Contiki FAQ Planning a trip

Q: How should i plan my trip?

A:In planning a trip, determine where you want to go, see what tours match up to what you want to do, then look at blogs of people who have done this trip so you know what other people did. Also book some pre and post tour accommodation and look into what each city offers.

Q: How should i research for the trip?

A: You should research for the trip, start by fining out what there is to do in each city or place that you are going to, then read blogs and see what other people have done on similar trips. You should research and see what optionals you want to do. Doing all this will help you to know what you are getting into to and help you in the long run and make your trip better. Also listen to podcasts by rick steves or some independent travellers.

Q: How much money should i take?

A: This depends on yourself. But lets take the basics. This can be used for USA, canada Uk and Europe. But... 10 for breakfast, 15 for lunch, 20 for dinner, 20 for drinks, 15 for souviners, add in 5 for misc stuff. Then you would need to work out how much you would need for optionals, museums and other attractions. This would be for tours, for a self travel section you would need to add in accommodation and transport. If you like to shop add in money for shopping. Contiki says that 100 Euro per day every day is good, some days that is fine, other days that may be too less. It depends on you. But you should make a budget and add in a little extra. This way you should always have more then you need. But there is no good answer to this question.

Q: How should i take my money?

A:There are plenty of Atms around the world, so work out how much you need and take some cash in the currency you need then put the rest on a travel card, these you can get from banks or travel agents. These are very good, you get given a spare copy of each card, in case you lose one, or it gets stolen. You can also get a multi currency cash passport card for many currencies.

Q: What is the best way to stay in touch with friends & family?

A:The usual – Facebook. Most places have free wifi, or if not many cafes, maccas and starbucks have free wifi. Also bring a phone and get a local sim – does not cost much. I used my computer and smart phone to keep in contact.

Q: How do you pick want you want to go and see?

A:Before you leave for your trip have a look at trip advisor or lonely planet and see what each city has to offer look at what others did on their tour and look at Google maps and see how far each thing is from each other.

The tour manager also gives out a map marked with a lot of key sites, so you can also work from that, but a bit of pre-planning is also good.

Q: Do you get sick? is there anyway to prevent it?

A:Yes everyone gets sick at some point. Pharmacy’s are everywhere over there, and they are pretty good at getting you what you need to get better. Don’t let it hold you back though, you can still enjoy Europe while sick, a lot of your group will be in the same situation as you. It is called the Contiki cough for a reason! Once one person on tour gets sick it will go through the whole tour. You may get lucky and not get sick or be very unlucky and have it for weeks.

Q: Travel Cards..
A: Travel Cards just comes down to research, You get given a spare card for each in case one gets lost

There are many different types, look around and see what is best for you. In terms of Atm fees, general fees and what each offers.

Q: Trave sims, useful or not?

A: The only thing is, that your phone has to be unlocked. There are many types, from the contiki pack, to flight center one and insurance ones, they all have different rates and you should check before using them. Useful depends on what you need with it.

Q:On camping trips, what sort of food is served?

A:You get a cook traveling with you and they cook. Usually breakfasts with pancakes, sausages, bacon, eggs, and also cold breakfasts with cereal, etc. Dinner is always tried to be a national dish of the country you're in (depending on supplies and when they get to shop, but they generally do a shop in each location so the food is always local and fresh)

Q: Bed bugs! how common they are on Contiki's?

A: There's no point in worrying about it. If you're going to get them, you will. Sleeping liner might help a little bit but isn't going to stop them from getting on your clothes, pillow, suitcase etc.

Overall, depends on the hotel, most people don't get them.

Q:What form of ID do you need?

A: Drivers license is fine for most places and so is 18+ card. In some places in USA you do need your passport, but mainly in Europe, if they do check ID a drivers license is all good.

Q: Is there time to hit the gym in Europe?
A: There is time, but you would have to give up sightseeing and exploring. The tour schedule is pretty tight, so much to do, so little time. Also you would have to find one.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for a trip.

A: Read blogs, look up things to do, as people who have been before and Google everything.

Q: How do i avoid jet lag?

A: The best thing to do, where ever and when ever you travel is to rest on the plane, when you land get off and continue your day. If you arrive and it is 9am in the morning, continue about your day and go exploring in the sun. If it is 10pm at night, get to your accommodation as fast as possible and try to sleep.

Q: What happens if it rains on a tour

A: If it is a travel day, then nothing will change. If it is a city day then you will get wet – get a cheap umbrella and hit the museums and sights anyway. If you are in the swiss alps or Austrian countryside, then the bike riding optionals may be cancelled and you can have a rest day. Only bike riding optionals care cancelled due to rain, maybe the mountain optional in the Swiss alps as well.

Q: Do i need to have any vaccinations for travel in western europe and turkey?

A: Only turkey is an issue and only then it is the less touristy parts, or further inland. This is just malaria. For visits around Istanbul or troy area, it will be fine. The rest of Europe does not need anything in particular

Q: Is contiki strict with the 18 – 35 years old policy?

A: Usually they are, however if you are traveling with someone who is 17, they may allow it. Also if you are 36 or 37 and are traveling with someone younger or are a frequent traveler then they will let you go on.

Q: Is it possible to do a contiki tour if you are 35+?

A: It is possible. You either need to be traveling with someone younger or have been traveling with contiki for years. But you could only possibly get away with maybe 37 years old. Top deck has travelers who are up to 39 and there are other companies around that cater for the under 50.

Q: How many contiki tours is it possible to do?

A: It depends on hown much money and time that you have. But you can do as many as you want, from the city explorers to the multi week trips.

Q:What is free pour and when does it happen?

A: Free pour is when bar tenders freely pour spirits to make very strong drinks. There is no measurement and in some places it is more like Vodka with a shot of red bull or something like that. It is also a cheap way of getting drunk. This happens in Europe and in some places in the USA.

Q: If im not into museums, should i still go and see them?

A: If your not into museums, why bother going to see them just because everyone else is going or friends and family tell you it is a must see. If you are not interested, don't waste your time and money to see something that your not interested in. Take the time and do what you want to do.

Q: Should i buy insurance for my trip?

A: Yes, this is a must, just for peace of mind.

Q: What are some travel podcasts that i should listen to when preparing for my trip?

A: There are a lot. Ameuter traveler, budget minded traveler, extra pack of peanuts, rick steves, indie travel podcast, the global travel conspiracy, travel tales, tips for travellers, zero to travel, keep your day dream and there are more out there.

Q: Do you need to use had sanitation to wash your hands when travelling.

A: There is no need to, just as long as you wash your had before eating and after using the toilet, you will be fine. Hand sanitisor just takes up space.

Q: If i want to travel to Europe next year when is the best time to start booking my contiki tours?

A: Tour dates officially come out in september October of the previous year, but some dates are potentially available from july, but they all tend to be the same or similar year to year. Book as early as possible to get the best deals.

Q: When booking flights, when is the earliest i can book?

A: Up to 11 months is the earliest you can book flights. This will be when they are released and are cheap.

Q: When is the last possible time to book?

A: For flights – try to book at least 3 days before hand at the latest, for tours – at least 1 week before hand. For accommodation – the earliest the best. Try not to leave things to the last minute.