Ohh we're doing the island cruising option too Sally!
Over the years from when we were younger and travelling with family we've been to America, Vanuatu (on a soccer trip about a year of going out), Aussie (our first OS trip together) etc I've also been to Rarotonga and Hawaii but neither of us has been to Europe before so we're both really excited

Hi Sally,

This will be our first time overseas, we are extremely excited! Not a day goes by without some serious daydreaming about the trip...I can't imagine how pumped we'll be when there's only about a week to go...bring it on!

Ohhh your first O/S trip mel_s that must be even MORE exciting for you! LOL every day I do a bit more researching about the places we'll be going etc keeps the excitement about it alive! Haha

When is everyone arriving in London and are you staying at the Royal National?

We fly in on the Saturday afternoon (eek!)..not looking forward to the early start the next day although being in the hotel where it's leaving from means we can roll out of bed and down the stairs to the bus LOL

Ohh and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone! Bring on April 09

Hi Dziner, Kazz & Sally,
Happy New Year everyone!
So exciting...just over 3 months to go.

We arrive at some obscene time (5.25am) on Wed 15th but I guess it wont be too bad as long as we manage to get a bit of sleep on the plane (wishful thinking, perhaps!).

Yep, we are staying at the Royal National too Dziner.

We'll probably miss most of the pre tour meeting though, because we are going to a football game in Manchester that day. From what I can gather, it takes around two hours to get back to London on the train, but I doubt that should be too much of a drama.

We are heading home the day after the tour ends...what is everyone else doing?

Happy New Year I'm staying at the Royal before the trip as well, checking in on the 18th of April. I was wondering if people wanted to meet up before the trip started.

Also, is everyone bringing suitcases or backpacks? I'm not sure what's better... I'd prefer a suitcase, but I'm not sure if that would be difficult to move around with.

Oh same day as us Kazz, when do you fly in?

Maybe we should have drinks after the pre-tour meeting? I don't think it takes very long.

We're taking suitcases just cos I think it will be easier to manoevere (sp?) around and upstairs as ours both (will) have wheels and a handle thingy.

What's everybodies plans for after the tour? We're in London for a couple of days and then we're heading to Paris and Disneyland for another couple of days Couple of big kids we are LOL.

We are taking one wheeled suitcase and a wheeled backpack - which is basically a wheeled suitcase with a section at the back that has zip away backpack straps.
Wow, Disneyland...That'll be so much fun!

Hi Guys! happy new year to everyone!
I am actually flying in to London on April 1st, so will spend a bit of time there before hand. I think I will stay at a hotel nearby, have not booked anything yet. Maybe will stay at the Royal if its easier. This is my first trip overseas other then bali so definately couting down the days! I would be up for meeting up before we start the trip maybe even the day before, also for drinks after the meeting Let me know who is up for it. I am thinking i will take a suitcase, I would prefer to and have been told by friends who have done a similar contiki that most people bring suitcases with wheels. I am also in UK for a few weeks after the tour, I have a whole lot of family in Europe so will probably travel around a bit more, see what happens!

Hi all,
Ok...I'm going to be a total geek and admit that I am counting down the days and there are only 100 to go until our tour starts...yay!!!

Wow only 100 days! That's exciting I can't wait!

Hi guys,

Just thought I'd let you know - I had to ring my travel agent today about a discrepency with my booking. She had to call Contiki to sort it out. Since she was calling them anyway, I got her to ask them if our tour date is confirmed yet...and...IT IS!!!

Not too long now!

oh yay that's good..I wonder how many people will be on the tour.

Apparently the tour details/info will be out at the end of March - I'm looking forward to getting all that info!

The time won't go quick enough for us

Hi Everyone!

Just booked the European Explorer!! Very excited at the moment! Am going solo also and first time travelling to Europe....Nervous!! I have no idea what to pack! Can't wait to meet you all!

Ally

hey all

I wont be joining you on this trip anymore I wont be leaving til later in the year, so have fun everyone.