Contiki FAQ General Contiki while on tour

Q: How easy is it to do washing?
A: Time out: A lot of places that you stay at offer a washing service your tour manager will usually tell you, some can be quite expensive, it is worth it though. You can also hand wash in the sink and hang to dry overnight.Concept:Washing was everywhere! like every couple of stops you had the opportunity to wash, and yes it cost money but in the middle of summer its definitely worth forking out for the full load!Camping:It’s pretty easy to do washing on a camping tour.

Some places have a service where you will a bag and give it to reception and pick it up the next day. It may cost anywhere from 5 – 20 Euro, but it is worth it. Others like hostels and campgrounds have places that you can do on site, you just need lots of time to do it and patience as there may be lines.

Q: Was language ever a barrier?

A: As long as you know the basics i.e Hello, Please, Thank You, Goodbye you will be fine, most people speak basic English, they are however grateful if you try to greet them in their language, just as a bit of respect for them. A lot of signs in subways are also in English.

Q: Should you know every language in Europe?

A: You don't need to know every language, just the basics, which your tour manager will give to you. Just be polite in the local language, learn to ask if people speak English and you should get along fine. Most people speak English anyway.

Q: Do toilets cost to use and how much ?

A: A lot of Public toilets in service stops in Europe and in some places cost to use. Anything from 30 cent to 2 Euro, depending on where you are. They only take coins and certain combinations of coins. Sometimes you may be able to use that cost to get a discount off a purchase.

Q: Should I be worried about pickpockets?
A: Just be aware, not alarmed, Keep your bag closed, know where all your stuff is and pay attention. Avoid little kids on the Roman subway. Do not worry about it too much.

Q: I'm gluten intolerant - how do I survive in Europe. Is there places I can buy gluten free food .. What are restaurants like.

A: The tour manager gets everyone to tell them if they have allergies or dietary requirements and at each restaurant the group goes to they organize a special meal for those people. You can also get stuff from supermarkets.

Q: How long till I get my Contiki docs?
A: It depends if you have booked through a travel agent or direct with Contiki. Usually a few weeks before your tour starts you get them or can collect them. If you are traveling before that they might get to you earlier but be missing some details. You can also get them emailed.

Q: On tours what do you normally spend money on?

A: It depends on yourself and what you are interested in, but the main expenses are Alcohol, Optionals, food, shopping, transport and ticket entrances.

Q: What are some tips on how to save money while in Europe?

• Look for little cafés, bars and restaurants away from any major tourist trap.
• Eat breakfast at the hotel/ hostel
• Have a water bottle and just refill.
• Use public transport not taxis unless you have to.
• Purchase a city card or transport day pass
• Walk a lot of places.

Q: Should i pre drink before going out ?

A: This is you to you. Alcohol is cheap in Europe and America and they both do free pour. So if you want a cheap night, drink, then head out, otherwise just drink when you are out.

Q: When purchasing the tour, should i get gold seal protection for extra money?

A: This protects you if the tour is cancelled or you want to cancel the tour yourself. If you see that happening or the chance of that happening, then you should get it as a just in case thing. It may be useful if you plans are still up in the air.

Q: Are there any snow or festival tours that i can do with contiki in Europe?

A: There are winter tours throughout Europe as well as specialized ski tours. As for festivals there is always Oktoberfest, new years in Edinburgh, Christmas in Amsterdam, st patricks in Dublin, new year and christmas in Paris, etc. Most are between 3 and 5 days so they are good short breaks.

Q:Can i do a contiki tour in europe during the winter.

A: There are some tours that run in summer that also run in winter but there are very few of them. Contiki also offers some specialized circle tours that cover for the winter that are similar to summer trips. Winter tours are fewer but they are also cheaper overall. Also there are not as many people around so it is less crowded.

Q: What happens at the end of a contiki tour in general?

A: After you do your surveys, leave your tips, it is a matter of either heading off to the start hotel or leaving the tour at the end hotel. You say your goodbyes and check into the next hotel or continue on your way. It is a sad time, and no matter how many tours you have done, it is not easy.

Q: Do i need to keep my passport with me on a daily basis?

A: No, once you leave the airport and check in you should put your passport back in your bag or in your hotel room safe, there is no need to walk around the streets with it.

Q: Is there any difference between USA and Europe contiki tours?

A: There is not that much of a difference, the pacing is the same, similar hotels, but there is more chances to visit usa national parks, then european national parks. The structure of the tour is also same, the nationalities of the passenges is another difference – more aussies on a usa tour.