One of the most legendary outdoor equipment retailers is joining forces with one of the travel industry’s most well-known adventure tour operators to offer immersive travel experiences around the world.
The two companies in question? REI Co-op and Intrepid Travel.
In an announcement released today, the two purpose-led powerhouse companies said they will be working together to introduce travel experiences that allow customers to “foster meaningful connections with new cultures and landscapes.”
That effort will kick-off with two distinct collections of locally guided adventures set to launch in January.
The REI Exclusive collection will include more than 25 trips that take travelers to such locations as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania, and iconic natural places in the United States.
Each of these adventures — from alpine hikes and multi-sport adventures to women-led expeditions and wildlife encounters — will be guided by Intrepid’s local experts. Trip lengths range from three to 14 days.
Separately, an REI Recommended collection of trips is also being launched. These 50 trips will span 32 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, and South America. REI Recommended Itineraries will run from four to 15 days in length and some will offer premium accommodation and signature experiences.
“These trips are designed to bring together REI members’ deep appreciation for familiar outdoor spaces and the thrill of discovering the unknown, while reflecting the co-op’s core values of time outside, inclusion, and sustainability,” Susan Viscon, REI’s chief new ventures and impact officer, said in a statement.
Leigh Barnes, president of the Americas for Intrepid Travel, said the partnership allows the global tour operator to combine “REI’s deep outdoor expertise with Intrepid’s recognized approach to responsible and locally-led tourism.”
REI Exclusive and Recommended are available at REI.com/travel , while the Recommended trips will also be sold through IntrepidTravel.com.
The new trips can be booked by anyone, but REI members will receive a 15 percent discount on Exclusive trips.
Additionally, REI Members who buy a Recommended trip will receive a 20 percent off coupon to use toward a future REI gear and apparel purchase.
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