in small groups, mostly averaging 9 passengers, and never over 15. With Geckos Adventures, you can really ‘run wild’ as you explore a destination in a small group environment.

Who Travels With Them?

Most of Geckos’ small-group trips are now strictly for 18-29 year olds who are willing to step outside their comfort zones. Namely, they’re happy to ride public transport, bed down in family-run places, and want plenty of free time. Geckos stresses that their trips are for “travelers, not tourists.” Some “All Age” trips are offered for those who are “young at heart” but over 40. Groups are somewhat geographically diverse, but the majority of travelers hail from Australia and New Zealand.

Where Do They Operate? 

Geckos offers a huge variety of exciting global destinations, with 200+ trips across all seven continents. The company is perhaps best known for its South-east Asia trips to places like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

How Does it Work?

Geckos aims to keep its prices on the lower side, but this doesn’t mean skimping on experience. Accommodations are all locally owned and can range from shared guesthouses, to homestays, to an overnight train. As Geckos says, its hotels are always “cheap and cheerful” and “clean, comfortable, and centrally located.” Prices include some meals and some activities, a knowledgeable local guide, and all forms of transport (usually local, and anything from buses to bikes, trains to ferries, cable cars to camels).

Why Travel With Them?

Geckos is a good choice if you’re between the ages of 18-39 and looking for a fun, cheap, no-frills, and authentic adventure. Geckos itineraries provide plenty of free time and flexibility, plus the ability to budget more on the ground instead of paying for activities ahead of time. Additionally, Geckos will arrange a private tour geared to your own interests. Repeat customers get discounts on subsequent trips – and if you turn 40 in the meantime, and are no longer eligible for Geckos, you can apply the discount to an Intrepid trip.