Most Saved Articles

These are the most saved articles by members of the Contiki community.

1. 1. 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 ... read more >>

   496 comments | Saved 2170 times

2. 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 includes man... read more >>

   453 comments | Saved 1115 times

3. 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 tie everywhere, ... read more >>

   372 comments | Saved 1080 times

4. 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 National Hotel ... read more >>

   190 comments | Saved 968 times

5. 5. 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, s... read more >>

   612 comments | Saved 709 times

6. 6. Luggage weight limits & size in 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″ × 20″ × 10″) is also observed. Bags are not measured however you bag... read more >>

   155 comments | Saved 674 times

7. 7. 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 a... read more >>

   468 comments | Saved 593 times

8. 8. 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 jacket/small umbrella... read more >>

   86 comments | Saved 588 times

9. 9. Power adapters

   More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Do I 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 I need? It depends on how many ele... read more >>

   187 comments | Saved 542 times

10. 10. 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 ... read more >>

    536 comments | Saved 512 times

11. 11. 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 Con... read more >>

    138 comments | Saved 349 times

12. 12. Contiki Basement

    Contiki Basement – London Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way London WC1H ODG London is a big city and it can be a little daunting. Even seasoned travellers often find this colourful, cosmopolitan and buzzing city a challenge. Contiki’s Basement in London is your home away from home and is a friendly space for you to chill out, meet other travellers and get your bearings in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Feel free to make use of the services provided by Contiki... read more >>

    29 comments | Saved 319 times

13. 13. 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 ai... read more >>

    75 comments | Saved 298 times

14. 14. 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, c... read more >>

    34 comments | Saved 288 times

15. 15. Suggested packing list - North America

    More Tour and Travel Advice for the USA and Canada What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a USA and/or Canada 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 enjoying your tour in North America. Clothes 1 Rainproof jacket ... read more >>

    439 comments | Saved 264 times

16. 16. 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 defi... read more >>

    232 comments | Saved 261 times

17. 17. 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. Tr... read more >>

    53 comments | Saved 247 times

18. 18. 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 i... read more >>

    45 comments | Saved 220 times

19. 19. 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, ... read more >>

    40 comments | Saved 196 times

20. 20. 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 >>

    283 comments | Saved 171 times