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10th May 2012
Hi Guys
Just trying to find anyone whose going to be on the Beaches and Reefs trip leaving Sydney 3rd Dec?? Ive booked on to the trip and Im spending a few days in Melbourne before flying up to Sydney.
Get in touch x Helen x
10th May 2012
I went on the European Impressions tour in Aug 2007. Below is my packing list, complete with commentary on problems and what I wish I had while I was over there. Hope this is helpful to some. Please email me @ lindsaykell@gmail.com if you have any other questions. I’d be happy to share!
Europe Checklist:
Clothing
Jeans (3)
Black Pants
Capri –I should have brought more of these. It was hot, but not many people in Europe wore shorts, so I wore these a lot.
Black Capri
Shorts (1) –One was fine, it is true what they say about minimal shorts in Europe. I only wore mine in Venice, because it was excessively hot.
L&S Black Skirt –It is important to bring nicer clothes because many people dressed up for dinner, even in the hotels.
Exercise Pants/Shorts –Never wore these.
P.J.s (T-shirt & Black Capri sweats) -Perfect
T-Shirts (7)
Long Shirts (2)
Dress Shirts (2) –I should have brought more dress shirts for the reason listed above.
Tanks (3)
Black Sweater –This is good for cold nights when you go out.
Swim Suit –One was plenty for the Impressions tour.
Walking Shoes
Flip-Flops –Most people stress to bring comfortable walking shoes, and it is true that they are important, but honestly, I wore my thongs half of the time and was totally fine walking around.
Dress Shoes
Undies (10) –This was a good number, because our laundry day was in Nice, which is day 10 or so.
Socks (10) Low-cut
Bras (3)
Jacket (Lightweight, waterproof, hood) –This jacket was the BEST. I totally recommend one because you will use it often.
Scarf –I never wore it.
Bathroom
Face wash
Cotton Squares
Deodorant (2)
Cover-up
Eyeliner
Mascara
Remover
Tampons
Shampoo
Conditioner
Antibacterial Soap (2)
Razor (2)
Brush
Hair Ties/Clips
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Hand Dryer
Tissue paper (Lots, double for TP) –I only used my tissues for TP once. It was plentiful in all toilets.
Suntan Lotion
Face Towel
Tweezers Kit
Ibuprofen
Sudafed
Nyquil
Tums
Clairiton
Dramamine/Bracelets –If you suffer massively from motion sickness like me, and hate the drowsy feeling after pills, I would totally recommend the motion bracelets and a serum that goes behind your ears. I found both at Wal-Mart and they worked like a charm.
Cortizone
Pepto-Bismol
Vitamins/Pills (C, Women’s Daily)
Airborne –I took this and my vitamins every night before I went to bed without fail, and I never got sick. That is saying a lot, because I contract other people’s colds easily.
Travel Laundry Bag/Detergent –Very helpful. Instead of paying a lot for the hotel to do my laundry in Nice, I took some time in Florence to go to a laundry mat, which was super close to the hotel. It took a half an hour, and I did not have to worry about my things shrinking, like other people’s did in Nice.
First Aid Kit –Bring a box of Band-Aids. You will need them when you develop blisters from your dress shoes after your first night out.
Miscellaneous
Small Backpack for Day/Overnight Bag –We never needed an overnight bag, but I had a backpack, which held some extra clothes, my neck pillow, Ipod and other things. I left it on the bus in the day while I was tooling around the cities and in the hotel overnight. I would not recommend a backpack for a day bag, it is just too heavy and a hassle. I had a medium-size purse with a long shoulder strap that was attached to me during the day. It fit my camera and everything else I needed.
Camera
Batteries (Rechargeable & Non) –If your camera eats batteries like mine does, I recommend rechargeable batteries. Charge them all BEFORE you go. Make sure that the charger is the correct voltage to work in your adapter, because mine was not and it fried the charger. I ended up buying another charger and batteries in Germany. Best Buy: $30
Recharger
Adapter –DON’T forget this! It’s an adapter to make your American devices work in Europe. Also, double and triple check voltages to make sure they are compatible; otherwise you’ll fry your electronics.
Memory Cards –I recommend at least 2 gigs. It was a drag for people to put pics on CD’s every 3 days. Best Buy: $20
IPod/Charger –I only used my Ipod on the airplane. They play music and movies on the bus.
Glasses/Sunglasses
Small Flashlight
Travel Alarm clock
Reading/Travel Book
Contiki Pack
Money Belt –I wore it on my waist under my clothes maybe five times. Most of the time it was in my purse, like a wallet. Target: $10
Pens/Journal/Address Book –Try to stay on top of your journaling. You’ll be happy later.
Sewing Kit
Insect Repellent –I got eaten ALIVE the first three days until I put this stuff on.
Plastic Baggies (Wet Stuff/Liquids)
Water Bottle
Granola Bars
Watch
Locks –Don’t put your locks on your suitcase until you get to Europe because even the TSA ones tend to get lost during baggage check. I used one on my backpack and suitcase every time I left them in the room. Target: $10
Spot Remover
Neck Pillow –If you don’t have one, get one. It’s the best. Target: $8
Umbrella
Duct Tape
Poncho
To Do Before Europe:
Shop
Call Bank/Mobile –Just to tell them you will be using your card/phone outside the states.
Pack
Get Euros –I did mine through my bank.
Traveler’s Checks? –I didn’t bring them, and I have no regrets.
Money in Account
Pay Bills
Check Flights
Europe Train Schedule –Make sure you are familiar with the tube routes and what one you need to take.
Make Copies/Scans of Passport & Cards
Activate Calling Card
Get new Cell Phone –Make sure your cell phone can be used in Europe. The calling card only worked some of the time. A lot of hotels charged you for the phone, and some didn’t even have one. Be cautious, cells calls are spendy.
Other things I wish I knew:
-Read your Contiki packet more than once. Lots of good info in there.
-The tour guides are a wealth of information. They will give you maps, history lessons, cool places to go and tons more. Don’t hesitate to ask him/her questions because know what they’re doing.
-Keep change in your pocket. It might seem lame, but you have to pay for the toilets at almost every restroom.
-The bus stops about every 2-3 hours at a rest stop/eating place. Spain and France’s were outrageously expensive, but the rest were reasonable.
-Do all the Optionals. You will be so glad you did.
-Put yourself out there and ask different people to do things with you. This eliminates continent-cliques.
-The language barrier really wasn’t that bad. Use hand signals and listen to voice tones.
10th May 2012
Hi everyone,
I can’t believe that we are only two weeks away! Time flies! I have to confess that I am not ready for the trip. I practically haven’t done anything.
I received my contiki (I don’t remember what it’s called, but they sent me a packet with tickets and information, kind of like a kit).I will not be staying at the main hotel, I’ll be staying at the other one. I can’t remember the name, but it’s only a few blocks away.
I got a ticket for the underground, it seems I have to take the train from the airport to the station where my hotel is located. I’ll be flying from Los Angeles on the 26th and arriving to London on the 27th @ 10 am. Since I don’t want to waste any time, I would really like to go out and explore some parts of the city. I intend to sleep on my flight and just be ready to go around London. Are there any plans? Please, let me know if you don’t mind. I was thinking we could meet somewhere and have dinner…something like that.
The more I think about the trip, the more excited I get. We’re in for the time of our lives!
Greetings,
Luis 
10th May 2012
Stupid question but is there washing machines in the contiki villages??
10th May 2012
Hello All,
Im heading to Europe for a 28 European Panorama tour followed by another month visiting family in France. Im looking for the Best Pre-Paid Mobile Phone option there is out there.
Help!
10th May 2012
Has anyone booked different flights? Is this possible? If so, what’s the procedure with luggage check-in and immigration?
I’m doing the Croatia Cruise, but I’m searching for flights, and it seems cheaper to book from one city, arrive there, and book to my final destination (which is Split).
10th May 2012
Hey
I’m considering going on this in June this year, anyone been on this?
What do you recommend, any do’s and don’ts?
Thanks!
10th May 2012
I just discovered that FatBoySlim is playing that day at thhe O2 Wireless Festival!
I’d LOVE to come (he’d never come play here in Canada…at least not where I am)
I SOOOO want to go, but we have the pre-tour meeting!!!
10th May 2012
Hi all..
I will be travelling to America July-September 2008. Starting Grand Northern in August.
Beginning to finalise specific details of my trip. I would like to head to Texas.. but not sure exactly where, it seems like there are a few cities that would be quite interesting: Houston, Austin and Dallas… Only planning on spending 4 or so days in that state so I am only intending on going to one major city.
Any advice will be handy!
Thanks
Mel
10th May 2012
Ok I know this is a little vein but I am so white and am travelling Europe for 21 days and was wondering if spray tanning facilities are available as a one off quick preperation… especially before I hit Cofu to bath in the sun……..I appreciate that guys will laugh at this question LOL
10th May 2012
Hi, just wondering about the meeting the night before the tour starts, im flying into london the night before the tour starts at 8pm, so probably wont get to the royal national till abut 11pm, is it bad if i miss this meeting? and am i been to risky flying in the night before my tour starts??
10th May 2012
Hi everyone,
I am on the “contrast rock and reef” in July and it´s my first time in Australia. I hope some of you could help with some for me important questions. Thanks!
1. My flight takes 24 hours. Any special ideas what I can do all the time? I know there are films, music and I could sleep.
2. How can I get from the airport to my hotel in Potts point and how much does it cost?
3. What about the accomodation on the tour? I am a bit special with cleaness! How many people use one bathroom? Is it very noisy?
4. What about the meals? What´s the breakfast and the dinner like?
5. What about the weather? More things for warm or more for cold weather? Shall I bring open trecking shoes? How warm or cold ist the water on the east coast?
6. What about the lagguage? I have to buy a new suitcase anyway. How big may it be?
7. Can I put anywhere my injections in a fridge or anything cool, while we are on tour or in the accomodations?
8. Anything I should know on my first contiki tour outside of Europe?
You see I have no idea what it will be like to go on such a tour. For me it´s a big adventure, because I normaly spend my holidays in hotels or B&Bs.
If you can answer any of my questions, let me know, please! Thanks a lot!
10th May 2012
Hi,
I was wondering which would be the best option the 21, 32 or 46 day tour going off people’s experiences?
I’ve never been to Europe (hence why I wanna go!) or on a contiki so feel slightly daunted by the whole thing.
What do you guys recommend? Is anyone going to go on this tour in July? Is that the best time to go since it will be slightly warmer throughout Europe?
10th May 2012
so, I’m a horrible packer, and yes I’ve left it to the last minute,
but I’ve just noticed, in the european discovery itinerary, it says:
" due to luggage limitations we will not take any oversized suitcases. Maximum suitcase size is 73cm x 50cm x 25 cm (29 × 20 × 10) and weight of 20kg, plus one day/hand bag"
I’ve just measured my suitcase and it weighs 73cm x 50cm x 30cm, so its 5cm bigger than their limmit.
will it be allowed?
also,
it says we are allowed one day bag/hand bag.
does this mean, I can take a suitcase, and a small bag, as well as my normal day to day handbag, that id have on the bus with me? and that id carry my phone, wallet, camera in, ect.
thanks so much to anyone that can help me.
10th May 2012
This website has a current listing of what can and can’t be taken on planes concerning checked baggage vs carry on..
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
10th May 2012
Hey, I was wondering for anyone who has gone around Europe (or is going), is there any reason to take a laptop? someone suggested that I take one, but I think it would just take up space and be one more thing that someone could steal. Is there a good reason to take one?
10th May 2012
I am trying to decide on takeing either the European Discovery or the Best of Europe (start in Paris) around the end of this September.
I havnt seen any reviews on the Best of Europe trips and I was wondering if anyone knows the pros/cons of this vs. the european discovery?
Also, I would be flying from US to London, there are many different airlines to choose from, anyone from US have good/bad experiences with airlines and can recommend one/some for me? I’ll be starting out of los angeles, ca.
(i.e. us airways, delta, nwi, american airlines, etc)
Thank you in advance, I need to start planning asap!
10th May 2012
hey anyone been to athens or the island paros love to know how u got there from athens ferry?? how long… is there much to do in paros thanks
10th May 2012
Hey everyone, I’ve travelled with Contiki and would like to offer some advice:
If you plan on taking a credit card to Europe, you may want to call your credit card company to let them know you’ll be travelling so they don’t think the card has been stolen and cut you off.
Another thing I recommend is carrying your cash in a money belt, I find it safer.
Plan on spending $100-$150 USD per day. You’ll have to buy lunches daily, souveneirs, some dinners and going out at night. You should try exchanging money before you leave. You’ll have to chance to do so on the tour, but easier to get that part out of the way and have one less thing to worry about.
When you pack, throw some clothing into your carry-on to lighten the weight of the suitcase and in case your luggage gets lost. Leave room for souveneirs & carry with you an extra copy of your pasport and hotel address list.
In terms of weight of luggage, it’s the airlines that are more strict than Contiki. Each airline has their own weight threshold & will only be too glad to charge you extra for going over. You can find out the limit/rules by going on the airline’s website.
Feel free to ask me anything else.
Brian (from New York)
brij75@yahoo.com
Southern Ireland ‘97
Grand Explorer ’00
Rainbow Nation ’01 (no longer offered by Contiki)
Beaches & Reefs ’02-’03
10th May 2012
Hey I am booked to do the southern adventure on april 15… Should I take my laptop?? Do many of the places you stay have internet??
