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Topdeck Vs Contiki: Which Is The Best For You?

A re 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.

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.

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Traveling Without a Passport

Contiki vs. Topdeck: Which Operator is Right For You?

You’re young, you’re wild, you’re free.   Of course you want to have fun, but you also want to experience different cultures… maybe even go camping or check out a European music festival.

Seeing the world is a must, but you don’t know which operator can make your #yolo dreams come true. Don’t fret, my 18 to 30 something-year-old friend, Contiki and Topdeck have got you covered! Consider the merits of both operators and pick the dream tour of your choice with the following in mind.

Group size, style and age requirements

Both operators offer a variety of trips that adhere to different travel styles. They both cater to  young adults , so most tours are action-packed with sightseeing, local dinners and nightlife options. They each allow you to move at a nonstop pace or take it easier, depending on the experience you’re looking for. 

Contiki  offers tours to independent travellers aged  18 to 35 . They have hard upper age limits on their tours and will not allow travellers older or younger than their age bracket to book a trip.

Contiki divides their trips into different classifications that help indecisive travellers determine the right trip for them based on their interests. Contiki’s Europe tours usually have 50 travellers in a group while their USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia tours have an average group size of 30. Their Latin and South America tours offer the most intimate experiences when it comes to group size.  

Topdeck also offers tours exclusively to a similar age bracket as Contiki, but welcome  travellers up to 39 years old  as opposed to 35. Topdeck also has very similar group sizes to Contiki, as listed above. Their travel styles differ slightly based on the accommodation style, destination and bucket list highlight. The different styles vary from hotel or festival-focused trips to camping and sailing trips.

Accommodation

Neither operator will charge you a mandatory single supplement for any of their tours. The standard and style of accommodation varies depending on the tour. Each operator might place you in a hotel, a hostel, a campsite or somewhere else entirely. Both operators do make an effort to use local accommodations (think locally run hostels and chalets) where possible.

Transportation

Depending on the destination it can vary, but in general both operators offer large branded coaches and sometimes specialised transport, such as local ferries, trains and even flights. Throughout Europe, the coach/buses of both companies have onboard bathrooms, free wifi and reclinable seats.

Destinations

Contiki  offers tours to the following locations:  Europe ,  Asia ,  North America ,  Australia ,  New Zealand , and  Latin America . 

Topdeck  tours travel to:  North America ,  Australia ,  New Zealand ,  the Middle East , and  North Africa ,  Africa ,  Asia  and  Europe .

Generally speaking, the main difference in locations offered is that Contiki can take you to Latin America while Topdeck instead offers trips to the Middle East and Africa. 

Contiki   and  Topdeck  offer very similar pricing structures. Contiki has 302 tours to choose from and Topdeck offers 288 tours. The most popular destination of choice for travellers is definitely Europe. 

With Contiki, you’ll be paying a slightly higher price per day with the average cost working out to  USD $184/day , while Topdeck’s average sits at  USD $163/day .

Generally speaking, Contiki’s price per day is higher because they include more scheduled activities in their itineraries while Topdeck allows for more free time.

Looking for more info? Find reviews for Contiki tours here and reviews for Topdeck tours here .

Days to Come Editorial Team

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Best Adventure Travel Companies (2024): Contiki vs Topdeck vs G Adventures vs Intrepid & More

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“There’s nothing sexier than a well-traveled American.”   That’s what one of my college professors told me freshman year when I chose to travel abroad. Travel gives you the opportunity to expand the mind, adapt to new environments, and learn meaningful life lessons. For those craving adventure, a trip abroad lets you interact with the natural world, explore unique landscapes, and challenge yourself physically and mentally.

Adventure travel companies provide structure and support for those seeking a journey that will create life-changing experiences and lasting memories. Explore new cultures, taste different cuisines, experience wildlife, and dive into new adventures with the help of knowledgeable guides. If you’re wondering what travel company best fits your style of adventure, read on to get our top picks for thoughtfully-designed adventure experiences. 

Table of Contents

5 Things To Know Before Booking

Before you choose your destination, let alone one of the adventure travel companies, you’ll want to know a few things.

• Consult your physician before booking your travel adventures to make sure you’re fit to travel. Also, ask if there are any vaccines you’ll need ahead of time so you are completely prepared. Lastly, be sure to get any prescriptions refilled so you’ll have all the medications you need while on your trip.
• Heed the age restrictions. We know that the urge to travel starts and ends at no specific age. But please be aware that some of these companies have age restrictions (minimum and maximum ages). So, before you search for a trip on their website, make sure you fit their age requirements.
• Book your travel to and from the destination. None of these adventure travel companies cover the cost of your airfare to and from the start/end destinations or airport transfers. So, if you’re going to Thailand, and the starting city is Bangkok, but you’re ending in Chiang Mai, you’ll first have to find and pay for your travel to get to Bangkok (to start the trip). Then you can schedule your travel arrangements home from you endpoint in Chiang Mai. Some of the companies will help you find flights but know that the cost of air travel is not included in the prices listed on the adventure trip sites. Or you can compare our picks for best travel sites to find a deal.
• Learn the language. Not always necessary but doesn’t hurt to brush up on a little bit of the basics so you can easily communicate things like directions, ask questions about food or how much something costs. We recommend using online language learning software that make it easy to learn on the go (before you go).
• Pack your passport. The Expeditioner reported that only 46% of Americans have a valid passport. It can take 4-6 weeks to get yours processed (or pay a rush fee) so make sure you allow for plenty of time in advance to have yours ready to go.

Pricing Comparison For Adventure Travel

We created a guide trip to give you an idea of what trip prices are like for each company. The trips we compared had to meet these two criteria unless not available (if not, we picked something very similar):

• The trip had to take place in Thailand for a portion of it and
• It had to be 14 days long

Note: Excursion package prices are likely to vary since they are not locked in and often change from season to season.

Best Adventure Vacations

Here are our top picks for adventure travel (along with some other unranked options). Each company caters to different people so be sure to consider them all.

Winner: G Adventures Review

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G Adventures focuses on providing transformative experiences within any travel budget. It organizes its tours into 13 different travel styles, giving participants good variety. Tour destinations include trips to all seven continents, and G Adventures has solid partnerships to give you the best experiences possible while you travel.

Tours are broken down into 13 travel styles, ranging from Classic and Family to Local Living and Wellness: 

• Classic Tours combine the security of group travel with the flexibility of independent travel. Classic tours will take you through popular sights, landmarks, and activities while allowing you the freedom to go off script and do your own exploring when adventure calls.
• National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures is a collection of tours offering hands-on adventure, interaction with local experts, and updated accommodations compared to other G Adventure tours. These tours are designed to take you deeper into the culture of the places you visit.
• 18-to-Thirty Something Tours combine structured days with free nights to do whatever you want.
• Wellness Tours focus on supporting the mind and body with activities, foods, and experiences to leave you feeling recharged.
• Hike, bike, rock climb, and zipline during one of the G Adventures Active Tours.
• Rail Tours offer scenic, relaxed travel through big cities and small villages.
• Travel aboard small ships and yachts or take a sailing adventure through the Marine Tours.
• Local Living Tours offer authentic experiences and accommodations with local families.
• Choose a trip built for adventurers of all ages through Family Tours.
• National Geographic Family Journeys feature interactive activities for the whole family.
• The Jane Goodall Collection includes 20 wildlife-focused tours endorsed by ethologist Dr. Jane Goodall.
• Travel cheaply while exploring iconic destinations through Roamies , tours by Hostelworld and G Adventures.
• Private Travel allow you to plan precisely how you want to travel and who you will travel with during your trip.

Pricing (Per Guidelines Above)

• Starting at $1,409
• Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia (start in Bangkok and end in Hanoi)
• 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner included
• 11 nights in hotels, 1 village homestay, and 1 sleeper train
• Transportation throughout trip but not international airfare

Runner-Up: Contiki Review

Contiki offers more than 300 trips to places worldwide, including Europe, Asia, Latin America, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Like G Adventures, Contiki organizes its tours into these 16 travel styles so participants can easily pick a trip that fits their interests:

• Active Trips get the adrenaline pumping with activities like white water rafting, surfing, hiking, biking, sailing, bungy jumping, and more.
• Adventure Trips take travelers through popular sites and regional activities.
• Beach Holidays focus on giving travelers plenty of vitamin D and providing a balance of adventure, serenity, and nightlife.
• Christmas Tours allow travelers to experience the magic of Christmas in Paris, Amsterdam, Germany, and more.
• Detour Mini Adventures are short getaways that focus on developing passions and hobbies. Work with master chefs, photographers, yoga instructors, and more in a scenic location.
• Hiking & Trekking Vacations are filled with sweaty hikes to locations that take your breath away.
• Sail from one paradise to another during Island Hopping .
• New Year’s Eve Tours offer a four-day celebration with fireworks, champagne, and your favorite friends.
•  During one of five Pride Trips , celebrate with parades, party passes, and fantastic sights.
• African Safari Trips feature wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
• Short Breaks are quick excursions, including surfing in Morocco, snorkeling in Australia, and skiing in the Austrian Alps.
• Ski Holidays & Snowboarding Trips mi snowy slopes and stylish accommodations.
• Small Group Tours are built for people who want social travel but in small groups.
• Have the freedom to create your own journey with Solo Travel .
• Winter Holidays combine bucket-list destinations with skiing, Christmas markets, and holiday parties.
• World Tours are tailor-made packages that allow travelers to span multiple countries in one trip.

Contiki group sizes can be 20-50 people, and they only accept people 18 to 35 years old. The average traveler’s age is 26, so you’ll most likely travel with other young adults. The Contiki app even lets you get to know the people you’ll be going on your trip with, view your itinerary, stay up to date on the weather, and more.

• Starting at $2,587
• Thailand (start in Bangkok, end in Krabi)
• 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
• 8 nights in hotels, 3 nights in special stays, 2 nights in overnight trains

3rd Place: Intrepid Review

Intrepid offers four trip styles: Basix, Original, Comfort, and Premium. So if you’re on a smaller budget, you may like Basix, which features simple accommodations, local transportation, and lots of free time for the independent traveler. The Original trip style combines scheduled activities and free time with standard accommodations. Comfort or Premium may be a good option if you want nearly everything covered.

Intrepid also has these 17 trip themes to cater to specific travel interests:

• 18 to 29s for those specifically wanting to travel with people in their age range.
• The Active range focuses on adventure activities in beautiful, unique locations.
• Adventure Cruising takes travelers through an immersive cruising experience through local villages and markets.
• Intrepid’s Cycling vacations allow you to jump in the saddle and explore ancient ruins, wine regions, or ocean views.
• Expeditions are an exclusive range of unique adventures featuring less-explored, beautiful regions of the world.
• Family tours focus on creating memorable adventures for people of all ages.
• Festival tours are scheduled around local celebrations and ceremonies.
• Food Adventures let travelers explore street food, local specialties, and authentic experiences.
• Polar tours take you on an arctic expedition.
• Retreats focus on giving travelers insider knowledge and adventures.
• Take a week-long or more Sailing holiday in Asia, Europe, or the Galapagos.
• Short Breaks are two to five-day mini-vacations that are packed with bite-sized adventures.
• Solo Travel helps you stay safe while traveling independently.
• Build your adventure with Tailor-Made tours.
• Have you just arrived in a new city? Join one of Intrepid’s Urban Adventures to discover favorite local spots.
• Walking & Trekking are self-guided or group tours that supply expert trail guides, accommodation, and porters when needed.
• Wildlife tours are led by local leaders and wildlife experts.

We like that Intrepid allows most ages on their travel adventures and there are special family adventure vacations. They do ask that once you are 70 years young that you fill out a self-assessment form.

• Starting at $1,925
• Thailand and Malaysia (Bangkok to Singapore)
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
• Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (8 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night), Rafthouse (1 night)

Get In The Mood To Travel

Need some help getting in the mood to travel? Follow a travel blog, watch YouTube videos, surf the web or talk with others about their travel experiences. This short clip gave me the itch to travel immediately!

What About OAT, Topdeck, And Trafalgar?

If you don’t see a good fit for you above, take a look at these other companies. Just because they didn’t make our top three doesn’t mean they don’t have a trip that may be a perfect fit for you!

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)  | Topdeck  | Trafalgar Travel

Overseas Adventure Travel Review

Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) offers trips to all continents except Australia and North America. OAT prides itself on a full cultural experience by way of small group sizes, so if you are looking for a small group to travel with, OAT may be the best choice. Plus, occasionally OAT offers discounted rates on adventure vacations for couples.

• Starting at $4,095
• Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam (start in Bangkok and end in Ho Chi Minh City)
• 18 breakfasts, 15 lunches, and 7 dinners (including 2 Home-Hosted meals)

Topdeck Review

Topdeck offers trips to five continents: Europe, Africa, Australia, Asia and North America. This actually is a big “con” in our book because South America is a common destination for this kind of trip.

Group sizes can be a bit bigger as well but are determined by the type of trip you’re going on. There are also age limitations, but they do offer more than 300 trips. So, if you fit within the guidelines, feel free to take a look at their offerings. Maybe you’ll find a perfect fit for you.

• Starting at $1,146.65
• Thailand (Bangkok to Phuket)
• 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners
• 6 nights in hotels, 1 night in ecolodge, 1 night on floating raft house, and 1 night aboard overnight train

Trafalgar Travel Review

Trafalgar Travel offers trips to Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Group sizes can be rather large with 40 to 45 people, so if big groups aren’t your thing, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

People must be at least 5 years old to travel with Trafalgar Travel. The example trip we listed below is more expensive than competitors, but it may be an anomaly (check for your specific dates and destination). However, if these guidelines don’t deter you, be sure to check out the available trips to see if one might tempt you to book your next trip.

• Starting at $4,425
• 13 breakfasts, 1 welcome reception, 1 Be My Guest, 8 lunches, 2 dinners, 1 regional dinner, and 1 farewell dinner

Ready, Set, Jet!

While there are lots of benefits to group travel (making new friends, meeting new people, having all the details taken care of for you) we know that adventure travel isn’t for everyone. So if you’re more of a solo traveler, you might be better off booking your own trip. We review the best travel websites .

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Let us know in the comments !

Kimberly Alt

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Topdeck vs Contiki

Tour companies compared.

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123 reviews

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7,221 reviews

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Reviews & Ratings

4.6   Excellent 123 reviews  

4.7   Excellent 7,221 reviews  

Recent Reviews

Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best part was enjoying Long Drinks on the ferry Keep up the great work

Best Tour Guide every so helpful an always switched on, best pa...

Oluwaseyifunmi Agbejule

European Magic

Tour:   European Magic (London, Summer)

Operator Overview

Travelers age

global Company

Trip prices

$953 - $5,439

Service level

Tour languages

$252 - $9,524

• Group Tours

• Small Ship & Expedition Cruises
• North America
• Central America & Caribbean
• Australia & Pacific
• Middle East & North Africa
• South America

Similar Companies

About Topdeck

So, who the hell are Topdeck?

Short answer: we’re the travel-enthusiast fairy godmother you never had. We’re your hassle-free ticket to discovering more destinations. Your exit from the daily grind into life changing experiences. A chance to uncover extraordinary with a bunch of curious, like-minded people – with the freedom to delve deeper and just be you.

About Contiki

We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

ThePassportPrincess

A solo girls travel around the world, contiki vs. top deck tours.

I’ve been wanting to write a blog post about these two tour companies for ages! When I was in the stages of planning my trip around the world, I knew I wanted to do a tour across the states but I was having a hard time deciding what one. I’d heard so many different views from people but it was always the same. Friends who went on Top Deck recommended it as “the best thing ever!!” whereas Contiki go-ers loved their trip “Soooo much!!”

• Discovery Plus – See the best parts of each place you visit while staying in hotels
• High Energy – Explore during the day and party it up at night!
• In-Depth Explorer – 2 night stays in most places so you can explore more + more free time
• Easy Pace – Slower, more relaxed seeing only a few of the states.
• Festivals & Short Stays – Pretty much what it says. Shorter trips focused on one thing like Las Vegas for New Years or 4 Days in New York.
• Winter & Ski – Skiing & Snowboarding activities, Zip-lining and Snowmobiles are included on trips like these.

In the end I chose the High Energy style tour. Which included…

• Twin Share Hotel accommodation (or a room to yourself if you pay extra)
• Breakfast every day
• Trip Manager & Coach Driver
• Air Conditioned Coach – you drive across the USA
• Included Activities & Some sightseeing toursThis is more for travelers who want to see as much as possible as their trips range from 8 days to 26 days

Don’t worry if you don’t want to just do the States! Contiki also have tours around Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia & New Zealand. For the Europe trips, if you’re on a Budget they also have Camping trips where you stay in tents with 1 other person (Of the same sex) or opt to pay a bit more for a single person tent.

Top Deck has similar style trips as well which include staying in Hotels, Camping, Winter trips and Club trips to suit what you want to do. I looked into their American trips, specifically their Road Trip USA tour that went for 28 days which started in LA and finished in New York but decided on doing a Contiki in the end. Looking back, I’m not sure which made up my mind…the Top Deck tour went for longer and it was cheaper than the Contiki. Hmm..

** – Please note that the Kyoto Hotel is now called DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel

My Thoughts on Contiki

The trip on the website promised…

• We did an Evening tour of the famous Vegas ‘Strip’
• We Visited Fremont Street & saw the light-and-laser show in Las Vegas
• We got into groups and did the Vegas strip in a limo with champagne
• Non-stop nightlife (You can be out as late as you want, just as long as you’re back on the bus by a certain time in the morning)
• Stopped for photos & souvenirs in pretty much each state we were in.
• Hiked along the Canyon’s South Rim 
• Drove through the Rocky Mountains
• Visited Old Town Albuquerque
• Visited the unusual outdoor tribute to the American automobile at ‘Cadillac Ranch’ and got to spray paint old Cadillac’s.
• Experienced Big Texan culture & food.
• Visited the infamous John F. Kennedy Sixth Floor Museum
• Visited Fort Worth Stockyards

• Cirque du’ Soleil show in Vegas – AWESOME by the way!
• High Roller Day Pass
• Grand Canyon Biking (seasonal)
• Helicopter Flight of the Grand Canyon- Imperial
• Rafting (seasonal)
• Snowmobiles – Single or Double Rider (seasonal)
• Horse Back Trail Ride (Seasonal)
• Hot Air Balloon over Albuquerque
• Cowboy Stadium Tour (including transportation)
• Rock & Soul Museum
• Visit the legendary Sun Studios
• School of Cooking in New Orleans
• Airboat Swamp Tour
• Universal Studios
• Miami Party Cruise
• Bike tour of South Beach
• Thriller speed boat ride in Miami
• Speedway Tour in Daytona

Overall, I absolutely LOVED my Contiki. Beforehand, I’d read some people say things like “For the same amount of money, I could have stayed at 4-5 star hotels and had private tours of everything” This may be true, but Contiki is such an experience in itself. I traveled by myself for 3 months and Contiki was one of the highlights because of all the people I met, because I could sleep on the Coach all day travelling to my next destination hungover while our driver drove us, because I didn’t have to research ‘What to do’ in each state and Contiki organised it for me. So many reasons!

“You’ll stay in the outskirts in most places, which makes it very difficult to get around” I guess there were a couple of places that were a bit ‘out of the way’ like in Orlando we were around a grocery store, about 3 steak houses and LOTS of souvenir stores but that was it. We were only in Orlando for 1 full day anyways and we all did Universal Studios so it was probably good there weren’t any bars or clubs around! I couldn’t imagine going on a roller coaster hungover. Most of our other hotels however were centrally located. In Memphis we could walk to the main bars, in Las Vegas the bars were IN our hotel, in Washington D.C we were right next to the Subway so we could catch that to the city center. I guess a few weren’t close enough to just walk everywhere, but our coach always took us out at night if we had dinner or were going to some event. You’re in a group anyways so Taxi’s end up being super cheap (Even cheaper if you take an Uber) which is perfect if you’re dying to head down to the clubs.

“The whole journey is full of alcoholics, the tour manager was arranging partying and drinking nearly every night” Whoever wrote this obviously went on some type of High Energy Trip and didn’t read that this is usually what happens on them. If you’ve got some party places on your map of destinations, you’ll most likely be going out! However, never EVER are you forced to go out with the group if you 100% don’t want to. In reference to one of the girls on my trip who was a bit of a physco, when we were in Las Vegas she yelled at me for drinking a big bucket of margarita in the street (by the way, this is legal and expected in Las Vegas) and whenever someone got drunk she’d tell them how irresponsible and awful they were. We were all baffled as to WHY she was even on the trip. If you don’t drink, that’s fine, just don’t criticize other people for doing what they want to do on their trip that they’ve also looked forward to for months. There were about 3 girls on our trip who very rarely drunk alcohol so when they came out dancing with us they’d stick to juices or sodas but still had a great time. Our Tour Manager had been doing Contiki’s for ages so he knew the best clubs to go to and how to get us some VIP tickets which was great. I never saw him wasted off his face though. If any of us got too drunk while he was out with us, he’d make sure they got back to the hotel safely. I guess some Tour Managers get a little bit crazy, but you have to remember they’re allowed some free time too. If you’re even on a Contiki, you’ll be over 18 years of age and probably don’t need to be baby-sat on your night out.

Day 1: London, UK to Paris, France

Day 2: paris, day 3: paris to swiss alps, switzerland, day 4: swiss alps, day 5: swiss alps to venice, italy, day 6: venice, day 7: venice to munich, germany, day 8: munich to rhine valley, day 9: rhine valley to amsterdam, netherlands, day 10: amsterdam, day 11: amsterdam to london, uk.

I chose this tour purely for the fact I only had a short space of time in Europe and all of the other tours Top Deck offered were longer than 15 days. I also got to quickly see France, Germany and Amsterdam before I headed to Croatia which I was really excited to see 🙂

I guess I didn’t start my Top Deck tour off very well. I stayed at the hostel that Top Deck recommends you stay at as the tour leaves from there. It’s called Wombats Hostel and you can read my review on it here  If you can’t be bothered reading my review, in brief, the hostel was amazing and probably the cleanest hostel I’ve ever stayed at. But that’s not why my experience started off badly. On the very first day when I woke up at 5am to board the bus by 6am I had the flu!! My whole body was aching, I had a temperature, I had barely slept and just wanted to curl up into a ball and be taken care of. Instead I had to board a bus to the Ferry Terminal and take the Ferry across to France with all my new Tour mates. I probably wasn’t the most social person at the beginning of the trip either because all I wanted to do was sleep. 😦

The first thing that bothered me about the Tour was our first driver. When we got picked up from the Hostel, we were greeted by a ‘larger man’ who spoke in a thick British accent and smoked like a chimney and just seemed angry about having to even take us to the Ferry Terminal in the first place. Just the way he spoke came across grumpy and it felt like he was complaining about every little thing. I’m not sure if it was his sense of humor and maybe he was trying to be funny but all I remember thinking was ‘Oh god, please don’t let him be our driver these whole 2 weeks’

Thankfully he wasn’t our permanent driver. He dropped us off at the ferry and went back to central London on the Top Deck Coach. We were met with another driver when we arrived in France.

With my particular tour, we stayed in Hostels that had been pre-arranged. Unlike Contiki where we where partnered up with someone for the whole trip, Top Deck allowed us to choose who we’d share a room with. Every day before our new destination, a sheet was passed around the coach with 5-6 different dorm rooms written down (Usually each with 4-6 beds) and we could write down who we wanted to room with that night. It’s good if you get sick of someone and want to change to hang out with different people. Also if you’re hooking up with someone on Top Deck I guess it’s a good way to stay in the same room as them as our Tour Guide didn’t actually care if Males & Females roomed together.

My Thoughts on Top Deck

The trip on the website promised:

• The Food Top-Deck provides a lot of food so as to ‘save you money’ but I wasn’t a fan of much of it. We always stopped for ‘picnics’ but it was always the same stuff. Bread, cold meats, salads and some slices. By the second week I was so over eating cold food all the time I just wanted to eat a burger!! Plus if we did have an included dinner, we didn’t even get to choose what to eat which was a bit disappointing.

It sucks that it seems like I wrote alot of bad things about my Top Deck tour and that could have been because I started off my trip being sick. Obviously on my Contiki I was with my group for nearly a month so we all got to know each other really well and made great friendships. On my Top Deck I was only on it for about 2 weeks so I didn’t make any close-close friendships (apart from with a couple of girls). Also I did Contiki in the Summer time so Summer Weather = Happiness!

There were obviously some great moments on my Top Deck. Hanging out in Amsterdam was awesome, meeting people from lots of different countries on my trip was sweet! Drinking and dancing together in the underground bar in Switzerland was a fun time 🙂

Contiki was the best. Top Deck was good but comparing the time’s I had on my Contiki – it just didn’t quite measure up. I think even if I didn’t do my Contiki I’d still maybe have been a bit disappointed with the Top Deck Tour. The food on Contiki was better. The activities were funner. The drinking and nights out were more crazy.

I read online that people are put-off from Contiki because it seems like such a party atmosphere. When I read negative reviews online it’s usually from someone who doesn’t like to drink, or is more of a quieter reserved person which is fine, but maybe Contiki isn’t quite for you. (Or it could bring you out of your shell like a few people on my tour!)

I didn’t spend my days too hungover to appreciate America though! It wasn’t all just drinking. We’d have dinners together even if it wasn’t included on our trip, we took group photos and played games on the coach together. We had nights out bowling and did our optional activities together. We even had a few couples on the trip and they had a great time! They still joined in on our nights out but still had the opportunities to go and have private dinners together or just spend the night in their room together if they couldn’t be bothered going out. No one ever made anyone feel bad for not going out.

Contiki is aimed at customers who are students and young travellers between the ages of 18 and 35. They operate in North & South America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. They frequently put up last minute deals on certain destinations and offer major discounts to solo travellers. Lunch is always up to you. A lot of times you eat at rest stops because you’re usually on the bus during lunch time. Some trips include 1-2 lunches. Dinner is provided about half the time. Some budget hotels that Contiki uses are slowly declining because past Contiki groups have partied too hard and the hotels won’t allow the company to return (We got warned  beforehand at some hotels to keep it down a little bit)

If anyone has any questions about Contiki or Top Deck, let me know in the comments! I love talking about my trip 🙂 And if you’ve done one of their tours, let me know how it went, everyone has different experiences depending on the people they’re with and the things they see so it’ll be interesting to read.

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27 thoughts on “ contiki vs. top deck tours ”.

Good post! I’ve done two Contikis in America and was considering a Top Deck for Europe, but Contiki just had way better itineraries! I’m not much of a party person any more which makes me a bit nervous for Contiki in Europe because I know it’s even crazier than America but I’m still really excited! I’m doing one that stays in a mixture of hotels and hostels, so you share with either 1 other person or 3 others in the hostels.. I’m hoping I get along with everyone and there’s no dramas or difficulty getting ready to go out! Would you do another Contiki?

Oh awesome! I agree, Contiki has some great itineraries. Our Contiki in America was pretty outgoing, like we went out pretty much all of the nights but I think it’s because we were split evenly with half being guys and half being girls. I think guys are more inclined to go out and party so it motivates you more to. I’d definitely do another Contiki. I want to do the Northern part of America 🙂

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haha, my contiki tour manager was exactly the same. xx

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There’s a third player to check out. Stoke Travel run a Rolling Circus tour around Europe. You get to visit all the big cities, with a travelling band, plus visit La Tomatina and Oktoberfest: http://stoketravel.com/trips/stoke-rolling-circus/

I Sarah, thank you for your post! Anyway i’m an italian guy (i’m 30 years old) and i was thinking about my next trip around the world! i don’t want to do an English course (i already did 3 english course in USA, Australia and Malta) but i’d like to improve my English (especially speaking skills) with a different kind of journey. I’d like to visit more places in a young group of people who speak English all the time. So, i’m looking for a something like Contiki VS TopDeck and i’m curious to find out your opinion, in other words: what kind of trip do you suggest me? You must think that i’m 30 years old! So i’m afraid that i could be a little old, couldn’t be? Thanks if you reply this e-mail and i’m sorry because my English isn’t very strong 🙂 Marco

Hi Marco Have you looked into doing a Top Deck tour? They’re aimed for people aged 18-30 somethings. They do tours in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, The Middle East, Australia and even New Zealand so you’ll have plenty of trips to choose from. As it’s mainly Australians and Kiwis (New Zealanders) on these trips, as well as the odd British and German person, it’d be perfect if you want to be around people who speak English 🙂 If you’re thinking of traveling soon, they’re doing a really good deal on their website where you can get 30% off selected trips that are departing in the next 4 months. http://www.topdeck.travel is the website to check out when you have the time.

I’ve been on Contiki and Top Deck tours and there’s been a person on each trip who has been 30 years old so it’s not that uncommon to be a little older than everyone else. Good luck!

Hi, I’m thinking of doing a european tour with either top deck or contiki, (i’d do america but i’ll only be 18/19) and i’m wondering if there were many people at that age? i don’t want to be the “baby” of the group if everyone else is in their 20’s! thanks!

Hi Georgia! I think you’ll be fine doing a Contiki or Top Deck around Europe at your age. I think you’ll find that many 18-19 year olds will be doing Europe for the very reason you’re not doing America, the drinking age! I can’t quite remember from my Top Deck tour around Europe what the ages where of everyone, but I’m pretty sure there where a couple of young people. To be honest, I don’t think age matters that much when you’re all thrown into a bus together and forced to spend over 2 weeks together. If you have the money and you want the experience, go for it!

I’m not sure what your personality is like, but Contiki would be more suited if you like the fast-paced lifestyle. People tend to be a little rowdier and more keen to drink. Not to say you won’t get to explore each country (you defiantly will) there’s just more opportunities for nights out with your crew.

At the end of the day, it honestly just comes down to who’s in your group. You could have 20 people on your tour that are all 19 years old or you could end up in a group where it’s all pretty even. It’s honestly so hard to say! Either way, I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time!

Hey I would like to do a an asia or east european tour with either top deck or contiki, i’m 18, british and would like to just meet amazing people who are younger than 30 lol and just have a blast! Which one would you recommend?

Hi Tatyana Oh awesome, when where you thinking of going? If you’re going to to Europe I’d defiantly try and go in the Summer time and take advantage of their good weather 🙂

As the legal drinking age in Europe is 18 (as well as Asia I think) than those are the perfect continents to explore. If you’re keen to see the sights and party it up at night, I’d really recommend a Contiki Tour. I’ve only done a Contiki around America but I had the most amazing time. We saw heaps of places during the day while still going out clubbing or to bars at night time. (This is when you really bond with your Contiki crew)

If you look on the Contiki Website under ‘Europe’ or ‘Asia’ and find a ‘High Energy’ style tour, those are the ones that will suit you the most I think. I was just having a look and they do a cool European Contrasts tour where you spend nights in a mixture of hotels, hostels and cabins. It’s a pretty long trip (the longer ones are usually the best) but you get to spend 4 days in Corfu – an island just off Greece – as well as exploring the rest of Europe!

The age range on Contiki & Top Deck range from 18 – 30 something so you defiantly won’t be surrounded with only 30 year olds. The general age range is usually early twenty’s but you’ll get a few younger people and a few older. It all comes down to who books 🙂

So i have no idea whether my last post actually posted so I’m just going to do a new one lol. I’m an 18 year old who recently decided to solo travel in summer 2017! Now I’m stuck between whether top deck or contiki would be worth my money. I really want to connect with people around my age and in their 20s ofcourse, discover myself more and just have a blast! I think I’m going to opt for an asia tour 🙂 which should be pretty cool but I just don’t know – should I go for contiki?

Hey Tatyana, Haha, yes your first comment did come through 🙂 I just accept my comments first before they show up so I don’t get heaps of spam. I just replied to your last one, but I pretty much went on about going to Europe haha.

If you’re wanting to do Asia I still think that’s a great idea! I’ve been to Thailand and Bali and had the best time (however not on a group tour). If you’re really wanting to go all out and explore ALL of Asia for a month, than the ‘Big Endochina’ tour with Contiki looks awesome! Otherwise the ‘Asian Adventure’ for 16 days exploring Thailand and Vietnam look cool too.

To be honest, I think whatever tour you choose (whether it be Top Deck or Contiki) you’ll have a great time. The people on your tour make the tour what it is. Obviously if you’re traveling with a bunch of people who want to go sleep at 9pm every night you’ll be a bit bored. (however, tours in that age range aren’t really ever like that)

I just saw Top Deck do an ‘Asian Fusion’ trip too where you visit Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam for 27 days. 🙂 Good luck with all your research!

Thank you! I’ll most deffo check it out I’m already so excited. Thank you for all your advice , it’s very helpful! xx

Thanks for this blog – it was super helpful! I’m from NZ, planning on doing a 3-week tour around Europe in September, but am so torn on whether to do Top Deck or Contiki! I have a friend who was a guide on Top Deck and she says it’s definitely better (but she’s probably biased!) Your experience of Top Deck doesn’t sound like you had the most amazing time? I’m super nervous so would just love to have an awesome group and amazing guide, but I guess that’s just the luck of the draw.. I love to party, but I think if I did it every single night I wouldn’t last 3 weeks haha (Ideally i’d want 20-25 days), so am definitely keen to drink and go out but maybe not every night. The group activities look amazing for both Top Deck and Contiki. Ultimately I’m hoping i’ll have a great time on either but I really just want to do all the research I can to make sure I’ll pick what’s right for me – and talking to people with experience on both is probably the best research! 🙂

Thanks so much! Anna

Hi Anna! Europe will be so fun, I went in October 2015 and it was just beginning to get cold so I’m sure September will be nice and warm for you 🙂

In regards to your question about Top Deck tours or Contiki, it’s honestly so hard to say which one will be better.

What I would do if I was you is look at a couple of itineraries from each tour company. Print out the 2 from each that you like the look of. Place them next to each other and go with whatever appeals to you the most. What one can you afford? What one has more ‘optional’ activities to do? Where do you go on each itinerary? Where are you sleeping?

I would say your friend is probably biased because she worked for Top Deck haha, but than I would be too!

I still had fun on my Top Deck, but comparing it to Contiki it came second best. However, there were many reasons for that. 1. I was traveling America on my Contiki which I fell in love with compared to Europe. 2. The weather on my Contiki was amazing pretty much the whole time (I went in the Summer) compared to it being quite cold in Europe. 3. I was with people on my Contiki that where keen to have a good time and go out at night whereas I didn’t get the same ‘vibe’ on my Top Deck. They still went out though, it just wasn’t as fun as when I was with the Contiki people. 4. My Top Deck only went for 2 weeks and by the end of those 2 weeks I was only just beginning to get to know the group whereas on the Contiki we where together for like a month and kind of became like a big family. 5. The activities on my Contiki where far better than the activities on my Top Deck tour (but then I had more choice as I was on the tour for much longer) 6. I didn’t like the food on my Top Deck that they provided.

That’s kind of my reasoning behind it. In saying that, I’ve met people who LOVED their Top Deck tour so it honestly comes down to who’s on your tour and what your leader is like.

Lastly, don’t worry about the partying side of things. I love to drink and go out but at home I felt like I rarely do. I’m always too tired from work, or need to save money. Or some days I’m just too tired and can’t get in the mood.. However on a tour, there is no work the next day! You get to sleep on a bus all day (not every day) but when you get to your destination you’re refreshed and keen for a new adventure and night out! You’re around 40+ other people who get you EXCITED to go out! You’ve already most likely saved money FOR your trip so actually have the money to spend for nights out.

If you have a good group, you’ll never feel pressured to go out every single night. I’m sure our Contiki group didn’t. Some days there actually wasn’t anywhere to go and drink so we’d have an early night and chill at the hotel. Or we’d just get together for a dinner or have a ‘washing’ night where everyone would literally do their washing haha.

Sorry this post was so long, but hopefully I’ve made your decision a little easier 🙂

Hi Sarah, Thanks for the review, it was super helpful. I am really confused whether I should choose contiki or topdeck. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Stan

Hi Stan Sorry about the late reply. I’d check out both of the websites and see what itinerary appeals to you the most. If you’re a party person, check out Contiki’s High Energy style tours. If you’re 24+ and more into exploring the actual country, I’d probably look into doing a more in – depth Top Deck tour where you stay in countries for more than 1 day and really get to explore the place. At the end of the day, I think it comes down to the people on your tour and if they’re fun, easy – going people or not. (They usually are though! So don’t worry)

I found your comparison of the two companies very useful, I have previously travelled on 4 contikis and was considering changing to Top Deck this year for a south island New Zealand tour (already did north Island with contiki) but after reading your blog I think I will stick with Contiki for one last trip. Thanks for making the decision easier 😊

Hey Sarah, The article was great, most of the contiki vs topdeck articles I have read have been from people who don’t really want to drink much which is not me. I am an Aussie looking to travel solo for the first time to Europe (under 21 so US is not really an option). I was looking at topdeck but just not sure cause from what I have heard topdeck is not very party orientated and still want to have the option to go out and Party the nights away. I don’t want to party every night but still want to have a good nightlife atmosphere and people who are willing to head out. You spoke a lot about how great the contiki night life was did not say much about topdecks, was this cause it was not good or just not as good as contiki’s? Guess what I really want to find out is, the nightlife on topdeck still good in or is it just tame and boring with people going to bed at 10 each night?

Thanks and sorry if it it was a long question Aidan

Hi Aidan! Thanks for your comment ☺ From my personal experience my Contiki was much more party orientated than my Top Deck Tour. However, I went on my Contiki for about a month and there were lots of opportunities to go out (eg, Las Vegas, Miami, Texas) and our tour leader always recommend places we could go to if we wanted to head out. Our group was split 50/50 with females and males which doesn’t happen that often, but guys are much more inclined to go out and party so that may have been why we all went out most nights. On my Top Deck however, I was sick with the flu for the first few nights and the places we did end up going to around Europe weren’t packed with people (some times we’d be the only people there) but that could also be because I didn’t go in the peak Summer time. Personally, if you’re wanting to go to Europe – look into one of Contiki ‘s High Energy style tours like the European Escapade or the Ultimate European with the Greek Islands in the summer time. Think, warm weather + a bunch of 18-30 years olds = more reason to drink and the girls are more willing to go out! Hope I’ve helped your decision a little bit!!

Hey Sarah my friend and i are interested in going on a conteki or top deck . We are 22. We are particularly looking at the big West which includes THE CANADIAN West . I’m finding it difficult to decide between top deck because they offer 25 days (conteki 22 days ) And top deck seem to spend more time in certain city’s is what I like apposed to conteki where you only spend a few hours in a major city then move on . We are interested in party orientated holiday ( we are not much of drinkers lol ) And then there is the adventures and activities. Which I have no clue which company is better when it comes activities . Especially when it’s the exact same tour just a different time span I know that you said you prefer conteki over top deck but you experienced top deck in Europe do u think that top deck could be better in North America apposed to the European short falls you experienced

Hi Shivar Thanks for reading! Contiki definitely has tours that are aimed at people who want more free time to do as they wish. These are called ‘Discovery Plus’ tours. I’m pretty sure the Big West is one of them. Contiki’s can be quick, however they do tend to stay for a good amount of time in the more interesting places, eg; Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Whistler. If you’d rather spend longer in places and have more of a cultural adventure than Top Deck may be for you. You say you’re not a big drinker either so it’s looking like Top Deck will be a better fit for you. Contiki is definitely an amazing time but sometimes the nights can be a bit wild and crazy. (However this could happen on your Top Deck too it all comes down to who you’re traveling with) Whichever you decide to do I’m sure you’ll have a great time! America is so much fun! I personally found the ‘extra activities’ on Contiki to be more fun than my Top Deck but that’s my own experience ☺

Hey Sarah, My friend and I are busy planning our trip to Europe in January and we are wanting to go for at least 3 weeks and we are unsure as to whether we should book with Contiki or Topdeck. We both like to drink and we want to be able to see and do a lot of things. Which company do you think would best suit us? Thanks Jessica 🙂

I say go for Contiki! You’ll have a blast. You’ll still be able to do lots of things. If you’re a little hungover in the morning I promise you’ll pull through and do whatever activity you’ve got planned for that day.

Hey Sarah 🙂 Thank you for this Blog, it already really helped me, but I thought maybe you could help me deciding between Topdeck and Contiki. I Plan on doing a Tour trough the USA (in case of Topdeck I would combine two shorter Trips). From Contiki I would do the Grand Southern, wich is I think the one you did. So I am a little concerned about two things. First: I am quite short on my Budget but would still like get as much experiences as possible. And second, since I am only gonna turn 18 the month before travelling I Will Not be allowed to Drink in the US (I am from Germany and here we are Allowed to Drink already at that age), and I might Not be allowed in some Clubs or bars. Do you think this could become a Problem getting a Connection to the Rest of the Group ( ok I am pretty sure that Last sentence sounded Strange in english, but I wouldn’t like to be an outsider because I am maybe Not able to join the evening activities) Would you still recommend the Trip beside the going out ? Or was this what made it so amazing ? I already warnt to thank you for your answers, Greetings from Germany Jasmin

Hey Jasmin! Thanks for reading 🙂 Yes you’re correct, I did the Grand Southern tour and had such a good time. That’s a hard one…I’ll be completely honest with you though. A lot of the best nights were spent partying and going to bars and clubs with the group. We did have a few people on our tour (maybe 2 or 3) that weren’t 21 so couldn’t come out with us. At times we tried to sneak them in and it was successful as we were a big group but there were many times where they couldn’t go to clubs with us which sucked. I don’t want to discourage you to not do your tour because I think you’ll still have a really good time. Depends on how much others are under 21 I guess. Do you have any preference of doing a different country instead of America? Even Australia or NZ?

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