REI Co-op Revives Adventure Travel for Members in 2026
A New Chapter for REI’s Travel Offerings
Starting January 2026, REI Co-op members will once again have the opportunity to book travel packages through the popular outdoor retailer, though with a new twist. For many years, REI offered an Experiences program that allowed customers to embark on outdoor trips led by dedicated employees and local guides. However, in January 2024, the co-op made the difficult decision to discontinue that service, which had been running for an impressive 40 years, leading to job losses for hundreds of employees.
Reflecting on the Past
Megan Behrbaum, REI’s communications manager, expressed the emotional weight of this transition, emphasizing that the Experiences program was close to the hearts of many. “It was a beloved part of our business,” Behrbaum noted. “But running those types of operations was expensive and unsustainable.” Despite the challenges, the company maintained its commitment to evolving its adventure travel offerings based on member feedback.
Member Feedback Shapes Future Offerings
This summer, a member survey indicated ongoing interest in travel bookings through REI, prompting the partnership with Intrepid Travel, a well-regarded tour operator known for small-group trips and an emphasis on meaningful connections with local communities. The first offerings will consist of approximately 75 travel packages focused on iconic destinations both in the U.S. and around the world.
What’s New in 2026?
From January, REI members can access discounted adventure travel trips via REI.com/travel, which currently serves as a landing page. In January, two distinct collections of travel experiences will be unveiled.
-
REI Exclusive Trips: This collection features itineraries that have not been offered before through Intrepid, specifically tailored for REI members. Expect 25 unique trips ranging from 3 to 14 days across diverse countries including Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, and beyond.
- REI Recommended Trips: These offerings include 50 handpicked trips that already existed through Intrepid, selected by REI leaders for their appeal to members. These itineraries span 32 countries on six continents.
It’s noteworthy that all bookings will be managed online, emphasizing convenience and accessibility.
Enhancements and Member Benefits
For REI members, booking a trip through this partnership comes with several perks. Members can anticipate discounts, including a 15% discount on Exclusive trips and a 20% off coupon for future REI gear purchases when selecting Recommended trips. Each travel package will also include carefully curated gear lists to prepare for the adventures ahead.
Despite these enticing offers, Behrbaum confirmed that local trips will not be part of the 2026 lineup. The previous Experiences program included local outings that connected members to nearby attractions and adventures, and it remains to be seen whether those local adventures will return in the future.
Looking Forward
The partnership with Intrepid Travel marks an important evolution for REI’s travel services, aiming to blend affordability with rich experiences that resonate with their adventurous community. This collaboration will not only enhance the travel options for members but also aligns with REI’s ethos of promoting outdoor exploration and adventure.
As the new year approaches, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to a revitalized way to traverse the globe—travel that not only embraces adventure but fosters a deeper relationship with the places and people encountered along the way.