Photo: Peter McCarthy
I remember my first Contiki at the age of 18 and wow, what an experience. It was such an epic trip, opening the gateway to seeing over 20 countries with Contiki over the next decade, from Canada to Iceland (Ski Austria being my favourite ❤️). The memories made, the friendships formed, and the experiences I had will truly last a lifetime.
Turning 35: Time for a new kind of trip
Now, at 35, I’m nearly aged out of Contiki (cue dramatic music). So I asked myself: what does it feel like to travel truly solo? This Easter, I decided to break my usual Amsterdam at Easter tradition and visit Lisbon, Portugal completely on my own.
The Magic of the Trip Manager
One of the most special things about Contiki is the Trip Managers and Drivers. They’re like your personal travel guide, logistics wizard, cultural translator, and hype person rolled into one. Their local knowledge is unmatched; they show you hidden gems, give you insider tips, and smooth out every little hiccup that travel throws at you.
When you’re solo, you are the Trip Manager. And building that same level of utility takes a lot (and I mean a lot) of research. It’s doable, yes, but also time-consuming and often stressful.
Image source:Peter McCarthy
Planning like a Trip Manager
Before boarding the flight, I created my own day sheet—yes, like the ones the legendary Contiki Trip Managers give us (just without the cool fonts and personal flair). I pre-booked a walking tour, a river cruise, and a Fado dinner. Having it all planned out helped keep my mind from wandering into the “what should I do today?” spiral. Oh — and I did skip the early calls (Sorry, TMs reading this!).
Everything’s sorted so you can just enjoy
Having everything planned for you like accommodations, transport, day-to-day logistics not only makes the experience smoother, but it also allows you to be present. With Contiki, you wake up and it’s all sorted. You just show up and soak it in. When you travel solo, every next step is your own to figure out, from navigating public transport to hoping your accommodation lives up to advert.
Instant friends vs. Finding your people
Contiki gives you a group of instant friends who are just as up for the adventure as you are. You don’t need to seek people out, they’re right there, ready to explore a city, try something new, or jump into a river with you.
Solo travel can have beautiful, introspective moments, but it can also be lonely. You have to make a conscious effort to meet people. Hostels help, but it’s not quite the same as stepping on a Contiki coach with 40 other legends and knowing you’re all in it together.
Image source:Peter McCarthy
Borrowing the Contiki Travel Model
Even when traveling solo, I realized I was still following a familiar structure. I used the Contiki Travel Model as a reference: a balance between planned activities and free time. That model works so well because it removes decision fatigue while still leaving room for spontaneity. It’s a travel style I’ve now carried into my solo adventures.
A launchpad for life skills and confidence
Whether you’re looking to gain confidence, learn how to plan and adapt, or just want an unforgettable adventure Contiki is more than just a tour company. It’s a way to develop skills for life, friendships, and experiences that stay with you well beyond your travels.
In true Contiki style…
I’ll end with this: Never regret a moment in life.
