Comments on: Emily Gerson on Traveling with Contiki

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:20:06 +0000

I think that groups of that size definitely perpetuate cliques. I found the Oz and Kiwi Experience buses were the same, but at least you could hop off when it was unbearable and catch the next bus!

Possibly you would be better off on a group tour that limits it’s size like with Intrepid (the max group I believe is 15/16).

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:23:50 +0000

Thanks for the info. I’ve never done an organized tour but plan to do so whenever I end up venturing into Africa. My biggest concern is the one you addressed, the “odd” or “clique-y” people that can show up since no one is “pre-approved” to go on these trips…(would be nice if we could run some background checks!) I studied abroad in Europe and toured it mostly myself but it was an extremely difficult experience because I was the only person from my school and 90% of the class had known each other before arriving so I was stuck with people who had zero interest in meeting others (which, to me, is one of the main points of travel – duh!). I ended up hanging out with 2 16 year olds…and I was 20. :-/ /rant

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:01:24 +0000

Hi Em,

I have been on a Contiki and benign a first time traveler to Europe I did not know what to expect and I must be quite honest!! Depends on what you intend to do while on a Contiki.

I’m for South Africa an I saved up a ton of money to go and visit Europe and I had an absolute blast!! I had heard about the stories behind Contiki but, I must say nothing like this happened on my tour. Tour manager was decent and knowledgeable if we needed to know something he was always there to help you out.

All an All Contiki experience was outstanding keep u the fantastic work. Remember take one bad thing to happen to make you think twice about who you pick the next time around.

Peace and Love,
Ryan

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:03:26 +0000

The same cliques can form just as easily at hostels and on organized overland trips (which are especially popular in Africa). I think the Contiki experience probably facilitates it, but if you take them at face value, I'm sure plenty of people finish the trips satisfied (in more ways than one). .-= Dave´s last blog ..Contributors Wanted =-.

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:12:37 +0000

Hi JoAnna,
I’m not sure that I will. If I was more of a party animal, I probably would. I also would also possibly do it if I didn’t have anyone to travel with but didn’t like traveling alone. However, I’m not much of a party animal and I have learned that I prefer to either travel alone or with people I already know. I think it’s really wonderful for some people — it just wasn’t a great match for me.
Emily

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:16:21 +0000

I have also heard that these tours tend to focus on the people and the parties rather than the places.

Do you think you’ll travel with Contiki again?

By: NomadicNeil

NomadicNeil — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:49:40 +0000

I’ve never done one of those organised bus tours but from what I’ve seen, encountering these groups in bars, hostels and hotels the main focus seems to be on getting drunk and trying to get laid. With the tour leader usually trying to hook up with one of the girls on the final night or the obligatory dinner after the tour (since that’s officially outside of his working hours so he’s not breaking company policy).

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against partying and sex. I just like to choose who I hang out with when travelling and hate being rail-roaded.

That’s just my opinion, everyone has their own travel and holiday tastes.