I had an unforgettable experience, formed amazing friendships, traveled for 2 months around Europe by myself and did it safely and on a reasonable budget with Contiki.

Contiki is a holiday group for 18-35 year olds who want to experience North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia in affordable style, comfort, and assurance, with Superior, Budget or Camping Holidays.
Their holidays are not “tours” as there is no recording or person at the front of the coach droning on about this and that, making you fall asleep. However, the tour managers and coach drivers command a wealth of knowledge about every city’s nook and cranny and in my experience were wonderful people. Contiki prides themselves on having the most deluxe and comfortable coaches around, a great asset when going sightseeing.

Contiki is very relaxed and what I like to call semi-organized. There are organized events or sights to see every day which are either included in the original fee or they can be paid for as an optional excursion. I recommend doing as many as you can because the price you pay here is always cheaper than if you had to pay for it by yourself. And if you’re not interested in the day’s activities then you don’t have to participate.

Some activities I enjoyed with Contiki in Europe were going to the Moulin Rouge in Paris, touring the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy, a full day island cruise in Greece, and a Gondola ride in Venice, as well as many wine tastings, and outdoor adventures like paragliding, parasailing, jet skiing, and white water rafting.

If you want to stay out later than the rest of the gang, then just remember to bring the hotel’s information with you for when you taxi home. This is especially important in countries were you don’t speak the language.

Contiki offers holidays that range from 3 days to 47 days, backpacker style or in hotels; as well as specialized holidays in Spain for the running of the bulls, Italy for the Tomato Festival, in Germany for Oktoberfest and snowboarding trips in the winter, which are absolutely incredible – imagine boarding in Switzerland over reading week.

One of my most memorable days was in Barcelona. My friends and I were out until 6am the night before and I just didn’t want to go on a walking tour, so I called a taxi and asked to be dropped off on Las Ramblas. I proceeded to walk around the city of Barcelona by myself for hours and had a true taste of their culture and society. My Contiki friends were still in the city each doing their own things, so I felt safe knowing that there were people close if needed.

Contiki is not about drinking every night, or going from museum to museum – Contiki is what you make of it. It is for any fun-loving, and open-minded person who wants to have a blast in a new country, and travel safely. It offers a sense of security when traveling alone in an unfamiliar country. I would definitely recommend taking a holiday somewhere you never thought you would travel. It’s an adventure you will remember for the rest of your life - CONTIKI IS CONTAGIOUS!!!

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I had an unforgettable experience, formed amazing friendships, traveled for 2 months around Europe by myself and did it safely and on a reasonable budget with Contiki.

Contiki is a holiday group for 18-35 year olds who want to experience North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia in affordable style, comfort, and assurance, with Superior, Budget or Camping Holidays.
Their holidays are not “tours” as there is no recording or person at the front of the coach droning on about this and... (read more)