N. America

Contiki Western Highlights Itinerary and Review*

For those considering seeing the U.S. with Contiki, below is a summary and review of their Western Highlights tour starting from L.A. and ending in Las Vegas. Note that this tour is part of a longer tour called Wild Western which ends back in L.A.

 

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Day 1:
Your tour starts at Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo in Los Angeles at 7am. There is some paperwork needed from everyone so be sure have your passport and emergency contacts ready. If you’re looking to tour L.A. before the tour starts, be sure to book a couple extra days in before the start of the tour. Contiki will offer you a good rate at Miyako Hotel, but be sure to check other sites like Expedia and Hotels.com. Also, before you board the coach be sure to have everything you need in your day bag as you won’t have access to your suitcase until hotel check-in in the evening.

From L.A. you head to San Diego for a couple nights. The first planned activity (which is optional) is a speed boating experience where you get to drive a 2-seat speed boat ($60USD). The whole experience is guided where the group follows the lead instructor and is meant more for beginners. On occasion you might get splashed, but the chances of getting soaked is pretty slim (see below video). All other time (including those who opt-out of the speed boating) is free time to explore the hip city.

 

After speed boating, you are off to your hotel to check-in and freshen up for dinner. This first dinner is included in the price of the tour and is an authentic Mexican experience where you will have a choice of steak+shrimp burrito, taco salad, or other Mexican staples. Be sure not to overeat as it’s off to a bar crawl after, including a country bar with a mechanical bull! Be sure to check out Vin de Syrah for another very unique sensory experience (hidden door to get in?).

Day 2:
This day offers various options, including Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and Surfing. Around 2pm, there is a shuttle to Mission Beach for some relaxing beach time and carnival type rides. Dinner, although not included, is spent at a local hangout (walking distance from the hotel) called Kristy’s MVP Sports Bar where if you ask Kristy nicely she might give you a light paddling. For the remainder of the night there’s karaoke, beer pong, flip cup, and whatever other drinking game you can come up with. Don’t go too crazy as the next morning is an early start.

Day 3:
Say goodbye to the beach and head to Arizona where it’s HOT HOT HOT! On the way to Scottsdale, you will stop at a Wal-Mart to experience the shopping giant first hand (gun in a box anyone?). Be sure to stock-up on some non-perishable foods, snacks and ‘beverages’. You will arrive in Scottsdale in the mid-afternoon in time to take in some sun by the hotel pool with your new friends. If all goes well, dinner will also be pool-side as well. Once the sun goes down, it’s off to hit-up the great nigh-life of Scottsdale!

WARNING! For those that opt-in for the hot-air balloon ride ($170USD) the next morning, you are required to be ready at 4:45am, which will likely limit your time out at the bars. Obviously, this comes down to priorities (see below for review and video of the balloon ride experience to see if it’s worthwhile for you).

Day 4:
For those that opted-in for the hot air balloon ride, it’s a 4:45am start. This experience is recommended for first-time ballooners, but probably isn’t worthwhile for those that have done it before. See below video and be a judge for yourself.

 

For those that opt-out of the ballon ride, you will need to be ready for 8am. Once you link-up with the ballooning crew, it’s off to Sedona. In Sedona, there’s a mix of free time and also an optional Jeep Tour ($50USD). For those that don’t do the deep tour, be sure to have your swim gear ready as there’s a local river that’s only known to the locals 5 minutes from the dropoff point (see below video). Jump-in to be refreshed! Once you meet back up with everyone, it’s off to the Grand Canyon.

 

 

Arrival to the Grand Canyon is in the late afternoon and will give you a chance to settle into the cabins, shop at the local grocery story (which has reasonable pricing and options given that it’s inside the park) and grab some dinner (you will receive one breakfast voucher and one dinner voucher to be used anytime during your stay). After dinner, consider a low-key night outdoors with your fellow travellers enjoying some beverages. Be sure to pack a head-lamp and flashlight. NOTE: It gets cool at night in the Grand Canyon.

Day 5:
Full day at the Grand Canyon with optional helicopter ride ($275USD) in the morning and bike ride ($57USD) in the afternoon (see video of the hidden ledges you get to see on the bike ride). Otherwise, it’s free time to hike and enjoy the park. WARNING: Be sure to pack lots of water and follow all warnings. Dozens of people die each year in the park from underestimating the trails and ledges.

 

 

At sundown, head to Mohave Point with the crew to see the sunset. After the sunset, expect another low-key night of hanging out with your fellow travellers.

Day 6 &7:
Vegas!!!! There will another stop at a Wal-Mart on the way. Things are expensive in Vegas so get what you can here, including a lot of sunscreen, and be sure to plan ahead. The Hotel that you will be staying at is Harrah’s, which is right on the strip, but if you decide to stay longer it may be worthwhile to check out other hotels just to change it up. As always check other sites like Expedia and Hotels.com for best pricing.

Vegas is full of surprises. As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” so you’ll just have to take the trip to find out what happens there. Couple of tips: Be sure to bring dress shirts and dress shoes to get into the clubs. They have strict dress code policies. Also, there’s an optional (but not optional) ‘surprise’ that’s organized by Contiki for $10USD. Don’t complain and just pay it. It’s well worthwhile! Need extra tips to survive vegas? Go to my Vegas specific post here.

 

Safe Travels Everyone!

 

*This post contains affiliate links.

Europe

Paris – Contiki European Horizon

In and around the Louvre


 

Around Paris


The final stop is in the City of Love where there is plenty of free time to explore and shop.  The obvious recommendations are the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, L’Arc to Triumph and Notre Dame Cathedral.  Although these are highly recommended, if you feel like these are too touristy or main stream, a walk along the Seine river and seeing the small flea market type shops are an experience on its own.

The activities are endless and it might be hard to get motivated to go out as you will be tired from the last 11 days, but just keep in mind that you will never be with the same group of people ever again and the next time you will be back in Paris (if ever) may be decades away.

TL;DR – Go out with a bang. Paris is a truly magical city with a lot of history, culture, and attractions.

 

Looking to take a similar trip?  Visit Contiki’s website to get started!

Europe

Switzerland – Contiki European Horizon

 

Switzerland was probably the highlight for most people on the trip. The stunning scenery, clean water, and crisp air definitely gave everybody a second wind during the last leg of the trip.

On the way to the hostel from Italy, you will pass through Lucerne to learn about some Swiss history and to do some Swiss watch shopping. While here, be sure to pickup some milk as milk from Switzerland is second-to-none in quality and taste!

With two nights in the same hostel, it is a great time to catch up on emails and do some laundry. The Jungfrau tour which takes you up a mountain via rail to an elevation of 4,158m (13,641 ft) is highly recommended, but some preparation is required. Be sure to take warmer clothes with you and some Advil/Tylenol to help with elevation sickness (most people will be ok). If you’re feeling extra adventurous, be sure to hike to the peek of Jungfrau and/or take some snowboarding lessons while you’re there.

Although after a few days it’s difficult to leave Switzerland behind, knowing that you’re heading to Paris makes it a little more tolerable.

 

Looking to take a similar trip? Visit Contiki’s website to get started! (Affiliate Link)

Europe

Italy – Contiki European Horizon

 

Venice, as most would imagine, has amazing architecture and history.  A gondola ride is a must to fully experience Venice. If you ask nicely, you can even steer the gondola through the winding liquid streets.  All in all, I’m glad I went to experience this legendary city.

Next stop: Beautiful Switzerland!

Tip: Be sure to buy beers, snacks, etc. during your last rest stop in Italy. Things are significantly cheaper in Italy and Switzerland is a whole different currency all together.

Looking to take a similar trip? Visit Contiki’s website to get started! (Affiliate Link)

Europe

Austria – Contiki European Horizon

 

Hopfgarten, Austria is a small and tranquil village that is surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. The best way to relax here is to opt-in for the bike rental and bike through the village and surrounding bar and dance floor for those that want to dance the night away! Don’t stay up too late as the next day you are off to Italy!

Looking to take a similar trip? Visit Contiki’s website to get started!

Europe

Germany – Contiki European Horizon

 

While in Germany, you get to experience both the quiet country side that is the Rhine Valley and the city life of Munich.

While in the Rhine Valley you will stay in a small hostel run by a nice couple in the town of Bad Salzig. Don’t expect much as it’s quite the departure from the bustle of Amsterdam. Just take in the beauty and get to know your fellow travel-mates.

In Munich, be sure to take in the main attractions and how beautiful and clean the city is. Don’t go too crazy as dinner that night is beer and pork knuckles!

If you survive the night, the next stop is Austria!

Europe

Holland – Contiki European Horizon


*Apologies for the lack of images. I seemed to have misplaced them. Sigh…

After leaving England and travelling to France via Dover Cove and the English Channel and driving through Belgium, you arrive at your first destination of Amsterdam (what a way to start a trip!). After you check-in to the hostel and have dinner you’re off to a river cruise through Amsterdam where you can enjoy some beverages while seeing the city from the river. Once you disembark you’re off to the red light district!

In the legendary red light district, there is a great mix of bars, cafe, nightclubs, and… well… alley ways where lady companions can be purchased for a few hours. All joking aside, it is important to be careful at all times and not to get too inebriated, although for the most part it is a safe area with a lot of people around. For those looking to ‘smoke’ be sure to check the laws as they recently changed making it more restrictive. A great article on the subject is available here.

As fun as partying in Amsterdam is, please be sure to be coherent enough to enjoy the rest of the city the next day. It is only respectful to experience both sides of the city, including the Anne Frank Museum which will quickly put things back in perspective after a sinful night out.

No fear though, next you’re off to the Rhine Valley in Germany where your ability to party is quite limited…

Travel Advice

Travelling with Contiki*

Thinking of travelling with Contiki?  Here’s the low-down on what to expect.  If you’re looking for a comparison between Contiki and other tour companies like G Adventures, see here.

Before the Trip
You can expect a small welcome package, which includes a padded passport holder and luggage tag.  The passport holder includes all the required documents for the trip, including a strict luggage size/weight restrictions leaflet (you are only allowed one suitcase).  Be sure to adhere to the weight restrictions as Contiki does weigh your luggage before boarding its buses.  As for the passport holder, it tends to be a bit bulky (how much padded protection does your passport need?) so it’s probably not needed for the trip, but if you do take it with you be sure to remove the bulky Contiki marketing documents to save on weight.

Another import thing to consider is whether your tour starts on ‘Day 1’ or if the first day is considered a travel day to get to the starting destination.  Depending on tour, it might be required for you to arrive a day earlier (and stay an extra night).  Same goes for at the end of the tour if you plan on leaving right away.  Ensure that you have plenty of time to get to the airport from the final dropoff point.

If you’re interested in meeting other travellers from your group beforehand, be sure to sign-up online for Contiki’s ‘Meetup’ forum.  You will need your tour code to get into the group and it will allow you to message others and post pictures.  There is also a handy iOS and Android app available.

Arrival and Pre-Depature Meeting
Depending on the tour, there will be a pre-departure meeting.  Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended.  Plus you get the chance to meet everyone and even grab a drink after.

As mentioned above, before leaving the Contiki staff will weight your non-carry-on luggage.  The good thing is, it only has to meet the weight restriction at the beginning so if you’re worried that you might be slightly over, stuff all your heavy items into your carry-on (batteries, chargers, carmera, laptop, etc.) then reallocate later.  Be sure to take some water and snacks on with you as the departures are usually early and some locations don’t have convenient breakfast options.

During the Tour
The coaches are clean and well maintained.  Alcohol and dairy drinks are not allowed as it can start to smell if it spills or spoils.  To be considerate to others, water is probably best (there will be plenty of time later for other ‘beverages’).  As nice as the coaches are, germs can spread fast in a confined area so proper sanitation (alcohol wipes) is highly recommended.  Be proactive by eating properly, hydrating, and taking ‘immune boosters’ like ColdFx throughout the whole trip (regardless of how you feel).

Expect a good amount of interaction where you will get to meet the other travellers.  The tour leader will lead a lot of these, but they are always open to recommendations.  If you want to be a hero, bring stick-on name tags for the group.

The departure times at each stop are strictly enforced and the coach will not hesitate to leave without you.  Punctuality is very important regardless of how hard you partied the night before.  If you miss the coach, it will be up to you to catch-up on your own dime.

As great as the main attractions are, plan and make time for the more local experiences.  Goes without saying, the main tourist areas are overpriced for everything so taking the time to do the research to find areas away form the ‘beaten path’ is well worthwhile.

Near the End
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end.  Be sure to setup a Facebook group to share pictures and keep in touch with everyone.  There’s plenty of time on the coach throughout the trip to share contact info and plan ways to share photos and videos.  Also, be sure to ask around to see who’s sticking around after the tour.  Depending on how proactive you are, you might be able to split costs like hotel rooms, taxis, local tours, and meals.

Safe Travels Everyone!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Travel Advice

Packing Like a Pro!

One of the best packing videos I have seen!

 

One downfall I can see with this packing method is how much of a pain it is to put things back if you’re constantly on the move or need something quickly from your suitcase.

S. America

Machu Picchu G Adventures

Greetings, fellow globe trotter! If you’re reading this, you’re likely dreaming of the misty heights of Machu Picchu, just like me. This ancient Incan city, hidden in the clouds of the Peruvian Andes, is a bucket-list destination for many. But let’s face it, planning an expedition to an archaeological wonder located some 2,430 meters above sea level can seem a bit daunting. That’s where G Adventures comes in.

G Adventures is not your run-of-the-mill tour company. They are a group of passionate individuals committed to offering authentic, sustainable travel experiences that change lives and respect our planet. Their adventurous spirit and dedication to responsible tourism make them an ideal companion for your Machu Picchu journey.

So, what makes a G Adventures Machu Picchu tour worth your while? Let’s dig deeper.

Read more