In need of a vacay? Same. We can all use more days off, but so often the when, where, and how get in the way of packing your bags and seeing the world.
Enter social travel. It’s all about bringing travellers together from all corners of the globe to discover new cultures, have unforgettable experiences and, most importantly, take the hassle out of travel.
The ingredients are simple: you + other international travellers + cool experiences + a new part of the world = social travel.
Ready to discover a different way to travel? Here are 6 ultimate benefits of social travel that you need to know…
1. You can make instant travel BFFs
Let’s be honest, making new friends can be hard. Social travel makes it easy. You’re surrounded by a diverse mix of ages, nationalities and characters, so you’ll always find your own little wolf-pack within the group.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll even meet your future soulmate along the way. We’ve heard enough Contiki romances, marriages and babies to know that it happens. Or, at the very least, you’ll start a conversation and form some pretty epic friendships.
Image source: Contiki
2. You’ve got a local expert in your corner
Want to know where the best gelato in Italy is? Ask your guide. Want to go off-the-beaten-path and see something cool? Ask your guide.
With social travel, you’re travelling alongside expert trip managers and local guides who know the destinations inside out. They’ll help you unlock the history, culture and insider knowledge of the world’s greatest destinations, without spending your whole time searching the internet or trawling guidebooks.
Think of them as an encyclopaedia, but for travel.
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3. You get to do the coolest experiences
Of course, you’ll visit incredible places and see all the icons in each destination. But it’s the unexpected experiences that can take social travel to the next level.
Want to take surf lessons in Santa Cruz, Portugal? You got it. Foodies, ready to learn how to make your own pesto in Cinque Terre? No problem.
Whether you’re looking for something active, culturally enriching or local, social travel is packed with cool and unique experiences you might not have thought to add to your own itinerary.
Image source: Contiki
4. You get the best of both worlds
Social travel has evolved over the years as people’s habits and requirements have changed. It’s no longer a case of following a guide through a packed city centre as they hold an umbrella in the air that you have to follow religiously. Instead, it’s about giving you options.
Obviously, you’re going to want to do the must-dos, which a social travel trip will sort for you. But equally, you’ve got the freedom to spend your “me time” how you please.
So basically, best of both worlds: the itinerary of dreams, and the choice to go off course when it suits.
Image source: Contiki
5. It’s easier on your bank account
One of the best perks of social travel is getting more value packed into your trip. With accommodation, transportation, breakfast, a trip manager and exclusive access to sights often included, you can spend less time worrying about the logistics and more money on food, shopping and those cool experiences you’ll be talking about for years.
And when it comes to booking, payment plans can also make handing over your cash a little easier, with options to book now and pay over time.
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6. It’s all hassle-free
Navigating a new country can sometimes be difficult. New languages, customs and ways to get around can make even the most exciting trip feel a little overwhelming. But with social travel, you generally don’t have to worry about organising or planning everything yourself.
Your accommodation, transportation, local guides and experiences are taken care of, so you can just go with the flow, cocktail in hand, and let someone else deal with the stress.
Because seeing more of the world should be about vacationing, not spending your entire holiday figuring out what comes next.
Image source: Contiki
There you have it: six reasons to discover a different way to travel. So, are you ready to meet new people, experience more of the world and take the hassle out of your next adventure?
Explore Contiki trips and start planning your next adventure.
