Contiki FAQ Packing questions

Here are some questions about packing

Q: What are some important things to take?

A: Passport, money, Camera.

Travel diary – record those thoughts.

Clothes for every season.

These are the main things, then toiletries, electronics and the less important things.

Q: The bag I bought is bigger than the measurements, will this be okay?
A: Contiki does not measure bags. Just make sure that the bag you bring is one that you can lift yourself. Also make sure that you are under the weight limit.

Q: Does Contiki weigh your bag at every stop?
A: Contiki only weighs your bag on the start of your tour, that is all. If it is slightly above the required max, it should be ok, it if is too far above, then you will have to take some stuff out. Contiki does not weigh bags if you start your tour in another city like Paris, Dublin, Berlin, Athens etc.

Q: Do I really need to take a sleeping bag?
A: If your tour says you should take one then take one These do not count towards your final weight on the coach and you can buy one from the Contiki Basement. If you are travelling in summer and doing concept tours you can take a sleep sheet instead, they take up less room.

Q: Has anyone taken a go pro with them?

A: People take go pros with them – they are useful because they are waterproof, i have seen them use at paradise beach, the spas at Budapest, rafting, jet boating, on donkeys in santorini. They make a good addition for your trip.

Q: Overnight bags – are they needed?

A: In a very few cases an over night is needed, this is just to save the time unpacking the main suitcases. However a lot of people use their general day bags or plastic bags. Usually where there is limited space, in the case on the ferry to Corfu. In any case all you would need is a few things anyway.

Q: Should i take my laptop – will it be safe?

A: Take your laptop, there will be time to use it. It will be safe as long as you try to keep it safe. Also take phones, pads book readers, they will all be useful.

Q: Suitcase or big duffel bag?

A: A suitcase is easier to pack and to move around and to store. A duffel bag or backpack is easier to carry but harder to pack. It depends on what tour you are doing, what you are doing before and after and what is your preference.

Q: Do you need to take a towel.

A: For a concept tour or camping tour you do need one. A hotel tour, the hotel provides one for you. But you may need a beach towel, as hotels don't like their towels going to the beach.

Q: Micro fiber towels are they worth bringing?

A:They seem to work fine, just like a normal towel and dry really quickly, but they were a bit more expensive. For a concept tour, it is worth while as they are easy to pack and easy to use.

Q: What about prescriptions and whether a letter from your doctor is a must to take with your medications?

A: You have to have a letter from your doctor. Chances are you will never even need to show it. So get one just in case.

Q: For tours that need a sleeping bag, can i get a sleeping bag in London and how much are they?

A: You can buy them from the contiki basement for 20 pounds, no problem, but they are all a standard size. There are other places around that you can get them cheaper. By getting one in London before the trip, you save worrying about it before you get there.

Q: Should i take my digital SLR camera?

A: This is up to you. There will be plenty of time to use it and it is worth it to bring it. However you will have to carry it wherever you go. A few people do bring them along. Most people use their smart phones or general point and shoot cameras.

Q: Is using viator worth it to plan a day trip or book things?

A: Viator is good, there are lots of tours, you can get discounts with it and it has some good reviews for each tour. However you don't know what company does the tours until you book. You can do days tours, use it to pre book museums and do some cool things. Overall it is up to you.

Q: What sort of beach wear should i wear in Europe?

A: This dosen't really matter, just what you would normally wear. On a contiki tour you don't get much time for the beach – french riveria and greece and croatia mainly. You can go topless on the beach if you want to.

Q: When is the best time to get currency for my trip, how much cash should i take with me?

A: Pick you your currency a few weeks before your trip, or when there is a good exchange rate as time gets closer to your trip. If you don't use cash, just take enough for emergencies. If cash is primary, bring enough for 1 day

Q: On a trip, should i bring an ipad or other sort of pad?

A: Depending on what you plan to do with it, games, work or general internet, it could be worth while to bring it, but it is up to you. It may be needed.

Q: Do i need to brings a sleep sheet?

A: Depends on where you are going and where you are staying. If it is a notel, then no. Most hostels also provide linen, so usually no, camping you may need a sleeping bag. However bring one just in case.