Intrepid Travel has introduced two limited-edition “Active-ism” trips to U.S. national parks, designed to raise awareness and support for these protected areas. The launch follows a wave of executive actions by the Trump administration that led to over 1,500 staff being dismissed from the National Park Service and proposed cutting its budget by $1 billion.
Leigh Barnes, Intrepid Travel’s President of the Americas, said the company wants to use tourism as a tool for good. “We recognize the role travel can play in supporting both people and protected areas,” he explained.
The new trips aim to encourage travelers to learn about the current threats facing U.S. national parks and to inspire action. “Whether you travel with Intrepid or not, the most important thing is that you go,” Barnes said. “And if you can’t visit a park, you can still help—by learning, sharing, volunteering, or donating to your local national park.”
Each “Active-ism” tour will be led by a local Intrepid guide and joined by a guest activist. These activists will lead discussions and offer insight into environmental and political challenges impacting national parks.
The tours include visits to iconic locations like Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone, offering hikes through some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes. With a group size limited to 11, the trips are designed to be intimate, fostering strong connections between travelers and the places they visit.
As part of the initiative, Intrepid Travel will also donate $50,000 on behalf of its travelers to non-profit organizations working to protect U.S. national parks.
