Recent Articles
These are the most recently updated articles in Contikipedia.
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Where you stay - Time Out / Superior / Hotel Tours
Contiki has chosen a wide range of accommodation in order for you to best appreciate what Europe has to offer. From a magnificent 4-star resort in Vienna, Austria, to a charming, medieval Chateau near Lyon, France – you’ll travel Europe in style. All are Superior/Time Out hotels are of excellent standard and are often centrally located. Wile our special resort hotels have been chosen for their particular character, ch... read more >>
17 comments | Saved 193 times
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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 will defini... read more >>
205 comments | Saved 259 times
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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 ListLaptops | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear | Clothing Co... read more >>
98 comments | Saved 505 times
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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 National Hotel an... read more >>
134 comments | Saved 922 times
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How to pay for optional activities - New Zealand
Optional activities are booked and paid for through your Tour Manager once you are on tour. Every Tour Manager in New Zealand has their own style when it comes to collecting payment for optional activities and your Tour Manager will explain how they would like this done once you are on tour. Payments can only be made to your Tour Manager in New Zealand Dollars cash, travellers cheque or by credit card payment. Flight options however are payed directly to the supplier. Any optional activities outside those offered by Contiki must be booked and paid for independently.
0 comments | Saved 2 times
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Welcome to Contikipedia!
Travel/Destination Info & Advice for Contiki Travelers What is Contikipedia? Featured Articles Frequently Asked Questions Tips on saving for a trip What to pack and other questions about what to bring with you on tour Meet people going on tours! Meeting place forums for people going on tours in: Europe and Egypt USA and Canada Australia New Zealand South America Asia Europe Travel and Tour Advice Explore More Optionals Spending Money Getting from Heath... read more >>
417 comments | Saved 86 times
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Sydney Airport to the Holiday Inn Potts Point, Sydney
More Tour and Travel Advice for Australia The easiest way to travel to the Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney is to take the airport link rail service that departs from both the domestic and international airport terminals. After collecting your luggage you will see signs for the trains. Trains travel to Sydney Central Station then change trains for Kings Cross Station. From there walk across Victoria Street to the Holiday In... read more >>
31 comments | Saved 8 times
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Where you stay - Australia
Whether you’re touring the coast or the outback, you’ll stay in some amazing places especially chosen for you to experience the real Australia. Ranging from Resorts to hotel and lodge style accommodations, to special locations and hotels in the towns and city centers, each accommodation is as varied as the places you visit. Accommodation is based on quad or twin share, depending on your booking and on the Territory and Outback, Alice and Uluru, Contrast Reef and... read more >>
11 comments | Saved 13 times
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How much spending money should I bring? - North America
More Tour and Travel Advice for the USA and Canada How much spending money to budget for is a difficult question to answer as everyone has their own style and rate of travel spending. Some will go out and shop till they drop spending perhaps 100’s of dollars every day, other will party spending more in bars while again others will spend more money on museum entries and souvenirs, while others yet again will get ... read more >>
40 comments | Saved 64 times
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Optional Activities - North America
Everyone is different, so you have a choice to enhance your itinerary with Optional Activities 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 Activities How to pay Here’s a taste of what’s available SeaWorld, San Diego The San Diego Zoo San Diego Harbour Cruise Helicopter Flights over the Grand Canyon S... read more >>
6 comments | Saved 18 times
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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 as ... read more >>
323 comments | Saved 584 times
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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, sui... read more >>
235 comments | Saved 694 times
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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 tie everywhere, yo... read more >>
152 comments | Saved 1044 times
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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 rainproof jacket/small um... read more >>
378 comments | Saved 2106 times
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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 from both Conti... read more >>
128 comments | Saved 344 times
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Amsterdam
by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe Amsterdam, (or the ’Dammage as many Contiki veterans like to call it) is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands. Surrounded by rings of man made canals, bridges and beautiful buildings it is a city abounding with almost surreal fantasy-like beauty. The liberal, laid back culture of the Dutch also adds a great deal to the appeal and vibe of this fun, friendly European capital. Bikes Buildings and Architecture Shopping Food and Drink ... read more >>
64 comments | Saved 171 times
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ATM's and cash machines - Europe
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe ATM’s and cash machines are widely available throughout Europe. Cash machines across Europe dispense cash in the local currency of the country that you are making the withdrawal in. Make sure to let your bank know you are travelling so they don’t put a hold your account thinking it was hacked into or stolen. ATM’s are widely available throughout most places in ... read more >>
30 comments | Saved 212 times
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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. Trav... read more >>
41 comments | Saved 244 times
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Carry on luggage
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Carry on luggage is the luggage that carry onto the airplane with you (ie luggage you do not check). Many airlines have different restrictions that are applied to varying degrees from airline to airline. Check your airlines web site for their terms and conditions with respect to carry on luggage Remember to check the restrictions on carrying liquids and sharp objects onto aircraft. Most airlines and air ... read more >>
30 comments | Saved 285 times
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Shoes and Footwear
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Shoes are important, to some people they are the only thing that matters and your choice of footwear when taking a tour is also important. It also matter what time of year you will be traveling as slushing around wearing flip-flops int he snow or ugg boots at a beach party isn’t much fun. Summer Tours Contiki recommends taking three pairs of shoes on any given tour: 1 pair of comfortable, clo... read more >>
24 comments | Saved 288 times
Featured Travel Photos
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Recent Tips
Make sure you try currywurst in Germany. It's basically a hot dog with tomato sauce (ketchup) and curry powder. Tastes brilliant and only costs 1 or 2 Euro.
A tip for people looking for a decent coffee shop.. if you don't already know about it, you will because most Contiki travellers find out about it - its The Grasshopper. Ask a local and they should be able to tell you where to find it.
14 000 ft! DO IT! It may seem like a lot of money at the time but it is worth every cent! Make sure you buy the video so you can prove it to all of your friends!
