- February 15, 2020
6 Great Alternatives To Contiki You Should Totally Check Out
Looking for alternatives to Contiki? These 6 travel operators are your best options 💁♀️
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SHARESContiki is undoubtedly one of the most well-known and biggest travel brands for under 35s.
But bigger isn’t always better, and there are a few fantastic alternatives to Contiki which you may not have heard of.
Looking for companies like Contiki? Here's a few options:
1. Why seek alternatives to Contiki?
There are many reasons why you might seek alternatives to Contiki tours.
Perhaps you want more flexibility in your travel plans. Maybe you’re after a more authentic experience, or you’re looking for a tour that offers a different itineraries than what Contiki offers.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of other tour operators that are exclusively for millennials and young professionals.
Some tour operators, such as Intrepid Travel, offer smaller groups and more flexibility in terms of itineraries and activities. This can be a great option if you want to have more control over your trip and see more of the local culture.
Other tour companies, such as G Adventures, specialise in outdoor activities and adventure travel. If you’re looking for an active vacation, these companies can provide some great options for example.
1.1 Average price of a Contiki tour
At the time of writing, the average cost per day for a Contiki tour is $180 (£116) per day.
This may be too high for you, and if so, then you’ll be happy to know that there are a few Contiki alternatives that come in cheaper – but there’s two which are definitely won’t.
1.2 Style of Contiki tours
Contiki is just one of the 42 brands under the control of The Travel Corporation.
And while big travel companies have its perks, some people think being too big can negatively affect their travel experience.
This is why people – like yourself, look for alternatives to Contiki as they seek a more honest experience with a smaller, more hands-on and intimate travel company.
But don’t think that Contiki isn’t all that – because it sure as hell is 🤛
According to TourRadar, Contiki is rated excellent from over 5,100 passengers with an impressive 86% claiming their Contiki tour was excellent.
9.7
But does Contiki offer the intimate tours that other travel operators provide? No, they don’t.
The truth is that unless you pay a lot more and go with a company like G Adventures or Intrepid Travel, then you’re really not going to get the close group tour experience you’re after.
Here's our list of the six best alternatives to Contiki:
2. Topdeck Travel
Topdeck is wildly popular and probably the most similar tour operator to Contiki.
With a massive 274 tours to choose from and almost the same trip types and destinations, Topdeck Travel is one of the best alternatives to Contiki.
In January 2020, Topdeck launched a new “Feel Real” branding that promises to offer more immersive, raw and off-the-grid destinations and experiences.
- Topdeck has a slightly older age range than Contiki (18-39)
- Topdeck tours include your accommodation, meals & transportation
- Topdeck Travel does not charge single supplements, but Contiki does
- Always great deals and Topdeck discount codes available
- Topdeck trips are a little bit less “party” than Contiki tours
3. G Adventures
Another small-group tour company on our list of alternatives to Contiki has to be G Adventures.
G Adventures is the ultimate sustainable small-group tour company building meaningful relationships with local communities and helping the people and places they visit.
Unlike Contiki, there is no upper age limit for G Adventure tours (except their 18-to-Thirty-somethings trips), so you’ll be sure to get more of a mixed bag of travellers if you wish, or you can opt for tours with people your age – it’s entirely up to you.
- You can travel with 18-35s or jump on a tour with no upper age limit
- They offer lifetime deposits so you never lose your deposit if you can’t make your initial trip
- Big focus on supporting local communities
- All about an authentic and unforgettable life-changing experience
- Lots of deals and promotions available throughout the year
4. TruTravels
Are you looking for an amazing travel experience, but don’t want to break the bank?
TruTravels is here to help! With their unique, affordable travel options, you can see the world without spending a fortune.
TruTravels offer a variety of packages, each designed to give you the best possible experience for your budget. Whether you’re interested in exploring new cultures or simply relaxing on a beach vacation, there is something for everyone.
They also boast an experienced team who will work with you to create the perfect trip, tailored to your specific needs and interests.
- They take care of all the details so that you can fully appreciate your vacation
- TruTravels offer shorter and more convenient tours
- They offer itineraries created specifically for travelers and backpackers
- Tours are designed for travellers with a backpacker style of travel
5. Travel Talk Tours
Travel Talk has to be on the list of alternatives to Contiki tours because they have pretty much the same demographics as Contiki.
Travel Talk Tours is a UK based operator and has a large following of expats living in the UK & Europe – so exactly the same type of people who travel with Contiki.
For this reason, you’ll find many similarities between these two brands and their tours – lots of Croatia sailing, Greek Island hopping and a few festival trips to choose from also.
- Strictly for 18-39s only
- Premium accommodation & transportation included
- Tours to Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa
- Very similar passengers to Contiki (same ages & nationalities etc.)
- Generous deals & discounts with up to 50% off at times
6. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel offers a more authentic travel experience than Contiki with a big focus on authentic real-life experiences, and local secrets you won’t find on Google.
They do this by using tour guides who are born and raised in the country you’re visiting.
A significant difference between Contiki and Intrepid Travel is the group sizes. The average Intrepid tour group size is about ten compared to Contiki’s which can be upwards of 22-30 in a group.
So if you’re looking for small groups and big adventures, then Intrepid Travel is definitely a great alternative to Contiki.
- 1,000 trips across 100 countries in a variety of styles
- Authentic real-life experience with a focus on responsible travel
- With an average of just ten people, Intrepid has a much smaller group size compared to Contiki
- A great balance between organised activities and your own free time
- They only use local born & raised tour guides
7. Busabout
UPDATEBusabout has suspended all trips until 2022 or 2023. Learn more.
Busabout describes themselves as “the alternative way to travel”, and that’s thanks to their unique travel styles.
With Busabout you can pick from pre-planned, guided tours or you can build your itinerary and travel on your own terms with the award-winning Hop-on Hop-off Travel Passes.
- Travel at your own pace without restrictions
- Build your ideal itinerary with the Busabout trip planner
- Part of the company that owns the Contiki brand
- You can explore Europe, North America, Africa & Asia
- There is no upper age limit with Busabout (average age range is 18-45)
Whatever your reason for seeking an alternative to Contiki is, take comfort in knowing that there are other options available.
All alternative travel operators listed also offer the high-quality and highly rated tours that you’d expect from a global brand like Contiki.
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