Are you planning your next adventure but can’t decide which tour company to choose? Two of the most popular options for young travellers are Topdeck and Contiki. Both companies offer a range of tours with different itineraries, durations, and destinations. In this blog post, we’ll compare Topdeck vs Contiki to help you make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
Why compare Topdeck or Contiki?
Comparing Topdeck vs Contiki allows you to assess the differences in tour styles, destinations, prices, accommodations, inclusions, company culture, and customer reviews. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each company, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your travel style, preferences, and budget.
For example, if you’re looking for a more adventurous and active tour, Topdeck might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more cultural and educational experience, Contiki might be a better fit. By comparing the two companies’ itineraries and inclusions, you can choose the tour that best suits your interests and goals.
Additionally, comparing Topdeck vs Contiki can help you assess the value for money of each company’s tours. By comparing the prices and inclusions, you can determine which company offers the best value for your budget. You can also consider the company culture and customer reviews to ensure that the tour company aligns with your values and expectations.
A brief overview of Topdeck and Contiki
Topdeck and Contiki are two of the most well-known and reputable tour companies for young travellers. Both companies offer a wide range of tours that cater to different travel styles, preferences, and budgets.
Topdeck is an Australian-based tour operator that has been in business for over 45 years. It specialises in adventure tours for 18-39 year olds and offers a range of tour styles including camping, budget, and comfort. Topdeck operates tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Middle East.
Contiki, on the other hand, is a global tour company that has been around for over 55 years. It focuses on group travel for 18-35 year olds and offers a variety of tour styles including discovery, in-depth explorer, and sailing and cruising. Contiki operates tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America.
Both Topdeck and Contiki are known for their expertly crafted itineraries, high-quality accommodations, and knowledgeable tour leaders. They offer a range of inclusions such as transportation, meals, and activities, making it easy for travellers to enjoy their adventures without the hassle of planning everything themselves.
Passenger demographics
Topdeck’s target demographic is travellers between the ages of 18 and 39, with a focus on adventure and off-the-beaten-path experiences. The majority of Topdeck’s passengers are between the ages of 18 and 30, with a roughly equal split between male and female passengers. The company attracts a diverse range of nationalities, with passengers hailing from all over the world. However, Topdeck’s tours tend to attract more European and Australian travellers, as these are the regions where the company operates the most tours.
Contiki’s target demographic is also young travelers, between the ages of 18 and 35, with a focus on cultural and educational experiences. The majority of Contiki’s passengers are between the ages of 18 and 25, with a slightly higher proportion of female passengers. Similar to Topdeck, Contiki attracts a diverse range of nationalities, with passengers coming from all over the world. However, the company’s tours tend to attract more American and Canadian travellers, as these are the regions where the company is most well-known.
Overall, both Topdeck and Contiki attract a young, adventurous, and culturally curious demographic. By catering to the unique needs and preferences of this demographic, both companies have built a loyal following of young travelers who are looking for immersive and memorable travel experiences.
Tour styles
Topdeck and Contiki offer a range of tour styles to cater to different preferences and budgets. Understanding the differences between these styles is key to choosing the right tour for you.
Topdeck offers three tour styles: camping, budget, and comfort. The camping style is the most affordable and adventurous option, with travellers sleeping in tents and participating in outdoor activities such as hiking and rafting. The budget style offers a mix of hostels and budget hotels, with a focus on budget-friendly activities and experiences. The comfort style offers higher-end accommodations such as hotels and resorts, with more luxury experiences and inclusions.
Contiki offers three tour styles as well: discovery, in-depth explorer, and sailing and cruising. The discovery style is the most popular, offering a mix of activities and experiences, including cultural and historical sightseeing, nightlife, and adventure sports. The in-depth explorer style is for travellers who want to delve deeper into a particular region, with a focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences and local culture. The sailing and cruising style offers a more relaxed and luxurious experience, with travellers exploring destinations by sea and enjoying onboard amenities such as spas and restaurants.
Each tour style has its own benefits and drawbacks. The camping style offered by Topdeck is perfect for travellers on a budget who are looking for an adventurous experience. The budget style is ideal for travellers who want a mix of budget-friendly accommodations and activities, while the comfort style is perfect for those who want a more luxurious experience. On the other hand, Contiki’s discovery style is great for travellers who want a mix of activities and experiences, while the in-depth explorer style is ideal for those who want to explore a particular region in depth. Finally, the sailing and cruising style is perfect for travellers who want a more relaxed and luxurious experience.
Tour destinations
Topdeck and Contiki offer a wide range of destinations on their tours, catering to different travel styles and interests.
Topdeck operates tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, North America, and the Middle East. Some of the most popular destinations for Topdeck tours include Europe, where the company offers tours that cover multiple countries and regions, including Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean.
Topdeck also offers tours in Australia and New Zealand, with a focus on adventure and outdoor activities. In Asia, Topdeck offers tours in destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, with a mix of cultural experiences and adventure activities. The company also operates tours in Africa, with a focus on wildlife and safari experiences, and in North America and the Middle East.
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Contiki also operates tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. The company’s tours in Europe cover a wide range of countries and regions, including popular destinations such as France, Italy, and Spain, as well as more off-the-beaten-path destinations such as Croatia and Romania.
In Australia and New Zealand, Contiki offers tours that cover both the North and South Islands, with a mix of adventure activities and cultural experiences. In Asia, Contiki offers tours in popular destinations such as Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as less-traveled destinations such as Cambodia and Laos. The company also operates tours in Africa, with a focus on wildlife and cultural experiences, and in North and South America.
Topdeck vs Contiki: Accommodation
Accommodations can greatly impact your tour experience, and Topdeck and Contiki offer different types of accommodations to cater to different travel styles and budgets.
Topdeck offers a mix of accommodations, including camping, hostels, and hotels. Camping tours are designed for travellers who are looking for a more adventurous and budget-friendly experience, with stays in tents or cabins in the great outdoors. Hostels are a popular option for budget-conscious travellers, while hotels offer a more comfortable and luxurious experience. Topdeck’s accommodations tend to be centrally located, making it easy for travellers to explore on their own during free time.
Contiki, on the other hand, focuses more on hotels and resorts, with a mix of budget and luxury options. The company’s accommodations tend to be centrally located, offering easy access to local attractions and activities. Contiki also offers a range of unique accommodations, such as farm stays and eco-lodges, for travellers who are looking for something a little different.
In terms of quality and location, both Topdeck and Contiki offer high-quality accommodations that are designed to cater to young travellers. Topdeck’s camping and budget accommodations are designed to be affordable, while still offering a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Contiki’s hotels and resorts are carefully chosen to offer a luxurious and memorable experience for travellers.
When choosing between Topdeck vs Contiki, it’s important to consider your budget, travel style, and preferences. If you’re looking for a more adventurous and budget-friendly experience, Topdeck’s camping or budget tours might be a good fit for you. If you’re looking for a more luxurious or comfortable experience, Contiki’s hotel and resort options might be more appealing.
Topdeck vs Contiki: Transport
Topdeck and Contiki offer a mix of transportation options on their tours, ranging from public transport to private coaches and boats.
Topdeck’s transportation offerings vary depending on the tour style and destination. In Europe, Topdeck generally uses public transport such as trains and buses, as well as private coaches for longer journeys. In other destinations, such as Australia and New Zealand, the company uses a mix of private coaches and minivans for transportation. Topdeck also offers some tours that involve flights or ferry rides, such as their Egypt and Jordan tour that includes a Nile River cruise.
Contiki also offers a mix of transportation options on their tours. In Europe, the company uses a mix of public transport such as trains and buses, as well as private coaches for longer journeys. In other destinations, such as Australia and New Zealand, Contiki uses a mix of private coaches and minivans for transportation. Contiki’s sailing and cruising tours also offer transportation via boat or cruise ship.
Both Topdeck and Contiki offer included transportation in their tour prices, making it easy for travellers to get from place to place without worrying about logistics. However, there may be additional costs for optional activities or transportation not included in the tour price.
When choosing a tour company, it’s important to consider the transportation options offered and how they align with your travel style and preferences. If you prefer the convenience and comfort of private coaches, both Topdeck and Contiki offer this option on many of their tours. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive and authentic experience, Topdeck’s use of public transport may be more appealing. Overall, both Topdeck and Contiki offer a range of transportation options that cater to different travel styles and preferences.
Topdeck vs Contiki: Meals
Overall, both Topdeck and Contiki offer a mix of included and optional meals on their tours, with a focus on offering authentic and diverse dining experiences. The quality and variety of meals can vary depending on the destination and tour style, but both companies aim to cater to the dietary needs and preferences of their passengers. By considering the meal offerings of each company, you can choose the tour that best suits your culinary interests and needs.
Topdeck typically includes some meals in the tour price, such as breakfasts and some dinners. The company also offers optional meal add-ons, such as food tours or cooking classes, for an additional cost. Meals on Topdeck tours tend to be a mix of local cuisine and international options, with a focus on offering a variety of dining experiences. Topdeck also caters to dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Contiki also includes some meals in the tour price, such as breakfasts and some dinners. The company offers a mix of international and local cuisine, with a focus on providing authentic dining experiences. Contiki also offers optional meal add-ons, such as wine-tasting or cooking classes, for an additional cost. The company caters to dietary restrictions and preferences, but travelers are encouraged to inform the company of their dietary needs in advance.
Topdeck vs Contiki: Value for money
When choosing a tour company, value for money is an important factor for young travellers. Topdeck and Contiki both offer a range of tour styles and destinations at varying price points, and understanding the value for money of each company’s tours can help young travellers make an informed decision.
In terms of value for money, Topdeck’s tours tend to be slightly more expensive than Contiki’s, but they also offer more included activities and experiences. Topdeck’s tours often include entrance fees to popular attractions, such as museums and national parks, as well as some meals and activities. This means that travellers can enjoy a more immersive and comprehensive experience without having to spend extra money on additional activities or meals.
Contiki, on the other hand, tends to offer more free time and flexibility in their tours. This means that travellers have the opportunity to explore on their own and choose which activities and experiences they want to pay for. While this approach can lead to a more budget-friendly experience, it also means that travellers may miss out on some experiences that are included in Topdeck’s tours.
Ultimately, when comparing Topdeck and Contiki in terms of value for money, it’s important to consider your own travel style and preferences. If you prefer a more immersive and comprehensive experience with a range of included activities, Topdeck might be the better choice for you. If you prefer more flexibility and the ability to customise your itinerary, Contiki might be the better fit.
By choosing the tour company that best suits your needs, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable travel experience without overspending.
Topdeck vs Contiki: Tour guide
Both Topdeck and Contiki are known for their knowledgeable and passionate tour guides. These guides play a critical role in ensuring that travelers have an enjoyable and memorable tour experience.
Topdeck’s tour guides are carefully selected for their expertise in the destinations they visit, as well as their enthusiasm for adventure and cultural immersion. They are trained to provide a high level of customer service and to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for travellers. According to TourRadar, Topdeck’s tour guides are rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by past customers, with many reviewers praising their knowledge, humour, and professionalism.
Contiki’s tour guides are also carefully selected for their expertise and passion for travel. They are trained to provide a high level of customer service and to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for travellers. According to TourRadar, Contiki’s tour guides are rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by past customers, with many reviewers praising their knowledge, personality, and organisation skills.
Overall, both Topdeck and Contiki are known for their high-quality tour guides, who play an important role in creating a positive tour experience for travellers. By providing expert knowledge, friendly service, and a fun and engaging atmosphere, these guides help to make each tour memorable and enjoyable.
Financial protection
Just like having personal travel insurance, booking with a company that’s registered with both ABTA and ATOL is absolutely essential.
The collapse of UK based Thomas Cook – a 100-year-old travel company in 2019, and COVID-19 was a stark reminder that you must always travel with a company that is protected against bankruptcy!
Fortunately, Topdeck and Contiki are both ABTA registered, and ATOL protected, meaning you are completely covered if anything should happen.
ABTA enforces specific standards and ensures that your holiday is protected in the event of the company going into liquidation.
Having ATOL protection means that if the company folds before or during your travel, you get your money back – and you receive support if you’re already travelling.
Websites & communication
I highly doubt if a company’s website will be the deciding factor in who you book with. Still, it could affect your decision if the level of information varies between the Topdeck and Contiki websites.
Both operators have aesthetically pleasing and mobile friendly websites, but in my opinion, the way tour information is presented on Contiki’s website is much better than Topdeck.
Contiki makes use of bright icons and text boxes to highlight essential information such as tour inclusions, booking terms and conditions and optional activities. They also have a much more beautiful itinerary layout compared to Topdeck and include faqs and more reviews.
One thing I especially love about the Contiki tour pages is the combinations of official photos with those taken by past Contiki passengers for that particular tour. It gives you an honest snapshot of what to expect on a Contiki tour.
After almost one year of talks, Topdeck launched their new-look website in 2019 and I was disappointed. I was expecting so much more from Topdeck. The site looks like it’s stuck in the early 2000s.
Both operators have a live chat feature on their website, but unlike Topdeck, Contiki’s chat is not available 24/7.
Deals & discounts
Topdeck and Contiki are known for offering a range of deals and discounts to help make their tours more affordable for young travellers. These deals can include early booking discounts, last-minute deals, group discounts, and loyalty programs.
Early booking discounts are often offered for travellers who book their tour several months in advance. These discounts can vary depending on the tour and the time of year, but they can often save travelers anywhere from 5% to 15% off the tour price. For example, Topdeck currently offers an early booking discount of up to 10% off selected tours when booked by a certain date.
Last-minute deals are also commonly offered by Topdeck and Contiki, with discounts ranging from 10% to 30% off the tour price. These deals are often available for tours that are departing within a few weeks or months and are designed to fill empty spots on the tour. For example, Contiki currently offers last-minute deals on selected tours departing within the next few months, with savings of up to 30% off the tour price.
Group discounts are also available for travellers who book a tour with friends or family. These discounts can vary depending on the size of the group, but they can often save travellers anywhere from 5% to 10% off the tour price. For example, Topdeck offers a group discount of 5% off the tour price for groups of 4 or more people.
Loyalty programs are also available for repeat customers of Topdeck and Contiki. These programs offer rewards and discounts for travellers who have completed a certain number of tours with the company.
Summary
Choosing the right tour company for your next adventure is an important decision that can greatly impact the success and enjoyment of your trip. Both Topdeck and Contiki are reputable and well-respected tour companies that cater to young travellers. To help you make an informed decision, here are some final thoughts and tips:
- Consider your travel style and interests: Topdeck and Contiki offer a range of tour styles and destinations, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your travel style and interests. Think about what you want to get out of your tour and choose the company that can offer the experiences and activities that excite you the most.
- Compare prices and inclusions: While Topdeck and Contiki offer similar tours, there can be differences in the price and inclusions. Be sure to compare the prices of similar tours and consider what is included in the tour price. This will help you choose the tour that offers the best value for your budget.
- Read customer reviews: TourRadar is a great resource for reading customer reviews and ratings of Topdeck and Contiki tours. By reading reviews from past travelers, you can get a sense of what to expect from the tour experience, the quality of the tour guides, and the overall value for money. This can help you make an informed decision about which tour company to choose.
- Book your tour through TourRadar: TourRadar is a reputable and user-friendly platform that allows you to compare Topdeck and Contiki tours, read customer reviews, and book your tour all in one place. By booking through TourRadar, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free booking experience, with access to customer support and a secure payment system.
In conclusion, both Topdeck and Contiki are great tour companies for young travellers, offering a range of tour styles and destinations. By considering your travel style and interests, comparing prices and inclusions, reading customer reviews, and booking through TourRadar, you can choose the tour company that best suits your needs and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.