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10th May 2012
Hey Everyone – I’m doing European Discovery June 1
My flight is arriving in London on a Saturday Morning (8:30am). I’ll have a full day to explore before meeting my contiki group at 6pm that night. I’m thinking the “Hop On Hop Off Bus” is the best way to get around and see the sights – and I really want to do the London Eye.
Two questions:
1) My Contiki brochure says that when I arrive, the basement sells tickets for these and other attractions at a discounted price – do they accept a credit card for these?
2) In doing my research, I found that there are days that the eye can “sell out” so I was going to purchase my ticket on line in advance, however I then ran into the problem that I have to choose a specific time to ride and check in and pick up my advanced-purchased ticket 30 minutes before. This would really make me plan everything else in my day around this one attraction – therefore is it worth it? and should I buy in advance? I’m guessing a 1pm time would be a good time?
any advice from anyone would be great.
10th May 2012
hi all, i did 25 day European Escapade …had plenty of chances to pay to have our washing done.
If anyone wants advise on anything regarding contiki im happy to help!
noticed there are always alot of posts about what to wear on the more dressy nights out in Europe and just about what clothes to take in general, i was also curious before i did my tour. so ive attached photos to make it a little easier.
DRESSIER OCCASIONS
As it was summer, alot of the girls wore dresses, but also black pants were good. I took a pair of black pants and 4 dressy tops for my 25 day tour…also a great idea was a 3/4 black cardi to take out at night.
definately opt for a comfy pair of strappy shoes for summer – heels are a bad idea.
guys – take 1 tie that will match all the shirts you take. it will take up next to no space.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/nikki7/holiday9.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/nikki7/holiday8.jpg
CASUAL NIGHTS OUT
Most girls wore jeans, shorts or casual dresses. The guys went with jeans or other pants/shorts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/nikki7/holiday30.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/nikki7/holiday20.jpg
BUS DAYS
You are literally on the bus all day, most of the time you just want to sleep. Its really all about what you’re comfortable in, some wore jeans, shorts etc…but most of us wore track pants
FREE DAYS
Days spent exploring the city…Most girls wore casual drsses, shorts, jeans etc and t shirts/ tank tops.
guys wore shorts, jeans etc and t shirts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v39/nikki7/holiday103.jpg
SHOES
just take 3 fight the temptation to take more than this, i assure you you will pick more shoes up along with way.
take a pair of thongs/flip flops i wore these most of the time as it was hot, get havianas as they dont hurt your feet
1 pair walking shoes…i took my cons, something that you are comfortable walking/bike riding etc in.
1 pair ‘going out shoes’, i took some black strappy wedges, these were awesome as they are super light, dont have a heel to get stuck in the nasty cobble stones
SHOPPING
Rely on bringing your bottoms (jeans, short etc) from home but dont go overboard on your tops…London & all over Europe there are some awesome cheap shops…eg H&M, top shop etc that you’ll go crazy in for tops, you can buy them and wear them on tour.
If your doing a concept tour like i did, where most of the time you are staying in cabins at campsties, take some sort of casual dress to wear to and from the showers…they are a pain in the butt and you always get all your new clothes wet…so wear the dress or shorts or whatever to and from the showers and get dressed in your room.
10th May 2012
1) Book hostels in advance – it gives you peace of mind that you know you have a bed for the night, also you can book one hostel for the duration of your stay and won’t need to move to a different hostel every day of your stay in one place which is what some people we met ended up doing.
2) DON’T book a place based on the pictures you see on the internet and the reviews may not always be that reliable either which is what we found with one hostel that we booked – it wasn’t really a hostel at all more like a strange student house run by a very questionable person – we left after one night and we only stayed there at all because we arrived too late to find anywhere else…
3) Take a guide to Europe with you that has the names, addresses and phone numbers of reputable hostels in it so that should you need to find somewhere else you have all the info with you and don’t have to trapse across the city with all your luggage just searching for a place. Tourist info are very good at knowing places to stay which are well-known and inhabitable if you don’t have a guide
10th May 2012
Hey guys. I went on the Winter Wanderer European tour last Dec/Jan…it was awesome, and alas, the contiki bug has bit me!! I’m really keen to do go on more contiki tours…the next destination hopefully being Australia, then New Zealand. However I’m at a loss with regards to which tours to pick. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kimera
10th May 2012
Hi 
I’m planning to do the whole europe trip next year as of april and was interested in staying back in england to do some work. I don’t know whether it would be better to do a PubsUK program with OWH or find something myself? i’ll most likely be meeting a friend over there who’s also going to england for the first time so we’d be staying together..any advice would be great 
thanks
10th May 2012
I am definatly planning on going with the European Encounter as I heard that its more fun and less fast paced as the European Discovery…But I was just wondering when were in France if they visit Disneyland or give you the option to go there??
10th May 2012
I am stuck inbetween Eastern Road and European Discovery. I am really into history and Aushwitz is a stop in the eastern road tour, but it says that is is a “stop” so how long do you stay there? If its only like an hour or two then im going to go with the european discovery.
10th May 2012
hi
i am going to miss the pre departure meeting for wild western departing the 31st because my flight goes 6pm into lax and the meeting is already at 7pm. can anybody tell me if it really needs to join this meeting? i think it’s almost impossible for me 
cheers
10th May 2012
Hey everyone, i read somewhere that airports in london are still really strict about what you take on-board, and that you have to put everything in a clear plastic bag…do you know if this is true? Would my travel agent know? Cuz it’s going to be a pain if i rock up there with all my gear in a suitcase, and then get told i can’t take it on board!!
Thanks
10th May 2012
I’m just signed up for the European Discovery 4/19 – 5/02. Wondering what the weather will be like, and what kinds of clothes to bring? Is it going to be warm enough for shorts/capris/skirts? How cold will it be in the Swiss Alps (Lucerne, etc.)?
Suggestions welcomed!
10th May 2012
Hey everyone,
I’m having some trouble deciding on which tour to choose!
I was wondering if any of you had any suggestions, or could offer some advice on your favorite tour. I was considering the European Impressions, but I’m not sure. What seems to be the most popular tour?
I’m going solo and this will be my first European adventure and my first Contiki!
10th May 2012
Hi there. As the title suggests,
just wondering if anyone who has recently travelled has used the
wizard clear advantage credit card overseas.
ive heard they are good for not being charged fees but just wanted to see if anyone knows how it works and what fees i will be avoiding / paying when i use the card.
thanks! 
10th May 2012
Hi, I am hoping to do Northern Highlights in Feb and was wondering if anyone had done the Auckland Explorer? Is it worth it? Seems to be just accomodation and a welcome pack rather than an escorted tour. Should I just do Auckland solo?
Thanks
10th May 2012
Hey,
im looking at doing the ultimate european in April of 09’. jst wondering if this is a busy time for Contiki tours or wether the groups are really low key.
Also, being spring, what sort of clothing is needed?
Thanks.
10th May 2012
Can anyone tell me if the sleeping bag is included in the luggage allowance (eg has to be in your suitcase) or if you can take it separately.
Cheers
10th May 2012
I WILL BE GOING TO AUSTRALIA IN JANUARY IM FROM LOS ANGELES. AND I WILL LIKE TO KNOW IF IN AUSTRALIA MY US.DOLLAR WILL BE STRONG.. NOT LIKE IN LONDON WOWWWWW THE BRITISH POUND AGAINST THE U.S DOLLAR IS VERY HIGH THE U.S DOLLAR IS VERY LOW IN ENGLAND. I JUST HOPE THE US. DOLLAR IS STRONG ENOUGH IN AUSTRALIA.. CAN SOMEONE TELL ME?? THANX
10th May 2012
I know you can’t pay by credit card, but can you pay for optional extras by travellers cheques? Say if they are in euro? Or only cash?
10th May 2012
hi, just wondering if anyone has done the eastern discovery tour? or the big apple? wondering what you thought. am trying to decide what to do so any advice would be great, ta!
10th May 2012
Hi all,
I just thought I would let you all know that http://www.wikitravel.com is a great resource to find out about places and what you can do there.
Would also answer ‘How do I get there’ type questions, provides links to attraction websites etc. and provides a brief history of the place.
Also includes places to shop, eat, drink, sleep and nearby attractions if you have extra time (or are planning your own itinerary).
Try it out, check out the London page, or your own capital city and see what it says
10th May 2012
Hi,
So I have decided I;m going to get a 1 year working visa and travel in australia. i have loads of questions so if anyone could answer any that would be very much appreciated!
i was thinking of flying over to sydney, spending a few days there, then doing the aussie explorer. i have read that a few people have suggested starting in darwin…pros/cons?? I was also thinking of paying for a single room….im just such a light sleeper that if i ended up sharing a room with 3 people who snored or something it would totally ruin my trip. i know its loads more but its once in a lifetime trip. has anyone done the trip and had a single room???
i was then thinking of settling in melbourne for 8 months or so and getting a job. I am actually a qualified secondary school teacher, but i think it might be too difficult to get a temp teahcing job, so im fine with office work. what’s the pay like for an average office job (i have plenty of reception/office experience and i will be 28/29 when i go)? Also, how easy is it to find temp accommodation? is it quite easy to find a house share, or an apartment? How much would it cost? I dont mind living out of the city centre, but not in the middle of nowhere. I’d rather rent an apartment/house than stay in hostels the whole time.
Also, im planning on going over april time, so would be in melbourne may-dec. how cold does it get during july/aug? bear in mind im from the UK and spent 10 mins de icing my car this morning and its only mid november lol.
I know there are loads of questions, but any advice is greatly appreciated!!!
suzanne x
