I'm looking to go on a tour in a couple years (i'm only 16, but looking forward to going). But I can't decide which ones to do. I wan't to go to Europe, but can't decide which one to do! any tips on which ones are good? I want to do connecting ones also, maybe Asia and Australia and end in New Zealand, as I have family there. Is it better to do a full couple months with Contiki? Or do some with them, then do some on my own? Any tips on which tours are the best?

thank you , =]

hey im the same i plan to take a contiki tour in just under 2 years once i graduate from uni ive changed my mind about which tour to take several times atm i think ill end up on the European adventurer a concept tour, 39 days and visits most of Europe.. with 2 nights in most cities... basically it fits in what i want to see allowing a full day in my favourite places and im going to travel independently after as well.

best tips ive picked up from these forums and on my own is to list the places you most want to vist as well as the time u think u will have availiable and look at the tours that match
have fun..i have
not sure bout the other places cause im mainly interested in europe :P

one big tip I'll give you is don't bother trying to figure it all out now! you still have two years to go and you'll have a different view on things by then and perhaps want something different.

and since you have that much time just start doing research, and read about other people's adventures and learn about the places out there, that should help you to decide where and want you want to do

I'm in the same boat! I plan on going on a trip in a couple years to Europe. I want to spend a month or two during the spring/summer all around Europe, but i feel like I would be cramming too much into one vacation. When I first heard about Contiki, I was set on going on a super long tour, either the Adventurer or the Ultimate European. But now, I'm thinking of just starting off on a contiki tour for a week or so, then traveling with a friend by ourselves. I'm thinking it will make it so that we get the best of both worlds. However.. I have no idea where to go either haha.

Anyways, either way.. if we all go in 2 years.. we'll probably all be planning our trips around the same time haha. So good luck and hope it all works out :P

At this point I would start thinking about the style of tour you want to do and the length. Those two factors will have a big effect on the price of your tour and you'll want to start saving now, especially if you're looking at doing Asia, Australia and New Zealand. If you are considering something that long you'll want to plan to have some breaks in the middle to rest between tours. Then start thinking about some specific locations, do some research and see what interests you most. Over the next two years the tours will change a bit so don't get too hung up on the existing tours.

Make sure you know what to expect cause when they say 1 day somewhere it actally half a day! I had that experiance so 2 to 3 days in one city is perfect! at least you'll have time to enjoy it.

Don't do a full couple months with Contiki. If you're starting out in Europe, maybe do a Contiki tour there first, just to get your feet wet. Then do a little on your own in Europe. Once you get to southeast Asia, you might want to do a tour again, as it's a lot more challenging there. After you get out of Asia, both Australia and New Zealand are going to seem like a breeze and there's no reason at all to do an organized tour at that point, in my opinion.