To travel with Contiki, you must be at least 18 years old and no older than 35. This age range ensures that each trip is filled with like-minded, adventurous travelers, creating an atmosphere that fosters fun, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences. It's all about bringing together a group of people at a similar stage in life, making every journey even more exciting!

Group sizes vary depending on the trip you choose. In destinations like Europe, North America, and New Zealand, groups typically range from 24 to 53 travelers. For trips in Asia, Australia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as select North American and New Zealand tours, group sizes are usually smaller, ranging from 12 to 30 people. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, ensuring you get to know fellow travelers while exploring new destinations.

When you book a Contiki trip, the price covers your accommodation, essential transport, and a variety of meals. Most trips include breakfast daily and a curated selection of authentic, delicious dinners. To make the most of your days, Contiki also includes a range of exciting experiences at no extra cost, ensuring you get the most out of your destination. Plus, you'll be supported by a highly trained team of Contiki staff, who are there to guide you and make your adventure unforgettable.

Contiki trips offer plenty of flexibility, allowing you to personalise your experience, which means some elements are not included in the initial trip cost and may require extra budgeting. Flights to and from your trip’s starting and ending points are not covered but can be added during the booking process, or you can book them independently. While there's plenty of free time built into your trip for exploration, you can also opt for additional Free Time Add-Ons – extra experiences available for an additional cost, which your Trip Manager will help organise. Meals are often left open for you to explore the local cuisine, so make sure to budget for non-catered meals. Finally, travel insurance and visas are not included and should be arranged separately.

Free Time Add-Ons (FTAs) are optional activities available during your Contiki trip, such as group dinners, adrenaline-pumping extreme sports, scenic bike rides, and cultural shows. These experiences are offered at an additional cost and provide you with the opportunity to enrich your journey. You’ll find a detailed list of FTAs in your trip itinerary, and your Trip Manager will go over all the options on the first day. No need to pre-book; simply let your Trip Manager know during the trip, and they’ll take care of the arrangements. Payment for these activities is made at the end of the trip.

Travel insurance is compulsory when traveling with Contiki, providing essential coverage for cancellations, personal injury, medical emergencies, personal liability, loss of property, and COVID-related expenses. It’s crucial to make sure your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan to participate in, including any adventure activities or extreme sports. This added protection will give you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.

Luggage restrictions vary depending on the Contiki trip you choose, and the weight limits are strictly enforced! 

For trips in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, you're allowed 1 suitcase weighing a maximum of 20kg, plus 1 small day bag that will travel with you on the coach. 

For Africa trips, the luggage allowance differs by region, with a maximum of either 15kg or 23kg for your suitcase, in addition to a small day bag. 

For trips in Latin America, Asia, and other regions with internal flights, the luggage restrictions depend on the airlines, so be sure to check the specific limits before you go!

Tipping customs vary depending on where you're travelling, and your trip manager will guide you on the general etiquette once you've started your adventure. While tipping your trip manager and bus driver is often expected, it remains discretionary. In some places, like the U.S., tipping is a significant part of the culture and is expected, while in Japan, it's considered impolite. In most parts of Europe, a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill is customary. Be sure to check the local customs in each destination to ensure you're following the right practices!

Most accommodations offer laundry facilities for a small fee, and if they don’t, your trip manager will help you find a local launderette. To save on laundry costs, consider packing laundry detergent sheets—they’re compact and easy to carry in your luggage! That way, you’ll stay fresh and organised without breaking the bank.

Contiki doesn’t have a strict dress code, but they recommend wearing cosy, comfortable, and casual clothing for everyday activities. Some trips may include fancy dinners, bars, clubs, or more formal evening events, so it’s a good idea to pack a few dressier outfits. If you’re headed to a sunny destination, don’t forget your swimwear for beach or poolside relaxation. Additionally, it’s important to be respectful of local cultures and religions, so make sure to cover up when visiting places of worship, temples, or other sites of respect.

As a general rule, always check with the accommodation staff or your trip manager to confirm whether the tap water is safe to drink. In most places like Western Europe, Scandinavia, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the tap water is safe. To stay hydrated on the go, it’s a great idea to pack a reusable insulated drink bottle. You’ll have plenty of rest stops to refill your bottle, and the insulation will keep your water nice and cold—a real luxury during hot days!

The meeting point and time for your trip will be provided in your eDocuments, available in your MyContiki account approximately 1-2 weeks before your departure. Your trip manager will also send a reconfirmation email with all the details, ensuring you're ready to start your adventure stress-free!

Once you sign in to My Contiki with your traveller login, you'll gain access to a group chat that opens 30 days before your departure. This is where you can connect with other travellers joining the same trip. Your trip manager will also introduce themselves via email, so you'll be fully prepared and excited for your upcoming adventure!

You can easily book pre and post-trip accommodation through Contiki. Simply add it when booking your trip online, through your travel portal after booking, or by calling Contiki at 0808 281 1120. This ensures a smooth start and end to your trip, with no hassle!