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10th May 2012
Just found this on the web..Some of you may be interested..
My number one rule is to take less, not more. What’s the saying? “You’ll need to take far fewer clothes and much more money that you think you’ll need.” Likely sound advice. I’m usually anxious about not having enough clothes, or not enough variety, etc. and I always end up with stuff I never wear.
- A soft duffle or bag is great as a carry on. Most international flights are now restricting carry-on allowance to one bag, and with the new security regulations things are tighter than ever.
- For dressing, some areas in Greece are traditional and very relaxed, others, like Mykonos, can be more cosmopolitan. What you’ll need for Santorini is obviously going to be different from a mountain village. But the usual rule is dress comfortably and casually. You’ll only need something dressy for going out, or if you’re clubbing, etc.
- I usually pack a couple pairs of pants (one lighter for comfort, one darker and dressier), 1 good pair shorts, 1 light sweater or pullover (depending on the season), 3-4 Tee, muscle or polo shirts, 1 nice long-sleeved shirt, comfortable shoes and sandals, 1 bathing suit. I try and look for the most wrinkle-friendly stuff I own.
- Beach sandals and leather sandals can always be bought in Greece, same with T-shirts and hats (you’ll be buying a T somewhere for sure, even if it only says “Ellada”, so that’s reason enough to take one less than you think you’ll need!).
- sturdy walking shoes (broken in) with ankle support or even very lightweight hiking boots are a good idea for off-road trekking. It seems like everything nice to see in Greece is at the top of a mountain or hill, hahaha. Wear these things on the plane; if they’re too heavy and uncomfortable for the flight, leave them home.
- Take a light windbreaker or sweatshirt or pullover if you’re traveling in the spring or fall. It can be cool in the late evenings on some islands and of course anywhere in the mountains.
- Try to short yourself on socks and underwear (i.e. don’t take too many), because it’s easy to rinse things at night and recycle them. Sandals really cut down on the need for socks.
- Remember the obvious essentials (camera, bathing suit, quality sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, rubber beach sandals, etc). The sun is very strong in Greece. The sand is also very hot, you’ll need beach sandals not just for that but to protect your feet from sea-urchins, pebbles, etc.
- Insect repellent! Mosquitos can be a problem in some areas.
- A few photos of family, home, etc. Good for showing curious locals.
- Dictionary and/or phrasebook if you need them. Maps and guidebook.
- Large and small zip-lock bags are handy to hold wet stuff, small items, receipts, maps, notebook / travel diary, jewelry, lotions, toiletries, extra batteries, etc.
- Money belt or pack for those wads of cash you might be carrying. ATMs are generally abundant. In some villages and more remote islands, however, they aren’t as plentiful and if one breaks it might not get fixed immediately.
- Leave appliances like irons, hairdryers, etc. at home if you can.
- A small container of laundry soap (for rinsing undies, socks) is a great idea.
- Rubber ‘universal’ sink plug. Very handy for rinsing stuff at night when the sink in your room doesn’t have any stopper. Now that tip alone is worth a million bucks!!!!! Spot removal stick is a great thing to take too, along with laundry detergent.
- If you’re staying in finer hotels, things like shampoo, etc. will be provided. I usually don’t bring too many toiletries – it’s fun to buy them there and have the Greek packaging. They are pretty expensive, it’s true, but they make good souvenirs as they remind me of being in Greece when I use them at home.
- Medications in their original packaging.
- For women, a sarong style scarf for a quick wrap or emergency skirt is a great idea. Some monasteries do not allow bare legs or arms, so they’re great to have along just in case. Talk about being versatile; I have heard of them being used as light blankets, tops, picnic blankets, bandana hats, shopping bags (when tied properly), luggage ties, nightgowns, emergency curtains, tablecloths, rolled-up neck pillows, and for mood-lighting when thrown over a lamp! They’re sold pretty much everywhere in Greece.
- Another suggestion for women is an oversized T-shirt for sleeping or for use as a beach cover-up.
- A day pack or fanny pack is really, really useful.
- A paperback book about Greece is a good idea, like Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Greece on the Half Shell, My Family and Other Animals, Dinner with Persephone, etc. Books you read you don’t have to repack, you can trade them or leave them behind. If you’re taking an iPod or MP3 player, try loading it with some good Greek music, whether it’s top 10 or traditional stuff.
- A Swiss army knife or multi tool (with corkscrew wine-opener) can be handy. Not for your carry-on bag, obviously!
- A length of string or cord can be handy for lots of things, including rigging a clothesline.
- Your address book, electronic organizer or whatever other gadget you might need
- Universal plug adaptor if you have to recharge camera batteries, etc. Greece is on 220V. Many of today’s electronics are dual voltage (110 and 220V) so check beforehand to see if you need a full converter or just a plug adaptor to fit the outlets.
- Extra digital media (for a digital camera) and/or spare batteries for your gadgets
Every trip is going to be different, of course, depending on the season, destination, and your activities – this list is just meant as a starting point!
10th May 2012
Hi there, Iim planning on booking into the 7 day trip for ski/snowboarding in Austria starting 6th Feb, I’ll be heading over on my own and will be making my own way there so wont be on the Bus,is anyone else going to be there around that time? Is it as amazing as it looks? I’d love to see some photos if anyone has some, I’m still getting used to this site and havn’t found any yet, although I’m sure they’re there.
Thanks, Claire (Perth, WA)
10th May 2012
Okay, the plane ticket is booked, I’m officially nervous as hell!
I’m coming from Canada on the European Experience…
The dates on the website say April 19th to May 10th.
Sooo… is it okay that I’m leaving Canada on April 18th and will arrive in London at 9:30am on April 19th?
I’m just confused because Ive been reading the boards and I’m not really sure when the tour actually starts and leaves.
Ahhh Im so nervous!
10th May 2012
Hi,
Can someone please tell me if i need to get a tourist visa to come into USA. I know internationals need them for Oz so was wondering if it the same for the states.
If this is so my travel agent hasn’t bothered to tell me this.
All help will be much appreciated.
10th May 2012
Hi all travelers. I am going to book the 22 day camping trip leaving london 22 june 2007. Is the camping trips worth the money, or is it better to do one of the other tours. How much spending money will I need for the camping tours. And do we get time to do laundry. If their is anybody that can help please mail me Bloubulseun@Yahoo.com
And is their anybody out their doing the same tour.
10th May 2012
HI i am going to New Zeland next year for the 13 day grand adventurer and can’t wait! But i was just wondering what do you do with your passport when you are travelling or doing activites? I’ve no idea what to do, leave it in the room, have one of those pocket things you put around your neck or what? Thanks
10th May 2012
Hi everybody..
This is just a quick question for those people who have been on the best of USA tour and booked alcatraz.
On contiki’s website, it says we should book into the alcatraz cruise ourselves… it says to do this for day 11 – but the best of USA tour is in new york on day 11. I’m guessing they are probably suggesting day 5 – this is when it says ‘San Francisco at leisure’
Also, how long did you guys leave it before you booked it. If i am doing the tour in december, when would you suggest to book it. Is this a MUST DO when it comes to optionals?
Thanks heaps for your help
Kathryn
10th May 2012
Is it wise to book the tour, or your flights first? I’d hate to e.g. book a tour then find that the first meeting point is a million miles from the airport,or that my flight gets in only moments before we are all meant to meet. Is it best to get your itinerary first, then go from there?
Are holiday VISAs needed? What is the process for holiday VISAs? Do they take a long time to clear?
Is there a checklist thread/section on this website? It just seems like there is so much to think about!!!
Do American ATMs accept Australian bank cards?
10th May 2012
Hi all,
This may be a silly question but Im from Zimbabwe and really really wanting to do the 21 day camping tour of Europe but worried about travelling through so many different countries on one visa. Has anyone travelled with a Schengan before and have any advice?? Thanks!!!
10th May 2012
I’m about to book the Spanish Spree trip. I was wondering if anyone books rooms alone, or if for the most part, people share.
10th May 2012
Hi,
I have a day to spend in Christchurch. I have been doing a bit of googling and have found a few attractions. For ex, the tram and gondola, artic centre etc. But are there any must do’s or anything that stands out above the rest? I love to know any suggestions.
Thanks Wendy
10th May 2012
I don’t want to bother bringing a sleeping bag from home and lugging it around after my trip so how much does one cost when you buy it at the contiki basement? And it was just a sleeping bag we needed not a pillow as well, right?
Thanks!
10th May 2012
Just wondering what the age range and average age tends to be on the camping tours? I plan to travel to Europe this time next year August 2011 and will be 22 at the time. I’m 21 currently.Or worse case scenario if saving takes a little longer or I plan to do the UK tour too I would go in April 2012 and would turn 23 during the tour.
Im worried that I’ll be too old for the camping tour and perhaps should choose a concept tour. I’ve heard the camping tours attract people mostly aged 18-20 while 21-24 is the average age on the concept tours? The problem is I really like the itinerary for the 46 day camping tour as it visits more of the destinations im interested in. E.g The 46 day tour is the only tour to visit both Dubrovnik (which I hear is lovely) and Prague as well as having 3 nights in Paris. Which means two full days in Paris and a daytrip to the palace in Versaille which I’ve always wanted to visit. It also visits Spain which not all tours visit.
I do get on well with all ages and have friends who are 18 and friends who are 36. I just don’t want to be the granny on tour.
Thanks
10th May 2012
Hi everyone,
I’m going on a winter wanderer tour on the 11th of December and i am just a bit worried about the reports i’m hearing about the weather being so bad that snow is blocking heaps of roads etc. What i was wondering was, what do contiki do if we are already on tour and we are stranded in a particular town? do they organise accommodation or do they leave us to do that for ourselves?
10th May 2012
Hi,
I’m thinking of doing the European Discovery tour during April or May 2010.
Can anyone advise me regarding the food available at the catered dinners?
I’m vegetarian. Is dinner a set menu for the group/tour or can we order what suits our dietary requirements?
I’m assuming that breakfast is made up of stuff like cereals/muffins etc?
10th May 2012
Hi,
I’m doing the Ultimate European on the 17th of April and i was wondering if anyone knows what the weather will be like at this time and into May. I’m also doing the Great Britain and Ireland tour in June.
I’m trying to work out what kind of clothes to take at these times but unsure what the weather will be like.
Any information would be great.
Thanks
10th May 2012
Are there any other plus size travellers out there. I am doing the European Escapade in Sept. I’m fully aware that I’m a big girl, but I won’t let that stop me from seeing the world and doing things that I’ve always wanted to do.
It’s just certain things that I’m worried about like: How others will act about having a plus size person around, or the really embarrassing things like I’m scared the bus seats will be extremely small and I’ll be squishing the person I’m sitting next to, or that I wont be able to do some of the excusrions. Or my biggest fear being, not making any new friends, and having to do teh trip alone.
Just cause I am “fat” doesnt mean I am going to miss out on what the world has to offer. I’ve made up my mind that I’m going to do this but I’d love to hear from others on this, and there thoughts.
10th May 2012
Hello, im sooooooo excited to start travelling overseas and i thought to get me started would be this one… im in uni and only work casually so it’ll take me a while to save up enough money for the trip flight and spending etc…I’m budgeting to go in january 2009 and will have roughly $7000 (aust dollar) for tour, flight and the left over for spending…too much or not enough? is this a good time to go on this tour? how much money would i need for entry to attractions, food, suveneirs etc? is it a good idea to go on this tour??? any advice would be FANTASTIC!!!
