socaltraveler

Fascinating. Too young to send to Europe on his own, but once he's there and after this dubiously reviewed Contiki tour, you are paying a premium to rent him a car in France with the hope that some strangers he has just met on said tour will join him in the car you have rented to travel and share expenses. Have I missed any other red flags?

thursdaysd

I thought this was a 20 year old. He is not a kid.

janisj

>>I AM sending my 20 year old son on a Contiki trip next June. <<

You are 'sending' an adult to Europe . . . okaaaay

flanneruk

I couldn't see the point of tours when I first took myself to Continental Europe at 14. Over half a century later, they seem an even rottener idea.

But, whether you believe you need nannying at 20 or not (and I can't imagine that old admitting to something so humiliating) are you really "REQUIRED to TIP BOTH your TM and the Driver of the Coach"?

At 14 or 70, I'd return the envelope empty but for a note telling Contiki where to stick it.

Cone on TEEMEL. You're clearly feckless - or overprivileged - enough to squander thousands of dollars without checking what you were going to get.

But you can't possibly be so spineless you've let yourself get bullied into giving these people even more of your (or some hard-working benefactor's) cash.

Can you?

kleeblatt

Tours are fine as long as you know what you're getting into. Not everyone is into researching a trip and feeling adventurous enough to do it on their own. I organise a 5-day tour for a group of 15 people every year. I still use a travel agent and tour guides but I have more control on what we see and do. Luckily, I know most of my participants personally so it's easier to organise a tour that will meet most everyone's wishes.

When organising such a tour, I've found that:

- quiet but central hotels are highly appreciated
- good breakfasts are a must
- hiring tour guides always involves a bit of luck but since I've been using tripadvisor to for reviews, I've been very happy with our choices.
- Being on time is essential!!!!!
- The weather is always hit or miss. Be prepared for everything.
- Don't start the day too early. It will feel more like a holiday and less rushed.
- Leave at least a half a day for free time.
- Choosing restaurants is one of the most difficult tasks.
- Constantly ask for feedback from the group to know how their feeling and make any changes if needed.
- Headphones for walking tours makes the tours more enjoyble.

I actually admire some of these tour companies for even having the nerve to gather so many strangers together in order to create a product that is enjoyable and profitable. It's a daunting task.

Blueeyedcod

flanneruk - you're addressing the OP who posted almost four years ago.

Fourlix - if your son is not a drinker he may soon become one or absolutely hate the experience. Contiki is well known for its party culture (unless he is doing a hotel tour - they're a little more sedate - just a little more).