Fresh back from an Intrepid trip to Sri Lanka, a group of young adventurers explains why it’s all about the experience when it comes to travel.
If you ask the next generation of adventurers how we should all be travelling today, it’s not about scratching the surface. It’s about going deeper. No waiting around in big groups, following the herd. No missed opportunities because you were too scared to give something a go. No regrets, because ultimately you gave it your all.
Far away from the everyday and the infinite scroll of phone screens, it’s a new mindset that seeks to go beyond simply visiting a place. It’s about getting closer to cultures by letting locals lead the way. It’s about being intentional with every step – but not hesitating for one moment. It’s about swerving the easily forgotten and choosing the impossible to forget. Here’s the next generation’s take on what going ‘All In’ means to them following their trip to Sri Lanka.
Zach Bostrovas, 25, lives in Melbourne and works as a brewer
Going ‘All In’ is a mantra I’ve taken with me on my travels and in life. To me, it means leaving no stone unturned, trying everything and staying open to all experiences.
In Sri Lanka, I felt most ‘All In’ at the night market in Colombo on the first night – such a visceral experience, with all the smells, the heat, the people everywhere, the laughter and the blackouts, when the power suddenly went out and everyone in the streets started going crazy. Every sense in my body was alive and it was incredible.
Another moment I loved was when we went to Hiriketiya beach and some of the local surfers and I were sharing waves. It resonated because even though we couldn’t speak the same language, we shared the same passion for the ocean and surfing.
The whole experience really showed me that being inside – and particularly on your phone – draws away from everything. We’re losing the essence of what it is to be human, which is the experience of being alive and fully present, and not distracted by technology.
Georgia Airoll, 29, lives in Cheshire and works as cabin crew
To me, going ‘All In’ means giving your everything – and getting a greater experience in return. By putting aside any worries, differences and reservations in Sri Lanka, I got the most unreal memories – and a real knowledge of a culture that’s completely different to mine.
I’ve been on three Intrepid trips and it’s really the leaders that make all the difference. Bachi was hilarious and felt like part of our group. We didn’t need to constantly plan or figure anything out. We just knew we were making the most of our time, with plenty of downtime, too.
Like on our first night in Hiriketiya when Sara, Zach and Mel were playing volleyball, while Alimba and I watched our new friends having a blast with the locals and each other. Later, we all got in the sea fully clothed, chased each other around and had some real laughs – combined with the most insane sunset and location, I just felt totally present.
We also played a Sri Lankan board game on the beach in Hiriketiya with the local young surf boys. They were so lovely and so good at the game; Bachi even got involved and was amazing. I almost felt like a local myself: there was music on, good vibes and the most chilled atmosphere. It really made me feel like I could have stayed forever.
Alimba Pausigere, 29, lives in Melbourne and works as a photographer and creative producer
Going ‘All In’? To me, that means diving into another culture, getting outside your comfort zone and seeing the world from another perspective. It means escaping your bubble, trying new things and pushing yourself to grow.
Being in Sri Lanka opened my eyes to diving in even deeper when exploring another country and taking chances when travelling. I developed such a love for the country because of our local leader, Bachi, who really helped me to pause and observe my surroundings.
Our group bonded almost instantly, which also really helped. The laughs, inside jokes and happy moments we all shared were incomparable.
Today, Gen Z’s perspective on travelling is all about the experience and reconnecting with the world again, in a way that feels real and not manufactured. This trip carved out space for that by creating real experiences that can’t be fully captured on a phone. We just had to live it and be in the moment. Which is what we’re all searching for, I think.
Sara Wu, 27, lives in New York City and works in investment banking
An ‘All In’ mindset means saying yes before you feel completely ready – before you have time to talk yourself out of it. It’s letting curiosity win over comfort.
Normally, I’m someone who loves optimising everything in my personal life, so travel is one of the few places where I intentionally practise letting go.
Surfing in Hiriketiya was a great example. I was nervous as someone who isn’t a strong swimmer. But I decided to go ‘All In’ and somehow managed to ride my first wave. The surf instructor even told me I was one of his fastest learners. It reminded me that nerves are usually a sign you’re about to do something worth remembering.
Being invited into a local family’s home in Kandy to learn how to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes was another moment that resonated. You don’t need to speak the same language to bond over a good meal. It was so kind of them to welcome us in, share their traditions and teach us about their culture through food.
Gen Z is starting to care less about collecting passport stamps and more about collecting experiences. We want to connect with people – and honestly, with ourselves. In an era of spending so much time on social media, travel gives us something that’s becoming increasingly rare: real human connection. We want to support local communities, learn from different cultures and come home with a new perspective, instead of just a photo dump.
Melissa Godbold, 30, lives in Melbourne and works in music
Challenging myself and taking all opportunities as they come – that’s what ‘All In’ means to me. It’s about experiencing life fully and embracing new experiences every day with humour and a go-getter attitude.
In Sri Lanka, that meant leaping into experiences I ended up loving and might usually have passed up on, such as a 5 am hike in Dambulla. The view from Sigiriya (Lions Rock) was incredible, as was bonding with everyone over Sri Lankan food, laughing with new travel friends at sunset and feeling a real sense of accomplishment on our final day. Moments like these have opened me up to seeking out more adventure on my future travels.
I think my generation typically focuses on snapping on our phones. But this allowed us to put them away – and really focus on the moment.
Go All In on your next trip to Sri Lanka and beyond with Intrepid’s adventures for 18 to 35s.
