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10th May 2012
I went on the Contiki European Highlights tour in May 2008. We stayed at a campsite in Paris, and after the first day I returned to the campsite to find that my roommates had not returned. They had the keys and I was told by the campsite representative that the second set had been lost and the staff had failed to replace them. The representative let me into the cabin using the master key and told me that if my roommates did not return later that evening to come and find a company representative to open the door.
When I returned that night my roommates had not returned. When I went to find a representative I searched the campsite, even for a bus driver, and could not find a Contiki staff member anywhere. I went to the campsite bar and found a security guard and barman who told me that all of the staff were in Paris drinking and they ridiculed me and told me I should sleep on the floor of a friend’s cabin.
I approached the French security guard at the front gate, who I spoke to in French, and told of my situation. This man was very rude, and he informed me that he had no keys or contact numbers for any of the staff, that there were no staff present on-site and then told me to mind my step on the way out.
As a result I was left alone outside in the pouring rain and cold while I waited from someone from Contiki to show up. Eventually I found a bus driver, who made numerous phone calls to try and contact Contiki staff, and eventually, because he could not find a master key, he had no choice but to jimmy the lock to let me in. Nobody from the Contiki staff ever came to see if I was alright or apologise for my treatment.
I find the attitude of the staff inadequate, and was disgusted that my first night in a foreign country ended up with me waiting alone outside unaccompanied in the rain and cold. I believe that there should be a Contiki representative on-site at all times when there are people who have paid good money on the campsites. Also, better procedures should be in place for contacting the appropriate representatives.
As it was I was so angry and upset that I nearly left the tour. I would never have believed that a company would act so irresponsibly towards its clients. While numerous excuses were made for the quality of the tour and facilities based on it being a “budget” tour, I find it inexcusable to think that visitors’ safety, particularly women, should be put at risk in such a fashion.
I think that Contiki should realise the importance of treating clients with respect and accepting responsibility for the unprofessional attitudes and practices of Contiki staff and their affiliates. I believe this is unacceptable practice for an internationally-known company.
10th May 2012
I’m going on this tour in mid-August. Does anyone know if a waterproof/underwater camera would come in handy on this tour?
10th May 2012
Is it true that there are no optionals for the winter European discovery in Austria and Lucerne?? If this is the case what is the point in going there?
hmmmm?
10th May 2012
I googled it and found a couple of blogs from contiki camping trips
http://timetruthhearts.travellerspoint.com/s40/
http://www.travelpod.com/trave…1198693140/tpod.html
Great photos in both give you an idea of what to wear.
10th May 2012
Hi all,
I’m heading off on the Grand Southern this July, then off around the world for 2 months afterward…
I’ve been stressing a little bit about the size of my suitcase – it’s very small (carry on size actually) (which I’ll probably thank myself for later) and I don’t think I can fit a pair of heels in!
(I’m already taking flip-flops, good walking shoes and prettier-but-still-good-for-walking flat shoes)
Do you think I could get away with a pretty pair of open toed, slingback flats in vegas, or will I feel underdressed? I’m thinking mostly in the nicer clubs here… I’m sure they’ll be fine in the casinos/at shows…
Any thoughts?? 
10th May 2012
Hi there,
I’m looking at booking my pre and post accomodation for my Simply Italy tour in Feb 2011 and just wondering if this hotel is worth it. I can’t get a clear map to see how close things are to the hotel. I’ve found some cheaper hotels that look very central in Rome and just wanted to know if this hotel is still worth it?
Any feedback would be awesome.
Thanks!
10th May 2012
I will be traveling this upcoming April on the Egypt tour. Since childhood I have dreamed about going inside the pyramids. I know I would be disappointed if I missed out on the opportunity. Is there time to go inside the pyramids on the tour? Is it always an option? I will arrive a day early. Should I go then? If so, any advice on getting to the pyramids?
10th May 2012
Hi which according to you is the wildest contiki tour in Europe…Lots of partying,alcohol Hookups…I have travelled almost 80% Europe and have done enough of sightseeing and now I want a wild tour..
Plz advice
10th May 2012
Hi everyone,
I plan on going on tour in June on either the Spanish Spree or extended London Paris trip. I would like to know your thoughts on which tour you think would be most rewarding. I am a bit worried about travel time on the bus for the Spanish Spree does anyone know the travel time between the different towns? I heard Barcelona to Madrid was 8 hours? On the other hand London and Paris doesn’t have as much travel time but its limited to two locations (Albeit really cool places).
10th May 2012
is there anyone out there that can hep!!!
i have narrowed it down to european panarama and
european escapade. has anyone been on these tours y do u need a sleeping bad for the escapade do u camp?
10th May 2012
Hello,
I am wondering if anyone can tell me about what to do if I want to get my VIsa at the sirport in Turkey. Basically, how long does it take and how much does it cost?
Thanks,
Angela
10th May 2012
Is 2 days enough to see major cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, or Paris?
looking at some of the tours, I get the feeling you spend most of the time on the bus and a few hours sightseeing.
What time do you need to wake up on the tour?
Are the tour guides from Contiki competent?
What’s the best way to nurse a hangover on a bus (or do you just keep drinking)?
How do you avoid stomach problems on a 21+ day trip. Thanks!
10th May 2012
Who has done this tour? 17 days.. it includes: London, Paris, Lucerne, Munich, Venice, Florence, Rome, Corfu, Athens and (optional) Mykonos.
How was it?
Any recommendations? Should I chose another one?
Is it worth to go to Mykonos or somewhere else? By my own or with the tour (COntiki I think)
Please help me out. I´m plannig to do it in July.
Thanks
10th May 2012
Some other helpful hints:
When on plane it is important to get up and walk around periodically to avoid developing deep vein thrombosis (or however it’s spelled)
Also, drink plenty of fluids which can lessen effects of jet lag.
Bring disposable camera (s). You never know when your camera could stop working and there’s nothing worse than not being able to take photos.
Put some sort of marking such as a ribbon on your suitcase to make it stand out. It’s always difficult to pick out your luggage off the baggage carousel so may as well make it somewhat easier.
Bring nice clothing for going out at night. the kind you’d wear to going to a club or nice restaurant.
Hope that helps. I’ve got even more and some useful websites too.
Brian
brij75@yahoo.com
Southern Ireland ‘97
Grand Explorer ’00
Rainbow Nation ’01
Beaches & reefs ’02-’03
10th May 2012
I’m deciding between B&R or R&R tour… Which do you recommend? Is it better to start in Sydney or Cairns? Is the month of November a good time of year to travel Australia’s east coast? I’ve read some bad things about beaches being closed due to deadly jelly fish and I’m a little freaked out!
10th May 2012
Hi there
I’m looking into working in Sydney after my tour. I know hostels can start to get pricy.
Anybody have advise on shared accomodation for travelers?
Know anybody who has a room for rent starting mid March?
10th May 2012
I’m planning to do a Beaches and Reefs tour ending in Sydney in Feb and am having a dilema as what to do for 2 weeks post tour (by myself).
Any other great things to not miss out on in Sydney?
I’m wondering if 2 weeks would be too long in Sydney, or whether to spend some time in either Adelaide or Melbourne?
Don’t really want to do more than one internal flight so it’d be one or t’other and can’t really book my flights till I’ve decided!
Help!
10th May 2012
Hey everyone. I’m doing the grand explore that leaves dec 21st to jan 6th 2011…I’ve read that some of the optional trips are closed Christmas day and maybe new years day. Is this true? and if so, which ones are close?
Is anyone else on this trip?
10th May 2012
Hiya,
I’m going on the Grand Adventurer in late January next year, Christchurch to Auckland and while I am aware that I’m sorting things out perhaps a little too early, I can’t help myself (far too excited) and I have questions that need answering from people who have already been.
1. While January is the middle of summer, I’ve heard it can get cold. Should I take a coat and general winter gear or will I be fine with jeans and t-shirts?
2. I’ve read that we should have $50 a day for spending but being a student, I can’t afford nearly that much. I was only going to take enough money for the meals that weren’t provided and little extra things, no shopping or anything… a necessary sacrifice. Do you think that I’ll be all right or that I should expect to be sepending a lot more?
3. In your experience, cash or credit card, which is better?
4. Is it difficult to find a place and time to do laundry?
5. I want to do sky diving, canyon swinging and white water rafting in queenstown, do you reckon I could fit it all in?
6. What was the accomadation like?
7. Do you have to pay for the travel between the optional extras yourself?
8. Is there a t.v/dvd player on the coach?
While I would appreciate input on this pretensiously numbered list, any useful tips you’d have for the inexperienced traveller would be just dandy.
Thanks a bundle for putting up with my anxious babble,
Sarah.
10th May 2012
and the one thing you wish you didnt leave at home?
Just out of interests sake…that and thought some ‘been there done that’ kinda tips mite be useful cos I hate packing!!
