Let’s get one thing straight: a Contiki trip isn’t just a holiday. It’s a fast-track ticket to stories you’ll tell for years, friendships forged over rooftop toasts, and memories that cling to you like glitter after a festival. Whether you’re a fresh-faced solo adventurer or rolling up with your best mate, Contiki is the place where “why not?” becomes your new catchphrase.

Think of Contiki as your hype crew, road trip pals, and part-time travel parents all rolled into one. They sort the boring stuff (like how to get from A to B, where to stay, and what to eat) so you can focus on the good stuff — hiking volcanoes, partying under the stars, learning to make pasta from a real Italian nonna, and living your best main-character life.

So who goes on Contiki?

Honestly? Legends. But if you want to get technical, Contiki trips are for 18–35-year-olds who are curious, social, and allergic to FOMO. Some people travel solo, others come in groups — but the best bit? You’re all there to explore, connect, and say yes to a bit of adventure. From shy quiet souls to pro-level extroverts, Contiki is a safe, zero-judgement space where everyone’s welcome.

One day you’ll be jamming to ABBA on the coach (don’t fight it, everyone ends up singing), the next you’ll be swapping life stories with someone from the other side of the world. Instant friendships. No awkwardness. Just good vibes.

The travel style

Contiki’s style is basically you, but with the volume turned up. You can go super chill with more free time to do your own thing or go full throttle with epic included activities like gondola rides, wine tastings, ziplining, or guided city tours.

Accommodation? Sorted. Transport? Sorted. Local guides who know their stuff? Sorted. You can even book optional experiences on the go, from helicopter rides to cooking classes, which means there’s always something new to try.

And because you’re travelling with a group of like-minded explorers, every meaningful, eye-opening moment is shared. Your Trip Manager is like the supportive big sibling you never knew you needed — there to guide you, encourage you, and have your back every step of the way.

The destinations

Where do you wanna go? Europe? Asia? Australia? The Americas? Contiki’s got routes criss-crossing the globe, from the buzzing streets of Tokyo to the vineyards of Tuscany, the surf breaks of Byron Bay to the bucket-list glaciers of Iceland.

Fancy chasing the Northern Lights? Or maybe a night-time gondola ride in Venice? How about snorkelling with turtles in the Caribbean? Yep, it’s all on the menu. Your itinerary will be the kind of highlight reel you’d dream up at 3am when you can’t sleep, but for real.

Food, glorious food

If you think group travel equals dodgy buffets, think again. Contiki loves feeding you properly. We’re talking authentic, locally-inspired meals — from paella in Spain to freshly made sushi in Japan. Many trips include breakfast daily and a whole bunch of dinners, so you’ll never be left hangry.

And there’s loads of flexibility too: vegan, veggie, gluten-free? They’ve got you. If you want to go off and find a cheeky taco stand down a side street, no problem. Part of the fun is discovering hidden gems with your new travel gang.

Memories that stick

The best way to describe a Contiki trip is that it sticks to you, like a favourite sticker on your water bottle. One minute you’re singing your lungs out on the bus, the next you’re standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, heart going boom boom boom because you can’t believe you’re actually here.

It’s the mish-mash of moments — the sunsets, the spontaneous dance floors, the deep chats with someone who, a day ago, was a stranger — that you’ll remember most. You’ll come back with a camera roll so stacked it practically begs for its own storage plan, but the photos will only capture a fraction of the feels.

The Contiki family

One of the coolest parts? Your crew doesn’t disappear after the trip ends. Contiki travellers stay in touch, meet up again, or plan the next adventure together. You’ll have a network of mates from all over the world, so whether you end up in Sydney, Stockholm or San Francisco, there’s a good chance someone from Contiki will be there to show you around.

It’s also ridiculously reassuring. Travelling alone can feel scary, but with Contiki you get that safety net of having a team behind you and a group of friendly faces around you from day one. Zero stress, maximum freedom.

Good for the planet, too

Worried about your eco-footprint? We get it — and so does Contiki. That’s why they’ve made some pretty sweet sustainability moves to help you travel with purpose. Think carbon offsetting on all coach travel, zero single-use plastics on trips, and partnerships with local communities that give back in a meaningful way.

Contiki’s all about making travel matter — not just ticking off the bucket list, but doing it in a way that’s mindful, responsible, and good for the world. Whether it’s supporting family-run businesses, protecting wildlife, or reducing waste, every journey is designed to have a positive impact. So you can explore the world, connect with cultures, and live your best life — all without the guilt.

Final vibes check

Here’s the honest tea: Contiki is a choose-your-own-adventure dream for the fun-hungry, experience-hungry, friendship-hungry generation. You’ll see more in less time, you’ll laugh more than you thought possible, and you’ll leave with a fresh appreciation of how big — and how connected — the world can be.

Yes, it can be full on. Yes, you’ll probably want a nap when you get home. But if you want to live out a highlight reel where you’re the star, Contiki is the way to do it.

If you’re 18–35, even just thinking about it, there’s really only one thing left to say:

Book it. Pack it. Let’s go.

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Ready to roll? Explore trips, ideas and inspo over with Global Coach Tours and let the daydreaming begin.