Contiki
Aug 31st, 2011, 08:03 AM
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Contiki
I am new to the travel agent industry so I am always checking out new ways to travel and ways for my clients to travel. I was recommended by a fellow travel agent to try Contiki tours and didn't know if anyone knew anything about them.
As for myself it would probably be a 2-4 week experience, but most of my clients would fall under the 2 week time frame. This would mostly be Europe, but if anyone has any other experiences please share.
I was just seeing if the guides/accomodations were on par with what you pay for especially with how the have wide ranging tour fares.
Thanks so much,
Danny
As for myself it would probably be a 2-4 week experience, but most of my clients would fall under the 2 week time frame. This would mostly be Europe, but if anyone has any other experiences please share.
I was just seeing if the guides/accomodations were on par with what you pay for especially with how the have wide ranging tour fares.
Thanks so much,
Danny
Aug 31st, 2011, 08:27 AM
#2
Yes, you must be very new to the travel industry to have never heard of Contiki. They've been around for 50 years and are one of the most well known travel/tour companies.
They cater to college age and young adult travelers (18 to 30-ish)
Check out the Thorntree forum on Lonely Planet's website for info from mostly Contiki's demographic.
They cater to college age and young adult travelers (18 to 30-ish)
Check out the Thorntree forum on Lonely Planet's website for info from mostly Contiki's demographic.
Aug 31st, 2011, 09:15 AM
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Contiki specializes in budget party tours for young people, lots of partying, not so many sights, basic hotels at the end of hell and gone.
IMHO not something anyone shuold do unless night life is their primary concern.
IMHO not something anyone shuold do unless night life is their primary concern.
Aug 31st, 2011, 09:16 AM
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I have taken two Contiki trips & loved them both. From what I've heard about the European tours though, they're not for me. If you're looking for a quick introduction, enjoy being on the go & only spending one/two nights in each town, then Contiki is for you. Lots of partying as well but it's your choice to go out or stay in. I met great people on tour who I've traveled w/ again &/or visited. If you're going to go on one though, you should be eager to meet fellow travelers.
Aug 31st, 2011, 10:44 AM
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I have observed Contiki tours for years - I was previously in the same business and stayed in many of the same places they did - they often use permanent tents in campsites - large tents so not really camping but in campgrounds - and I believe now they also may use cheaper hotels, etc.
Like janisj says they have been around a long long time - originally an Australian company and still may be - yes young college-age groups and now 20s and 30s.
Groups I have seen have been nearly all female - so you could market it to males looking for hot chicks as it is a buyer's market for guys.
typically the tours are fast=paced with early departures and long days - the buses drop off folks in cities and they have ample free time - meals I saw in camps were institutional style and members it seem have to participate in prep of meals and odd jobs (not clear if they were paid - but seemed not).
I think for what it is a good value for money and most folks I talked to were positive enough about the experience. Like most such group tours for younger folk I suppose they have also gone more upscale - campground could end up muddy and messy in bad weather and campground WCs can be dirty with poor showers, etc.
Some of their camps are in stunning locations, like the campground in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland at the foot of a high waterfall and a view to kill for of glacier-drenched jagged peaks.
Heavily promoted on college campuses or campus travel offices and STA Travel, another originally Aussie group but now one owned by a major Swiss bank last I knew.
Like janisj says they have been around a long long time - originally an Australian company and still may be - yes young college-age groups and now 20s and 30s.
Groups I have seen have been nearly all female - so you could market it to males looking for hot chicks as it is a buyer's market for guys.
typically the tours are fast=paced with early departures and long days - the buses drop off folks in cities and they have ample free time - meals I saw in camps were institutional style and members it seem have to participate in prep of meals and odd jobs (not clear if they were paid - but seemed not).
I think for what it is a good value for money and most folks I talked to were positive enough about the experience. Like most such group tours for younger folk I suppose they have also gone more upscale - campground could end up muddy and messy in bad weather and campground WCs can be dirty with poor showers, etc.
Some of their camps are in stunning locations, like the campground in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland at the foot of a high waterfall and a view to kill for of glacier-drenched jagged peaks.
Heavily promoted on college campuses or campus travel offices and STA Travel, another originally Aussie group but now one owned by a major Swiss bank last I knew.
