Recent Articles

These are the most recently updated articles in Contikipedia.

1. Travelling alone

   Everyone has different attitudes and opinions and philosophies when it comes to travelling alone. Even amongst those who choose to go it alone there is a mix of feelings with some being a little frightened and nervous while others cannot wait to get out on their own. In a poll conducted on the Contiki forums, almost 70% of people polled as travelling on tour alone. So even though you start the tour alone, you’re not the only one travelling alone. The tours are very social so you wi... read more >>

   111 comments | Saved 164 times

2. How much spending money should I bring? - Europe

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe How much spending money to budget for is a difficult question to answer. Everyone has their own style and rate of travel spending. Some will go out and shop ‘til they drop spending 100s of Euros or Pounds every day, others might spend more in bars, or on museum entries and souvenirs, while others get by on the bare essentials. Unlike many holiday and vacation operators, Contiki inclu... read more >>

   52 comments | Saved 547 times

3. Dress code - Europe

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Contrary to some literature, you do not need to dress up with dress pants and dresses to get into clubs and bars in Europe. Most of the time jeans and a t-shirt is more than enough with some bars and venues even allowing entry with shorts and flip flops. General For most occasions, comfortable, casual clothes are recommended for your European travel adevntures. Going Out and Evening Wear Although you don’t have to wear slacks and ... read more >>

   24 comments | Saved 593 times

4. Heathrow Airport (London)

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe The Royal National Hotel is used as the London base for most Contiki Tours starting and finishing in London, England. A great many clients choose to stay at either the Royal National Hotel or just down the road at the Imperial Hotel. The Royal National Hotel is also home to the Contiki Basement, the meeting point for tours starting in London and Contiki’s London travel base. Directions from Heathrow to the Royal Natio... read more >>

   23 comments | Saved 364 times

5. Suggested packing list - Europe - Summer

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a Europe summer tour. Keep in mind this is not a definitive list – everyone has individual fashion tastes, preferences, opinions, and styles in terms of what they want to wear and bring along! This is meant to be a good guide to help you in packing for your European vacation. Clothes 1 rainpro... read more >>

   187 comments | Saved 1189 times

6. Phone Calls - Europe

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Telephone call centres are reasonably common in major European cities and rates vary from country to country and city to city. You simply use the phones provided in telephone call centre and pay by the minute (usually very cheap). Phone Cards One of the best and cheapest ways to call home is by using international calling cards that can usually be purchased from corner stores and newspaper outlets. Most cards however are country specific ... read more >>

   10 comments | Saved 26 times

7. Suitcase Vs Backpack

   More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand “I would advise travellers to take a suitcase with an extendable handle and wheels for any overseas trip. Firstly, suitcases can be packed in a very organized manner so that anything is easily accessible once you hit your hotel room. Wheels and a handle allow for easy transport, whether into a hotel, a coach in the morning, or out onto a sidewalk to catch a cab to the airport. Additionally, ... read more >>

   50 comments | Saved 407 times

8. Getting Places - Europe

   Here’s the easiest and best ways to travel to our hotels and starting points for our Europe Tours! Getting to hotels from: Heathrow Airport Gatwick Airport Amsterdam Airport Athens Airport Barcelona Airport Berlin Airports Cairo Airport Copenhagen Airport Dublin Airport Edinburgh Airport Istanbul Airport Madrid Airport Rome Airport Vienna Airport Flights and Airlines Low cost flights in Europe Trains Eurostar high speed Train service between London, Paris, Brussels

   0 comments | Saved 14 times

9. Tour and Travel Advice - Europe

   More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Planning a Trip Away Choosing a tour | Tips on Saving for a Trip What to Pack Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or taking your first big trip overseas, deciding on what to pack is an important decision. Suggested Summer Packing List | Suggested Winter Packing List | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear | ... read more >>

   3 comments | Saved 262 times

10. Western European language basics

    There is no need to enroll in French, Italian, German and Spanish classes for your European Tour. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on how to say some of the basics (eg. hello, please, thank you) in the native tongue of each of the countries you visit. It is often not only useful, but also polite to know a few of the basics in the local language and it’s a good idea to try and remember and uses these basics. English is a widely spoken and understood ... read more >>

    8 comments | Saved 287 times

11. Suggested packing list - Europe - Winter

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a Contiki winter tour to Europe. People are individuals though and often have personal preferences and opinions as to what to bring. The following then is not a definitive list, but should give you a good guide as to what you should pack for your European winter tour. Clothes 1 rainproof jacke... read more >>

    28 comments | Saved 336 times

12. Weight Limits and Size - Europe

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Contiki Tours in Europe have a luggage restriction of 1×20 kilogram (44lbs) bag and 1 x carry on (roughly 5 kilograms/12lb) bag. This weight restriction is for legal requirements within the European Union as well as for your comfort and safety. The size restriction of you main luggage is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) is also observed. Bags are not measured however you bags will be weighed o... read more >>

    58 comments | Saved 312 times

13. Concept / Budget vs. Time Out / Superior

    Contiki offers 3 main styles of touring in Europe, each with varying itineraries. All styles have a great mix of sightseeing and free time with the main difference between the styles being the accommodations used. Here are a few more differences between the tour styles that may help you choose the style that suits you best. Differences Between Tour Styles in Europe . Time Out/Superior Full Description Concept/Budget Fu... read more >>

    1 comment | Saved 18 times

14. Power adapters

    More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Do you need a power point adapter? If you’re travelling away form your home country or region of the world then chances are that yes, you do. Power outlets have different shapes in different parts of the world and you may need an adapter to convert the shape of your home power plugs to the shape of the outlets in the region of the world you are travelling to. How many do you need? It dep... read more >>

    31 comments | Saved 284 times

15. Visas - Travelling to Europe

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Depending on the nationality of the passport you are traveling on you may require visas to enter countries included on your tour. Every country in Europe has different entry requirements. You are responsible for obtaining all the necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. You can consult your travel agent but the only truly reliable source of visa and entry requirements are the consulates of the countries themselves... read more >>

    20 comments | Saved 139 times

16. New Zealand

    Capital: Wellington Currency: New Zealand Dollar Language: English and Maori Visas: Travel Visa Information New Zealand, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, is a country synonymous with 100% pure exhilaration. The pristine natural wilderness and beauty of this island nation is something that has to be seen to be believed. The adventure and partying opportunities however are also virtually boundless. Only a short plane ride from Australia, the land of Kiwis and the All Black... read more >>

    23 comments | Saved 28 times

17. Gondola Ride, Venice

    by – Mat Wass, Tour Manager, Europe One of my favorite excursions has to be the gondola ride in Venice – it is the best and coolest way to end a busy day in Venice. Nice and relaxing, with some friends cruising the canals and seeing a completely different side to the city and of course you can’t go to Venice and not go on a gondola! by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe What trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride! The long ... read more >>

    7 comments | Saved 36 times

18. Europe

    Europe is easily one of the most diverse regions of the world. With over 40 countries linked together on the second smallest continent in the world, the variety and range of cultures and experiences Europe provides is simply second to none. With over 60 itineraries as well as custom and charter tour, Contiki’s Europe provides something for every traveler, adventurer, vacationer or holiday maker. Countries Italy, France and Spain are but a few of the Countries Contiki visits in Europe Sights a... read more >>

    112 comments | Saved 52 times

19. Optional Excursions - Europe

    Everyone is different, so you have a choice to enhance your itinerary with Optional Excursions during your tour. This choice of activities is based on what past travellers have asked for and are designed to help you get the most out of your tour. What are Optional Excursions How to pay Here’s a taste of what’s available Austria White Water Rafting Mountain Biking Mozart and Strauss Concert Croatia Dubrovni... read more >>

    9 comments | Saved 67 times

20. Tips on Saving for a Trip

    Based on the Contiki Forums Topic Personal Loan or Hard Saving..? Save on Tour Costs and Flights Shop around for the best deals for airfares etc You would be amazed at how much prices can vary. Get quotes and do your sums and book early for the most inexpensive tickets, also departing/arriving between Tues-Thursday will cut the ticket cost. Try and not go in peak season (from June till the end of August & December/school holidays) Check for deals f... read more >>

    61 comments | Saved 174 times