New trips and experiences include a vegan odyssey in Europe, trekking in the Himalayas or Mt Kilimanjaro, surfing in Devon and much more -
Youth travel operator Contiki is feeling optimistic that 2021 will deliver travel dreams for millennials and Gen-Z travellers and has launched the Contiki Pledge, inviting travellers who are 18 to 35 year-olds to make their next trip count.
To inspire travel plans, Contiki has a list of amazing trips curated for every type of travel adventurer.
1. Contiki’s new Limited Edition vegan trip with the coolest stays
The
Vegan Food Explorer Europe, an 8-day vegan odyssey covering Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest hosted by vegan influencers
@thelittlelondonvegan and
@laurafruitfairy. Departing on 28 August 2021, the trip coincides with the Vegan Summer Festival in Berlin and includes a vegan cooking class in Budapest; a dining experience with locals in Berlin, and the chance to sample a wide range of vegan delicacies on an interactive food tour in Berlin. Immersive cultural experiences include a locally guided bike tour of opulent Prague and a classical music concert in melodic Vienna, the home of Beethoven, are also included. Plus, free-time add-ons include a morning yoga class in Prague and a soak in the famous Széchenyi traditional thermal baths in Budapest, perfect for those who want to relax in style. Accommodation has been specially selected to showcase the coolest stays around, including the Moxy in Berlin and A&O in Budapest, with bespoke vegan breakfasts served exclusively for Contiki guests. Prices from US$1,436 per person.
2. Give back on your travels and Make Travel Matter
What better way to make our travels count than doing something positive for the destinations, communities or wildlife we visit? Contiki has an increasing number of Contiki Cares experiences designed to support the people, planet or wildlife in the destinations we travel to, with the goal of having at least one such experience across 50% of our trips by 2025.
Contiki’s
New York Uncovered is a 4-day adventure of the Big Apple with an included New York subway pass, and a group size of not more than 25 persons. Guests will stay at Moxy Hotel Times Square, right in the hear of midtown Manhattan, where this boutique hotel has a trendy rooftop bar perfect for enjoying cocktails and offering stunning views of the Empire State Building. Locals love its "urban amusement park" complete with a rotating carousel, a topiary garden and a chic indoor "Foreplay" golf course.
Make travel matter with a visit to the Bronx to learn about Green Bronx Machine, a non-profit introducing school-based urban agriculture projects to transform marginalised communities into inclusive neighbourhoods. Prices are from US$700 per person.
3. Reach new heights with a mountain trek in the Himalayas or Mt Kilimanjaro
Contiki’s NEW six-day
Nepal Trek Challenge is the ultimate bucket list trip where views of the famous Annapurna peaks from Sarangkot viewpoint awaits. Admire the unique beauty of the Nepalese Himalayas. Accommodation is in a hotel at Pokhara at the beginning and the end, and in comfortable hiking lodges along the trek itself. There is free time at the end to enjoy a well-earned rest by Pokhara lake. Prices from US$1,063 per person.
For more experienced climbers,
Marangu Kili Climb is an epic seven-day journey up the highest peak of Africa in Kilimanjaro. Climb up the Marangu route to Uhuru Peak and the true adventure of paths trodden, wildlife spotted and friends made will make this an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime trip. Prices from US$1,905 per person.
4. Do something that scares you
There’s not much that will counter the lethargy of 2021 than the adrenalin rush of pushing our limits and doing something that terrifies us, but it’s much more fun amongst friends and in beautiful surroundings
Contiki’s
Cape to Delta Safari is a 15-day trip that offers some heart-thumping experiences, with the opportunity to raft down the Zambezi river (one of the world's best spots for white water rapids), bungee jump over the Victoria Falls, slide across the Zambezi from Zambia to Zimbabwe or swing off the famous bridge connecting Zimbabwe to Zambia. Not to mention the wildlife spotting games drives in Kruger National Park and the Okavango Delta, alongside a three-night stay in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Prices from US $3,300 per person.
Check out
Canada & the Rockies with countless adventures including zipline, white water rafting and a walk along the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the break-taking’ scapes of the Canadian Rockies. Starting from the charming village of Whistler, the trip covers Lillooet Mountain Range, Jasper, & Banff, before finally landing amongst the cool vibes of Vancouver. Prices from US$1,978 per person.
6. Learn a new skill
Surf & Yoga in Devon is a four-day glamping trip includes surfing lessons (with all the kit provided), coastal hikes, ocean swims, outdoor cookery lessons with @veganwise, energising and restorative yoga sessions and sunset fireside dinners. A Detour trip by Contiki, this is a trip that you will come away with new skills and a journey that introduces spectacular destinations through a local's eyes. Prices start from $594.
Learn to be a Safari Guide in Kruger National Park is a six-day trip that visits the northern part of Kruger National Park Through ten fully guided game drives and walks, travellers are offered daily practical instruction designed to mirror safari guides training, for example wildlife tracks and tracking, ecology and conservation and animal identification and behaviour. After the days in training, travellers enjoy sundowner drinks on afternoon game drives and nights swapping stories around the campfire under the stars. Prices from US$1,459 per person.
6. Live like Royalty
If staying in a French Chateau is good enough for ‘Emily in Paris’, it’s good enough for us too. Contiki’s 17th century Château de Cruix in Beaujolais has undergone a $.1.5 million renovation this year and mixes original features with modern décor and art, offering Instagrammable backdrops at every turn. With views across valleys, vineyards and farmhouses, Château de Cruix offers a host of activities, from cooling off in the outdoor pool to sunrise yoga on the lawn, picnics, hikes and bike rides, volleyball on the new outdoor court and local wine tastings.
A stay at Chateau de Cruix is available on the new
Food and Wine in a French Chateau is a 4-day mini-break, offering an exploration of the region's gastronomy with a local host. Meet Anne Sophie, a Lyon local who is passionate about her family recipes. This passion led Anne to launch her very own cooking blog, where she combines culinary skills with her love for photography. On an unforgettable culinary experience, Anne Sophie will take guests to Lyon's local markets to find the freshest produce, before sharing her passion for food during her masterclass for French cooking. Prices start from US $556 per person.
Contiki’s incredible accommodation doesn’t stop there, with Special Stays including the luxurious Riad Mouana and the Belle Etoile Sahara Desert Camp on the
Moroccan Adventure and the chalet-style accommodation of the Tunnel Mountain Resort in Banff on
The Powder Rush ski and snowboarding trip in Canada.
Contiki is offering up to 30% worldwide savings as part of its Cyber Sale until Dec 3, 2020. With a US$99 deposit, travellers can secure their trip fares for 2021 and 2022. Plus, they can change their trip or dates later for free.
Pledge and join in the conversation to Make 2021 Count and use the hashtag #Contikipledge on social. For more info on Contiki Detour, check out the video
here.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
