Question

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 762 answers so far

19 Aug 2009 avz said

ahh reali? ahh not so stressed anymore lolll… thanxxx

ahh reali? ahh not so stressed anymore lolll... thanxxx or Cancel
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28 Aug 2009 JamesC said
I’m Glad:
- I took a bottle opener, noone else took one, and they were handy for illegal room parties.
- I took a iPod touch, it ended up being my computer, I found wifi at most places in the states, and could update facebook, check e-mails and look at the weather. Also podcasts were handy for killing time on the bus.
- My Puffa Jacket, it gets cold in the Grand Cayon, and everyone else had no warm cloths.
- My Gorrilapod (bendy tripod) for my SLR, meant we could get cool group photos in great places.
I Wish
- that I had checked my SLR sensor was clean before my trip. Have awesome photos but all with black dots and a hair on.
- that I found out more about dresscode in Vegas, bought trousers and black shoes in Walmart, and the other guys wore jeans. They just didn’t like white shoes.
- I didn’t hold my camera on Splash Mountain at Disneyland.
- Got to know everybody on the trip.
- Started writing a diary (or at least bulletpoints for later) so it is easier remembering where I had gone.
- done someting on my last day in the states, I would have had time to go to Disney for a second day.
- Gone to the exercise yard at Alcatraz, the audio tour doesn’t take you into it, but you walk straight past.
I'm Glad: <UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>I took a bottle opener, noone else took one, and they were handy for illegal room parties. <LI>I took a iPod touch, it ended up being my computer, I found wifi at most places in the states, and could update facebook, check e-mails and look at the weather. Also podcasts were handy for killing time on the bus. <LI>My Puffa Jacket, it gets cold in the Grand Cayon, and everyone else had no warm cloths. <LI>My Gorrilapod (bendy tripod) for my SLR, meant we could get cool group photos in great places.</UL> I Wish <UL TYPE=SQUARE><LI>that I had checked my SLR sensor was clean before my trip. Have awesome photos but all with black dots and a hair on. <LI>that I found out more about dresscode in Vegas, bought trousers and black shoes in Walmart, and the other guys wore jeans. They just didn't like white shoes. <LI>I didn't hold my camera on Splash Mountain at Disneyland. <LI>Got to know everybody on the trip. <LI>Started writing a diary (or at least bulletpoints for later) so it is easier remembering where I had gone. <LI>done someting on my last day in the states, I would have had time to go to Disney for a second day. <LI>Gone to the exercise yard at Alcatraz, the audio tour doesn't take you into it, but you walk straight past.</UL> or Cancel
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12 Sep 2009 copar21 said

i wish i had more time in london after the tour.

i wish i kept up to date with my dairy.

i should have packed less, i didn’t wear most of my clothes

i’m glad i took a double adapter so i could charge more than one thing at a time.

i’m so glad i took a tube of vegemite, something to remind me of home when i had it for breakfast or just ate it on the bus.

i wish i had more time in london after the tour. i wish i kept up to date with my dairy. i should have packed less, i didn't wear most of my clothes i'm glad i took a double adapter so i could charge more than one thing at a time. i'm so glad i took a tube of vegemite, something to remind me of home when i had it for breakfast or just ate it on the bus. or Cancel
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20 Sep 2009 Kaznagan said

When i went to New Zealand

I’m Glad
- i had packed somac (hangover free trip)
- packed accessories – it made up outfits and also saved space
- did the dodgy underwear shop – to reduce laundry i went to best n less and got about 14 pairs of underwear for $7. wore em for a day then got rid of them – perk i was able to fit a bit more in at the end of the trip
- study learnt what i wanted to see, and was happy to go and do my own thing, i saw some beautiful things that others didnt
- had spare batteries and memory for my camera and mp3 player
- had money already for when i arrived
- over budgeted, it meant i could buy practically anything i saw….
- old shoes, i took heels and thongs that were nice but were old or cheap (target always has nice clearence shoes – i think the best is $5.00) then you can get rid of them at the end of the trip to make more room

What i wish i’d done
- spent more time with everyone, shared rooms with different people
- did more optionals, go with the opinion that this could be the only time i’m here, lets do it all
- had a journal, cause you mix up things
- not drink tooooo much the night before going bungee jumping lol

thanks everyone who has written their thoughts on here – i’m going with contiki for a second trip to america for the grand southern in july next year and i plan on using this advice, especially for the contiki cough……

When i went to New Zealand I'm Glad - i had packed somac (hangover free trip) - packed accessories - it made up outfits and also saved space - did the dodgy underwear shop - to reduce laundry i went to best n less and got about 14 pairs of underwear for $7. wore em for a day then got rid of them - perk i was able to fit a bit more in at the end of the trip - study learnt what i wanted to see, and was happy to go and do my own thing, i saw some beautiful things that others didnt - had spare batteries and memory for my camera and mp3 player - had money already for when i arrived - over budgeted, it meant i could buy practically anything i saw.... - old shoes, i took heels and thongs that were nice but were old or cheap (target always has nice clearence shoes - i think the best is $5.00) then you can get rid of them at the end of the trip to make more room What i wish i'd done - spent more time with everyone, shared rooms with different people - did more optionals, go with the opinion that this could be the only time i'm here, lets do it all - had a journal, cause you mix up things - not drink tooooo much the night before going bungee jumping lol thanks everyone who has written their thoughts on here - i'm going with contiki for a second trip to america for the grand southern in july next year and i plan on using this advice, especially for the contiki cough...... or Cancel
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15 Oct 2009 toddt85 said

This is an awesome thread I have to say. It’s just made me decide to take a journal on my trip. I wanna be able to remember everything I did, and a journal will ensure that the memories don’t fade too quickly! Can’t wait to go… but it’s still 6 months away LOL. 

This is an awesome thread I have to say. It's just made me decide to take a journal on my trip. I wanna be able to remember everything I did, and a journal will ensure that the memories don't fade too quickly! Can't wait to go... but it's still 6 months away LOL. <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="Razzer" width="15" height="15"> or Cancel
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16 Oct 2009 Jessie said

1.PACK LIGHT!!! I can’t stress that enough. You have to lug that suitcase everywhere, every single day. If you start off heavy, its just going to get worse. You are going to be buying things everyday and you need room in your luggage.
2. Pack Smart – Make sure that every single thing you bring, matches at least 2 other things. If it doesn’t throw it out. You will be wearing your clothes at least twice – you need to be able to mix and match.
3. Bring small packs of tissues – some of these restrooms are aweful. Some don’t even have toilet seats.

1.PACK LIGHT!!! I can't stress that enough. You have to lug that suitcase everywhere, every single day. If you start off heavy, its just going to get worse. You are going to be buying things everyday and you need room in your luggage. 2. Pack Smart - Make sure that every single thing you bring, matches at least 2 other things. If it doesn't throw it out. You will be wearing your clothes at least twice - you need to be able to mix and match. 3. Bring small packs of tissues - some of these restrooms are aweful. Some don't even have toilet seats. or Cancel
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24 Oct 2009 Mel the aussie said

What an awesome topic! its helped me so much…
I’m going on the European Highlights tour next year and was stressin on what to pack (i like to be well prepared) so thanx 

What an awesome topic! its helped me so much... I'm going on the European Highlights tour next year and was stressin on what to pack (i like to be well prepared) so thanx <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"> or Cancel
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16 Nov 2009 Explorer1157304 said

This has been very helpful but does anyone have specific tips on a winter short tour of UK?

This has been very helpful but does anyone have specific tips on a winter short tour of UK? or Cancel
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24 Nov 2009 natalie_syd said

I keep reading about converters? what are these

I keep reading about converters? what are these or Cancel
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24 Nov 2009 Cricky said

I’ve been on 2 tours of far (London 5days and Egypt and the Nile)planning on a third.

Stayed Longer in London but booked trip 1 week before and went so couldn’t get enough time.
Wish I had an ipod charger and outlet adapter.
Wished I had taken the excursion to Alexandria (Egypt and the Nile)
Taken more pics of the Local peoples, they truly speak to the culture.
Brought a watch.
Biggest is wished I had known to do this many years before when I had the time to take 30 days off.

I learned a lot from the first trip til the second and looking forward to more down the line.

I've been on 2 tours of far (London 5days and Egypt and the Nile)planning on a third. *Stayed Longer in London but booked trip 1 week before and went so couldn't get enough time. *Wish I had an ipod charger and outlet adapter. *Wished I had taken the excursion to Alexandria (Egypt and the Nile) *Taken more pics of the Local peoples, they truly speak to the culture. *Brought a watch. *Biggest is wished I had known to do this many years before when I had the time to take 30 days off. I learned a lot from the first trip til the second and looking forward to more down the line. or Cancel
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8 Dec 2009 Ruthie said

Take thermals for cold (english) weather.

They are light on the suitacase – this way you only have to pack 1 warm jacket and a couple of hoodies. 

Take thermals for cold (english) weather. They are light on the suitacase - this way you only have to pack 1 warm jacket and a couple of hoodies. <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif" alt="Wink" width="15" height="15"> or Cancel
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15 Dec 2009 Aoi-Ninja said

quote:
Originally posted by Krissi:
Take thermals for cold (english) weather.

They are light on the suitacase – this way you only have to pack 1 warm jacket and a couple of hoodies. 

Thanks so much! I leave for London is just two months. I was a bit worried about the weather, but I’ll make sure to buy a few more pair of thermals!

I love this thread!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Krissi: Take thermals for cold (english) weather. They are light on the suitacase - this way you only have to pack 1 warm jacket and a couple of hoodies. <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif" alt="Wink" width="15" height="15"> </div></BLOCKQUOTE> Thanks so much! I leave for London is just two months. I was a bit worried about the weather, but I'll make sure to buy a few more pair of thermals! I love this thread! or Cancel
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25 Dec 2009 Kbell285 said

Anyone been on an Asian tour with some advice on what they wish they had brought???

Anyone been on an Asian tour with some advice on what they wish they had brought??????? or Cancel
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1 Jan 2010 Louise said

This is SUCH a helpful thread! I go on my trip a week today- one question i have is, do we normally do a days sightseeing and then just stay out for the evenings activities or do we usually go back to the hotel and change (i.e do we have to look nice all day?!). such a girlie question 
also my shoes I wear in the day are no what i would wear at night.

AND…

Did u take ALL your cash out at the beginning of the trip..and did you carry it around out sighteeing and on nights out? too (can you trust it in the hotel rooms? at there safes?) OR did you just get cash out from a cash machine as and when?

THANKS…

This is SUCH a helpful thread! I go on my trip a week today- one question i have is, do we normally do a days sightseeing and then just stay out for the evenings activities or do we usually go back to the hotel and change (i.e do we have to look nice all day?!). such a girlie question <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif" alt="Wink" width="15" height="15"> also my shoes I wear in the day are no what i would wear at night. AND... Did u take ALL your cash out at the beginning of the trip..and did you carry it around out sighteeing and on nights out? too (can you trust it in the hotel rooms? at there safes?) OR did you just get cash out from a cash machine as and when? THANKS... or Cancel
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4 Jan 2010 Explorer1123323 said

Hi Louise

I’m so jealous that you are leaving in a week!!! I really want to do another tour, just have to save up!!!! I did the Eurpoean Highlights in June 09.

On normal bus days when you spend all day driving, you get to go to your hotel first when you arrive at a new city and then have time to get ready before going out that nite but it’s sometimes not a lot of time like in Germany, we only had 10 minutes!!! Luckily I had done my hair in the morning which i strongly recommend you do every morning and I did my make up on the bus so just had to shower and change. On days where you spend the whole day in a city ie Paris. The bus will have a collection time usually in the late afternoon and will take you back to the camp site and then you have time to get ready before going out again like when we went to the carabet show. The only time when we didn’t get a chance to get ready was in Amsterdam we spent all day sightseeing and then we had to change in the bus but our TM told us this would happen so we all packed a change of clothes and shoes. The girls kicked the boys out and turned the bus into a giant wardrobe. We got to wash our faces in the toilet and there are plugs in the bus so we did our hair, it was all very funny 

With regards to cash, I had a cash passport card and drew money throughout the trip, every two days or so. I just didn’t want to draw out all my money and then get robbed. Although sometimes I didn’t have enough money at some places and there wasn’t an ATM but luckily people lent me money until I found an ATM.

Hope this helps. If you have any more questions just give me a shout.

Enjoy your trip.

Luv Sam

Hi Louise I'm so jealous that you are leaving in a week!!! I really want to do another tour, just have to save up!!!! I did the Eurpoean Highlights in June 09. On normal bus days when you spend all day driving, you get to go to your hotel first when you arrive at a new city and then have time to get ready before going out that nite but it's sometimes not a lot of time like in Germany, we only had 10 minutes!!! <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_eek.gif" alt="Eeker" width="15" height="15">Luckily I had done my hair in the morning which i strongly recommend you do every morning and I did my make up on the bus so just had to shower and change. On days where you spend the whole day in a city ie Paris. The bus will have a collection time usually in the late afternoon and will take you back to the camp site and then you have time to get ready before going out again like when we went to the carabet show. The only time when we didn't get a chance to get ready was in Amsterdam we spent all day sightseeing and then we had to change in the bus but our TM told us this would happen so we all packed a change of clothes and shoes. The girls kicked the boys out and turned the bus into a giant wardrobe. We got to wash our faces in the toilet and there are plugs in the bus so we did our hair, it was all very funny <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="Big Grin" width="15" height="15"> With regards to cash, I had a cash passport card and drew money throughout the trip, every two days or so. I just didn't want to draw out all my money and then get robbed. Although sometimes I didn't have enough money at some places and there wasn't an ATM but luckily people lent me money until I found an ATM. Hope this helps. If you have any more questions just give me a shout. Enjoy your trip. Luv Sam or Cancel
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5 Jan 2010 Louise said

Hi Sam

WOw thank you sooo much for your reply! It’s all very helpful, im so excited and the bus shinanigans getting ready does actually sound like fun!ooh better bring a bus mirror in that case he he. I think im just going to pack as much as I can carry concidering its going to be very cold in the day and the evenings all my clothes are big and I have about 20 millions pairs of tights packed ha!

Hope you get to go on another tour soon  Louise

Hi Sam WOw thank you sooo much for your reply! It's all very helpful, im so excited and the bus shinanigans getting ready does actually sound like fun!ooh better bring a bus mirror in that case he he. I think im just going to pack as much as I can carry concidering its going to be very cold in the day and the evenings all my clothes are big and I have about 20 millions pairs of tights packed ha! Hope you get to go on another tour soon <img src="http://connect.contiki.com/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smiler" width="15" height="15"> Louise or Cancel
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5 Jan 2010 EuroSteph said

Wow ok so I finished my Contiki tour on new years day!
14th Dec – 1st Jan European Inspiration
So many things to say but basically.
I wish:
That I had not left my adapter in one of the hotels, i think it was switzerland, or was it florence lol. Cant keep track.

I hoped that I wouldn’t get sick and even tho I took vitamins and had antibiotics I still have a lovely cough and there was one day in switzerland that i felt like death!

I wish I hadnt fought with my friend the entire trip :S.. not so fun.

I wish that I was back on contiki still.

I wish i was prepared for the weather in prague… something rediculous like between -13 and -17

I’m glad I had my thermal tops in my suitcase but a singlet underneath a normal long sleeve top was fine for me. I wore cotton tights every day under my jean or was also able to wear 2 pairs of cotton tights without any jeans. (I feel the cold on my top more than my legs)

I wish I had shoes with good grip actually… went arse over tit way too many times cus of slippery shoes.

So much to type but I wont lol. if you have questions add me on fb. Stephanie Le Poidevin

Wow ok so I finished my Contiki tour on new years day! 14th Dec - 1st Jan European Inspiration So many things to say but basically. I wish: That I had not left my adapter in one of the hotels, i think it was switzerland, or was it florence lol. Cant keep track. I hoped that I wouldn't get sick and even tho I took vitamins and had antibiotics I still have a lovely cough and there was one day in switzerland that i felt like death! I wish I hadnt fought with my friend the entire trip :S.. not so fun. I wish that I was back on contiki still. I wish i was prepared for the weather in prague... something rediculous like between -13 and -17 I'm glad I had my thermal tops in my suitcase but a singlet underneath a normal long sleeve top was fine for me. I wore cotton tights every day under my jean or was also able to wear 2 pairs of cotton tights without any jeans. (I feel the cold on my top more than my legs) I wish I had shoes with good grip actually... went arse over tit way too many times cus of slippery shoes. So much to type but I wont lol. if you have questions add me on fb. Stephanie Le Poidevin or Cancel
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5 Jan 2010 Amy_UERT said

If you want to know anything about contiki or about life ont he road and what tours are like you should watch this new show on FUEL TV, Australia.
It’s called ‘The Ultimate European Roadtrip’ and I was actually a traveller on it – such an amazing and crazy expereince. It’s on wednesday nights at 7pm.
You can watch the trailer online too:
http://ultimateeuropeanroadtrip.com/
And join the fan page on facebook to find out more.
LOVE CONTIKI!
If you’re thin king about doing it, don’t hesitate – you’ll have a blast!

If you want to know anything about contiki or about life ont he road and what tours are like you should watch this new show on FUEL TV, Australia. It's called 'The Ultimate European Roadtrip' and I was actually a traveller on it - such an amazing and crazy expereince. It's on wednesday nights at 7pm. You can watch the trailer online too: <a href="http://ultimateeuropeanroadtrip.com/" target="_blank">http://ultimateeuropeanroadtrip.com/</a> And join the fan page on facebook to find out more. LOVE CONTIKI! If you're thin king about doing it, don't hesitate - you'll have a blast! or Cancel
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9 Jan 2010 janejanefane said

quote:
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?

-Miss : Restaurants… all the time! Always hear about them AFTER I get back home
-Not needed : clothes, clothes, clothes, I always think I might go somewhere fancy, but I realized that when I am traveling, I tend to prefer the laid back places
-Needed : anti-nausea pills… when I get sick in the plane… unfortunately!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">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? </div></BLOCKQUOTE> -Miss : Restaurants... all the time! Always hear about them AFTER I get back home -Not needed : clothes, clothes, clothes, I always think I might go somewhere fancy, but I realized that when I am traveling, I tend to prefer the laid back places -Needed : anti-nausea pills... when I get sick in the plane... unfortunately! or Cancel
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19 Jan 2010 Little_Amy said

quote:
Originally posted by Kaznagan:
When i went to New Zealand

I’m Glad
- i had packed somac (hangover free trip)
- packed accessories – it made up outfits and also saved space
- did the dodgy underwear shop – to reduce laundry i went to best n less and got about 14 pairs of underwear for $7. wore em for a day then got rid of them – perk i was able to fit a bit more in at the end of the trip
- study learnt what i wanted to see, and was happy to go and do my own thing, i saw some beautiful things that others didnt
- had spare batteries and memory for my camera and mp3 player
- had money already for when i arrived
- over budgeted, it meant i could buy practically anything i saw….
- old shoes, i took heels and thongs that were nice but were old or cheap (target always has nice clearence shoes – i think the best is $5.00) then you can get rid of them at the end of the trip to make more room

What i wish i’d done
- spent more time with everyone, shared rooms with different people
- did more optionals, go with the opinion that this could be the only time i’m here, lets do it all
- had a journal, cause you mix up things
- not drink tooooo much the night before going bungee jumping lol

thanks everyone who has written their thoughts on here – i’m going with contiki for a second trip to america for the grand southern in july next year and i plan on using this advice, especially for the contiki cough……

When you say you over budgeted how much did you over budget n how long was our trip for??

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kaznagan: When i went to New Zealand I'm Glad - i had packed somac (hangover free trip) - packed accessories - it made up outfits and also saved space - did the dodgy underwear shop - to reduce laundry i went to best n less and got about 14 pairs of underwear for $7. wore em for a day then got rid of them - perk i was able to fit a bit more in at the end of the trip - study learnt what i wanted to see, and was happy to go and do my own thing, i saw some beautiful things that others didnt - had spare batteries and memory for my camera and mp3 player - had money already for when i arrived - over budgeted, it meant i could buy practically anything i saw.... - old shoes, i took heels and thongs that were nice but were old or cheap (target always has nice clearence shoes - i think the best is $5.00) then you can get rid of them at the end of the trip to make more room What i wish i'd done - spent more time with everyone, shared rooms with different people - did more optionals, go with the opinion that this could be the only time i'm here, lets do it all - had a journal, cause you mix up things - not drink tooooo much the night before going bungee jumping lol thanks everyone who has written their thoughts on here - i'm going with contiki for a second trip to america for the grand southern in july next year and i plan on using this advice, especially for the contiki cough...... </div></BLOCKQUOTE> When you say you over budgeted how much did you over budget n how long was our trip for?? or Cancel
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