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10th May 2012
Just wondering if anyone is in the same situation I am. I am leaving ym job right before I go on the trip. Now, I work as a substitute teacher, so it’s not like it’s supposed to be a permanent job so I should have no problems saying that I’m leaving. But, I feel horrible because Im hte only sub the school has, and I don’t know how to say that I’ll be leaving a month before the school year ends. All the other teachers know I’m going, and they constantly remind me that I’m under no obligation to stay since as a sub, I could work at any school in the city and can set the days I want to work, but I still am going to have a hard time telling the coordinator that I’ll be leaving.
10th May 2012
Hi I’m contiki-ing in November and I’m wondering whether to bring my laptop…its a tiny one, can fit it in my handbag so space etc isn’t an issue.
I usually only use it for internet so I guess I’m wanting to know if its worth it, if Wifi spots are very common around Europe. I’m guessing its not!!
10th May 2012
Hi,
I´m on the “Constrast Rock and Reef” tour.
I have got a problem with my suitcase. I have got one with the size 45×72×34 cm. May I take it, because otherwise I have to buy a new one or do I have top pay extra, because it´s too big?
Thanks for your help!
10th May 2012
Hi all,
Am looking into travelling around America starting in Oct ish 2007. Looked into getting a visa because i would like to stay about a year, am i right in applying for a DS-156 and a B-2 and i see i will need to go to the US Emabassy in London for an interview! Is there an easier way??
Am hoping to book up the Island and Reef tour.
Has anyone else got the same plan as me or has any advise would be much appreciated to hear from you. Im 22 Female from the UK travelling solo!!
Thank you
Sar
10th May 2012
Hi,
I’m doing LA to the Bay on a tight budget and really need to break my money down into daily spending… can anyone advise on roughly how much I need to budget for each day? Any rough estimates would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Leah
10th May 2012
Hello!!! My friend and i are going to the Reefs and Rainforest Tour on June 28th, anyone have any comments on the tour? and anyplaces that we “have” to go see and “have” to do!!! any advice would be great!!
is anyone going on this date?
thanks rach
10th May 2012
I know the basic rules of tipping, such as whenever you have a sit down meal and that it should be between 15-20% of the bill but what about when you go to somewhere like starbucks where they make it but dont do table service, also what about at bars/pubs/clubs where you buy a drink but it isnt bought out to you?
Whats the general rule for taxi drivers?
Most important what about our tour managers? I went on a NZ one and both the manager and the bus driver told us to buy them a drink instead (which I did) but is it a usual thing?
10th May 2012
Hey everyone. I am looking at going on one of the trips in August. Probably one of the long ones, so I’m wondering what people recommend, Concepts or Camping? and why?
I think at the moment I’m heading towards the 46 day Europe camping one…
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
Hey..I’m about to ask some seriously dumb questions but I want to know so who cares 
Well first with camping can you take suitcases or are you meant to take back packs
Also..I guess this goes for any type of tour but are you meant to take your own pillow?
Annnd lastly. When it comes to the showers and stuff (this is my most superficial question) but are there power points and things so you can use hair straightners?
Thanks!!
Anyone planning on going on the 36 day camp end of June
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
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
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
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
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
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??
