Contiki Core Values
Founded in New Zealand in 1962, there are 5 values that Contiki claim are at the core of everything they do:
- Real Experiences
- Unique Accommodation
- The Best Team
- Local Food
- Awesome People
In other words, you'll be in amongst the culture of your destination all day, whether that's white water rafting in Canada, elephant spotting in Africa or bungee jumping in South America.
Accommodation on Contiki tours is often fairly basic and is at the budget end of the scale. It's also going to be a short way out of the city centre.
Contiki tour guides know their stuff. They're an extension of the party and are often the first up and last to bed. You'll get to know them really well during your trip.
Food has become a focus on many Contiki tours and you'll be dining like a local. Don't expect gourmet fare though, this is cheap and cheerful food at best.
Being hold up with 30 fellow backpackers on a tour bus is a surefire way to bond (there is usually some hanky panky, too) and although there's always going to be some drama (usually over a boy), Contiki tours are like a travelling team and you'll no doubt make some lifelong friends.
Asia tours
Vietnam, Thailand and Japan are all very popular with Contiki but remember when booking that flights are not included and you'll need to get yourself to the first destination.
Here, one reviewer offers some of their highlights of their trip to Thailand:
"This tour mixes adventure with free time and relaxation. Shan was an amazing TM and made the trip run smoothly. Accommodation on this tour was really nice, with a mix of hotels and bungalows. The date we picked was in Koh Phangan for Full Moon, which was a wild experience I would definitely recommend. The optionals offered were a lot of fun, especially the jeep safari day!" Kelly Marshall, Thai Island Hopper, Jan 2019.
Berlin to Budapest
Contiki offers over 300 trips to 50+ countries. Budapest is a firm favourite and regularly rates high on reviews.
"It was a great way to see Eastern Europe. There was a lot of history but also fun activities to do. We got to try local food and really experience what life was like and what life is like today." Lyndsay Small, Berlin to Budapest, Dec 2017.
Couples can do Contiki tours but be warned that the buses are full of young people who are usually up for a party. If you're looking for a romantic holiday this probably isn't for you.
London Town
Christmas and New Year's is a popular time for young travellers to get away. London and New York are two of Contiki's most popular NYE tours.
"The whole experience was amazing! The tour manager recommends the best places to go in each city and you do activities that you would never do as a solo traveler. Only criticism is I didn't know about the additional cost of add on activities and I feel as though they should just include this cost upfront." Anyonymous, Quest to London, Feb 2019.
"The trip itself and the visited places were good, however most of the trip was spent travelling. In every destination you had roughly one full day and the other was spent on the bus. In places with only one night you were lucky if you got half a day. Even though it was quad share and contacting contiki prior to booking, my partner and I were not advised we would not be able to room together." Anyonymous, Quest to London, Dec 2018.
European tours
Although Topdeck have been running Middle East and Africa tours for years, Contiki are now also operating in those territories. But, what Contiki have long been known for are their Island Hopping in Greece and European capital city excursions which can't be beaten.
"It was a great way to get a taste for different countries and cities. Now I know where I want to return! It was also a fairly inexpensive way to travel, however there was definitely a party culture which I wasn’t so much a fan of." Anyonymous, Eastern Rocker, Feb 2019.
Accommodation can be basic but camping is no longer a common option for Contiki. You'll be more likely to stay in hostels, cabins and hotels.
If you're a fan of the outdoors there are a few sailing options in Thailand and Croatia which will mean you could still sleep under the stars.
Greek Island Hopping
Want an idea of cost? For just over $3000, (plus flights) you can spend 12 nights island hopping around Greece taking in the sights of Santorini, Mykanos and other Greek islands. All transport is included, breakfast daily, local dinner on four of the nights and 6 excursions.
With Contiki you can change your travel dates and pay in instalments which makes it a great option for the younger crowd.
What are you waiting for?