When going on vacation, we usually want great food, cultural sites and plenty of adventure. New experiences are always a highlight too. But sometimes, the only thing that matters is good weather, a little vitamin D and plenty of vitamin sea.
The good news? With Contiki’s sun-drenched trips, you can have it all. Scuba-diving, snorkelling, skydiving, cooking classes and street food markets, these trips are packed with fun-in-the-sun experiences. And, when you just want to relax in the sunshine and drink cocktails on the beach, we’re 100% supportive. For many of us, this balance of fun and chill is the best thing for your overall happiness and mental health.
So, if you’re looking for Contiki trip options where the sunshine is always guaranteed, and the activities are there for the taking should you choose to leave the beach, here are 10 of the best Contiki trips for sun, sea and chill…
10. Greek Island Hopping
13 days – Visiting Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Ios
Greece is famous for its stunning whites and blues, and none of that would be as impressive if it wasn’t for the amazing sunshine that the Med receives throughout the year. Island hopping on three of the best Greek islands ever is the perfect way to experience as many beautiful black sand, blue-watered and pebbled beaches as you can, with a gyros in hand every step of the way.
And after you’ve enjoyed the sun all day long with boat rides and pool parties, you can enjoy some of the best sunsets in the world in places like Oia. Plus, add in all of the amazing history and archaeological sites to explore and there’s no surprise why Greek Island Hopping is Contiki’s most popular trip worldwide.
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9. Thai Island Hopper West
8 days – Visiting Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi
Beaches aren’t all made equal, and that is never more apparent than when you’re in the paradise of the Thai islands. There are over 1,000 islands in Thailand to choose from, but if we had to pick three for some R&R, these are the ones to start with for a reason.
Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi all bring unique and chilled Thai vibes with breathtaking views and epic opportunities for water sports, great beaches, delicious eats and nightlife. And it all comes together on Thai Island Hopper West to create just over a week of the best hot temps and Thai times you can ask for.
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8. Viva Costa Rica
The perfect Latin tropical destination does indeed exist – beaches, wildlife, adventure activities, rainforests, volcanoes and great coffee all co-mingle in the haven that is Costa Rica. This southern hotspot does it all while maintaining a relatively low profile. It’s also home to the wild and rugged landscapes that we all crave when we really want to unplug and get away for a while.
A trip to Costa Rica is the best way to combine a beach trip with real Latin American culture, and the Viva Costa Rica trip makes it all possible in just over a week.
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7. Beaches and Reefs in Australia
When you think of sun, Australia is the one. But it’s a big country with a lot of ground to cover. If you stick to the east coast, you’re in for nothing but white-sand beaches, epic snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef, non-stop surfing and enough sunshine to fill any vacation quota.
Plus, with an extra special trip sailing to the stunning Whitsundays, Beaches and Reefs will give you the Aussie lifestyle and legendary beach vibes you’re craving Down Under.
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6. Zanzibar Resort and Beach Escape
4 to 6 days – Visiting Zanzibar in Tanzania
If it’s your dream to run off to an exotic and remote island, Zanzibar might just be the answer. Located off the eastern coast of Tanzania in Africa, this stunning isle is the perfect place to get your tan on. From turquoise waters to the freshest seafood – oh and don’t forget to look out for the giant tortoises! And whether you choose the Resort Escape or Beach Escape, you’ll have a coconut in hand in no time.
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5. Pure Sri Lanka
10 days – Visiting Negombo, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Unawatuna, Colombo
As far as hidden gems go, Sri Lanka is the Asian hotspot you need to know. This island nation off the south of India is lined with stunning beaches and waterfalls, has all the heat and sunshine you need, plus the wildlife, national parks and surfing could rival that of Costa Rica. Pure Sri Lanka is the ideal way to explore this amazing country and all of its sunny goodness.
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4. Mexico Grande
Forget what you think you know about Mexico and reimagine it Contiki-style. Sure, you can choose a beach, flop and drop onto it for an entire week straight. Or you can truly explore the country and all of its amazing sun-filled cities. There’s so much life outside of Cancun, and while Mexico Grande gives you three nights there, you also get to start off in Puerto Vallarta and make your way across to the party capital by day nine. There’s so much sunshine and beach time to enjoy in Mexico, and the Mexico Grande trip brings all of that plus the tacos, jungles, ruins and hot air balloon rides.
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3. Fiestas & Siestas in Spain and Portugal
It’s right in the name, but a trip like this to Spain and Portugal is filled with the best of the good life, including hot nights of fun and even hotter days of sun. With beaches and inland stunners combined, epic eats and enough Sangria to keep you cool, Fiestas and Siestas fills almost two weeks of paradise in the Iberian Peninsula. You’ll find some of the hottest cities in Europe here, so naturally, it’s where you’ll find us when we need a sunny getaway as well.
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2. Wild Western in the USA
American sunshine is all about Cali baby, but why stop there? Yes, you’ve gotta do LA and hit up Venice Beach, but if you really want some heat you’ve gotta check out nearby scorchers, Arizona and Nevada deserts too. You’ll find the perfect mix of palm trees and cacti on the Wild Western, with coasts to surf, Vegas pool parties and all of that American sun within two epic weeks.
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1. Caribbean Encounter
10 days – Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Caye Caulker, Tikal, Antigua, Belize City, Flores
If you combined equal parts Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, you’d think you’d come up with a pretty amazing cocktail, but what’s even better is this bucket-list-topping taste of Latin America filled with beaches and sunshine. On Caribbean Encounter you’ll find endless snorkelling and sailing, jungle vibes and all of the beaches your heart desires. Plus, it’s an amazing way to try out three Latin cuisines in 10 epic days of adventure. That’s what makes it our number one!
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