Intrepid Travel is adding more off-season European departures than ever before next year to combat overtourism and has brought out a range of small adventure cruises in Asia.
The operator’s 2019 Worldwide Adventures brochure also features Moldova for the first time. Its Moldova, Ukraine and Romania Explorer itinerary offers some of the least-visited sights in Europe, including Transnistria, a breakaway republic in eastern Moldova where Soviet values are still upheld, and a boat trip in Romania’s remote Danube Delta.
Intrepid has included extra departures on off-season dates between October and March in traditional European destinations to visit at quieter times of year.
These include a winter version of its Highlights of Italy itinerary, which features St Mark’s Square, the Colosseum and Michelangelo’s David.
Head of sales Andrew Turner said: “Our trips have always been designed to leave a light footprint and ensure that locals benefit. By adding more off-season departures and undiscovered destinations we can encourage travellers to look beyond typical places.”
The operator’s new range of small-ship adventure cruises for up to 50 passengers to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia are designed to offer a sustainable alternative to large-ship cruising. They visit destinations off the tourist trail and offer passengers stops to have meals ashore.
“They generate less waste and don’t overwhelm small port towns with thousands of travellers all at once,” said Turner.