Frequently Asked Questions

• Before Your Trip
• Booking a Trip
• Terms and Conditions
• During Your Tour
• Tour Specifics
• Booking Conditions

Before Your Trip

Do I need any vaccinations?
Do I need a passport and travel visas?
When will I receive my travel documents from Contiki?
How much luggage can I bring?
How much money should I bring?

Do I need any vaccinations?

Please consult your travel agent or doctor to find out which vaccinations are required. If you suffer from any form of illness, be sure to have an adequate supply of medicines before departing on your trip. You must advise us through your travel agent of any important medical condition you may have, before departure. A medical waiver form must be filled out and submitted for authorization with our offices before taking final payment.

Do I need a passport and travel visas?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included in your trip. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Consult your travel agent or a visa service well in advance to determine which visas you will require and how to obtain them. Important: visas can take up to six weeks to obtain and a fee is normally charged. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could cause you to miss part of your trip and will result in considerable expense and inconvenience. It is better to apply for ALL visas through your travel agent or visa service before you leave home

Visit www.embassyworld.com and Zierer Visa Services www.zvs.com for more information.

When will I receive my travel documents from Contiki?

Provided final payment is received no less than 45 days prior to departure you will receive your travel documents: vouchers, airline tickets (if purchased through Contiki), a day to day itinerary, an optional activities list, a travelers information booklet and document wallet delivered to you (via express post) two to three weeks prior to departure. If you wish to obtain your documents prior to the document dispatch date, a $35 fee will be charged.

How much luggage can I bring?

For our Europe Budget/Concept and Superior/Timeout trips, North America trips and South Pacific trips, luggage is restricted to one reasonable sized, non-expanding suitcase size up to 29″ × 20″ × 10″ (73cm x 50cm x25cm) and the maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.) plus one small hand/day bag that can go on the coach with you. No metal frame backpacks please, their bulky shape makes coach packing difficult and they are likely to damage other luggage. Contiki reserves the right to refuse to accept larger suitcases on tour. However on Budget/Concept Scandinavian trips, the maximum suitcase size is 28″ × 18″ × 9″ (70cm x 45cm x 23cm) with a maximum weight of 20 kilos (44lbs.). On South Pacific trips which include the Sailing and/or 4-wheel drive trips, a small bag suitable for the extremely limited luggage space is required. Your regular luggage will be stored at this time. On European ski packages and New Zealand trips with a ski option you may bring one pair of skis and ski boots.
Note: Baggage is carried at the owner’s own risk and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.

How much money should I bring?

It depends on your travel style and how much you want to buy on your trip. We recommend using local ATMs along the way to get local currency, and travelers’ checks in small denominations (in a main currency) are a good way to carry your personal spending money. For example: In Europe, carry travelers checks in US$, GBP$, or Euros. In Australia or New Zealand, carry Euro, US$, GBP$, DEM$, NZ$ or A$. In America, carry US$ travelers checks. You can also get cash at local ATMs along the way. Remember that you’ll need to allow enough to cover lunches, some dinners, shopping, entrance fees to some attractions, optional activities and activities, souvenirs, drinks and evening entertainment/nightclubs. A full list of optional activities and approximate costs will be sent to you with your travel documents.

Booking a Trip

How do I make a reservation?
How do I make a change in my reservation?
Why should I purchase the Contiki Travel Protection Plan?
What does it cover?
I purchased my airfare separately from my tour. Will I still have the coverage for airline cancellation fees?
Is there help while I’m traveling?
Where can I call for more information?
What if I need to cancel my tour?
What are the cancellation fees?
Can I reserve more than one tour at a time?
Are prices based on double occupancy?
What’s the Money Direct code?
What’s the Earlybird Payment discount?
Does it cost me anything to change my air itinerary?
Can I have an extension on my payment?
What’s included in the price of Contiki tours?

How do I make a reservation?

You have a few options:
Book online
Call us at 1-866-CONTIKI (1-866-266-8454)
Visit your local travel agent

How do I make a change in my reservation?

Contact the travel agent or Contiki Reservations agent you made your Contiki reservation through.

Why should I purchase the Contiki Travel Protection Plan?

You’ve saved, you’ve waited, and now you’re all set to go on the vacation of your life – a Contiki trip. Preparing for your tour includes protecting yourself from unfortunate occurrences that threaten to interfere with even your best-laid plans. By purchasing the Contiki Travel Protection Plan, you can help protect yourself against cancellation penalties, medical costs, baggage loss and delays, as well as gain access to a wide range of traveler’s assistance services.
http://www.berkely.net/travcorp/ctp/faq.htm

What does it cover?

The Contiki Travel Protection Plan includes pre-trip cancellation protection and post-departure coverage for the following:

• Trip cancellation and trip interruption
• Trip delay
• Medical Protection
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains
• Baggage Protection
• 24 Hour Worldwide Emergency Assistance

I purchased my airfare separately from my tour. Will I still have coverage for airline cancellation fees?

Unfortunately, the plan only covers airfare purchased through Contiki.

Is there help while I’m traveling?

One of the valued benefits offered in the Contiki Travel Protection Plan is the 24 Hour Emergency Assistance Service. On Call International is a leader in this field. With On Call International you have access to the services of a highly trained, multi-lingual staff around the clock to assist you with such emergencies as cash transfers, lost documents, medical or legal monitoring or referrals. They are also equipped to respond to many unexpected circumstances, such as providing potentially costly air ambulance transportation in medical emergencies. If an emergency should arise during your vacation, call On Call International immediately and give the details of your problem or medical emergency.

Where can I call for more information?

You may call BerkelyCare, the plan administrator, at 1-(866) 580-4871 or 1-(516) 516-342-2720 with any questions regarding the Contiki Travel Protection Plan. Their Customer Care representatives will be happy to assist you.
Office Hours are: 8 AM – 10 PM (ET), Monday – Friday and 9 AM – 5 AM (ET), Saturday

What if I need to cancel my tour?

Contact the travel agent or Contiki Reservations agent you made your reservation through.

What are the cancellation fees?

PERIOD OF NOTICE – CANCELLATION FEES
46 day or over – Deposit is forfeited
45-22 days – 25% of tour cost forfeited
21-8 days – 30% of tour cost forfeited
7-1 days – 50% of tour cost forfeited
Day of Departure – 100% of tour cost forfeited

Can I reserve more than one tour at a time?

We can hold only one seat per person for the same departure date and/ or duration. However, if you want to book more than one tour with different departure dates we are happy to reserve a seat for you. In some instances, we are able to offer a further discount for multiple tour bookings! To confirm your tour booking you will need to provide Contiki with a $200 deposit (per tour) within seven days of making the reservation. If a deposit is not received within this time period your booking will automatically cancel.

Are prices based on double occupancy?

Most prices are based on double occupancy, unless otherwise specified. For example, Australia and New Zealand tour prices are based on quadruple share with twin room bookings on a request basis incurring a surcharge. Some tours offer single occupancy for an additional cost, or triple- or quad-share for a reduced price.

What’s the Earlybird Payment discount?

Contiki offers an Early Payment discount for all tours when the full tour cost is paid at least 6 months in advance. The discount amount is specific to each tour – please refer to the tour itinerary and costs for details.

Does it cost me anything to change my air itinerary?

It depends on the terms of the air reservation. If you purchased your air through Contiki, you or your travel agent should call your local office and speak to a reservations agent for more information. Please be sure to check your invoice for the terms and conditions pertaining to your air reservation.

Can I have an extension on my payment?

Unfortunately our system is pre-configured to auto-cancel any booking with an outstanding balance 45 days prior to departure.

What’s included in the price of Contiki tours?

Coach, train, air transfers and ferry transport as specified. Accommodations and meals as outlined per individual tour itinerary. Sightseeing and admission fees as shown under All this included on each tour itinerary.

Terms and Conditions

Are the tour departures guaranteed? What is a Definite Departure?
What happens to my deposits or money when my tour is advised non-operative?
What are Contiki’s booking terms and conditions?

Are the tour departures guaranteed? What is a Definite Departure?

Contiki has designated a large number of trips as Definite Departures. Check the departure calendar of the intinerary of your choice and look for dates with a green corner as they indicate definite departures. These Definite Departures are guaranteed to operate except under circumstances beyond our control. We are continually updating tours with Definite Departure status through the year to ensure that the vast majority of our departures operate as scheduled.

What happens to my deposit or money when my tour is advised non-operative?

In most instances, if not all, Contiki will provide a minimum of 6 weeks notice to give you ample time to consider our alternative tour departure date, or tours that are fairly similar in duration or itinerary. In the event alternative offers are not acceptable, Contiki will refund all the deposits or money paid in advance for your tour.

What are Contiki’s booking terms and conditions?

Please visit our Booking Conditions page.

During Your Tour

Is smoking allowed on the trip?
Must I know the native languages of the countries I am visiting?
What happens if I’m traveling alone? Is there an extra charge?
How can my family contact me while I am traveling?
Does Contiki offer transfers?
How many people will be on the trip with me?
How strictly enforced is the age restriction of 18 to 35?
What other nationalities will be on the trip with me?
What are the tour managers and drivers like?
Will the tour director speak English?
Do you have a frequent traveler program?

Is smoking allowed on the trip?

All Contiki motorcoaches, mini coaches, and 4 wheel drive vehicles are smoke-free. For those dedicated puffers, we stop every couple of hours so you can light up during our stops.

Must I know the native languages of the countries I am visiting?

No, that is one of the benefits of traveling with Contiki. You’ll be traveling with a tour manager who knows how to get around the countries you will be visiting. However, if you have some time, it never hurts to know a few courteous, friendly words (e.g., hello, please, thank you, etc). It does make traveling more fun and you will find that most natives appreciate the effort and will be more receptive to your visit. Please note, all tour managers and tour drivers speak English.

What happens if I’m traveling alone? Is there an extra charge?

If you’re planning on traveling alone, (and nearly half of our clients do) and don’t want to pay for a single room, we’ll set you up with a roommate—same sex, of course! However, if you want your own room, and one is available, it will be offered for an additional surcharge, depending on which tour you are booking.

How can my family contact me while I am traveling?

You will receive all hotel contact details with your travel documentation three weeks prior to departure. A Contiki ekit global phone card will also be included in your Contiki travel documents. More info here.

Does Contiki offer transfers?

We offer airport transfers in certain cities for an additional fee. Some tours include transfers and are as such under the “What’s included” section.

How many people will be on the trip with me?

That depends on where you are going. For most of the trips, we operate luxury motorcoaches and carry between 25-50 people per trip. On some trips such as Hawaii and Outback of Australia we use smaller vehicles or mini coaches which carry 8-20 people.

How strictly enforced is the age restriction of 18 to 35?

Contiki will carry passengers of 17 years if accompanied by a guardian over 18 years (one guardian required per person). An Underage Waiver Form must be filled out and authorized to travel prior to deposit. We will also carry passengers of up to 37 years of age if accompanied by a passenger within the 18 to 35 age bracket. Please note that the 18 to 35 age range is strictly enforced for our USA & Canada products.

What other nationalities will be on the trip with me?

Contiki sells travel packages in more than 35 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to encounter between 6-15 different nationalities on any one trip, i.e., Australians, Americans, Canadians, Germans, English, Swiss, New Zealanders, Japanese, Dutch, South Africans, Italians, Danes, Brazilians, Mexicans, Austrians, Singaporeans, Swedes, Koreans, etc.

What are the tour managers and drivers like?

We have former actors, Peace Corps volunteers, sales managers, bankers, policeman, management consultants, bartenders, psychologists, surfers, chefs, and even nuclear physicists – you name ‘em, we’ve got ’em. The road crew is around the same age as our travelers and they rock! They are with you on the entire trip and provide the need to know info: local hot spots, restaurant recommendations, histories of countries, where not to go, etc. On the trips to Europe, many of the crew members are from Great Britain, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. On United States, Australia and New Zealand trips the crew members are natives. Contiki has both male and female tour managers and drivers.

Will the tour director speak English?

Yes, all of our Tour Managers and Tour Drivers speak English. Some speak additional languages, but your tour will be conducted in English.

Do you have a frequent traveler program?

Upon booking your Contiki tour, you are eligible to join the Contiki Community with an upgraded membership. Membership is free and only requires a simple registration process. As a Contiki Community member, you can post photos and travel logs from your trip, search for other past Contiki travelers, and take advantage of our great promotions! Talk to your Reservations agent about any additional benefits.

Tour Specifics

What’s the difference between a Camping, Concept and Timeout tour?
Are couples recommended to join a Concept tour?
Can I re-charge my mobile and digital camera on tour?
Are hotels air-conditioned?
How much free time will I have?
What are optional activities?
Where can we find details on optionals? Can they be faxed on request?

What’s the difference between a Camping, Budget and Timeout tour?

Contiki offers three ways to travel: Camping, Concept/Budget, and TimeOut/Superior. The basic difference is the type of accommodation.
Click here for detailed information.

Are couples recommended to join a Budget tour?

For Budget tours, the room share is based on no more than 4 persons per room. People of the same gender are usually matched together. We can accept your booking as a couple and whenever possible during the tour our Tour Manager would allocate 2-person rooms/cabins for you. This is subject to availability, and in the case of quad share, couples will most likely share with other couples.

Can I re-charge my mobile phone and digital camera on tour?

In each country there are varying pins and power plugs to electricity sources to recharge your mobile phone, MP3 player, or digital camera batteries. We suggest purchasing a Travelers’ Plug (adapter) to fit the plugs in most countries, as well as a converter for the appropriate voltage.
On Budget/Concept and Camping tours, recharging can be arranged with our Resident Reps, however, this facility is often limited. We suggest bringing a sufficient supply of batteries to last you through your vacation.

Are the hotels air-conditioned?

The majority of the hotels have air conditioning but not all.

How much free time will I have?

We design our trips so that you have free time to do your own thing. Not only do we schedule free time, but you can venture off on your own at any point during the trip.

What are optional activities?

We have included a great deal of activities in our trips, but we cannot and would not want to include everything. Personal choice is important and our clients like the option of being able to choose or skip certain “Optionals,” i.e., Paris nightclub show, gondola ride in Venice, and rafting in Austria. From experience, we know which optionals are the most popular and offer these ones to our clients. These optionals do cost extra – you can find a full list in your final documents or online under the optionals heading of your tour. These optionals can be purchased through your tour manager when you’re on the trip. Payment for optionals is cash only and no credit cards will be accepted (Credit cards are accepted on Australia and New Zealand tours).

Where can we find details on optionals?

Optional activities are listed on each tour page on Contiki.com. Look for the “Optional Activities” tab.