I'd give it 6 stars if I could. No worries, just memories. I met the best group of people who ill stay friends with for ever. I met some amazing people and stayed in touch ever since. Due to the time of the year, most of the people on tour were teachers and boy did they know how to party. I found that everything was very go, go, go and everything involved paying for it. There were 50ish people in my group, (also had no idea groups were that large) I did not even get to know or interact with half of them because of how busy it was. A vast selection of trips on every continent, for every style. Experience it. There were semi-frequent stops to Walmart, so it was a good opportunity to stock up on beef jerky... and alcohol. Contiki Travel Style. STEPS WE ARE TAKING TO PRIORITISE YOUR HEALTH IN A COVID WORLD. They have lots of experience leading cultural tours in different parts of the world and have a wide range of options to choose from. Such an awesome trip. ...to foster a community connecting travelers to wonderful places, people, & experiences. Keep me updated on the latest Contiki news, deals and trips. In Depth Explorer - If cultural travel is what you gravitate to, these trips are going to suit you the best. We had the most amazing time and we did so much in so little time. To learn more about this or to change your settings, see our, Contiki is a proud part of TTC family of brands. Discover it. Get the best private deals and world travel inspiration, delivered monthly. Save up to 40%. All of these tours are awesome and I would recommend them to anyone travelling solo or who wants to see as much as possible in a short amount of time. In regions like Asia and South America, Contiki group sizes are considerably smaller – around 25 – 30 travelers max. Saddest part was saying goodbye to all my new friends and to Sherif who without him the tour wouldn’t have been as great. We recommend reviewing the following. Most of time I went to grocery stores to grab food to take on the trip. Now you can find, compare, and share trips from 1,000+ operators and expert trip planners. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, you can find it on Travelstride. Now in the office, the vacation time and benefits are great, especially compared to the national average. This trip was a once in a lifetime kind of trip and I think was great value for money!! You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. I had a EU trip with another company booked straight after and my highlight was definitely the UK with contiki, Awesome experience Tour guide Sherif was amazing he showed us all there is to see. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. The trip manager seemed oblivious to this, which was a poor reflection on Contiki. Expect a mix of 2 to 3-star hotels, guesthouses, and hostels on most trips. However, a Contiki representative can assist you with booking your flights. Do be aware of additional costs, the adventure activities in Canada are expensive (this is out of Contikis control). The itinerary was amazing and really highlighted the best of southern USA. Food was good overall (I was actually surprised). All FTA meals in Morocco are a must! Just a moment, Rover is fetching your perfect trip. Our website uses cookies to ensure you have the best experience, showing content and offers that are most relevant to you. Our tour manager Lauren (Loz) was great! And yes, there was lots of partying (2 out of 3 nights were spent on drinking). Highlights of the trip include New Years Eve in New Orleans (be careful of the Hurricane and Grenade cocktails), Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Miami, For Worth, Washington and Cocoa Beach / JFK Space Centre (we got to see a SpaceX rocket take off at night). What Is Contiki? The locals are extremely friendly and are mainly all very helpful! Worth noting there is a bit of driving through the south on the bus but worth it! In Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 35 – 52 travelers max (usually in busy periods like Europe summer, Contiki groups are at maximum capacity). Choose a trip, book now and pay later - interest free! However St Augustine, Georgia and the Carolinas weren't that exciting, but it was a necessary evil to get from Florida to Washington. 24,711 Reviews . Overall, great trip!! Independent Insider - For if you value a lot of free time to explore, setting your own schedule and curating the experience for your interests. 322 shares. This isn’t just their … It was one of my best adventures, I met so many amazing people, learned so much and the overall experience was unforgettable. Despite negative reviews about accomodation from past reviews, accommodation for our trip was good overall (apparently Contiki HQ have been able to secure better deals due to a downturn in the tourism industry in the USA during 2019), however the location of some of the accommodation was a bit far to the city centre (e.g. Travel restrictions & safety measures by country, Save up to 32% off trips to every continent on earth. Both Israel and Jordan are extremely beautiful countries and are a must see! .promo-crisis--promo .promo-crisis__icon{display: none;}, READ MORE - the best local experts for nearly everywhere, See all activities, themes, and interests >. Learn more. We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. After deciding not to leave the tour (considering how much money I'd spent and that I'd spent several months looking forward to it) we ended up creating our own itinerary and keeping to ourselves. My only advice is to say yes to every single opportunity that presents itself to you, they mean when they say #noregrets!!! Contiki Tours Review – Why I Picked Them for My First Trip. Compare trips ranging from 3 days to 45 days with departures available from March 2021 through to October 2022 along with 8 Contiki Europe tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys. I didn’t, and I paid for it big time. Make sure to read the details of each trip and choose the right one for your travel style. It was unbelievable and incredible! The trip was still great and a good value for the money. Loved every second of it! Sociable, spontaneous, and easy-going travelers who are between the ages of 18-35 will definitely love the Contiki travel experience. 8. We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. Our group bonded with him so well, that he became a part of the Contiki travel family with us. There were a few heavy heavy nights though (Elat and Tel Aviv). Best Active Adventure Sailing Companies. About us. Activate your free Travelstride membership. © 2020 Travelstride. This organization is not BBB accredited. Additionally, the day we spent in Playa del Carmen was a waste and should be replaced with Tulum. Contiki trips are very much about being young and having fun - so you might miss a particular cultural attraction in favor of a group decision to instead explore a local market or neighborhood not in the guidebooks. pub quality and BBQ meats in Texas / Florida). The current management team for Contiki USA consists of former Trip Managers like myself, so there are opportunities for advancement. Last minute changes OK. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. Covid-19 is still affecting travel around the world, however more countries continue to open and adjust travel restrictions and requirements. I knew there were add on extras, but did not realize how busy it was and the only way to experience things. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Review: Fire & Ice With Contiki- The Best Way For Young People To Vacation. TripFinder is a member-only feature. I was extremely excited to depart of my tour with them this year. Trip manager and bus driver were so amazing and went above and beyond my expectations! I wish we had more time there and that it was included on the tour. Absolutely no regrets. Plus, Latin America is extra spicy this year with new destinations like Bolivia & Chile plus revamped classics to Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica & more. for the peace of mind that comes from working directly with a travel expert, who can plan ahead for safety and assist you during the trip if any complications develop, plus gives you more freedom and flexibility with your itinerary. We made amazing friends, Alex the trip manager was great. Most of us were between the age of 25-30. Id suggest coupons for local places for discounts on food would be beneficial as cost of food was expensive and added up quickly. Please check the box below to I thought being a shorter trip you wouldn’t get much time to make good friends but I was wrong. Overal a great little getaway! We recommend reviewing the following Travel restrictions & safety measures by country resource before planning or booking your trip to ensure you understand risks and logistics. I’d say that more than half of the bus was sick at some point of the trip. New trips & endless good times. It depends on the trip, but generally Contiki requires you bring no more than one decent sized suitcase approximately 29” × 20” × 10” (73cm x 50cm x 25cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs. My personal favourites were visiting the Wadi Rum desert, Petra and Elat. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 my tour had to be cancelled by Contiki. I'm an experienced traveller and when I travel I want to be immersed in the culture of a new country, eat local food, learn about the history and meet the people. 7. It wasn't your typical Contiki of going out drinking every night, we were in Israel and Jordan after all, but that was a nice change. Explore Barcelona's Gothic beauty on a walking tour including Las Ramblas, See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia & the 1992 Olympic Games complex, Take a traditional Motoscafo across the iconic lagoon to the island of Venice, See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square, Locally guided tour of the awe-inspiring Ancient Greek monuments including entry to the Acropolis and Parthenon, See the traditional Cycladic buildings of Mykonos town, Scenic drive along the historic Ring Road of Vienna & see St. Stephen’s Cathedral & the State Opera House, Access private discounts on trips you save. 6. Memphis, DC), so be prepared to use Uber frequently if you're experiencing the night … Would definitely recommend contiki to anyone it was amazing! The trip manager was organized, made sure everyone got on there add-on activities and was good at taking us out to local spots in the evening for good entertainment. making new friends from different parts of Oz, not having to worry about accommodation and finding activities to do, covered so many places in a month - tour provided great insight into Southern America). Thanks again Sherif, Loved both the itinerary and my trip manager. Contiki is the most popular bus tour company for young travelers (18-35). Travelstride helps you find trips that move you, so you can choose with confidence. Our tour host for Israel was a local named Fabian. Apart from going above and beyond they gave us an amazing tour of the south island of New Zealand! Canada is the most beautiful place I have ever seen, can’t wait to go back. Camping - Truly budget travel, sleeping under the stars, camping trips with Contiki are currently available in Europe. They operate in Europe, Russia, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Asia — but most of the info in this guide will be focused on their European tours. updated list to find your next destination. ), and one smaller backpack or day bag. Yes, travel insurance is required when you travel with Contiki. Don’t worry, it’s free! Contiki uses a mix of private coaches and public transportation to get around. We are open 24/7 in case you’d like to speak to a travel specialist. We organised a day trip to Tulum from Cancun ourselves and had an amazing time. For the price paid, we felt that there should have been more included activities. By clicking submit, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Since 1962, Contiki has been a leader in providing exceptional global experiences for 18-35 year olds. bacon and eggs). Our founding partner, the TreadRight Foundation was established 10 years ago as a not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting sustainable tourism within The Travel Corporation’s family of brands. The driver was very approachable, friendly and helpful at suggesting different places to see or things to do on your free time. Explore our new interactive magazine and plan your 2021 travel, Our team know a little something about what makes the perfect trip, We believe that travelling sustainably and consciously, matters, Discover our range of eco-conscious clothes and travel accessories. Contiki is a great choice for younger travelers looking to socialize with others during their trip. Pay for trips with a monthly payment plan! 4. The trip itself was incredible, we had so many activities, most of them you had to pay for but it was defiantly money well spent, it was worth it!! By clicking 'Find my booking' I agree to the privacy policy. Food was good , made new friends and felt safe the whole time. So I’ve had about 63 days total Contiki experience – … Contiki tends to attract partiers more than bookworms. They pride themselves on creating lifelong memories among international groups of like-minded travelers. Choose from 135 tours to Europe with Contiki. It is a great trip to do if you want to … from $58.62* Skip the Line: Colosseum Small Group Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill . My short take Contiki tour reviews? Don't sweat the logistics -- travel providers plan for you. Last Updated on September 14, 2020 by Jeremy. There are many words, & yet no words, to describe Latin America. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Contiki. The trip was one of the best things I have ever done! Karin our trip manager was the best!! Contiki trips are very much about being young and having fun - so you might miss a particular cultural attraction in favor of a group decision to instead explore a local market or neighborhood not in the guidebooks. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Contiki trips keep budget very much in mind when designing their trips. We want you to have all the available information to find your perfect trip, no matter who it’s with. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the company that fits your style, and connect with them directly. The guides and groups are generally warm and welcoming. Expect for Oktoberfest, that was a completely different type of trip and it was too, totally awesome with excursions and transfers and Oktoberfest tables organized for you. being on "the big Tiki" was the absolute experience of a lifetime Saul was a ripper our manager that somehow knew the best places to get a drink on the cheap and Squiddy was a great bus driver to be piloting us through NZ. There are quite a few travelling days but they are worth it. ... People on our tour had done multiple Contiki tours in the past and loved them, but said Franco Coppola did such a poor job that they would not do another Contiki tour. Travelstride is the top community marketplace for tours, local getaways, adventure packages, and tailor-made vacations. Contiki is a travel tour company for people aged 18-35 years old. Their product range spans three different styles based on the pace of the trip: Discovery Plus, In-Depth Explorer, and Easy Pace. This was my first big trip traveling alone, I wanted to just enjoy the trip, not have to think about where I was going next, how I was going to get there and where I was going to stay. Santa Fe to Amarillo, St Augustines to Savannah and than to Rayleigh). 49 Contiki reviews. If you are using your own coverage, Contiki advises that you double check to ensure it covers all activities included in the tour, particularly adventure activities. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. The main objective seemed to be getting blind drunk and being too hungover to truly travel and explore during the day. Specialties: Contiki Vacations is the world's leading travel company for 18-35s, with over 200 itineraries to 50 countries around the world. Thinking back to it now, almost a month after it had finished, I'm still in awe. 3. High Energy - For those travelers who are all for maximizing their fun day and night. 2/3 of the group were in their early 20s and the remainder were in the late 20s to mid 30s. He put so much depth and excitement into this tour! Do the trip. Recommendations for other travelers: Make sure to have extra money for free time add-ons- amazing views, scenery for days, take lots of pictures / videos but don't forget to live in the moment because it goes by quickly. If you are like me, and your unsure whether to go on a Contiki or not. Book directly with the operator. See the Countries reopening for tourism updated list to find your next destination. The provided dinners were fine (e.g. Contiki offers 300+ trips in over 50 countries. Grand Southern (Start Los Angeles - Until March 2020), Great Britain & Ireland (Until March 2020), European Discovery (Winter - Until March 2020), Israel and Jordan Uncovered (Until March 2020), Grand Southern (Start New York City - Until March 2020), Southern Adventure (Start Los Angeles - Until Jan 2021). Bring medication for this. - all updated regularly given the fast changing environment. We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. I ABSOLUTE LOVED IT! © Copyright 2020 Contiki. Redeem anytime before 2023. The Contiki Tours I went on were: European Adventurer – 39 days all over Western Europe (it was epic) Greek Island Hopping – 13 days on Greece’s popular party islands. Outline of tour was good everyday was a new adventure. I want an authentic experience. All Rights Reserved. No. I can honestly say I am a better person for having worked for Contiki. BUT the activity’s, tour guides, wildlife and the people you meet along the way made everything so worth the trip. Discoverer - For the widest mix of sites and activities. 2. European Whirl (18 Days) 4.0 Good. This Yelp page is specifically for customers located in … These trips are multi-country and city, jam packed with attractions and hidden gems. Your international travel to and from the tour are not included in the trip price. The group was very big 52 so my recommendation for other travelers is to find a smaller group of people and stick to them to travel together. The guide and driver were very knowledgeable as they were from New Zealand. She was well organised, professional and hilarious (She cracks some of the funniest instant one liners). We just need to confirm you are human. All rights reserved. They are especially popular for young travelers looking to explore Europe and Asia. If you’re the kind of young person who likes meeting a lot of new people, are excited to try new things Contiki could be a good choice. Coming from Canada, a trip costing 3200 + Flight + extras + food all adds up quickly. The included meals weren't very nice or authentic and seemed like a waste of money on Contiki's part. Travel Agency in Cypress, CA. Most of the breakfast meals included hot items (e.g. I couldn't fault a single thing about this trip. Oops, you Consider booking a Custom or Private Trip for the peace of mind that comes from working directly with a travel expert, who can plan ahead for safety and assist you during the trip if any complications develop, plus gives you more freedom and flexibility with your itinerary. Hot springs, sprouting geysers and crashing waterfalls. Only downsides were the Contiki Cough that knocked out of all the tour group and the occasional long bus trips (e.g. Find inclusive packages for the best value and get access to amazing deals. LEARN MORE. Written on April 5th, 2020. Accommodation was good, experiences were excellent and it was altogether a blast! Our group bonded extremely well and even now, we still all actively speak in a group chat! Contiki makes travel easier and more social for young people. Groups are a mix of people from the US, Canada, Australia, and the U.K. They offer a comprehensive selection of trips, over 300 of them, all over the world. An account will be created for you to track your submission and a temporary password will be emailed to you. It really cemented my love of London and of travel in general but it was an overall lousy experience for all the reasons that you mentioned. Live it. Unfortunately, this isn't what Contiki offers. We need your info! Contiki tends to attract partiers more than bookworms. See the Full list of Covid-19 travel resources - all updated regularly given the fast changing environment. With no change fees and easy financing, find out how you can book with confidence. The adrenalin activities are far and wide for Queenstown and of course you enjoy many nights out! continue. Log into your booking to provide the advance traveller information we require for you to travel. I did meet a few nice people but I was 26 and WAAAAAAY too old for it. No - in fact a large majority of travelers on Contiki trips are single. I would definitely recommend trying to get to these places! Stop and book now. Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent. Thank you! Contiki trips keep budget very much in mind when designing their trips. Sailing, Cruise, Beach - If being out on the water is your bread and butter, and suntanning on the beach calls your name every time you travel, these trips are for you. With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure. Contiki is one of the best European bus tour companies out there, but it also offers group tours all over the world. Compare prices and itineraries from similar companies. Trusted expert and traveler reviews help you choose to explore the globe and vacation your way, without having to plan the details yourself. Our group was small, 20 of us in total. My only concern here was that the itinerary has now changed and that it may not be as good. Winter & Ski - Hitting the slopes and Christmas markets in Europe, enjoying some off-season perks like fewer crowds and lower prices. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style. There was a lot of travelling involved but it was all an amazing adventure, and we got to get to know everyone much better. These are trips for those young people who travel for the sheer joy of meeting locals, experiencing the nightlife, relaxing in the sun, and pounding the pavement for the next unique local gem. I'm glad to say that I've made tight friendships with some of the people on the tour. The main issue I had with the trip was that I experienced quite a bit of racism from the other travellers. Tour manager Woz was amazing! You can purchase travel insurance through Contiki during the booking process, or use another provider, but you must be covered for the duration of your trip. Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. Only downside was a lot of the day was wasted on the bus when we could’ve left earlier and been able to see more! Luckily the group I was with were great (Mainly Aussies from Qld and SA) with the odd few from Canada and NZ. I am rating Contiki a four as it is a great way to travel on your own and see a lot of things in a short amount of time in a safe environment. All of their travelers are between the ages of 18-35, and having a good time is one of their primary reasons for traveling with Contiki. Good amount of time in each place. Eating at restaurants like the one we ate at for the welcome meal in Mexico City is unnecessary. Explore the world with Contiki! My first experience with overseas travel was with Contiki, which happened to be a 10-day tour of Great Britain.