Recent Articles

These are the most recently updated articles in Contikipedia.

1. 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, l... read more >>

   3 comments | Saved 117 times

2. 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 throughout ... read more >>

   9 comments | Saved 124 times

3. 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 >>

   31 comments | Saved 124 times

4. 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 >>

   8 comments | Saved 150 times

5. 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 c... read more >>

   11 comments | Saved 165 times

6. 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 wi... read more >>

   123 comments | Saved 182 times

7. 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 Conti... read more >>

   11 comments | Saved 183 times

8. 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 >>

   5 comments | Saved 290 times

9. 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 >>

   31 comments | Saved 323 times

10. 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 understood ... read more >>

    10 comments | Saved 325 times

11. 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 >>

    62 comments | Saved 357 times

12. 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 >>

    29 comments | Saved 449 times

13. 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 >>

    58 comments | Saved 460 times

14. 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 >>

    32 comments | Saved 659 times

15. 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 rainpro... read more >>

    214 comments | Saved 1337 times

16. How to book your hotel in London

    More Tour and Travel Advice for Europe You’re free to stay where ever you like in London but a vast majority of people travelling on Contiki Tours departing from or arriving in London choose to stay at either the Royal National or Imperial Hotel. This is convenient as the Royal National is Contiki’s London arrival and departure point (the Imperial is a short walk from the Royal National). It is advised to book in advance through your trave... read more >>

    2 comments | Saved 13 times

17. Sights and Attractons - London

    London is one of the worlds most famous and iconic cities along with Paris and New York. People travel form all over Europe and the world to visit, live and work in the city and you need months to do and see everything this city has to offer….and that would only be scratching the surface. London is also the gateway to Europe and the starting point for many Contiki tours. The Royal National and Imperial Hotels are the accommodation used by Contiki and ar... read more >>

    0 comments | Saved 10 times

18. Check out London - 3 Day (Tour)

    Style of Tour In-Depth Regional Tour, Time Out/Superior/Hotel Style Featuring England Staying in London Trip Forum Meeting Place Meet others who are going at the Check Out London Meeting Place More information, dates, rates, and bookings Full itinerary, optional excursions, maps, booking, departure dates and more at the Check OUt London page

    0 comments | Saved 3 times

19. Tour Meetings - London

    Tours departing from London should meet up for their pre departure meeting at the Contiki Basement the night before their tour departs while Ski Tours should meet on the evening of departure at the following times: Camping Tours and Concept/Budget Tours: 7pm for a 6am departure the following morning Time Out/Superior/Hotel Tours: 6pm for a 6:45am departure the following morning. Ski Tours 6pm meeting for a 7pm departure the same night.

    0 comments | Saved 20 times

20. European Discovery (Tour)

    Style of Tour Time Out/Superior/Hotel Tour Featuring Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, France Staying in Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Munich, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne, Paris Starting in London or Amsterdam Finishing in London or Paris Trip Forum Meeting Place Meet others who are going at the European Discovery Meeting Place More information, dates, rates, and bookings Full itinerary, optio... read more >>

    0 comments | Saved 10 times