Hey there guys!
Its ash here from good old Sydney....nehoo im gng or planning to go on the adventurer in feb re the dates above and am just wondering if anyone is organised enough yet to know if you will be joining me on this grand adventure!

Just looking to see wats doing with ppl, and what they are planning to do! Im hoping to go bungi jumping but not sure if ill have the cash! We shall c, well let me know what ur all up to...this is my first Contiki and i can already tell it wont b my last!

Ash

Hey Ash,

First off, before I say anything, just want to make it clear, I'm not going on your trip.

However, as I've gone on the Grand Explorer I would be more than happy to share my experiences and share any advice or tips you'd like.

Brian
brij75@yahoo.com

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

Thanks very much brian!

Yea if there is anything you think i should know then def pass it on please, would be greatly appreciated!

Ash

Before you go on the tour, I suggest buying the
foreign currency. You'll have a chance to do so on
the trip, but I find it easier to not have to worry
about that when you get there. If you plan on
bringing credit cards which I also suggest you do, you
may want to call the credit card company to inform
them you'll be going away, so they don't think the
card has been stolen and cut you off.
When you pack, keep in mind that airlines charge extra
if you go over their weight threshold. Every airline
differs. You can find out by looking at the airline's
website.
Bring some nicer clothing for going out at night. On
my tours, the people got really dressed up when going
out. Bringwhat you'd wear to a club or nice
restaurant.
Remember to leave room for souveneirs and keep a copy
of your passport and hotel addresses on you.

I have lots of other tips but don't want to go "crazy" in one message.


Brian
brij75@yahoo.com

Thanx heaps brian for that! for someone who hasnt gone overseas before and definatly not travelled alone its good to hear what other people have done, and brought for that matter!

Any more you feel i should know just pass it on, i greatly appreciate your assistance!

Ciao

You're welcome. I wish I had chosen to work in travel, not accounting.

Other advice I could give you is I suggest staying a few nights before & after your tour. That gives you an opportunity to get acclimated, get over jet lag & meet up with others on your trip.

Best way to meet people on the tour is to rotate your seat. it's up to you but by doing so, you have a better chance of meeting everyone on the tour.

Bring an extra pair of sneakers if you have room. You will be doing lots of walking and it comes in handy if it rains and one pair gets all muddy.

What optionals were you thinking of doing? I recommend the glacier hike, the glow worms, horseback riding, the quad biking and the restaurant via cablecar in Queenstown.


I have some good web sites if you are interested. let me know.


Brian
brij75@yahoo.com

yea ta! Dont really hav to worry about the jetlag, its only four hours difference i think, but im getting there a day early and staying a day after to ensure im safe if there are any delays or anything.

God idea with rotating seats for sure. I myt b gng with a friend but even so i think its a tops idea.

hmm im a bit short on funds so i was planning on doing the glow worms, hangi, resturant via cable car, possibly a bungi jump, there is also an optional dinner and i want to do the Zorb aswell.

Depending on the job situation i may do more or different things but atm my budget permits only those possibilities!

oh n good advice about the joggers! I did a volunteer cap the other week for kids and i took two pair, lucky i did coz one pair did get all wet n muddy!

Oh websites would be good thanku!

Ash