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10th May 2012
Seeing that the Royal National hotel’s check-in time is at 2pm, and the Contiki basement operates from 11am-7pm in winter, I was wondering what other options do we have to store our luggage before either of these open? My flight would arrive in London at 5:30am, so even if I gave myself a generous 3 hours to clear customs and travel by tube to the RN, I’d get there at 8:30am.
Alternatively, does the Imperial Hotel allow guests to store their luggage with the front desk/concierge before check-in time or after checking out (if I have a late flight out)?
10th May 2012
There is a lot of advice here which is great but mostly seems to be for summer trips. What do people recommed for winter trip in terms of weather, things to bring, do you need going out shoes, is it warm enough to wear heals? Do you have to carry your bag much? Just from the bus to hotel?
10th May 2012
Hey!
Me and my boyfriend are going on the European Highlights tour this spring, it’s a budget tour so we will be sleeping in cabins for most of the nights.
Does anyone know if couples generally take budget tours or do they usually go on superior tours? (I want to know if we’ll be singled out as a couple)
Aswell will they try and make arrangments for us to be in the same cabin?
Thanks!!
Happy Travelling!
Brianne
10th May 2012
Hi,
Im after the latest info or help about this topic.
My bank only deals with mastercard- so I have a mastercard credit card and a mastercard debit card.
Are these ok options for travelling Europe?
Or is Visa more accepted across all of Europe?
Im doing European Experience in August.
Im just after which ever is easiest option that people have used,
cheers muchly
10th May 2012
Hi there,
I am doing a long euro trip this summer, consist of three back to back tours with Contiki: Scandinavia and Russian, Ultimate European, Egypt and Nile.
I have a list of typical questions, really appreciate any advice from anyone. Don’t get scare of my long post, 
1) How much should my budget be for each day? I know there are still a lot expenses to cover: TM tips, lunches, 1/2 dinners, optional dinners/excursions, night-out drinks, etc…. I am not planning to buy anything, but probably would attend most of optional dinners/excursions. I like to party, but not likely going out every night, or getting too many drinks. For people went to these three tours, can you share with me, how much tips and these optional dinners/excursions cost?
2) Where and how to keep the valuables (passport, Debit or Visa card, ect.) safe when you travel? There are lot different suggestions from the message board, like fanny-pack, money belt or day-pack. I am not a big fan of carrying a fanny-pack, really afraid I may lose it or get stolen if I put them in my day-pack. I am wondering if all the hotels Contiki staying offer safe-deposit service? Are they reliable? Someone suggest you should keep your passport on you at all time. Will we be asked for showing our passports during the day trip or night-out? This may sound silly, but you can’t really keep them with you 24/7. What happen if you need to go for a swim or go to a shower?
3) Wardrobe: My trip starts from May to mid August. I really have a hard time decide what to pack. I want to pack as light as possible, at the same time I want to pack enough because it going to be a long trip. This is my current list: 3-4 T-shirts, 2 short Sleeve shirts, 1-2 long-sleeve dress shirts for clubbing or bar, one sweater and one jacket in case weather changes. 3-4 shorts, 2-3 Jeans or Cargo pants (Is Jeans or casual pants Ok for a guy in most clubs or restaurant?), three pairs of shoes: one sneaker, one casual ALDO leather shoe for going out, and one flip-flops. Can you give some suggestions regarding this list? Some to add, some to drop.
4) Drink water/Cell Phone/Laundry service: I don’t trust the tap-water in Europe, so I am planning to bring a travel water heater kettle. Do you think if it gonna be useful? I want to bring my GSM tri-band cell phone to Europe. My company’s international roaming rate is astronomical. Does anyone know any good prepaid plan in Europe and calling card? How much do they charge for the air time and calling Canada? Can I get the SIM card before I depart Canada? Since I am traveling for a long time, laundry gonna be a problem. Which hostel/hotel in these tours offer laundry services. Do I need to pack some laundry detergent? Can you give me some good suggestions.
5) Money Issues: originally, I was planning to carry most my money thru AMEX travelers’ check in Euro and USD. It seems to be a lot my friends oppose that idea. It that really difficult to cash those TCs in Europe? I do travel so many counties in Europe. Do they charge you outrageous commission fees at bank? If I stick with my debit bard, my Canadian bank (TD) charges me $5 after exchange rate per withdrawal at a foreign ATM. On top of the surcharge from my own bank, do you know if the European banks will charge me again for using their ATM? If I use the Visa card, it’s 2.5% per transaction after currency conversion. It seems I am screwed either way. Do you have some good suggestions?
6) Luggage versus Back-pack. It seems to be an age-old question. I already have a suitcase with wheel underneath. I am not sure if I need to buy a back-pack instead, since I will be with Contiki for two and half month, on my own in Europe for a month after tours. Is most hostel/train station offers storage locker for suitcases?
Thanks for your patience to read my long post and answer my questions
10th May 2012
This is for native Australians and anyone who’s ever been to Australia. I’m going on my first Contiki tour this year and my first choice was Australia but I was scared off by the amount of time I had to spend in the air and my friend said some garbage about Aussies disliking Americans. Anyway…I will definitely be going next year and wanted to know what your opinion is on the best places to visit or what tour was your favorite.
10th May 2012
Ino this is a sh*ty topic lol, but does any pack in their tolitries Imodium tabs or anything similar? Is diarrohea common from different water, foods, clenlynes etc? It was on someones top 10 list (to take on contiki), so im wondering if i should buy some? Thanks
10th May 2012
Is there alot of them? And are they very physically demanding/difficult? Or there are other options if you’re not really the sporty/fit type?
10th May 2012
I am looking at doing the U.E however i do not drink…any advice as to if i would be wasting my money or not?
10th May 2012
Hi,
I’m going on a 2 week budget european trip. And I noticed that my luggage size is a few cm larger than the restriction height and depth wise. It is also an expandable one, which i know is not allowed (but I won’t use that function).
Just wondering how strict contiki is with the luggage size. This is my only one (the other one is too small). I just want to know if I can get by with the one i have, or do I have to go out and buy one. I promise i’ll keep it light tho!
Thanks
10th May 2012
I am going on the Euro Experience in june/july and I recently heard that you can’t get into the Vatican or other churches if you have flip flops/sandals on. Do you have to wear shoes that cover your toes? Just curious if anyone has any info on this. Thanks!
10th May 2012
Hi everyone! I just booked my tour to go during the month of march. In this tour since we visit rainforests and farms I wanted to know if it is essential to take my hiking boots or just boots at all? Also! I’m from the US, do I need to get any vacinations?
Any advice will be more than welcome!!! Thanks mates!!!! 
10th May 2012
Hi All,
Me and my sister travelled on the “Spanish Spree” in March of 2007. I highly recommend this tour! I met a variety of people from all over the world including Japan, South Korea, Phillipines, Indonesia, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, UK, and of course Canada! Our group consisted of 25 people, so we all had the oppportunity to get to know one another. As well we all had two seats to our selves on the coach so we all enjoyed alot of sleep on the coach. We had a mix of newly married couples, single female/male travellers, and students. We had 6 males and 19 females! You will find that females outrank males on Contiki tours. Because our group was small, we were able to form close bonds with one another!
MADRID: The hotel was located 10 minutes from the “Marques de Vadillo” station on the light green line (casa de campo//canillejas). I paid 35 Euros from the Madrid Airport to the hotel. Many travellers (single female/male as well as couples) asked the tourist info. booth at the airport the cheapest & quickest way to the hotel, I found that many arrived at the hotel in 2 euros using the MADRID METRO system. It cost 1 Euro one way on the metro (and no, you do not have to pay more to change lines) – so in 1 Euro you may arrive in the centre of Madrid. The metro system map is really easy to use. It helps if you have a Spanish Phrase book in case you want a map, further directions etc. I recommend “Fodor’s Spanish Phrase Book”. I found it very helpful. You will have plenty of time to see Madrid after the tour of the Royal Palace (the tour guide is bit of a bore, but the place is beautiful and has tons of interesting history!). Watch out for the gypsies trying to give you rosemary as they almost pick-pocketed a female traveller on our group. So, j make sure you do not get to close to them or accept any gifts/offerings from them. Madrid is extremly safe at night, the people are friendly and helpful (especially if you try to use a bit of spanish with them
EXCURSION (Valley of Fallen): The local guide for the “Valley of the Fallen” was very informative, but a bit bore. The cathedral at the Valley of the Falllen is an architectural marvel (I won’t say why!!!) and definite worth seeing if you absolutely must see a modern-day Cathedral.
EXCURSION (Los Gaylos): I heard that the meal was huge and very filling. I did not participate in this excursion however.
TOLEDO: This was a fav. among those who love gothic architecture, little remote spots, and people who love Maza Pan (a Spanish dessert). Unfortunately we found out that El Greco’s house is closed for 2 years! This town is very cute and remote…The stay at Toledo is only a few hours, however still very enjoyable Make sure you have a big breakfast before heading off to Toledo as there is alot of pastries, bakery shops but no real good eateries.
CORDOBA: This was the definite fav. among our group. Cordoba is beautiful (especially the Jewish Quarter) and has a rich history. Everything is within walking distance as Cordoba is very small town. It is not very touristy at all this adds to its charm. Cordoba’s hotel is the best you will see on the Spanish Spree. On the other hand the breakfast is the smallest you will see on the trip!
SEVILLE: GORGEOUS CITY! When you think of Spain and Spanish culture it is ALL IN SEVILLE. Seville is Spain in a nutshell. 10 of us caught a wonderful, authentic 3 hour Flamenco dance for 23 EUROS including one drink at LOS GALLOS (about a 10 minute walk from the hotel). Why catch a Flamenco show in Barcelona when Seville is known for its Flamenco?! LOS GALLOS was recommended in three guides including Fodor’s, Lonely Planet & Eyewitness Guides. They seated us right in front of the stage!!! It was an incredible experience. I would recommend this to anyone.
EXCURSION (Seville Walking tour): You have to be up very early for the walking tour! The walking tour was absolutely fantastic. The tour guide had us laughing at every moment. She was entertaining, informative, hallirious, and so incredibly nice! She gave us little tid-bits on the Spanish culture that only a Spaniard could tell you. Make sure you bring extra money for drink with the free tapas!
GIBRALTAR: Is not part of Spanish terrority, but is owned by United Kingdom. The history, the view from Gibraltar is beautiful. Make sure you bring some pounds (although they do accept Euros) for shopping. The stay in Gibraltar is very short (literally 4 hours) – this is perfect as there is not much to see or do after you see the rock of Gibraltar. Check if your Visa allows you to come into the UK, as they do have a security check. The citizens from the Phillipines and Indonesia were not able to join us as they needed a separate visa to enter UK terrority.
TORMELLINOS: This a ‘pit-stop’ city. You must go into the city in order to enjoy your self, as this place is really really sleepy. We were in Tormellinos on St. Patrick’s day – so we all managed to have a great time once we went out for drinks. Be prepared to drag your luggage uphill! As always, everyone was very nice here
GRANADA: The evening tour of the Alahambra is gorgeous. The tour guide was great. The Alahambra is not very crowded as they control the number of visitors they take per day. Hotel is a quick 15 minute walk into the city.
VALENCIA: We stop in Valenica in the late afternoon – it is a VERY VERY FAST visit in Valenica. Literally a total of 4 hours and then we head off to the Holiday Inn. The hotel is located far from the city, so you won’t get an opportunity to go back after you check-in into the hotel. I wish there was more time in Valenica. You must try the Churros and chocolate..it is really good!!
BARCELONA: The hotel was located so far from the city!!!!! This was the complaint from everyone the trip! As well, the hotel was literally in the middle of a maze! Once you get into the city things begin to liven up!
The leather/porcelain stop was a waste of time (just another sales gimmic). So surpass this one if you have to.
If you are planning to spend a few extra days in Barcelona considering purchasing the 10 trips for 6.95 euros. This is a good way to go if you plan to make trips into the city.
EXCURSION (Tabalo de Carmen): I did not go to this excursion as I attended Flamenco dancing in Seville. I heard it was very good from other people.
I hope this helps everyone with there trip planning. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Gandhi
10th May 2012
Hi
Hoping this isnt a silly qustion but with these superclubs what are the entry requirements?
Obiously there is a dress code, however is there other requirements, ie attraction, company your with, guest lists.
Thanks
10th May 2012
Has anyone ever done a ski contiki trip in Europe?? If so, which one and what was it like? Any feed back would be appreciated!
10th May 2012
Since everyone seems to be searching for Egypt tourmates in the Exotics Advice section, I should probably post this message here.
Hi everyone,
My friend and I are
thinking about going on the Egypt & the Nile trip in September or
October. Is anyone else thinking about going at that time? (We’ll
probably book the Sept 22-Oct 1 trip.)
Has anyone been to Egypt in the fall? Is that a good time to go?
I’d love to hear from anyone with any input.
Kamala
10th May 2012
Hey guys just wondering, this is my first trip to nz and my travel agent has advised i use a cash passport atm card as the charges are only A$3.75 per withdrarwal but i have read that you can only use this card at visa atm’s. are all atm’s in NZ visa atms??? help hehe cheers!!
Megan 
10th May 2012
Hi,
I’m getting into London at 5.50am the day before my tour starts and want to try and see as much of London as I can but not sure quite how to go about it considering a lot of attractions probably won’t open til later in the morning (including the contiki basement).
Anyone been there done that – have any suggestions?
Thanks
