Most Saved Articles
These are the most saved articles by members of the Contiki community.
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1. Suggested packing list - Europe - Summer
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a Europe summer tour. Keep in mind this is not a definitive list – everyone has individual fashion tastes, preferences, opinions, and styles in terms of what they want to wear and bring along! This is meant to be a good guide to help you in packing for your European vacation. Clothes 1 rainp... read more >>
258 comments | Saved 1527 times
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2. Dress code - Europe
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Contrary to some literature, you do not need to dress up with dress pants and dresses to get into clubs and bars in Europe. Most of the time jeans and a t-shirt is more than enough with some bars and venues even allowing entry with shorts and flip flops. General For most occasions, comfortable, casual clothes are recommended for your European travel adevntures. Going Out and Evening Wear Although you don’t have to wear slacks an... read more >>
44 comments | Saved 761 times
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3. How much spending money should I bring? - Europe
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe How much spending money to budget for is a difficult question to answer. Everyone has their own style and rate of travel spending. Some will go out and shop ‘til they drop spending 100s of Euros or Pounds every day, others might spend more in bars, or on museum entries and souvenirs, while others get by on the bare essentials. Unlike many holiday and vacation operators, Contiki inc... read more >>
78 comments | Saved 749 times
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4. Heathrow Airport (London)
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe The Royal National Hotel is used as the London base for most Contiki Tours starting and finishing in London, England. A great many clients choose to stay at either the Royal National Hotel or just down the road at the Imperial Hotel. The Royal National Hotel is also home to the Contiki Basement, the meeting point for tours starting in London and Contiki’s London travel base. Directions from Heathrow to the Royal Nat... read more >>
33 comments | Saved 565 times
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5. Suitcase Vs Backpack
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand “I would advise travellers to take a suitcase with an extendable handle and wheels for any overseas trip. Firstly, suitcases can be packed in a very organized manner so that anything is easily accessible once you hit your hotel room. Wheels and a handle allow for easy transport, whether into a hotel, a coach in the morning, or out onto a sidewalk to catch a cab to the airport. Additionally... read more >>
66 comments | Saved 527 times
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6. Weight Limits and Size - Europe
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Contiki Tours in Europe have a luggage restriction of 1×20 kilogram (44lbs) bag and 1 x carry on (roughly 5 kilograms/12lb) bag. This weight restriction is for legal requirements within the European Union as well as for your comfort and safety. The size restriction of you main luggage is 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) is also observed. Bags are not measured however you bags will be weighed... read more >>
80 comments | Saved 448 times
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7. Suggested packing list - Europe - Winter
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a Contiki winter tour to Europe. People are individuals though and often have personal preferences and opinions as to what to bring. The following then is not a definitive list, but should give you a good guide as to what you should pack for your European winter tour. Clothes 1 rainproof jac... read more >>
41 comments | Saved 405 times
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8. Western European language basics
There is no need to enroll in French, Italian, German and Spanish classes for your European Tour. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on how to say some of the basics (eg. hello, please, thank you) in the native tongue of each of the countries you visit. It is often not only useful, but also polite to know a few of the basics in the local language and it’s a good idea to try and remember and uses these basics. English is a widely spoken and understoo... read more >>
11 comments | Saved 390 times
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9. Power adapters
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Do I need a power point adapter? If you’re travelling away form your home country or region of the world then chances are that yes, you do. Power outlets have different shapes in different parts of the world and you may need an adapter to convert the shape of your home power plugs to the shape of the outlets in the region of the world you are travelling to. How many do I need? It depen... read more >>
35 comments | Saved 374 times
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10. Tour and Travel Advice - Europe
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Planning a Trip Away Choosing a tour | Tips on Saving for a Trip What to Pack Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or taking your first big trip overseas, deciding on what to pack is an important decision. Suggested Summer Packing List | Suggested Winter Packing List | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear ... read more >>
6 comments | Saved 346 times
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11. Tips on Saving for a Trip
Based on the Contiki Forums Topic Personal Loan or Hard Saving..? Save on Tour Costs and Flights Shop around for the best deals for airfares etc You would be amazed at how much prices can vary. Get quotes and do your sums and book early for the most inexpensive tickets, also departing/arriving between Tues-Thursday will cut the ticket cost. Try and not go in peak season (from June till the end of August & December/school holidays) Check for deals... read more >>
85 comments | Saved 229 times
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12. Contiki Basement
Contiki Basement – LondonRoyal National Hotel, Bedford WayLondon WC1H ODG London is a big city and it can be a little daunting. Even seasoned travellers often find this colourful, cosmopolitan and buzzing city a challenge. Contiki’s Basement in London is your home away from home and is a friendly space for you to chill out, meet other travellers and get your bearings in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Feel free to make use of the services provided by Con... read more >>
11 comments | Saved 222 times
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13. Travelling alone
Everyone has different attitudes and opinions and philosophies when it comes to travelling alone. Even amongst those who choose to go it alone there is a mix of feelings with some being a little frightened and nervous while others cannot wait to get out on their own. In a poll conducted on the Contiki forums, almost 70% of people polled as travelling on tour alone. So even though you start the tour alone, you’re not the only one travelling alone. The tours are very social so you ... read more >>
137 comments | Saved 201 times
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14. Shoes and Footwear
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Shoes are important, to some people they are the only thing that matters and your choice of footwear when taking a tour is also important. It also matter what time of year you will be traveling as slushing around wearing flip-flops int he snow or ugg boots at a beach party isn’t much fun. Summer Tours Contiki recommends taking three pairs of shoes on any given tour: 1 pair of... read more >>
11 comments | Saved 200 times
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15. Carry on luggage
More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Carry on luggage is the luggage that carry onto the airplane with you (ie luggage you do not check). Many airlines have different restrictions that are applied to varying degrees from airline to airline. Check your airlines web site for their terms and conditions with respect to carry on luggage Remember to check the restrictions on carrying liquids and sharp objects onto aircraft. Most air... read more >>
8 comments | Saved 189 times
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16. Suggested packing list - North America
More Tour and Travel Advice for the USA and Canada What to pack for travel to other parts of the world The following is a suggested packing list for a USA and/or Canada tour. People are individuals though and often have personal preferences and opinions as to what to bring. The following then is not a definitive list, but should give you a good guide as to what you should pack for enjoying your tour in North America. Clothes 1 ... read more >>
11 comments | Saved 182 times
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17. Visas - Travelling to Europe
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe Depending on the nationality of the passport you are traveling on you may require visas to enter countries included on your tour. Every country in Europe has different entry requirements. You are responsible for obtaining all the necessary visas prior to the departure of your tour. You can consult your travel agent but the only truly reliable source of visa and entry requirements are the consulates of the countries themselv... read more >>
25 comments | Saved 172 times
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18. ATM's and cash machines - Europe
More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe ATM’s and cash machines are widely available throughout Europe. Cash machines across Europe dispense cash in the local currency of the country that you are making the withdrawal in. Make sure to let your bank know you are travelling so they don’t put a hold your account thinking it was hacked into or stolen. ATM’s are widely available throughou... read more >>
12 comments | Saved 147 times
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19. Amsterdam
by – Matt Vernick, Tour Manager, Europe Amsterdam, (or the ‘Dammage as many Contiki veterans like to call it) is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands. Surrounded by rings of man made canals, bridges and beautiful buildings it is a city abounding with almost surreal fantasy-like beauty. The liberal, laid back culture of the Dutch also adds a great deal to the appeal and vibe of this fun, friendly European capital. Bikes Buildings and Architecture Shopping ... read more >>
32 comments | Saved 137 times
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20. Where you stay - Time Out / Superior / Hotel Tours
Contiki has chosen a wide range of accommodation in order for you to best appreciate what Europe has to offer. From a magnificent 4-star resort in Vienna, Austria, to Europe’s highest hotel on Mt Pilatus in Switzerland – you’ll travel Europe in style. All are Superior Tourist Class Hotels and have excellent facilities while our special resort hotels have been chosen for their particular character, charm,... read more >>
4 comments | Saved 137 times
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Recent Tips
Itter was one of the nicest town's I've ever been in, absolutely gorgeous. It's a sleepy town, but on Contiki you bring your own nightlife. This was one stop I wont forget.
My tour guide Drew taught me to tip well at places like Moose & McGillicuddy's. The staff will be more attentive to your needs and pour you bigger drinks!!
A tip for people looking for a decent coffee shop.. if you don't already know about it, you will because most Contiki travellers find out about it - its The Grasshopper. Ask a local and they should be able to tell you where to find it.
