Well we just got back from our trip and I have some tips for you. Some days we walked nearly 10 kms, so make sure to have comfortable shoes. And if you have a special diet you might want to have extra money for food because if we couldn't eat what they were having they gave a plate of veggies. And the whole staying in 3 star hotels is a load of crap. we stayed in a one star in florence.

Don't bother with travellers cheques no on e takes them in Spain and France unless you want to pay someone 8-18% to exchange them . make sure your money is in your chequeing account so that you can use your bank card.. OH and if you buy calling cards they are only good in that country.

the entire trip was nice, but it went so fast it was a blur. hope ou guys have fun though!

Anything positive!?

Hey Everyone,
I'm NOT going on your trip but i've travelled with Contiki and would like to offer some advice:
If you plan on taking a credit card to Europe, you may want to call your credit card company to let them know you'll be travelling so they don't think the card has been stolen and cut you off.

Another thing I recommend is carrying your cash in a money belt, I find it safer.

When you pack, throw some clothing into your carry-on to lighten the weight of the suitcase and in case your luggage gets lost. Leave room for souveneirs & carry with you an extra copy of your pasport and hotel address list.

In terms of weight of luggage, it's the airlines that are more strict than Contiki. Each airline has their own weight threshold & will only be too glad to charge you extra for going over. You can find out the limit/rules by going on the airline's website.


Feel free to ask me anything else.

Brian (from New York)
brij75@yahoo.com

Southern Ireland '97
Grand Explorer '00
Rainbow Nation '01 (no longer offered by Contiki)
Beaches & Reefs '02-'03