Laura - My insurance will cost me around $266 if the price match goes ahead. it covers me for the period between paying for it and traveling and I'll be traveling from 05/08 to 30/09. Do you think thats a good deal???

I think I will aim to spend about $100 aus a day.. pretty sure I will spend more than that though.. Plus I'm traveling for like a month before the tour and I know I will over spend in London! so I am hoping I will have around $8000 saved by the time I go, that's with the money from K-Rudd and I have a birthday in between too so I'm hoping my family and friends are feeling generous!

Danni- OMG, I thought I would be the only one freaking already about what to take! (totally agree, boys just don't get it!)

I would like to think that I will be taking like 2 pairs of jeans, lots of tops for layering, thermal underwear (a MUSTHAVE so I'm told) one party-ish dress, a sun dress, like 30 pairs of undies (you can never be too prepared!) a hoody or 2, a pair of thongs, a pair of heels and some everyday shoes.

I reckon I will wear my fat-bum-trackies on the bus and put a pair of pants in my day bag to change into in case we can't get to our luggage before going off for the day... My mate who did Contiki a while ago said that in some places they don't let you take you luggage out so you have to go around in what your wearing on the bus.

I've been told that we have to make sure when we are going through Italy (in cathedrals and stuff) that we have our shoulders, mid-riff's and knees covered. So wanna keep that in mind too.... soooooo much to think about! But I know what you mean, it would handy to get all this crap sorted soon so you don't have to worry about it all later on...

I changed my name to make it easier

All my friends call me Dan Dan anyways so YAY!!

Helloo people ok got a question haha.

Are there any optional extras u dont want to do
like.. not coz of money or anything but i dont really want to go up jungfraeu or mountain bike .. but wanna paraglide.

what bout u guys?

Hey Laura,

I haven't even looked in to the optional extras hey...

But I don't see myself biking up a freakin mountain! And what the hell is Jungraeu?

...I'm on limited money too

http://contiki.com.au/tours/113-european-escapade/optionals

they are the optional extras.

Jungraeu or something i dont even know how to spell it .. is some ski mountain thing or something

this is what it says on the website

A fabulous trip on the highest cog railway in the world up the Jungfrau Mountain, which rises to 4,158m (13,600ft). Travel through 7kms (4.2 miles) of tunnel and stop for grand views from the plate glass windows - literally in the North Face of the Eiger Mountain. The journey ends at Jungfraujoch - 3,454m (11,300ft) above sea level with impressive views from the highest railway station and post office in the world! Whatever the time of year, the scenery is fabulous and there's even the opportunity to ski (at a small charge and weather permitting).

when my friend went (and im doing the exact same tour as her) they were stuck in a blizzard hahah it just didnt look too pleasant.

it costs + SF 127.00

Hello!!

Nick's sister did Jungfrau. She said it was awesome, but FREAKING COLD! I am not a fan of being freaking cold (and it takes all day), so I think I may give it a miss. A bit too pricey for me at this stage. I'd rather do Moulin Rouge.

I have heard that we will get a more comprehensive guide of optional activities at the start of the tour? Right before the tour? Something like that.
I would like to know now, what we can do, and how much it will cost. I want to be able to budget more accurately!!!!!! Or maybe I'll get my family to *buy* my optionals as birthday presents for me, as I'll be away for my 25th... that's a big one to miss! My family don't like to give money, but I thought this way it will be helping me out. I'll pitch the idea and see how they respond. Fingers crossed!!!

Reading reviews, some of the dinners are not that grand. I guess it is down to personal taste, and what your mates are doing. I'm not sure.

Talking to my friend, her daughter did contiki last yr. She took 2 min noodles, and packets of continental side dish thingys. She said it was a cheap alternative to eating at cafe's for lunch everyday. Also, I was told that if a bunch of ppl get together and do a supermarket run for bread and cheese, and whatever, and do a picnic- HEAPS cheaper. And quicker in some cases. I'm just looking for ways to make my cash go further! Any ideas?

I was having a sad day yesterday, so I bought a bag. SHHHH! I saw it and thought it could double as a handbag/ cabin bag. It is pretty big. I can fit changes of clothes, travel documents, water bottle, cameras and all that stuff. So I should be right if I lose luggage, or for changing on the bus whatever. And it is pretty cute.. and cheap. Do I sound like I am trying to justify the purchase?!?!

I saw on facebook, Laura, that you are not confidant. What's up? Can we help you talk it out?!

Danni

im not into the freaking cold either. unless its a beer! then im okay!
I dont know about the tour guide thing b4 the tour. ive just looked ont eh net and thats what ive found.
mmm missing a 25th is pretty big (even tho im no where near it!) haha but yeh they will buy u stuff or give u money im sure!

haha i could live on 2 min noodles easy!
and hot chip sandwhiches.


Lol i love your justifying of a purchase. im pretty sure u would of bought something new by then.

this week has just been so ****. i need a purchase to make myself feel better. my ex and yes i know he is on the contiki board somewhere is a complete idiot. and not only that as gay as this sounds.. ive never gotten ready to go out with girls only had less than the amount of fingers on my hand sleep overs with girls.. im really worried about it. i dont cope with *****ing and yeh everyone seems nice BUT when i get tired i get grumpy hahaha
and when im hungover i get grumpy.
thats my story im just worried about been on a trip with so many people if that makes sense.. haha

I too get a bit stroppy when tired. I think I know this though, and will ignore you all and have a nap! I believe in nanna naps!

Laura, you're about to have 25 sleep-over's in a row! I am a bit of a girly girl. I like the company while getting ready to go out. But I think you'll get enough alone time if you need it. I plan on spending a few hours walking about solo so I don't bite anyone's head off.

Hot chip sandwiches rock!!!!!!

By the way, I sent an email to Contiki. I asked about our optional activities. Apparantly the list on here is our list! I'm happy there are not too many options. I am indecisive!

Hope your ex is not giving you too much grief- get together with mates, and take your mind off it with a beer. Cheer!

Danni

haha well we can hang out and just abuse each other it will be great!
im buying an ipod touch in a few weeks haha
my ex is a loser hahah nah he was nice but its just ended badly now haha o well life goes on.

yeh i didnt think the options would change much at all.

but good to know! im gonna start looking into them now!

I'm just going to rant a bit, 'cause I'm cranky today. I WANNA SPEND MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm a bit over this saving caper. The holiday feels like SO far away, and I'm into instant gratification! I have to say no to coffee, no to lunch at work. No to hanging out with my friend from o/s, no to drinking, no to concerts. No, no, no!
GRRRR!
I know this trip will be incredible, but at the moment it is sucking the life out of me!
I miss fun!!!!!
I think I need to take up a second job. That sucks too. But at least I'll be saying 'no', because I will have to go to work.

Lol i havent mastered the savings thing yet.
haha i just spent like $20.00 to see a movie?!?!
hahah and i spent $28.80 to get into the perth zoo where there were NO animals on show.. wtf?!
hahah

hwo was everyones st. paddys day

No animals at the zoo?! There is seriously something wrong there!!!!

St Pat's day was spent at work. Boring, I know. There is a beer fest happening on the Gold Coast sometime this month though- so I'll try to get to that. Some practice for Oktoberfest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beer is only a new friend of mine, so I think I need to get to know it better!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW!

WOO HOO BABY YEAH!!!!!

YAY!!!! Happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you had an awesome day! Hope you got to do all the things you wanted to do. Get dressed up, dance on a table, consume your body weight in alcohol, kiss a cute boy, whatever it was, i hope you did it!
We have a new travel friend!!! Horray for more people!

happy Bday! What did u get?
did u go out?

Mmm beer is so nice.
haha i love it but it makes me hellla bloated but its stilla preferred drink.

Hows everyones weekend been?