Recent Articles

These are the most recently updated articles in Contikipedia.

1. Suggested packing list - Australia

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Australia See also – Packing lists for: Europe – Summer | Europe – Winter | North America | New Zealand | Egypt The following is a suggested packing list for an Australian tour. 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 Australian tour. Clothes 1 rain jacket 1 warm jac... read more >>

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2. 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, closed walking shoes sui... read more >>

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3. How much digital memory should I take?

   More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand When it comes to taking photos everyone is different, and there is no one answer but here are some thoughts from past travellers that may give you an idea. Past Traveller’s Advice “Went to Italy for 2 weeks and used almost 3×1gb cards” -Dominique Giordano, Contiki Forums, Posted 19 Jun 2007 “I’m away in Sept for 2 months and I am considering taking 2×2gb memor... read more >>

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4. Sydney Airport to the Travelodge Hotel, Sydney

   More Tour and Travel Advice for Australia The easiest way and cheapest way to get to the Travelodge Hotel in Sydney is to take a train from the airport that departs from both the domestic and international terminals). After collecting your luggage you will see signs for the trains. Trains run directly into central Sydney and the closest station to the Travelodge is ‘Museum’ station. From there is it only a short (mostly downhill) walk to the the Travelodge hotel on Wentworth St... read more >>

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5. 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 authorities allow liqu... read more >>

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6. Chianti

   In a country famous for its vino (wine), Chianti is easily one of the most famous wines produced in Italy. This red wine gets it’s distinct flavour and taste from the sangiovese grapes that are grown on the hill sides of Tuscany. The Chianti wine takes it’s name for the region of Italy where it is produced – the Chianti region – just outside of the Tuscan Capital of Florence. Sienna, Pisa and San Gimignano are also near by. The region became the worlds first legally recognized wine producing region in the year 1... read more >>

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7. Food and Drink - Florence

   Florence is the capital of Tuscany and even most Italians will admit that Tuscan food is probably the best in the country. Local specialties include various ways of presenting meats like steak, chicken, hams, salamis to go along with the regular Italian pasta fare. Italian gelato also appears to have originated around the Tuscan region there are some amazing (although pricey) gellaterias in the city. The most consumed and well known beverage from the region however is Chianti red wine. The Sangiovese grapes ... read more >>

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8. Italian Food and Drink

   People travel from all over the world to experience the true taste of Italy and from your first slice of pizza, sip of wine or fork full of pasta it’s easy to see why…. Food One of the big draw cards of Italy is the food. Italian food is very simple, good chefs use very few ingredients so as not to loose and confuse the flavours. Eating is an integral and important part of any day in Bella Italia and the variety, styles and tastes ate almost boundless. Italian restaurants can be found in almost... read more >>

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9. Tuscan Evening, Florence

   by – Krista Taylor, Tour Manager, Europe A true Tuscan meal experience! We drive out into the Tuscan hills and experience what Italian food is all about. From cocktails and entertainment on arrival to antipasto, pasta pomodoro, spaghetti to tagliata and baked alaska. Throughout our meal we have an opera singer who performs numerous Italian songs and a chance for a little dance before our night out. Delicious food, Chianti wine and live entertainment. Everyone must do it, this is a regret you will no... read more >>

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10. San Gimignano

    San Gimignano in the hills of Tuscany, just outside Florence, Italy, is a medieval hill top village that was forgotten for hundreds of years and as such, still retains it’s centuries-old atmosphere. The town, unlike so many other similar villages, was never developed and as such is still home to its famous towers that were once a symbol of power and status in so many other settlements throughout the region. San Gimignano is also located in the famed Chianti wine producing region of Italy, people flock here for the m... read more >>

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11. 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, suitcases offer better structural prot... read more >>

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12. Optional Excursions - Wellington

    Here’s a taste of what’s available People who travel with Contiki often receive discounts on the standard price offered by our suppliers – Check individual tour itineraries for Contiki’s prices for optional excursions in New Zealand. What are Optional Excursions How to pay Wellington Seal Coast SafarisEco-touring in a 4WD vehicle along DOC (Department of Conservation) coast line, viewing unusual rock formations, seal colonies and other native bird and animal li... read more >>

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13. 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 and Imperial Hotels When flyin... read more >>

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14. Oktoberfest

    Otherwise known as the ‘Beerfest’, the Oktoberfest is held every year in Munich, Germany, the capital of Bavaria and also considered by many to the the world capital of beer. What is unquestionable is that it is one of the biggest events in the world and the vibe, buzz and atmosphere created by the over 6 million people who visit the city during the 2 weeks of the ‘fest is simply indescribable. Oktoberfest takes place in Munich and is held in the last two weeks of September every year.

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15. 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, you should definitely... read more >>

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16. Suggested packing list - Europe - Summer

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe See also – Packing lists for: Europe – Winter | North America | Australia | New Zealand | Egypt The following is a suggested packing list for a Europe summer tour. 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 tour. Clothes 1 rainproof jacket/small umbrella 2... read more >>

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17. 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 definitely meet lots of people.... read more >>

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18. 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 as everyone has their own style and rate of travel spending. Some will go out and shop till they drop spending perhaps 100 of Euros or Pounds every day, others will party spending more in bars while again others will spend more money on museum entries and souvenirs, while others yet again will get though on the bare essentials. Unlike many holiday and vacation operators Contiki... read more >>

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19. Luggage Storage - Anaheim

    More Tour and Travel Advice for the USA and Canada You can store luggage for free at the Stovalls Inn in Anaheim where most West Coast USA tours depart. See the Contiki representative at the Stovalls Inn at the pre-departure meeting early on departure morning and they will be able to organize this for you. This however is only suitable for people travelling back to Anaheim at the end of their tour.

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20. 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 Europe’s highest hotel on Mt Pilatus in Switzerland – you’ll travel Europe in style. All are Superior Tourist Class Hotels and have excellent facilities while our special resort hotels have been chosen for their particular character, charm, location and style. Please bear in mind the diversity and cultural... read more >>

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