My Recent Comments

1. The Colosseum was amazing, I agree that just standing inside and picturing the atmosphere, thousands of people watching and chanting, and Gladiators fighting is really amazing! I also thought that the labyrinth under where the floor was, is very spectacular, imagine where they kept the lions! Although there was so much violence that went with the Colosseum, it is SO amazing and a huge part of Roman history, as it was completed around 72AD, under Titus. Another interesting fact I learned from the Guided Imperial Tour was that all the different arch ways are entrances, of which there are 80 and each entrance and exit was numbered as was each staircase which led only to a certain section. Hence why it was so easy and quick for 80,000 people to find their seats.
   I’m so happy that went to the Colosseum with Contiki and got to see this Ancient Landmark! Very amazing!

   Explorer1113956 on Colosseum 2 posted on Nov. 02, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

2. I thought the Imperial Tour was really informative!! Our guide was really nice, answered all our questions and told us more than I would want to read out of a travel guide! I definitely suggest doing the Guided Imperial Tour in Rome whether your Colosseum ticket is included or not, AND you HAVE to see Ancient Rome…like they say: “When in Rome”!!! ALSO what made that optional excursion better was when our Tour Manager gave us the secret to skipping the line…Down the street there is a ticket booth, where you can buy your ticket (and if you have a student card from Australia, you get a discount), then you get to skip the line and walk right in. The lineup at the Colosseum is for buying tickets, so if you already have a ticket you don’t have to wait, which we were so lucky for, because it was a hot and beautiful day in August, and there were TONS of people!!!! So Tour Managers have so many tips and tricks for making your trip that much easier and FUN!

   Explorer1113956 on Guided Imperial Tour, Rome 4 posted on Nov. 02, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

3. I took a 4G Memory Card on my 3 week trip: Spanish Spree, and Greek Island Hopping! Thank God I had no problems! I suggest a memory card with 2-4G, and then if you run out of space then you can just as easily find a photo place to upload photos onto a cd or put it onto a USB (which is a smart idea to bring one). Or you may get lucky – my Tour Manager had his lap top and was able to upload our photos and put them onto a cd for us, for only 2 euro (the cost of the cd) which was super helpful cause it didn’t waste any of our time while in a city, as he did it on the bus when we were traveling between countries!

   Explorer1113956 on How much digital memory should I take? 4 posted on Oct. 03, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate

4. Having different styles of traveling is what makes Contiki Holidays such a GREAT Company to Travel with…

   I did European Highlights (Concept/Budget) 2 Summers ago ‘07, and the Spanish Spree this past Summer ‘08 (Time Out/Superior) and I have to say they are quite different in Style of traveling, yet are both still very fun. Also both styles allow just as much Free Time in each city!
   I found the Concept/Budget tour had much more of a lively atmosphere, as well as more of a party atmosphere (ex. partying almost every night at the bars at the campsites/ Special Contiki Stopovers).
   While the Time Out/Superior was lots of fun, but was less of that party atmosphere, although there was some partying – as the trip ended in Ibiza, it wasn’t the same “students” party atmosphere. This trip was a great experience to learn all about Spain, and gain more insight into the history, as it was a ‘indepth regional tour’!
   Both trips exceeded my expectations, and I have tons of memories (and photos) from both, (nor do I regret doing one style over the other).
   I suggest looking into both travel styles before choosing your trip, that way you know what to expect, and get to choose which style is right for you! If you don’t mind sleeping on a single, thin mattress, and love to socialize, then do the Concept/Budget. If you are one to need to be in a hotel, with those luxuries that come along with that, and are more interested in socializing at bars/ clubs, then do the Time Out/ Superior.

   And although I haven’t done a Camping Tour, I have only heard great things about it! Happy Contiki-ing!

   Explorer1113956 on Concept/Budget vs. Time Out/Superior 1 posted on Oct. 03, 2008 Flag as Inappropriate