This post is sponsored by Contiki but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
"When I look back on the post-grad Europe trip my best friend and I took last year, out of the entire two months we spent traveling across six countries and 11 cities, there’s one day in particular that always jumps to the front of my mind like a war flashback: The Travel Day from Hell (TTDFH), as we’ve come to call it.
It was supposed to go as follows: We easily catch our 5 a.m. ferry from our island in Greece back to the mainland, take a quick bus ride from the seaport to the airport, and board our flight to London without a care in the world. But as you could guess, that didn’t happen. Instead, we didn’t get back to our hostel until 3 a.m., overslept and missed our ferry, and had to catch a new ferry that would barely get us to the mainland on time. I got such severe sea sickness that I threw up upon arrival at the seaport and physically could not get on the bus. Once we finally got on said bus, it took us 30 minutes to realize we were going in the complete opposite direction of the airport, and we, of course, missed our flight to London. To put it gracefully, we were far from living out The Lizzie McGuire Movie fantasy like we thought we would.
While TTDFH was by far the worst situation, it was only one of the many travel mishaps we ran into over the course of our trip. And I’ll admit it: It was my type-b planning style that put us in these scenarios. Looking back now, I would have literally killed to know about a travel company like Contiki. Their group trips would have saved us so much time and energy we could’ve put toward meeting more people, seeing more sites, and having the time of our lives. So, here’s exactly why I’ll be using Contiki for my next trip abroad:
Introducing Contiki: My new favorite travel hack
Mind you, before this post-grad trip, the most elaborate travel excursion I had planned on my own was a 3-day camping trip where I genuinely forgot to bring a tent. Contiki specializes in stress-free, pre-planned adventures designed for young travelers who want to see everything but maybe don’t have the time or energy to plan everything. So, whether you’re a little too type-b like myself or just don’t want to worry about creating the perfect, smoothest-running itinerary, Contiki is your new best friend and saving grace in the world of travel. Instead of spending hours piecing together an itinerary or, in my case, doing the bare minimum and hoping for the best, Contiki takes care of it all. In short, it’s the dream setup.
What to expect when you use Contiki:
Doesn’t matter if you’ve been around the globe or if you’re gearing up for your first big trip, there’s no shame in sitting back and letting Contiki take the wheel. They handle every detail, from transportation to accommodations, so all you have to do is show up and have a good time. It’s the perfect setup for anyone who wants to explore without the hassle or stress of planning.
Fully planned itineraries
First off, they give you fully pre-planned itineraries with all the must-see sights and activities. So no more scrambling to figure out how to get from point A to point B or wasting time figuring out what sites you want to see instead of actually seeing them. For those who like to stray off the beaten path, there’s still room for spontaneous moments and free time, so you get the best of both worlds.
Expert guides that’ll help you travel like a local
And they’ve got expert guides who know all the best local spots and can save you from making rookie mistakes (like… uh, paying over €50 for a bottle of dirt-cheap wine). It’s like having a friend who knows all the shortcuts and hidden gems, so you skip the tourist traps and get the real, authentic experience. Plus, they’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about any of the sketchiness of exploring on your own.
Options for solo or group travelers
Whether you’re going solo or traveling with friends, Contiki has a spot for you. Come alone, join a group, and instantly connect with new travel buddies just as eager to explore. Or, bring along a partner or a few friends for an easy, well-planned getaway. Either way, you’re going to have someone handle all the nitty-gritty details for you, so you can just sit back and enjoy.
Cost-effective packages (+ limited-time discounts!)
Let’s be real—traveling can get expensive. One of the best things about Contiki is that they make exploring the world more affordable with their packages that cover lodging, meals, and activities. And now, they’re making it even easier on your wallet with their Cyber Sale. From November 1 to December 5, you can save up to 25% on your whole trip! This is your sign to book next year’s big adventure without breaking the bank. Secure your spot now and let future-you reap the benefits of this epic deal.
How I’ll be using Contiki for future travel:
Even though my post-grad Eurotrip was hectic (to say the least), it was still one of the most fun and memorable experiences of my life. But looking back, I know it would’ve been even better—and way less stressful—had Contiki been there to help. Traveling is so important for our lives, whether it’s for broadening our horizons, making lifelong memories, or just taking a break from everyday life. And with Contiki, you can do all of that without the stress of planning every detail. I’m seriously so excited to try it out wherever I want to go next, and I know it’s going to take the experience to a whole new level. Here’s a peek at my Contiki travel bucket list, which is growing by the day:
Contiki
Spend eight days island hopping between the Greek islands of Mykonos, Pathos, and Santorini with a large group 30 people looking for travel buddies just like you.
Contiki
Through two cities in Portugal and four cities in Spain, you can spend 10 days with a huge group of just over 50 travelers ready to make new friends—perfect if you’re an adventurous solo traveler!
Contiki
If you’re looking for more of a chill, nature-centered experience, this week long adventure through South Africa that visits wildlife sanctuaries and national parks with a smaller group of 24 people is right up your alley.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
McKenna Pringle, Branded Content Editoral Assistant
As the Branded Content Editorial Assistant, McKenna assists the sales team with the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, pitching and contributing stories of her own, and more in order to create high-quality content for our brand partners.
This post is sponsored by Contiki but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.