Road Trip itineraries

This self-launched version of Intrepid Travel's "Tasmania Adventure" swaps their private vehicle for your own hire car, covering the same Freycinet, Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires, and Tarkine rainforest route at your own pace. Cost estimate includes a 6-day economy car rental and fuel split between 2 travellers, budget motel/hostel stays in place of the operator's hotel, a Tasmania Parks holiday pass, and self-catered meals. All costs below are approximate per person, assuming 2 people sharing the rental car.

Travel Crew

~£720

A self-launched 21-day adventure through New Zealand's North and South Islands — covering geothermal Rotorua, Māori culture, the volcanic plateau, Wellington, the Cook Strait ferry, Kaikōura wildlife, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown thrills, Milford Sound, and the Dark Sky reserve at Lake Tekapo. All the same iconic stops as the Gap 360 group tour, done independently using intercity buses (InterCity/FlixBus NZ), the Interislander ferry, budget hostels, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and direct operators. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,390

The classic East Coast Australia adventure — Sydney to Cairns via Byron Bay, Brisbane, K'gari (Fraser Island), the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef — done entirely independently. You'll hit every iconic stop, sleep in the same style of accommodation (backpacker hostels, camping, sailing boats), and book the same key experiences directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook — without paying for a group leader or operator markup. Estimated saving: over £900 per person vs the Gap 360 group tour price.

Travel Crew

~£1,490

Explore the best of New Zealand's North and South Islands independently — from Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Waitomo's glowworm caves to Queenstown's adrenaline, Milford Sound's fiords, and Tekapo's dark skies. This self-launched version follows the same iconic route as Gap 360's 21-day group tour but replaces guided group transport with buses and shuttles, swaps lodge packages for quality hostels, and lets you book activities directly — saving you over £1,300 per person. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,450

This self-launched version of Acacia Adventure Holidays' iconic 58-day Gorillas to Cape Town route takes you through 9 countries — Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa — at a fraction of the guided tour price. You'll swap the overland truck for a mix of local buses, shared minibuses, and public ferries, and sleep in well-rated guesthouses, budget lodges, and campsites along the way. The big-ticket experiences — mountain gorilla trekking, chimp tracking, Serengeti game drives, Victoria Falls, Okavango mokoro rides, and Sossusvlei — are all self-bookable independently or via GetYourGuide and local operators. Note: Mountain gorilla permits (~£700–£800 for Uganda/Bwindi, or ~£1,200 for Rwanda) and chimpanzee trek permits (~£100–£150) are the single biggest costs and must be booked months in advance. All costs below are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£5,200

This self-launched version of CIE Tours' popular Taste of Iceland coach tour covers all 17 destinations — Golden Circle, South Coast waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, and the Blue Lagoon — but replaces the guided coach and premium hotel package with a self-drive rental car, guesthouses, and direct-bookable activities. Iceland is one of the most self-launch-friendly destinations in Europe: the Ring Road is straightforward to navigate, most attractions are free to access, and a hire car gives you total flexibility. All cost estimates are approximate and based on mid-2025 solo backpacker/budget traveller rates in GBP.

Travel Crew

~£950

Explore the best of both islands independently — from Auckland's harbour and the magic of Hobbiton, through Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Wellington's culture, to the South Island's jaw-dropping landscapes at Mount Cook, Wanaka, Milford Sound and Queenstown. This self-launched equivalent mirrors Gap 360's 17-day group tour but cuts out the operator markup entirely. You'll use public InterCity coaches, the Interislander ferry (or a budget domestic flight), and self-book all activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook. Staying in comparable hostel dorms throughout, you can expect to spend roughly £950–£1,100 per person — saving over £1,400 on the commercial price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,050

This self-launched version of Europamundo's classic North-to-South Europe sweep takes you from Berlin through Prague, the Austrian Alps, Switzerland, the Italian cities, and on to Madrid and Barcelona — all on your own terms. You'll swap 4-star group-tour hotels for well-rated budget hotels and hostels, replace coach transfers with trains and budget flights, and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide. The original operator packs a lot in fast — this version keeps the same pace and breadth but puts the savings back in your pocket. All costs are approximate and based on budget/backpacker rates as of 2025.

Travel Crew

~£1,485

Explore the very best of Portugal independently — from Lisbon's grand squares and Sintra's fairytale palaces to Porto's riverside wine bars, the medieval hilltowns of the Alentejo, and the dramatic sea cliffs of the Algarve. This self-launched version follows the same 11-day route as Destination Services Portugal's guided tour, swapping 4-star group hotel blocks and a private coach for comfortable guesthouses, boutique hostels, regional trains, and local buses. You'll visit every landmark on the original itinerary — Fátima, Coimbra, Guimarães, Braga, Évora, Lagos, Sagres — at a fraction of the cost. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£750

The ultimate East Coast Australia adventure — done your way, at a fraction of the group tour price. This self-launched route follows the classic backpacker trail from Sydney to Cairns, taking in world-class surf at Byron Bay, sand dune driving on K'gari (Fraser Island), two nights sailing the Whitsundays, koala spotting on Magnetic Island, and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. All transport, accommodation, and activities can be booked independently using local operators, Greyhound/Premier Coach passes, and platforms like GetYourGuide and Klook. Estimated cost: ~£1,350 per person (excluding flights, visa, and travel insurance) — a saving of over £1,500 vs the Gap 360 group tour.

Travel Crew

~£1,350

An epic 51-day self-launched adventure through six South American countries — from Lima's buzzing streets to Rio's iconic beaches. Hit all the major highlights: the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Uyuni Salt Flats, Atacama Desert, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Iguassu Falls and more. By swapping the guided group tour for independent travel — local buses, hostels, and self-booked activities — you can have the same incredible experience for a fraction of the price. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£2,150

Ditch the group tour price tag and explore the best of Rajasthan independently — same iconic destinations, same unforgettable experiences, a fraction of the cost. From the chaos of Old Delhi to camel camps in the Thar Desert, blue-washed Jodhpur, romantic Udaipur, the Pink City of Jaipur, and the unmissable Taj Mahal in Agra, this 16-day self-guided adventure packs in everything. Travel by overnight train, local buses and shared taxis; stay in heritage guesthouses and characterful hostels; book activities directly or via GetYourGuide. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£625

Ditch the group tour price tag and explore the best of Rajasthan independently — same iconic destinations, same unforgettable experiences, a fraction of the cost. From the chaos of Old Delhi to camel camps in the Thar Desert, blue-washed Jodhpur, romantic Udaipur, the Pink City of Jaipur, and the unmissable Taj Mahal in Agra, this 16-day self-launched adventure packs in everything. Travel by overnight train, local buses and shared taxis; stay in heritage guesthouses and characterful hostels; book activities directly or via GetYourGuide. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£625

This self-launched itinerary replicates Intrepid Travel's popular Essential Southern Balkans route — from Dubrovnik's medieval walls through Montenegro's coastal towns, into Albania's eclectic capital Tirana, along the stunning Albanian Riviera, through Ottoman Gjirokaster, and finally across to the Greek island of Corfu. By swapping the group tour's private vehicle transfers for public buses and shared minibuses, booking accommodation directly, and self-booking included activities, you can experience the same bucket-list journey for a fraction of the cost. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates in the region.

Travel Crew

~£540

This self-guided itinerary replicates Intrepid Travel's popular Essential Southern Balkans route — from Dubrovnik's medieval walls through Montenegro's coastal towns, into Albania's eclectic capital Tirana, along the stunning Albanian Riviera, through Ottoman Gjirokaster, and finally across to the Greek island of Corfu. By swapping the group tour's private vehicle transfers for public buses and shared minibuses, booking accommodation directly, and self-booking included activities, you can experience the same bucket-list journey for a fraction of the cost. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates in the region.

Travel Crew

~£540

Three countries, one epic self-launched adventure — no group tour required. This 22-day independent route takes you from the buzzing streets of Hanoi south to the beach city of Nha Trang, across the Mekong into laid-back Laos, and finally overland into northern Thailand. You'll travel by overnight trains, local buses, and slow boats — soaking up the same riversides and railways as the commercial tour at a fraction of the price. Estimated cost is approximately £550–£620 per person, saving you over £650 compared to the operator price. All costs are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£590

This self-launched 12-day route takes you from Auckland to Christchurch across both the North and South Islands — hitting Rotorua's geothermal wonders, Māori cultural experiences, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Wellington, the Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman National Park, and the iconic TranzAlpine train. Instead of paying Stray Travel's group tour premium, you'll book transport and accommodation independently, swap guided transfers for intercity buses and ferries, and self-book activities directly or via GetYourGuide and Klook. All cost estimates are approximate and based on budget/backpacker rates in NZD converted to GBP.

Travel Crew

~£1,145

Experience the best of New Zealand's South Island independently — from the iconic TranzAlpine train ride across the Southern Alps to the glaciers of the West Coast, the adrenaline capital of Queenstown, the wilderness of Fiordland, and the alpine grandeur of Mount Cook. This self-launched version follows the same route as Stray Travel's Kaka Select tour, swapping the guided group bus for local shuttles, intercity coaches, and rental options, while keeping accommodation comfortable at budget-friendly motels and hostels. All key activities — the TranzAlpine train, Milford Sound cruise, Kepler Track, and Lake Tekapo — are bookable independently. Estimated cost is roughly £950–£1,100 per person, saving you over £800 versus the Stray Travel operator price.

Travel Crew

~£960

This self-guided version of Intrepid's iconic Canadian Rockies loop covers the same breathtaking highlights — Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Golden, Banff, Jasper, Wells Gray — at a fraction of the cost. Swap the group van for rental car freedom, hostel dorms and campgrounds for budget-friendly sleeps, and a tour leader for your own sense of adventure. You'll still hike Tunnel Mountain, marvel at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, drive the legendary Icefields Parkway and explore Whistler's trails. All costs are approximate estimates per person, assuming two people sharing a rental car and splitting fuel costs.

Travel Crew

~£985

Follow the same epic South American route from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro — independently. This 14-day self-guided adventure takes you through Argentine culture, charming Uruguayan colonial towns, a genuine estancia stay, the thundering majesty of Iguazu Falls from both sides, the idyllic island escape of Ilha Grande, and finally the electric streets of Rio de Janeiro. By booking your own transport, accommodation, and activities, you'll save a significant chunk vs. the Intrepid group tour price — while gaining total freedom over your schedule. All transport options use public or shared services, and accommodation is booked via Hostelworld, Booking.com, or direct. Cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£888

Skip the group tour price tag and road trip the American Southwest on your own terms. This self-guided version of Intrepid's Vegas-to-LA itinerary hits every major stop — Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Joshua Tree and Los Angeles — using a rented car, bookable park passes, and a mix of campgrounds and budget hotels. You'll have total flexibility, save a significant chunk of money, and still tick off some of the most iconic landscapes on Earth. Note: all costs are approximate estimates per person, based on two people sharing a rental car and tent.

Travel Crew

~£555

Experience the best of California and Nevada independently — from San Francisco's iconic waterfront to the breathtaking trails of Yosemite National Park, the weird and wonderful Mono Lake, and the neon-lit spectacle of Las Vegas. This self-guided version follows the same route as Intrepid Travel's SSYS tour but cuts out the group tour premium by using your own hire car (split with travel companions found via hostel noticeboards or apps like Meetup), public campgrounds booked directly via Recreation.gov, and self-bookable activities. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on sharing a hire car and tent with one other traveller.

Travel Crew

~£480

Explore the very best of Scotland independently — from the vibrant streets of Glasgow and the seaside charm of Oban, to the mythical landscapes of the Isle of Skye and the medieval grandeur of Edinburgh. This self-guided version of Intrepid's popular Essential Scotland tour follows the exact same route and hits all the same highlights, swapping group-leader guidance for your own sense of adventure. Travel by scenic train, local bus and public ferry, stay in quality hostels and budget hotels, and save a significant chunk of cash — leaving more to spend on whisky tastings, castle entries and fresh seafood along the way. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£560

This self-guided version of Intrepid's Epic Mexico to Costa Rica adventure takes you through six countries — Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica — over 32 incredible days. You'll swap the group tour markup for local buses, budget guesthouses, and self-booked activities, experiencing the same ruins, rainforests, volcanoes, and Caribbean islands for a fraction of the price. From Tulum's cenotes and Tikal's jungle temples to Lake Atitlán's Mayan villages and Ometepe's volcanic peaks, this route is one of Central America's great backpacker journeys. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,780

This self-guided 25-day adventure takes you from the dizzying heights of La Paz, Bolivia, through the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the Atacama Desert, and the vibrant cities of Salta, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Iguazu Falls, finishing in iconic Rio de Janeiro. By booking your own transport, accommodation, and activities independently, you can replicate every highlight of Intrepid's commercial tour at a fraction of the price — with more flexibility and freedom along the way. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,405

This self-guided 26-day adventure mirrors Intrepid Travel's Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina itinerary — covering Lima, the Amazon jungle, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, and Buenos Aires. By booking accommodation, transport, and activities independently, you can experience all the same iconic highlights at a fraction of the guided tour price. Use a mix of hostels, budget guesthouses, local buses, shared taxis, and self-bookable tours via GetYourGuide and Klook. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,430

This self-launched equivalent of Intrepid Travel's 'Real Southern Africa' tour takes you through three extraordinary countries — South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe — across 17 days of wildlife, wilderness and wonder. You'll visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary, drift through the Okavango Delta by mokoro, cross the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, safari through Chobe and Hwange National Parks, and stand in the spray of Victoria Falls — all without the group tour price tag. Using public transport, shared shuttles, self-booked game drives and budget campsites, you can replicate almost every highlight at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on 2024–25 budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£875

Experience Iceland's most iconic landscapes — geysers, glaciers, black sand beaches and thundering waterfalls — entirely on your own terms. This self-launched equivalent of Intrepid Travel's Six Days in Iceland follows the same Golden Circle and South Coast route, swapping the private minibus and group leader for a hired campervan or rental car, budget guesthouses and hostels, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and direct operators. Iceland is never cheap, but cutting out the operator margin saves you hundreds. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on two people sharing a rental car and accommodation. All ISK optional activity prices converted at approximately 0.0068 GBP/ISK.

Travel Crew

~£610

Skip the group tour price tag and explore Botswana's extraordinary wildlife corridors independently. This self-launched itinerary follows the same route as Intrepid's Essential Botswana trip — from Johannesburg through the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Chobe National Park, finishing at Victoria Falls. You'll swap the overland truck for a combination of shared shuttles, self-drive hire (or budget safari transfers), and locally booked mokoro and game drive experiences. Most activities can be booked directly with community-run operators or via GetYourGuide/Viator, saving you significantly on the packaged tour premium. Note: all costs are approximate estimates per person and will vary by season, availability and exchange rates.

Travel Crew

~£555

This self-launched road trip replicates Intrepid Travel's iconic 13-day San Francisco to LA journey through California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona — at a fraction of the cost. Hire a car between 2–4 friends (or join a rideshare group), book campsites and budget hotels independently, and pay your own national park entry fees. You'll hit every major stop — Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Route 66 and Joshua Tree — without the group tour markup. Estimated costs below are per person based on 2 people sharing a hire car; solo travellers should budget more for transport. All costs are approximate and based on 2025 budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£790

Experience the very best of southern Africa independently — from the thundering Victoria Falls to the vast wildlife plains of Hwange and Kruger National Park — without the group tour price tag. This self-launched route mirrors Intrepid Travel's Essential African Safari itinerary, swapping overland truck travel for a combination of shared transfers, local buses and self-drive hire, and replacing group campsites with equivalent budget camping and guesthouse options you can book directly. You'll still get open 4WD game drives, cultural dinners, and sunrise wildlife encounters — just on your own terms. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£740

This self-launched version of Intrepid's iconic Canadian Rockies loop covers the same breathtaking highlights — Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Golden, Banff, Jasper, Wells Gray — at a fraction of the cost. Swap the group van for rental car freedom, hostel dorms and campgrounds for budget-friendly sleeps, and a tour leader for your own sense of adventure. You'll still hike Tunnel Mountain, marvel at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, drive the legendary Icefields Parkway and explore Whistler's trails. All costs are approximate estimates per person, assuming two people sharing a rental car and splitting fuel costs.

Travel Crew

~£985

Follow the same epic South American route from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro — independently. This 14-day self-launched adventure takes you through Argentine culture, charming Uruguayan colonial towns, a genuine estancia stay, the thundering majesty of Iguazu Falls from both sides, the idyllic island escape of Ilha Grande, and finally the electric streets of Rio de Janeiro. By booking your own transport, accommodation, and activities, you'll save a significant chunk vs. the Intrepid group tour price — while gaining total freedom over your schedule. All transport options use public or shared services, and accommodation is booked via Hostelworld, Booking.com, or direct. Cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£888

Follow the same epic route as Intrepid's Real Bolivia & Argentina tour — from the altitude-soaked streets of La Paz to the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni, the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert, the colonial charm of Salta, and the buzzing boulevards of Buenos Aires — all without the group tour price tag. This self-launched version swaps the tour leader for a little independence, replaces group accommodation with equivalent budget hostels and guesthouses, and uses local buses, shared 4WDs and budget flights to get you between destinations. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£575

Experience the very best of East Africa independently — from the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti to the ancient volcanic bowl of the Ngorongoro Crater. This self-launched route mirrors Intrepid's popular 18–35s overland trip, swapping the group truck for public shuttles, shared safari jeeps, and budget campsites. You'll still sleep under the stars in the Serengeti, encounter the Big Five, visit a Maasai village and wake up to hippos on Lake Victoria — just without the operator premium. All costs are approximate estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£900

Skip the group tour price tag and road trip the American Southwest on your own terms. This self-launched version of Intrepid's Vegas-to-LA itinerary hits every major stop — Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Route 66, Joshua Tree and Los Angeles — using a rented car, bookable park passes, and a mix of campgrounds and budget hotels. You'll have total flexibility, save a significant chunk of money, and still tick off some of the most iconic landscapes on Earth. Note: all costs are approximate estimates per person, based on two people sharing a rental car and tent.

Travel Crew

~£555

Explore the very best of Scotland independently — from the vibrant streets of Glasgow and the seaside charm of Oban, to the mythical landscapes of the Isle of Skye and the medieval grandeur of Edinburgh. This self-launched version of Intrepid's popular Essential Scotland tour follows the exact same route and hits all the same highlights, swapping group-leader guidance for your own sense of adventure. Travel by scenic train, local bus and public ferry, stay in quality hostels and budget hotels, and save a significant chunk of cash — leaving more to spend on whisky tastings, castle entries and fresh seafood along the way. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£560

This self-guided road trip replicates Intrepid Travel's iconic 13-day San Francisco to LA journey through California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona — at a fraction of the cost. Hire a car between 2–4 friends (or join a rideshare group), book campsites and budget hotels independently, and pay your own national park entry fees. You'll hit every major stop — Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Route 66 and Joshua Tree — without the group tour markup. Estimated costs below are per person based on 2 people sharing a hire car; solo travellers should budget more for transport. All costs are approximate and based on 2025 budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£790

This self-launched version of Intrepid's Epic Mexico to Costa Rica adventure takes you through six countries — Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica — over 32 incredible days. You'll swap the group tour markup for local buses, budget guesthouses, and self-booked activities, experiencing the same ruins, rainforests, volcanoes, and Caribbean islands for a fraction of the price. From Tulum's cenotes and Tikal's jungle temples to Lake Atitlán's Mayan villages and Ometepe's volcanic peaks, this route is one of Central America's great backpacker journeys. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,780

Experience the ultimate Central American adventure independently — from Mexico City's street tacos to Costa Rica's cloud forests, covering six countries over 45 days. This self-launched equivalent follows the same iconic route as Intrepid Travel's Epic Central America tour, swapping group tour pricing for local buses, budget hostels and self-bookable experiences. You'll hit Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, Chichen Itza, Guatemala's Lake Atitlán, Belize's reefs, El Salvador's surf beaches, Nicaragua's volcanoes and Ometepe Island, ending in Costa Rica — all at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,850

This self-launched 26-day adventure mirrors Intrepid Travel's Epic Peru, Bolivia & Argentina itinerary — covering Lima, the Amazon jungle, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, and Buenos Aires. By booking accommodation, transport, and activities independently, you can experience all the same iconic highlights at a fraction of the guided tour price. Use a mix of hostels, budget guesthouses, local buses, shared taxis, and self-bookable tours via GetYourGuide and Klook. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£1,430

This self-launched 25-day adventure takes you from the dizzying heights of La Paz, Bolivia, through the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the Atacama Desert, and the vibrant cities of Salta, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Iguazu Falls, finishing in iconic Rio de Janeiro. By booking your own transport, accommodation, and activities independently, you can replicate every highlight of Intrepid's commercial tour at a fraction of the price — with more flexibility and freedom along the way. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,405

Experience the best of California and Nevada independently — from San Francisco's iconic waterfront to the breathtaking trails of Yosemite National Park, the weird and wonderful Mono Lake, and the neon-lit spectacle of Las Vegas. This self-launched version follows the same route as Intrepid Travel's SSYS tour but cuts out the group tour premium by using your own hire car (split with travel companions found via hostel noticeboards or apps like Meetup), public campgrounds booked directly via Recreation.gov, and self-bookable activities. All cost estimates are approximate and per person, based on sharing a hire car and tent with one other traveller.

Travel Crew

~£480

Experience the very best of southern Africa independently — from the thundering Victoria Falls to the vast wildlife plains of Hwange and Kruger National Park — without the group tour price tag. This self-guided route mirrors Intrepid Travel's Essential African Safari itinerary, swapping overland truck travel for a combination of shared transfers, local buses and self-drive hire, and replacing group campsites with equivalent budget camping and guesthouse options you can book directly. You'll still get open 4WD game drives, cultural dinners, and sunrise wildlife encounters — just on your own terms. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£740

Follow the same epic route as Intrepid's Real Bolivia & Argentina tour — from the altitude-soaked streets of La Paz to the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni, the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert, the colonial charm of Salta, and the buzzing boulevards of Buenos Aires — all without the group tour price tag. This self-guided version swaps the tour leader for a little independence, replaces group accommodation with equivalent budget hostels and guesthouses, and uses local buses, shared 4WDs and budget flights to get you between destinations. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£575

Experience the very best of East Africa independently — from the sweeping plains of the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti to the ancient volcanic bowl of the Ngorongoro Crater. This self-guided route mirrors Intrepid's popular 18–35s overland trip, swapping the group truck for public shuttles, shared safari jeeps, and budget campsites. You'll still sleep under the stars in the Serengeti, encounter the Big Five, visit a Maasai village and wake up to hippos on Lake Victoria — just without the operator premium. All costs are approximate estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£900

Experience the ultimate Central American adventure independently — from Mexico City's street tacos to Costa Rica's cloud forests, covering six countries over 45 days. This self-guided equivalent follows the same iconic route as Intrepid Travel's Epic Central America tour, swapping group tour pricing for local buses, budget hostels and self-bookable experiences. You'll hit Oaxaca, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Palenque, Chichen Itza, Guatemala's Lake Atitlán, Belize's reefs, El Salvador's surf beaches, Nicaragua's volcanoes and Ometepe Island, ending in Costa Rica — all at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,850

This self-launched version of MacBackpackers' hugely popular 5 Day Ultimate Highland Adventure lets you trace the same jaw-dropping route — from Edinburgh through Inverness, Culloden and Loch Ness, across to the Isle of Skye, and back via Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glen Coe and the Trossachs — entirely on your own terms. You'll swap the guided minibus for a hired car or a combination of Scottish Citylink coaches and local buses, and stay in the same style of budget-friendly hostels the tour uses. Without the operator markup, you can do it all for roughly a third of the commercial price. These are estimated costs based on current backpacker rates and will vary by season and availability.

Travel Crew

~£210

This self-launched itinerary covers the same epic Auckland-to-Christchurch route as Stray Travel's Ruru Select tour — Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro, Wellington, Abel Tasman, the West Coast glaciers, Queenstown, Fiordland, and Mount Cook — but booked entirely independently. You'll swap the guided coach for a mix of intercity buses (InterCity/FlixBus NZ), the Interislander ferry, and local shuttles; trade premium lodge packages for quality hostels and budget motels; and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide and Klook. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on 2025/26 budget traveller rates in GBP.

Travel Crew

~£1,875

This self-launched version of Europamundo's 'Dreams of the West' tour covers the iconic American West — from Los Angeles and Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, San Francisco and the Pacific Coast Highway — all independently, at a fraction of the group tour price. Instead of a guided coach, you'll rent a car or use a combination of budget flights, Greyhound/FlixBus, and rideshares. Accommodation swaps 4-star chain hotels for well-rated budget hotels and motels. All park entries and city tours can be self-booked via GetYourGuide or direct. Costs are approximate estimates per person based on budget traveller rates (assuming two people sharing a rental car and room).

Travel Crew

~£1,025

This self-guided equivalent of Intrepid Travel's 'Real Southern Africa' tour takes you through three extraordinary countries — South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe — across 17 days of wildlife, wilderness and wonder. You'll visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary, drift through the Okavango Delta by mokoro, cross the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, safari through Chobe and Hwange National Parks, and stand in the spray of Victoria Falls — all without the group tour price tag. Using public transport, shared shuttles, self-booked game drives and budget campsites, you can replicate almost every highlight at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on 2024–25 budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£875

The South Island of New Zealand is one of the world's great road-trip canvases — glaciers, fiords, golden beaches, and mountain passes all within a loop you can absolutely do yourself. This self-launched itinerary mirrors Stray Travel's popular Takahe Select route, swapping the guided coach for a mix of InterCity buses, shared shuttles, and a rental car stretch where it makes sense. You'll hit every landmark on the original — Abel Tasman, the West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Lake Tekapo — staying in equivalent hostels and budget hotels at a fraction of the guided-tour price. All activities are self-bookable via GetYourGuide, Klook, or direct with local operators. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates for a solo budget traveller sharing accommodation where possible.

Travel Crew

~£980

This self-launched version of Stray Travel's iconic 20-day Tui Adventure takes you from Auckland all the way to Christchurch, hitting the North Island's geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and volcanic trails before crossing to the South Island's glaciers, fiords, and starry skies. Instead of paying for a guided coach tour, you'll travel independently by InterCity bus, public ferries, and local shuttles — staying in the same hostel brands where possible and booking activities directly. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates in NZD/GBP.

Travel Crew

~£1,350

This self-launched version of Stray Travel's iconic Hihi 10-day North Island route takes you from Auckland to Wellington independently — hitting every major stop from Hot Water Beach and Hobbiton to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing — at a fraction of the group tour price. You'll travel by intercity bus (Intercity or FlixBus NZ), stay in the same hostel networks (Haka House, Base Backpackers), and book activities directly or via GetYourGuide. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£845

This self-launched version of Stray Travel's classic Auckland to Queenstown route covers both islands of New Zealand — from geothermal wonders and Māori culture in the North Island to glacier hikes, dramatic fiords, and adventure capital Queenstown in the South. Instead of a guided hop-on bus, you'll piece together the same experiences using intercity coaches (InterCity/FlixBus NZ), the Interislander ferry, and local shuttles, staying in the same or equivalent hostels and booking activities independently via GetYourGuide, Klook, or direct. Estimated costs are approximate and based on budget/backpacker rates as of 2025-2026.

Travel Crew

~£1,150

Experience Iceland's most iconic landscapes — geysers, glaciers, black sand beaches and thundering waterfalls — entirely on your own terms. This self-guided equivalent of Intrepid Travel's Six Days in Iceland follows the same Golden Circle and South Coast route, swapping the private minibus and group leader for a hired campervan or rental car, budget guesthouses and hostels, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide and direct operators. Iceland is never cheap, but cutting out the operator margin saves you hundreds. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates based on two people sharing a rental car and accommodation. All ISK optional activity prices converted at approximately 0.0068 GBP/ISK.

Travel Crew

~£610

This self-launched equivalent of Stray Travel's iconic 23-day Kea Adventure covers the full New Zealand North and South Island loop — from Auckland's waterfront to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Wellington's culture scene, Abel Tasman's golden beaches, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown's adrenaline hub, Milford Sound, Tekapo's dark skies, Kaikoura's marine life and back again. By booking your own InterCity/FlixBus coaches, Interislander ferries, and hostel beds directly, and self-booking activities via GetYourGuide and Klook, you can replicate the same incredible journey for roughly a third of the price. All costs are estimates in GBP per person based on budget/backpacker rates.

Travel Crew

~£1,150

Skip the group tour price tag and explore Botswana's extraordinary wildlife corridors independently. This self-guided itinerary follows the same route as Intrepid's Essential Botswana trip — from Johannesburg through the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Chobe National Park, finishing at Victoria Falls. You'll swap the overland truck for a combination of shared shuttles, self-drive hire (or budget safari transfers), and locally booked mokoro and game drive experiences. Most activities can be booked directly with community-run operators or via GetYourGuide/Viator, saving you significantly on the packaged tour premium. Note: all costs are approximate estimates per person and will vary by season, availability and exchange rates.

Travel Crew

~£555