What do you wish you'd known?

18 Jul 2007 ashleightara asked

I'm curious to know what ppl wish they'd known before they went on their trips, and only discovered afterwards...

For example,
Did you miss something in a town you wish you'd known about?
Did you pack something, and never used it?
Did you NEED something you didn't pack and had to go in search of it?

In particular, looking for different advice to what is already available on the board...share you experience so others can learn from you 'mistake'.

Thanks

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• Answer this question 746 answers so far

• 21 Jan 2009 Kate said

  

  quote:

  Originally posted by alyssa!:
  a lot of advice for Europe- but how about for Australia.
  in particular Australia’s Winter months?
  as my winter is very different from Aus winters..

  
  I live in Australia and i find this web site really good for weather – http://www.bom.gov.au/
  have a look round and should fine temps and trends for where you’re going and when.
  
  btw this is a really good thread, i’ve picked up heaps of useful advice.

  <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by alyssa!:<BR>a lot of advice for Europe- but how about for Australia. <BR>in particular Australia's Winter months?<BR>as my winter is very different from Aus winters.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I live in Australia and i find this web site really good for weather - <A HREF="http://www.bom.gov.au/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.bom.gov.au/</A><BR>have a look round and should fine temps and trends for where you're going and when.<BR><BR>btw this is a really good thread, i've picked up heaps of useful advice. or Cancel
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• 26 Jan 2009 Alicia said

  

  quote:

  Originally posted by Kate:
  [QUOTE]Originally posted by alyssa!:
  a lot of advice for Europe- but how about for Australia.
  in particular Australia’s Winter months?
  as my winter is very different from Aus winters..

  
  I live in Australia and i find this web site really good for weather – http://www.bom.gov.au/
  
  Hey I’m also from Australia. It’s hard to say what the Australian winter is like because it is so different from state to state and even town to town. I would also recomend the www.bom.gov.au site – you should find it helpful.
  
  Cheers

  <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kate:<BR>[QUOTE]Originally posted by alyssa!:<BR>a lot of advice for Europe- but how about for Australia. <BR>in particular Australia's Winter months?<BR>as my winter is very different from Aus winters.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I live in Australia and i find this web site really good for weather - <A HREF="http://www.bom.gov.au/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.bom.gov.au/</A><BR><BR>Hey I'm also from Australia. It's hard to say what the Australian winter is like because it is so different from state to state and even town to town. I would also recomend the <A HREF="http://www.bom.gov.au" TARGET=_blank>www.bom.gov.au</A> site - you should find it helpful.<BR><BR>Cheers or Cancel
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• 30 Jan 2009 Ally said

  

  quote:

  Originally posted by MissKrock:
  Great thread, definitely many things I already thought about bringing, but some stuff there I would never have thought about.
  
  I’m in the some situation with the hair straightener, but I will probably bring one cause I’m spending a few weeks in the USA before I hit the Grand Southern Contiki tour… I’m also praying I’m not the oldest there lol <!--graemlin::D-->

  
  
  How old are you and which dates are you going? I am turning 24 on the April 16 to May 11 tour, and judging by the people on the board for that tour, I am in the younger half.

  <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by MissKrock:<BR>Great thread, definitely many things I already thought about bringing, but some stuff there I would never have thought about. <BR><BR>I'm in the some situation with the hair straightener, but I will probably bring one cause I'm spending a few weeks in the USA before I hit the Grand Southern Contiki tour... I'm also praying I'm not the oldest there lol <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="Big Grin" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::D--> </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>How old are you and which dates are you going? I am turning 24 on the April 16 to May 11 tour, and judging by the people on the board for that tour, I am in the younger half. or Cancel
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• 31 Jan 2009 Kat said

  

  Wow, lots of great advice! This was the only thread I read completely through and I’ll definitely post after I get back from my tour.
  Thanks a bunch everyone!

  Wow, lots of great advice! This was the only thread I read completely through and I'll definitely post after I get back from my tour. <BR>Thanks a bunch everyone! or Cancel
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• 1 Feb 2009 Ally said

  

  I wish that I had known to get physically fitter before I left and to take loads of vitamins to prepare for the longer tours, or any of the camping tours, since the Contiki cough can really take you down! I also know now to go on my own for my next tour, as I am naturally shy and made far fewer friends on my trip by going with my sister, as we stuck together too much. I’m looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone in the USA.

  I wish that I had known to get physically fitter before I left and to take loads of vitamins to prepare for the longer tours, or any of the camping tours, since the Contiki cough can really take you down! I also know now to go on my own for my next tour, as I am naturally shy and made far fewer friends on my trip by going with my sister, as we stuck together too much. I'm looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone in the USA. or Cancel
  • 2 people like this

• 1 Mar 2009 Kat said

  

  hey all
  this thread has some really good tips it kinda maks me feel a bit more at ease about what i’m planing on packing, With the question about the aussie waether it realy is differ all over but my tip is ware layers, there easy to take off and put on when your cold cos it will change.

  hey all <BR>this thread has some really good tips it kinda maks me feel a bit more at ease about what i'm planing on packing, With the question about the aussie waether it realy is differ all over but my tip is ware layers, there easy to take off and put on when your cold cos it will change. or Cancel
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• 4 Mar 2009 Lauz - lets get crazy said

  

  quote:

  Originally posted by Jodie:
  Bump… this is a good topic. Its helping me to compose a list.

  
  
  laura x

  <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jodie:<BR>Bump... this is a good topic. Its helping me to compose a list. </div></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR><span class="ev_code_PINK">laura x</span> or Cancel
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• 5 Mar 2009 Alexi85 said

  

  Hey guys, firstly thank you all for the feedback i dont think i could’ve gotten better or more detailed info anywhere else.
  
  I’m doing the european vista (timeout) tour on the 18th July and was wanting to ask for your opinions on wheter on not i should book a single room.
  
  I have read a few comments on this forum from people saying they wish they had booked single rooms. I have heard that it can iscolate you from everyone but at the same time it would be good to have a place to chill out in.
  
  Could anyone advise whether it would be a good idea to book a single?
  
  any advise would be great. cheers ; ) lex

  Hey guys, firstly thank you all for the feedback i dont think i could've gotten better or more detailed info anywhere else.<BR><BR>I'm doing the european vista (timeout) tour on the 18th July and was wanting to ask for your opinions on wheter on not i should book a single room.<BR><BR>I have read a few comments on this forum from people saying they wish they had booked single rooms. I have heard that it can iscolate you from everyone but at the same time it would be good to have a place to chill out in.<BR><BR>Could anyone advise whether it would be a good idea to book a single?<BR><BR>any advise would be great. cheers ; ) lex or Cancel
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• 22 Mar 2009 Casey said

  

  Thanks for the great advise Sal – best post yet! It hadn’t even occured to me that a sport chamois would be better than a towel for starters! Cheers!

  Thanks for the great advise Sal - best post yet! It hadn't even occured to me that a sport chamois would be better than a towel for starters! Cheers! or Cancel
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• 4 Apr 2009 Mands said

  

  This is an awesome thread. It has give me some great ideas. I am travelling to Europe in May and doing the European Escapade Tour. Can’t wait.
  Thanks again for all the great advice. Wooo Hooo Euro 2009

  This is an awesome thread. It has give me some great ideas. I am travelling to Europe in May and doing the European Escapade Tour. Can't wait.<BR>Thanks again for all the great advice. Wooo Hooo Euro 2009 or Cancel
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• 12 Apr 2009 EuroSteph said

  

  Hey I’m going Euro Inspiration 14th Dec 2009- 1 Jan 2010.
  
  So far from what I’ve read this is what I’m planning on Packing. I’ve been to Europe in Winter before aswell.
  
  Clothes
  Winter Jacket
  Jumper
  Zip Up Hoodie
  Swimmers
  3 Pairs of Jeans
  Track Pants
  Tops
  Bras & Undies
  Singlets
  Socks
  1 or 2 Dresses
  Inside Jacket
  Scarf
  Gloves
  Mittens
  Beanie
  Beret
  
  Shoes
  Calf Length Boots (Small Heel)
  Short Boots
  Thongs
  Uggs
  
  Toiletries
  Toiletry Bag
  Toothpaste
  Tooth Brush
  BO Killer
  Lip Balm
  Bug Spray
  Make Up – Costume Make Up
  Moisturizer
  Hair Ties
  Hair Brush
  Comb
  Tissues
  Hankys
  Sunscreen
  Bobby Pins
  Meds
  Pain Killers
  Hand / Make Up Wipes
  First Aid Kit – Bandaids
  Travel Sickness Pills
  Shampoo
  Conditioner
  Face Cleanser
  Body Wash
  Travel Hair Dryer-Buy one there
  Straightener – Using Travel Partners
  Vitamins
  AntiBiotics
  Nail Clippers
  Tweezers
  Nail File
  
  
  Miscellaneous
  Clock
  Sunnies
  Plastic Bags
  Washing Powder
  Sewing Kit
  Pens, Journal
  Mobile
  Phone Charger
  Camera
  Camera Charger
  Extra Camera Battery
  Extra Camera Memory Cards
  Watch
  Wallet
  Travel Pouch
  Day Bag
  Book
  DS
  Ipod
  Drawing Materials
  Adapters
  Jewellery / Accessories
  Travel Pillow
  Small Blanket / Sheet for bus
  Ear Plugs
  Eye Mask
  Knee Brace
  Sticky Tape
  Zip Lock Bags
  Space

  Hey I'm going Euro Inspiration 14th Dec 2009- 1 Jan 2010.<BR><BR>So far from what I've read this is what I'm planning on Packing. I've been to Europe in Winter before aswell.<BR><BR><B>Clothes</B><BR>Winter Jacket<BR>Jumper <BR>Zip Up Hoodie<BR>Swimmers<BR>3 Pairs of Jeans<BR>Track Pants<BR>Tops<BR>Bras & Undies<BR>Singlets<BR>Socks<BR>1 or 2 Dresses<BR>Inside Jacket<BR>Scarf<BR>Gloves<BR>Mittens<BR>Beanie <BR>Beret<BR><BR><B>Shoes</B><BR>Calf Length Boots (Small Heel)<BR>Short Boots<BR>Thongs<BR>Uggs<BR><BR><B>Toiletries</B><BR>Toiletry Bag<BR>Toothpaste<BR>Tooth Brush<BR>BO Killer<BR>Lip Balm<BR>Bug Spray<BR>Make Up - Costume Make Up<BR>Moisturizer<BR>Hair Ties<BR>Hair Brush<BR>Comb<BR>Tissues<BR>Hankys<BR>Sunscreen<BR>Bobby Pins<BR>Meds<BR>Pain Killers<BR>Hand / Make Up Wipes<BR>First Aid Kit - Bandaids<BR>Travel Sickness Pills<BR>Shampoo <BR>Conditioner<BR>Face Cleanser<BR>Body Wash<BR>Travel Hair Dryer-Buy one there<BR>Straightener - Using Travel Partners<BR>Vitamins<BR>AntiBiotics<BR>Nail Clippers<BR>Tweezers<BR>Nail File<BR><BR><BR><B>Miscellaneous</B><BR>Clock<BR>Sunnies<BR>Plastic Bags<BR>Washing Powder<BR>Sewing Kit<BR>Pens, Journal<BR>Mobile<BR>Phone Charger<BR>Camera<BR>Camera Charger<BR>Extra Camera Battery<BR>Extra Camera Memory Cards<BR>Watch<BR>Wallet<BR>Travel Pouch<BR>Day Bag<BR>Book<BR>DS<BR>Ipod<BR>Drawing Materials<BR>Adapters<BR>Jewellery / Accessories <BR>Travel Pillow<BR>Small Blanket / Sheet for bus<BR>Ear Plugs<BR>Eye Mask<BR>Knee Brace<BR>Sticky Tape<BR>Zip Lock Bags<BR>Space or Cancel
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• 15 Apr 2009 Niksta said

  

  This thread has been so helpful! Things I didn’t think of are now stuff I know I need to pack. I wasn’t planning on taking my multi-vitamins but after hearing nearly everyone mention the contiki cough, consider them packed!
  We’re flying out in 2 weeks for the London to Rome leaving May 21st! Can’t wait! <!--graemlin::D-->

  This thread has been so helpful! Things I didn't think of are now stuff I know I need to pack. I wasn't planning on taking my multi-vitamins but after hearing nearly everyone mention the contiki cough, consider them packed! <BR>We're flying out in 2 weeks for the London to Rome leaving May 21st! Can't wait! <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="Big Grin" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::D--> or Cancel
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• 16 Apr 2009 geekmagnet said

  

  I’m really glad someone thought of this topic. I enjoy photography and will be bringing my digital SLR camera on my trip. Just wondering if anyone regretted bringing a tripod?

  I'm really glad someone thought of this topic. I enjoy photography and will be bringing my digital SLR camera on my trip. Just wondering if anyone regretted bringing a tripod? or Cancel
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• 22 Apr 2009 Chelsea1013 said

  

  What a great post…any more?

  What a great post...any more? or Cancel
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• 29 Apr 2009 Andrea (Ea) said

  

  I definitely want to hear from more contiki alum!

  I definitely want to hear from more contiki alum! or Cancel
  • 0 people like this

• 5 May 2009 Katie said

  

  Hi all.I been tossing weather to take video camera or not any thoughts on if it good idea or bad idea,thanks Katie <!--graemlin::)-->

  Hi all.I been tossing weather to take video camera or not any thoughts on if it good idea or bad idea,thanks Katie <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--> or Cancel
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• 5 May 2009 Pervy said

  

  Hey Katie, take the video camera. Photos are good but watching the footage of a tour mate doing a crazy dance on the bus or the likes is priceless.

  Hey Katie, take the video camera. Photos are good but watching the footage of a tour mate doing a crazy dance on the bus or the likes is priceless. or Cancel
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• 5 May 2009 purplekombi said

  

  I wish I’d known to take compression socks – my ankles got so swollen after about a week of long days on the bus and I’ve never had trouble with swelling on flights etc.
  
  There were a couple of other girls on my tour with the same problem – so will definately be adding them to my packing list for my next trip.

  I wish I'd known to take compression socks - my ankles got so swollen after about a week of long days on the bus and I've never had trouble with swelling on flights etc.<BR><BR>There were a couple of other girls on my tour with the same problem - so will definately be adding them to my packing list for my next trip. or Cancel
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• 8 May 2009 Katie said

  

  HI pervy,thanks so much was thinking the same thing,it once in life time thing so i htink i heading towards yes <!--graemlin::)-->

  HI pervy,thanks so much was thinking the same thing,it once in life time thing so i htink i heading towards yes <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin::)--> or Cancel
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• 19 May 2009 Explorer1135594 said

  

  Im definately taking DVT prevention stockings. They saved my life on my last trip, nothing worse than walking on swollen feet

  Im definately taking DVT prevention stockings. They saved my life on my last trip, nothing worse than walking on swollen feet or Cancel
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