Recent Articles

These are the most recently updated articles in Contikipedia.

1. 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 jacke... read more >>

   12 comments | Saved 171 times

2. Contiki Basement

   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 Contiki’s resident staff and use the Basement as your London launch pad to kick... read more >>

   5 comments | Saved 82 times

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 as everyone has their own style and rate of travel spending. Some will go out and shop till they drop spending perhaps 100 of Euros or Pounds every day, others will party spending more in bars while again others will spend more money on museum entries and souvenirs, while others yet again will get though on the bare... read more >>

   12 comments | Saved 228 times

4. 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 and ... read more >>

   8 comments | Saved 341 times

5. 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 veteran 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 | C... read more >>

   1 comment | Saved 127 times

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 o... read more >>

   32 comments | Saved 131 times

7. 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 Natio... read more >>

   9 comments | Saved 142 times

8. 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 >>

   29 comments | Saved 223 times

9. Couples

   It is very much normal for there to be couples on almost every tour, in fact it would be very unusual if there were no couples on any given tour. Again, no clear generalization can be made due to the diverse nature of the people who choose to travel with Contiki, but it would not be unusual for there to be 5 or 6 couples at least on most tours. Couples often have just as much (if not more) fun than the singles on the tour (although it can also be said that some singles sometimes have more than enoug... read more >>

   3 comments | Saved 5 times

10. Free Things to do in London

    London has loads of free museums and sights, great for people traveling on a budget. Russell Square Area The British Museum – Has to be one of the best museums in the world. Home to an incredible Egyptian collection the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles among tonnes of other super famous and fascinating stuff. Called the British Museum but almost nothing here is British – Only a 5 minute walk form the Royal National Hotel and Contiki Basement. ... read more >>

    0 comments | Saved 33 times

11. Optional Excursions - Australia

    Everyone is different, so you have a choice to enhance your itinerary with Optional Excursions during your tour. This choice of activities is based on what past travellers have asked for and are designed to help you get the most out of your tour. What are Optional Excursions How to pay Here’s a taste of what’s available Fraser Island 4WD Adventure Bungy Jumping Day Sailing Dracula’s Cabaret Je... read more >>

    0 comments | Saved 5 times

12. 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. 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 tour. Clothes 1 rainproof jacket/small umbrella ... read more >>

    115 comments | Saved 685 times

13. 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 inexpencive 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 f... read more >>

    22 comments | Saved 64 times

14. Where you stay - Concept/Budget Tours

    PLEASE NOTE: These are just a sample of some of the accommodation Contiki uses throughout Europe. There is no guarantee that every tour will stay in the lodgings listed below. Check your Contiki Travel Documents for confirmation of your accommodations. On Concept/Budget Tours, accommodations are generally in campsites, budget style hotels and hostels as well as Contiki Special Stopovers. Where you stay is one of the main differences between t... read more >>

    2 comments | Saved 37 times

15. Optional Excursions - North America

    Everyone is different, so you have a choice to enhance your itinerary with Optional Excursions during your tour. This choice of activities is based on what past travellers have asked for and are designed to help you get the most out of your tour. What are Optional Excursions How to pay Here’s a taste of what’s available SeaWorld, San Diego The San Diego Zoo San Diego Harbour Cruise Helicopter Fligh... read more >>

    0 comments | Saved 4 times

16. Tour and Travel Advice - USA and Canada

    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 Hiking shoes for the Grand Canyon, clubbing kit for Vegas, power adapters and more about what to pack for your tour… Suggested Packing List | Digital Memory Storage | Guide Books and Maps | Power Adapeters | Shoes and Footwear | Dressing up while on Tour Lug... read more >>

    0 comments | Saved 20 times

17. 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 airli... read more >>

    5 comments | Saved 56 times

18. How much digital memory should I take?

    More Tour and Travel Advice for: Australia, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand When it comes to taking photos everyone is different, and there is no one answer but here are some thoughts from past travellers that may give you an idea. Past Traveller’s Advice “Went to Italy for 2 weeks and used almost 3×1gb cards” -Dominique Giordano, Contiki Forums, Posted 19 Jun 2007 “I’m away in Sept f... read more >>

    4 comments | Saved 33 times

19. Power adapters

    More Tour and Travel Advice for: Europe, USA & Canada, Australia and New Zealand Do you 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 you need? It dep... read more >>

    22 comments | Saved 142 times

20. 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 Ra... read more >>

    1 comment | Saved 76 times