The 50-year Contiki love story: Meet Ross and Marilyn

Why do we travel? To see the world, to gawk at the gorgeous views, to experience culture, to meet new people. That’s what Contiki has been delivering for years, that’s what the Contiki legacy is about, and we’ve cultivated some fans over the years! But how many travellers have booked a trip thinking they would meet the love of their life?

Well, Ross and Marilyn didn’t think that when they booked a European tour back in the ‘70s either, but when their worlds were brought together, the love story was inevitable. Married for over 50 years, we caught up with Ross and Marilyn to hear about their international love story, and ask them how important travel has become in their lives since.

Hi Ross and Marilyn! Let’s start off with the story of how you two met

“We met on a Contiki trip back in 1971,” they start. “It was a 6-week trip around central Europe, the last trip of the summer. In fact, the exact date we met was the 26th of August 1971.”

“It was on that first night,” says Ross. “Marilyn and her friend were having difficulty pitching their tent (the accommodation at the time for this trip was 2-person tents), and I went and helped them. The rest is history.” Ross has been keeping chivalry alive ever since!

In true Contiki fashion, Ross and Marilyn of course met many other people on their trip. “We are still actually in contact with one of the other passengers on the trip. We speak regularly, and he even came to our wedding.”

What initially drew you to each other?

“Well, we really clicked from our first meeting,” says Marilyn. “I thought Ross was outgoing, friendly, and being a fellow Kiwi we had a lot in common!”

“We shared a lot of similar interests,” continues Ross, “and I also thought Marilyn was very cute and intelligent, and she laughed at all my jokes.”

When you first embarked on your Contiki trip, did you have an inkling you’d be meeting your life partner?

Turns out, neither Ross nor Marilyn could have predicted this beautiful twist of fate. “I left New Zealand as a solo traveller and travelled to the UK by ship to start my Contiki. I just wanted to meet people and make friends while exploring the UK and Europe,” Ross says; which Marilyn echoes. 

“I booked the Contiki trip with my friend because we both wanted to travel in a group to see Europe, rather than doing it alone.”

How did the relationship progress after returning from your Contiki trip?

“On our return to London from the Contiki in Europe, we both rented separate flats in North London. Ross in Hampstead and Marilyn in Swiss Cottage – but in walking distance of each other.”

“We continued our relationship over the winter and went out on some weekend trips outside of London, taking advantage of being in England. When we returned to New Zealand, we did so separately in 1972, but we lived in the same area of Auckland and the relationship continued.”

“We got married in March of 1974, and we’ve had 2 wonderful sons and 3 beautiful grandchildren since.”

What does travel mean to you both?

“The opportunity to travel away from New Zealand allowed us to experience so many different cultures, customs, and languages from around the world, we got to learn so much history and taste so many new foods and drinks. Driving on the ‘other’ side of the road was a fun difference!”

“But, best of all, travel has always been about meeting people from different countries and making friends with strangers, as well as trying new things. Being taken out of your comfort zone and made to adapt to a new way of life is an amazing experience.”

“Contiki was the first real taste of travel that we both had, and it was so eye opening. It definitely ignited that fire of interest in us both afterwards, as well, and we continued to travel back to Europe and other regions of the world.”

Has travel become an important part, or perhaps tradition, in your life?

“I would say so! Since returning home in late 1972, we have travelled extensively over the last 50 years. We took many trips back to the UK and Europe, as well as trips to Asia which covered countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, etc. We’ve also been to the Middle East, North and Southern Africa, South America, etc. A lot of this was just done by the two of us as independent travellers, seeing the world together.”

What are your overall thoughts on Contiki? Would you recommend it for others?

While Contiki’s modes of travel have changed significantly since the ‘70s, the core of the brand remains the same: social travel bringing people from around the world together.

“Contiki is one of the biggest and most exciting things we’ve done, and we have always recommended it to anyone looking for a tour company to take them around the world. It was perfect for us when we were between 18 and 35 and we don’t doubt it’s still perfect for those in that demographic!”

“Plus, you never know, you may find your life partner on tour!”