Hmm. Yeah, it must be a timezone thing, then!

Yes, I'm from the US. I started thinking about a Contiki trip like 10 years ago but never did it. I almost didn't do it this time, either (you know how it is - there are always excuses NOT to do something), but I finally said screw it and pulled the trigger.

I can't believe it's in just 6 weeks!

Ya, I know!! That's why I thought I should do it now because I'm sure there'll just be more excuses in a couple of years from now

I think I figured the dates out - when you say it starts on the 15th, do you mean you're staying at the Royal National Hotel that night? I am too, but in SA we have to book the night at the hotel separately from the actual tour, so for me the "tour" starts on the morning of the 16th from London. Make sense? I hope so cos otherwise I'll be very confused...

How old are you if you considered going on contiki 10 years ago (if you don't mind me asking)? I'm turning 24 in two weeks time.

Also very excited!!! Can't wait

Just found this on the "Europe Advice" forum:

"Tour dates for North Americans will be listed as a start date 2 days before the tour actually departs London. It assumes you'll be flying in on an overnight flight day 1 to day 2. then staying that night at either the RN or the Imperial - day 2 to day 3. The tour actually starts on day 3 for North Americans.

If you're doing a concept tour you'll stay at the RN, for a hotel tour you'll stay at the Imperial. Vouchers for that night will be included in your travel documents"

Looks like we are all on the same tour!! Yay! (I also see the tour is full so should be lots of fun!)

Well I'm a 23 year old North Americaner who was told the 14/15th was the start. I don't think contiki should be counting the 8 hr plane ride as a vacation day. Whole lot of $ and not a lot of fun...but whatever.

Kristin, when I signed up for the trip, I remember declining the stays at the hotel prior to the start of the trip. Has your reading of the fine print made it sound like the night of the 15 and 16th I already have a hotel room or just the night of the 16th? If you don't know that is totally cool. I'm sure somewhere there is someone who is paid to answer my silly questions.

Hey, i'm not 100% sure.

As far as I understand, the night of the 15th is the night before tour when we stay at the Royal National and the night of the 16th is the first official night of tour when we stay in Amsterdam.

Apparently we have to meet in the coffee shop of the hotel at 7pm the night before (the 15th I think).

If I could figure out how to add attachments, I would show you the itinerary that was sent to me, but...

I hope I get my itinerary soon, although I did only pay in full a week ago.

Whoops! I kind of forgot about this forum, since we apparently don't get e-mails when there are replies.

I don't mind you asking how old I am. I just turned 27 a couple months ago, so I'm an old fart compared to most of you.

I wouldn't say 27 is old - I'm only 3 years away

It was mostly tongue-in-cheek.

I'm adding you on Facebook now, btw, but don't mention the trip on my wall or anything. It's a long story, but work doesn't know I'm going yet, because they also don't know I'm leaving the company yet. haha So I'm trying to keep it under wraps for the time being.

hey kristin im from south africa...i'm coming with 2 of my mates but it'll b gr8 meeting new ppl 2! I still cant believe i'm going to be in another continent in a weeks time...wow cant wait! oh i'm shamiso by the way

Hi everyone! Good to see so many people talking about our trip!!! I am from Australia and also travelling on my own! Looking forward to meeting you all next week Rochelle