What makes me love CONTIKI? LET ME COUNT THE WAYS.
My colleague Alex and I took our debut trip in Asia on the Contiki tour. We took it on their Thai Island Hopper West, that included Phuket, Koh Phi Phi as well as Krabi and we enjoyed the best fun of our lives! I’m sorry for having to wait this long to go through an Contiki experience however, I am addicted! I was still not home when I started thinking about and dreaming of my next tour with Contiki. Perhaps South America or India. There are numerous possibilities!
You’re probably already familiar with Contiki, but in case you aren’t aware of Contiki they’re a tour company that organizes tours throughout the world specifically for those aged 18 to 35 years old. There are a myriad of choices based on your personal preference for traveling and the time you need. I’m planning to write a full travel journal of my trip to Thailand due out in the near future but for now I’d like to share some Contiki love and share the reason behind the obsession.
I also documented the trip, and my heart literally swells every when I see the video. I can’t even begin to describe how we had a blast on the Thailand Contiki excursion was. You just need to experience it yourself!
1. A Meeting with New People
I am a huge fan of making new acquaintances and getting to know people better however it can be a challenge to do in adulthood. An excursion like this however, brings you in contact with other people and strengthens friendships with the help of events. If you go on a trip alone, with a partner or with a significant other If you’re open to the idea, you’ll certainly make new connections.
I am grateful for the connections Alex and I formed during our Contiki trip to the island so many times. Two of our friends have booked their tickets to visit us at Vancouver during the summer! It was the experience of getting to know so many wonderful new people from all over the globe that added a special touch to this trip.
2. Moving Out of Your Comfort Zone
I’ve been on vacations where I’m lazy and never leave the hotel or am exhausted that I don’t have the energy to remain out after dinner. This is not the case in Contiki which is a good way. It is a place that you are encouraged to explore, go out to take in the sights and of course, you can enjoy the nightlife.
In my late 20s, I began to become a cautious individual. This, in many ways, frustrates me. It’s limiting and it’s pretty boring. Because of Contiki I took the longest plane trip and leapt off the second floor of a boat, played with the fish and ate a variety of questionably vegetarian food items that basically put on an unsuitable bathing suit for the duration of the duration of a week. I also participated in an intense water gun fight on the streets and then danced the night away and got past all the fears or issues I could have thought about and pushed myself away from. Their #NoRegrets policy was the mantra I followed throughout the times I was scared and it was a great feeling to accomplish numerous things that I would not have done.
3. Being a knowledgeable guide
It was an absolute benefit having a leader who kept our group on track and up-to-date. Since the moment we joined with our team, I felt at ease and secure. Matt our shrewd captain who helped get us to feel comfortable as we were all introduced. He also made sure that we were informed about important aspects of the local culture, and also provided fun facts whenever they were available. When we had leisure time, he’d offer plenty of suggestions of activities and places take a bite and never led us in the wrong direction. He made sure that we were having fun, and was an expert, in the event we needed it. It was a very enjoyed part of the trip.
4. Fantastic Value
Looking back, I am amazed by how much we crammed into just a week. I doubt I could have done as many things in such a small period of time by myself. In fact, I know that I wouldn’t since I typically spend my beginning of my time in a foreign place feeling a bit lost. From our own experience in Thailand the trip was simple on the budget. There was a lot to be included and anything extra wasn’t a problem not at all.
5. Peace Of Mind
Let’s face it, I’m somewhat of an anxiety ball particularly when it comes to traveling. The ability to let go and relax since it was scheduled before? This, my dear is amazing.
Have you ever taken an Contiki trip? What was your destination? How was the experience? Tell me about it via the comment section below!