Contiki travel? - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

inuv143 · 01-14-2007, 08:30 PM

So, I have heard of traveling through Contiki, a guided travel agency. I was wondering if anyone has taken a trip with Contiki and how was it. I have never been to Europe before and do not know if i should go with a group and travel guides, or just do it by myself with a friend of mine. Any suggestions?

**raoulduke** · 01-14-2007, 10:14 PM

Firstly, Welcome to TPunk

Secondly, I will be doing a 14 day Contiki tour in May. From what I've heard from people who have done them is that they're a blast in terms of partying but far too rushed too really soak up the location you are in. To counter this I've allowed myself plenty of time after the tour to check out the things I wanted to see a bit closer. I also think that it will be a good 'intro' to travel (this is my first trip) and also a great way to meet tons of people and make some contacts for later in the trip.

In short, I say go for it but I wouldn't make it your entire trip.

travel101 · 01-18-2007, 09:47 PM

so far i've been on 3 contikis (2 europe, 1 australia) and am planning a 4th this summer to new zealand! the trips are a blast and for the money its totally worth it! if you have the extra time and money i totally agree that it would be a good idea to spend some extra time in those places you really want to soke up (either before or after the trip). contiki trips arent about seeing everything possible in paris, its more like lets see everything in europe!!! it's a blast and i'm sure you'll love it but take care of yourself, drink lots of water, and bring some airborne!!! when you spend that much time with that many people in that tight of a space, people are bound to get sick, just a word to the wise!

happy travels!

megan
orlando, fl

**Canadian Dude** · 01-19-2007, 09:14 AM

My second trip to Europe included a 21 day Contiki tour, and I had a blast. I met people on that trip that I am still friends with to this day and have visited in Australia and who have come from around the world to visit me. I had so much fun. BUT it something I could only do once, I did not want to try and "beat" the time that I had with another trip. I think it is important that if you do go on a Contiki you do a solo trip as well at some point so you can experience the best of both worlds. If you go, expect a lot of drinking and parting and ALOT of sex to be going on. Hang overs are cured by more drinking and beware of the dreaded Contiki Cough.

inuv143 · 01-19-2007, 02:10 PM

Thanks guys for your input! I really want to be able to soak up the culture in each place, and i got the feeling i would not be able to with a contiki tour because it all goes so fast. I kinda would like to spend a few days in each location rather than a day and a 1/2. And, i really cannot afford to stay for longer than about 25 days (and my travel buddy cannot be gone for much longer), so i would have no time to travel after or before. I think my friend and i will do europe ourselves, that's my instinct. I want an adventure!

**marc873** · 01-19-2007, 04:40 PM

For me personally, FUCK the tour, you are stuck with timelines and agendas. Say you find an area or place you really like, and would like to hang out and spend some time, oh well, you are on a tour. Maybe for a first timer this would be a good idea, and as far as meeting people, no better way. But for me, I cannot have any kind of structured time line or agenda. I always feel the need to travel at my own pace. I'm a firm believer that you need at least 2-3 days to truly feel a place. Good luck to ya, and I hope your trip is GREAT

**BelfastFlyer** · 02-07-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marc873

For me personally, FUCK the tour, you are stuck with timelines and agendas. Say you find an area or place you really like, and would like to hang out and spend some time, oh well, you are on a tour. Maybe for a first timer this would be a good idea, and as far as meeting people, no better way. But for me, I cannot have any kind of structured time line or agenda. I always feel the need to travel at my own pace. I'm a firm believer that you need at least 2-3 days to truly feel a place. Good luck to ya, and I hope your trip is GREAT

Couldn't agree more I'm a DIY man...

**voyd** · 02-07-2007, 02:25 PM

There's several bus tours - the other main one being Busabout. You can search the boards for threads on these.

Contiki is the priciest and most schedule-driven bus tour. Some people like that cuz everything is prepaid for and taken care of in advance. You're basically chauffeured around like on a field trip. No worries, just sit back and enjoy the riiide!

Other more indpendent travellers on a budget prefer cheaper, more flexible means of transport, though. This includes GIGO bus tours and just totally winging it yourself.

The advantage of guided tours in general is that the logistics get simplified and you can cover a lot of ground fast if you have limited time. Some can be pretty economical too.

But if you have months to burn just bumming around, you probably don't need one.

Traveler · 02-08-2007, 08:58 PM

Northern Europe is a bit costly, and southern europe is less costly. You can buy a EUROPASS train ticket good for a month, ride 1st class will give you a seat, ride 2nd class depends on how full the train is. Watch out for gypsy when you sleep. You can cover more ground that way.

Find Hostels that you can sleep in for cheap, but keep your vauable on you when you sleep or leave.

Looking to hang with the locals?? Ask taxi drivers and bartenders for the best places to go. Never get into a taxi, unless you have a agreed upon price of destination. Find a regular local at a bar, and buy him a drink and you'll have the lowdown on the bar and area.

Tours are nice but doesn't give you much in the way of meeting locals. Hostel, you will find other travelers who might help you or point you in the direction you need to go. I know, I've helped quite a few people in hostel.

Good luck!
Saint Robert, a.k.a. Traveler

Daisy12885 · 02-10-2007, 07:43 AM

HELLL00--
I've been on a Contiki and loved it. Yes it is a lot to do in a certain time, but it allows you to see where you'd like to spend more time in the future and shows you the basic hilights of each city. I'd def. recomment it and its SO AFFORDABLE. Good luck!

**urOZm8** · 02-10-2007, 08:49 AM

Generally I like to travel solo without a strict agenda and itinerary such as that with Contiki. However it can be economical when travelling in isolated or expensive countries. For example I did the Scandinavia Contiki tour for the reason that doing it solo would have been much more expensive and logistically hard. As you spend considerable time with those on your tour you do make some really strong friendships.

ev