REI Co-op has officially rejoined the travel sector, partnering with Intrepid Travel to provide a variety of small-group tours globally. This marks a significant development for the outdoor retailer, who had previously exited its Experiences vertical earlier this year due to financial constraints.
New Travel Collections Launching in January
In an exciting move, REI will unveil the REI Exclusive and REI Recommended travel collections starting January. These curated itineraries are available to everyone, regardless of co-op membership; however, members will enjoy a special 15% discount on the Exclusive collection. All trips will be carried out by Intrepid Travel, known for its commitment to sustainable tourism and authentic experiences.
Insights from Intrepid Travel
Leigh Barnes, president of Intrepid’s Americas division, emphasized that REI members seek “unique, authentic and meaningful travel experiences grounded in community.” With this collaboration, Intrepid aims to deliver on those expectations, ensuring each itinerary resonates with the values of adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Diverse Itineraries to Explore
The REI Exclusive collection will feature over 25 itineraries ranging from three to 14 days, set across stunning locations such as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Portugal, Spain, and parts of the United States. These trips will include various experiences, from hiking adventures to multisport activities and women-led expeditions.
In addition to this, the REI Recommended portfolio offers more than 50 trips spanning 32 countries, with durations between four to 15 days. Some options in this collection will also include premium accommodations for travelers seeking a touch of luxury.
Core Values and Future Growth
According to Susan Viscon, chief new ventures and impact officer at REI, “These trips are designed to bring together REI members’ deep appreciation for familiar outdoor spaces and the thrill of discovering the unknown.” This initiative will also reflect the co-op’s core values, emphasizing time spent in nature, inclusion, and sustainability.
As part of their continued commitment to meeting traveler interests, REI and Intrepid have indicated that more itineraries will be released in due course, allowing customers to explore even more travel opportunities tailored to their adventurous spirit.
