Contiki Holidays

A great Kiwi bloke

A couple of months ago whilst flying from Christchurch to Auckland, New Zealand, a gentleman sat next to me. He was, from the moment you met him, a person who [you knew] had made a difference; a person with a story to tell. A story many people want to hear but a story he tells with modesty. He tells a story of a young person in London wanting to tour Europe on 25 English pounds and finding others who are just as interested. So he organises a van and off he sets on a journey that would open up the door of life to many Kiwis and Aussies travelling to the UK on their overseas experience (OE). Whilst I lived in London I never travelled on Contiki but I certainly heard all the stories so it was a privilege to discover the person next to me was John Anderson; the person who gave so many their first overseas experience; and before the Aussies claim him as theirs, John is a great Kiwi bloke.

Chris, New Zealand - 20 October 2008

Bringing people together

One of my greatest surprises recently was taking a Contiki trip. With the limited time you have in life to do the things you want, planning an exceptional trip can be inundating but when you realize that Contiki has been bringing people together from around the world, for years, to experience an awesome journey, you realize it may be time to let go and let the travel gods do their thing. I thought of The Breakfast Club, and while there were no drug addicts or prima donnas’ on the trip, you surprisingly have a sense of exclusivity and awe while in sharing this journey with unlikely friends from all around the world (including the Contiki Crew). Not to mention, you will find yourself doing fantastic cultural and adventure excursions that you would never find or do on your own. I promise.

The kicker? Well, true be told I was almost violently opposed to taking a trip with 18-35 year olds even though I was one, because I thought of one big party for young people, but they some how have figured out a way to attract a range of people AND give you the time to be and do what you want and make the transport time fun and relaxing. I‘ve traveled the world on my own for the most part, but I have to say the magic people talk about after a Contiki trip was found to be true and for that I am thankful to get out of my own way and experience what Australians have grown up to know as a rite of passage. Keep sharing the travel love.

Monique, United States - 24 January 2008