The Contiki Cough. Cough. Cough.

You may be wondering why I repeated the word cough. I did this because if you get the dreaded ‘Contiki Cough’ – which you are likely to do – that is what you will be doing. Coughing. Repeatedly. And I don’t mean like a polite-tickle-in-your-throat kind of cough. No no no. Think hacking bark. Think six pack abs from it. Haha.

The ‘Contiki Cough’ is something we’ve all read about. We’ve seen countless mentions of it, and countless warnings, but somehow we still think we will be able to outsmart it. I thought this. I was like “there is no ways the Contiki Cough will get me”. I had been stocking up on multi-vitamins and vitamin C for a couple of months before my trip. And three days (yes, three) into my short but wonderful Contiki it attacked.

From what I can figure out, the cough is caused by late nights and early mornings (therefore little sleep), drinking, eating very few vegetables and fruit etc., and generally just being incredibly busy for an extended period of time. Also, the recycled air on the coach and on the plane trips there and back doesn’t help either. The recycled air adds to it because when one person gets sick, effectively the germs travel in the coach with you from country to country for that trip in the air conditioning. There is nothing you can do to avoid these things. Okay the drinking could probably be avoided if you want, and you could probably make an effort to find more vegetables to eat. But you’re on Contiki and you are in Europe and as a result you are not going to sleep much and you are going to be very busy having fun with your new friends and seeing and experiencing as many new things as possible.

I got the cough for the first time about 3 days into Contiki. We were in Lyon and I started feeling a bit run down. My throat was getting itchy. Same thing was happening with my roommate at that time. We had both thought ahead and bought a round of general antibiotics with us in case this happened. Started taking those and got a night of good sleep. I was also using Corenza C at this point for a bit of a Vitamin C boost. I definitely felt better when I woke up the next morning. And then the French Riviera happened and there was very little sleep the next night. The following night (second night in Antibes) I felt so sick I went to bed as soon as we got home from Monte Carlo. Best decision I could have made. It took me a day or two to fully recover, which meant not having many late nights but luckily our schedule meant I didn’t miss much the nights I went to bed early.

After a couple days I was feeling 100% again, and I was so happy. Everything was great. And then everyone else got sick. So obviously I got sick again. Luckily not quite so bad this time – just ended up feeling a bit run down again. But the last day on the coach back to London from Amsterdam my body felt like it was crashing. I think it finally realised that the mad rush was over and it felt the last two weeks of Europe. By the next day I had the worst cough I think I’ve ever had. Again luckily I had done all my major sightseeing and so I could take a day just to recover in London when it got really bad. Unfortunately I didn’t have medicine in London so I was just using Corenza C and cough syrup in an attempt to mask the symptoms and make me feel slightly more human. Then my wonderful mother (supermom to the rescue) found out I was sick and promptly booked me a doctor’s appointment for the day I got home. Not sure what I would have done if I was continuing travelling – maybe my body would have realised we weren’t done yet. Haha.

When I went to the doctor I was told that it’s good I came when I did. I had some sort of chest infection thing (I’m not a medical student sorry) and he put me on a round of very strong antibiotics with antibiotic nose/throat/ear drops and all sorts of things. Took four full days before I even started feeling better. And another two weeks before it was completely gone. He told me that if the antibiotics didn’t work I’d have to come back for x-rays and stuff and I did not want to do that. Luckily they worked. Problem is it seems to be pretty contagious because in my short few days at home I also managed to make my dad and sister sick just from living in the same house. Oops. Although I’m not officially claiming responsibility for that. The tickly throat and annoying cough came and went for the two weeks, and if I have a late night out here I wake up feeling worse than I used to.

Now there’s plenty horror stories out there about how bad the cough can actually get, and I definitely believe them. There are stories of it ending in Bronchitis and/or other wonderful infections. One of our girls ended up in hospital on a drip and oxygen for observation because she was so sick. Some people take weeks and weeks to get rid of it. I think it’s probably worse depending on how long your tour is and what you’re doing afterwards. I’m generally a really healthy person, like I don’t often get colds and flu or anything, but it still got me.

You might start feeling a bit more tired than usual, and your body starts to feel a bit sore (sort of like flu). Your throat feels like it’s closing up and it’s really itchy. You start feeling a little tickle in your throat at first which eventually turns into an annoying cough, which eventually turns into a bent-over-double-gasping-for-air cough. But you’ll be okay (probably).

So how do you avoid the Contiki Cough? To be honest, I don’t think you really can. Apparently the tours that don’t involve a coach (so Island Hopping for example) definitely help you to avoid the recycled air contribution. I suggest getting a flu vaccination a month or so before you go – the strains of flu may be different but at least it’s an extra added line of defence. Also, definitely stock up on multivitamins and Vitamin C before you go. Give yourself as much of a shield as possible. Haha. Take some basic medications with you on your trip such as throat lozenges and cold stuff for example. If you get a cough, go get cough medicine as soon as you can to try stop it getting worse.

The problem is that it’s possible it’s caused by a virus, which means that antibiotics won’t necessarily help, although I thought they did. Just prepare yourself, and when you get it be sensible. It’s one of those things that are bound to happen with the conditions of Contiki – and I don’t mean dirty or anything; just the whole atmosphere. It is really go-go-go and your body takes a bit to adjust to that. So don’t stress or get so worried about it you now freak out about going on Contiki. If you did the same thing at home, you’d most likely also get sick. I know I do.

So when (or hopefully only if) you get the cough, do the following sensible things:

• Get an early night the first night you feel sick – it does help – and maybe one or two more if you need it. You might miss out on one or two nights at the bar but think of all the nights you’re saving by getting better soon
• Go to a doctor once you’re home (or when you can if it’s really bad) to prevent it turning into something even worse
• Try not to cough on anyone else. Haha. And throw your tissues and stuff away!
• Drink lots of water

And when all else fails, don’t be sensible, and drink a shot of tequila and a shot of sand and let your germs get drunk and throw rocks at each other. Sweetos.

Contiki Final Review. I don’t normally like hashtags, but #NoRegrets.

And so Contiki is over. Here is my full honest review of my Contiki experience, the things I learnt, my favourite parts and anything else I can think of.

First off, let me say Contiki really is good value for money. I still maintain you would be hard pressed to see and do as much as you do with accommodation, transport and food for the same price by yourself. However, I can also see how Contiki might not be for everyone. It it unbelievably fast-paced, and because I did such a short tour it was even more so. However, I will also add that if you do only have limited time off or limited time to travel, then a tour like the European Highlights is perfect. Don’t not go because you think it is not enough time. I saw so much more in the last two weeks than I ever thought possible.

The stories about Contiki being one big party are true from my experience. You go out a lot. But what do you expect when you put 50+ young adults together in one place? Alcohol is also a wonderful ice breaker. But you don’t need to drink and party every night if you don’t want to. The one thing I will say though is don’t distance yourself unnecessarily from the group. You’re really only screwing yourself if you do this. For example, if everyone goes for a beer at the campsite before dinner, join them. Don’t drink if you don’t want to but definitely still go be social! There are very few people who are actually going to care or notice whether or not you’re drinking if you’re still having fun. Don’t be stupid and get so hungover you miss entire sightseeing days (unless to get drunk is all that you’re there for obviously). I was out late most nights, and I did miss a couple of breakfasts, but I never missed a day exploring which I’m so happy for.

The trip is what you make of it. Be brave and speak to the other person standing by themself, or go to the group standing together and just introduce yourself. Yes its a bit scary at first, but pretty soon you don’t even think about it. Also, facebook is great for getting in touch before so you can at least recognise a couple of faces. It also makes remembering everyone’s names a lot easier. Go to the kick start meeting the night before if you can – we had about 20 people that went and it made the next morning much easier.

Contiki’s included demonstrations are pretty much sales pitches. Some of them were interesting, like the perfumery for example, and some of them are clearly just there to sell you stuff. You don’t have too much of a choice but to go to them, so just do it because they’re pretty short mostly. But don’t sit and whine about having to go because that’s annoying. Also don’t necessarily believe them when they say it’s cheaper there than somewhere else. Some of it was, but some of it wasn’t. Example: clog slippers (which are AMAZING) are actually quite a bit cheaper in Amsterdam.

Food wise, you get what you paid for. Don’t expect five star meals because that’s not what you’re going to get. Having said that, the food at the Rome Contiki Village was absolutely amazing. The pizza from the restaurant there is also the best. Get up on time for breakfasts, even with a hangover. That little bit of food can make your day much better. If you’re put down to be a cookie or dishie, embrace it. You don’t have much choice either, and when there’s five of you doing it it goes super fast. It’s also a great chance to chat with the onsite teams which you probably wouldn’t do otherwise. And its like no work at all really.

Optional dinners varied, and it sounds like they vary tour to tour as well. Personally, the French dinner was mind-blowing and one of my favourite meals the whole trip. The free wine doesn’t hurt either. Tuscan dinner was a waste I thought. It was nice to sample the different foods, but I didn’t think it was spectacular. I would have rather gone to a restaurant somewhere. Sea Palace was good fun, and it was the farewell dinner so there was no ways I was missing it. I think it’s really good value because the actual menu prices there are incredibly high. And again, lots of wine.

The other optionals I did were all worth it. I’m not convinced  Cabaret was worth the price, but I still loved it because its something I’ve always wanted to see. Also, with the group its awesome, especially if people get pulled upon stage. Go to  O’Sullivans afterwards. The only optional I didn’t do that I think I would do if I went again is the Munich bike ride. Apparently that was a lot of fun. If you’re offered an unofficial optional in Amsterdam DO IT. It is hilarious, entertaining, and very eye-opening.

The Vatican Tour is awesome. You get to skip the queue as well. Don’t rush through the Sistine Chapel – take your time and stand alone for a few minutes and really take it all in. It makes such a difference. Same with Dachau Concentration Camp if you go there. Don’t rush. Actually take the time to think about what you are experiencing and what they must have gone through.  I didn’t do the Imperial tour but I heard it was also quite good, it was just incredibly hot that day. Gondola ride was also fun, and it’s Venice – you have to do it. I got the tour photo and I absolutely love it. Its much harder to get your own photo of the whole group than you think. We didn’t get hoodies or shirts because not enough people wanted, which I’m really bleak about. So just be warned that they can cancel optionals if not enough people are interested.

List of optional “Me-Time Activities” we were offered 🙂

Also note that where they say “see” on your itinerary, they literally mean see. You drive past it if its on a coach orientation tour. Entrance to things is not included for things like the Eiffel Tower (unless clearly stated). I knew that, but some people thought it was I think so they were pretty mad when it turned out it wasn’t. Remember when taking photos through the coach window that your flash on your camera should be off. I was lucky coz my camera takes really fast photos so I actually got some decent shots that don’t even look like they’re from behind glass.

Sitting on the coach there are a couple of good options. Everyone knows the cool people are always in the back half of the coach. Only kidding. It actually gets really hot back there, and does start to smell a bit if people didn’t get a chance to shower. Haha. My favourite seat was the first one after the middle stairs because there was a railing so I could sit sideways or backwards and lean on that. If you want your seat leaning all the way back to sleep, the seat just before the middle stairs are best because there’s no one behind you to squish. Windows are best for sleeping, aisles are best for leg room. Even though I felt really antisocial sitting in the very front seat the one day, it’s also awesome because you get to have a good chat with your TM and driver. Make the effort to do this one day if you want because they have really good stories to tell. Seats near the doors are great for getting off the coach quickly at services and therefore missing the queues that obviously form from 50 people in one place.

The accommodation wasn’t too bad, aside from our Florence accommodation which was terrible, especially for the boys. Venice is average, and only some units have air conditioning. Ibis in Paris was good. Nieuw Slotenia/Slovenia (whatever its called) in Amsterdam is really good despite its dodgey outside appearance. The Contiki Villages are all decent. Showers are small EVERYWHERE except Amsterdam. You might not always get hot water. Make a plan for where to keep your room key because climbing through windows is not as much fun as it sounds. We had two chances to do washing – in the French Riviera you could do it yourself, and in Rome you could too. In Rome you also have the option to hand your washing in. I did that and it cost about 13€ for almost 4kg I think. Just be warned it is hot wash and hot dry, so its possible your clothes might shrink or get damaged.

Make the most of your free days. You will walk a lot. I preferred walking to taking the metro to get to places because we could really experience the place we were in. Eat the local food, and don’t worry about getting fat. Just walk some more. I’m pretty sure I actually lost weight, but I haven’t checked yet because I’m still on holiday. Make the effort to speak the language, even if the locals laugh they really appreciate it. If you’re from South Africa and speak Afrikaans, use it in Amsterdam – almost everyone I encountered could understand it basically at least. Obviously because of walking so much your feet will get sore. I switched shoes every day (I had one pair of vans-type shoes, ballet pumps and comfortable sandals that I alternated between) and my feet only swelled up on like day 12. If you’re prone to swelling, buy antistax. Or better yet, bring it with because some girls were paying 40€ for a box. Heel cream and socks when you sleep can change your life.

Don’t get dehydrated! Drink lots and lots and lots of water all day, everyday. Especially if you’re there in summer. It gets crazy hot, and the last thing you want is to ruin your limited time in a beautiful city by feeling sick.

CONTIKI OVERALL RATINGS (with explanations where necessary):
Accommodation: 7/10

Most of the accommodation is completely suitable to sleep in! Some were a bit cramped (like Venice), and I lowered the rating coz I was super disappointed we didn’t end up staying in the Chateau (in hindsight, it was probably better that we didn’t, but that’s not the point). Also, Florence let me down, because the accommodation was so far away it messed with a lot of my expectations, although my bed was comfortable at least.

Included food: 6/10 (boosted by the Rome dinner, also bear in mind that I hate breakfast normally)

Rome dinner was amazing. I normally hate breakfast, so this is difficult for me to rate because for me almost all breakfast is horrible. But again, it was decent food – nothing special normally (except Rome), but enough to give you the energy you need (and line your stomach).

Optional dinners: 7/10

Optional activities: 8/10

Contiki Team (TM, driver, on site teams etc): 9/10

My TM and driver were absolutely incredible, and I would give them a 10+. However, the on site team in French Riviera stopped us from partying at one point which sucked, and the Rome guys at the Contiki Village were super sleazy. I had almost nothing to do with the Venice on site team, so I can’t comment on them. Thing to remember though is that the on site teams also change each season normally, so there’s that.

Included activities: 8/10

Contiki Experience overall: 10+/10

There is no ways I would change a thing!

MY FAVOURITE DAY:
My favourite day would have to be our first day in Rome with the orientation tour. Rome has always been one of the top places on my list I wanted to visit, and it did not disappoint. The history is fascinating and it is so beautiful. The men are beautiful too, which doesn’t hurt. Rome was one of the days where I fully realised where I was and what I was doing. The party that night to end it all off just added to it.

It’s true, I heart Roma!

MY FAVOURITE CITIES:
I loved every place we went to. If I had to pick my favourites, I would say Munich and Amsterdam. Not for the obvious reasons of beer and weed. Haha. I loved Munich because the people were so friendly. We also only had about 4 hours here, and I feel like there is far more to see and do than we were able to. And the food is amazing. I loved Amsterdam because it took me by surprise. It is beautiful. And it is diverse. There’s also a lot to do, and I think if you go out of the city you can be surprised with what you’ll find. Its also great because its so chilled during the day, but completely wild at night so you get the best of both worlds. I especially loved the beautiful gardens we saw in Edam and the peaceful canals, which don’t smell as much as Venice.

WHAT I LEARNT THIS HOLIDAY:

Things will not always go according to plan – be prepared to just go with it and enjoy it while you do!
Be responsible for yourself. You don’t need to be responsible for anyone else – everyone is an adult.
Don’t judge anyone – people will make their own choices. You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to, but you are in no position to judge what anyone else wants to do. It’s not wrong, it’s just different.
The trip is completely what you make of it. If you don’t make friends or you don’t enjoy it or whatever, that is on you and only you. No one is responsible for making you happy, except yourself.
Take time in the mad rush to just stand and enjoy where you are. Don’t rush so much to see everything that you don’t actually enjoy it.
You will learn alot about yourself along the way.
Make friends with everyone, and don’t be afraid to join different groups. I never would have made such good friends with some people if I hadn’t sat with them for dinner on the first night in Paris.
Don’t get ripped off by cabbies.
When you find a bathroom, use it. Especially in Paris. You never know where the next one might be.

TOP THINGS TO REMEMBER TO PACK:
Mosquito and insect repellent
Travel pillow – I had a three way micro bead pillow, and it saved me multiple times
Antibiotics – the Contiki cough is real
A big scarf/pashmina thing – it works for over your shoulders in churches, a blanket in the coach and a sun protector if necessary
Sunblock, although the sun is different and I didn’t actually burn
Good walking shoes for in case your feet do start to hurt
Band aids
Enough memory cards for your camera, and extra batteries (always have a spare one on you)
Adaptors and a power board

Also remember small change for toilets, and to budget for tipping your TM and driver. They recommend 2€ per person per day. It adds up and it sucks if you want to tip them but can’t afford to.

Also, if you’re from South Africa or anywhere that needs visas, apply as early as possible. It really gets rid of a lot of unnecessary stress.

Money wise, I had budgeted 80€ a day, including optionals. I ended up only going about 60€ over at the end, but I probably didn’t need to. Most of your money will go to food and drinks.

In conclusion, after a lot of waffling right now, doing Contiki and going by myself was the best decision I have ever made. I got out my comfort zone, I found my courage and I made plenty new friends and memories along the way. I will never forget this trip, my first time in Europe and the amazing things I have seen and done. If you are thinking about doing it, stop thinking right now and go book it. You will not regret it. Don’t get hung up on the quality of food and accommodation. Rather focus on the quality of the experience you will have – one which I don’t think I will ever do justice explaining. If you have any questions though, feel free to ask and I will answer the best I can!

Contiki family, if you’re reading this, thank you to each and every one of you for contributing to the best two weeks of my 21 years of existence. Even if you didn’t know, you all had an impact on me this trip and made it what it was. Love you 🙂

MY BEST PERSONAL MEMORIES:
When Tam got out the cab at the RN and all I heard was “hello darling” and I was like “I am not going to be alone!”. BFF 😉 haha
Harry jamming to “Get lucky” the first day on the coach
Miranda’s conversation with the cabby
Extra still sparkling water
Salted caramel gelato missons
My girly chat the last lunch in Amsterdam with Katie, Grace and Miranda
Seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time
War stories after a big night out and looking through the photos
Chasing the Sun
When the wake up song played in any club or bar we were in
#hashtag
Mark shining the torch at us all on the beach in Antibes
Dwayno in the Mediterranean Sea

There’s a lot more engraved in my memory, but I don’t want to give it all away. Haha. Can’t believe it’s only two days until I fly home to South Africa! Time to start planning my next trip I think, maybe an Aus reunion?

x

Contiki Day Six. The Leaning Tower of…

Bonjourno Italia!

First stop, Pisa. We stopped here to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Only for an hour, but this was more than enough time for the standard cheesy “oh look mom, I’m holding up the tower” photograph, which I did. Clare had made a competition for whoever could take the best and most original picture, but only some of the guys did it. The general theme of the submitted pictures has now earned this building the nickname of “The Leaning Tower of Penis”. Enough said. Colby won, but all the pictures were pretty funny. I also bought a new handbag because my one’s zip broke the other night. Super chuffed with my purchase, and it even says “Made in Italy” on it. We also had a service stop where we had our first pizza in Italy. The wait for it was really long, but it was well worth it.

Pisa. And obviously the Tower would be falling over without my assistance 😉

We have apparently been “upgraded” again. If this is the upgrade, I’d hate to know what the original campsite is like. Us girls scored with only three in a room – one bunk bed and one double bed. The boys apparently had more in a room, and the absolute minimum amount of space. We also had the most hectic walk up to the campsite with our day bags, and only half an hour to get ready as there were road closures which created a 45 minute detour. Needless to say, everyone was pretty annoyed by the time we got on the coach for the optional Tuscan dinner. I was in two minds about this optional before eventually deciding to do it because almost everyone did. It was quite nice, although again I don’t think it was worth the price. I would have rather gone and found a nice little restaurant somewhere. We had bruschetta and cold meats, spaghetti bolognaise, pesto pasta and spinach and cheese filled pasta. We then had mashed potatoes and meatballs and creamy mushroom chicken. We had tiramisu for dessert. It was all like a sharing set up, so you just got a little bit of each.

We could go to Red Garter for Karaoke if we wanted, but because of the delays we would need to get a cab home. I didn’t want to do that for a couple reasons. Firstly I wasn’t feeling well. Second, I didn’t like the sound of catching a cab home in a country I haven’t seen by light and don’t know the language to the middle of nowhere. And I didn’t want to spend 25€. It sounded like the beginning of “Taken”, and despite the disaster that was today I am having too much fun to go missing.

Side note: Italian boys are HOT.

Most of us had come back on the coach, and people assumed the bar would still be open. It wasn’t. Massive fail, especially when everyone was expecting a big night. Went to bed quite early to try get better and we have breakfast at 7am before we explore Florence and head to Rome.

Florence Day Sheet