Compare Contiki vs Topdeck Tours
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Contiki vs Topdeck
Here we compare two great, large tour operators that focus on youth (ages of about 18 to 35) organised guided tours, Contiki and Topdeck.
Both cover similar destinations globally, particularly in Europe and offer both camping/ cabin and hotel options. Thinking of Topdeck or Contiki for your next trip? Let us try to help you pick the right one.
This is how Contiki vs Topdeck compare based on our Compare it Versus independent community tour reviews. See Contiki and Topdeck reviews for individual results.
Let’s look at some differences between the tours and pros and cons of each one.
Which bus tour is better value, Contiki or Topdeck?
Both tours offer multiple options in destinations, tour duration, accommodation and special deals for travellers.
Topdeck and Contiki operate on similar principles of guided bus tours for young people, staying in each destination for a couple of nights, some/most meals covered, important tourist destination catered for and multiple “optionals” offered (that may or may not offer good value).
Contiki is an international travel agency operating in North & South America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Its customers primarily comprise of students and younger travellers looking for value trips at an affordable price. This is why it frequently puts up last minute deals on certain destinations and offers major discounts to solo travellers.
As it may be evident from Contiki’s website, the agency is not particularly well suited for organising family trips. Contiki is frequently associated with being a “party tour operator” but that definitely does not define Contiki entirely. There are multiple options available and a Contiki tour can be a great introduction or snapshot to a new area of the world to explore more on your further travels.
Topdeck is another major international tour operator operating throughout, Europe, North America, Africa, Egypt, Middle-East, Australia and New Zealand. Recently, it has expanded its operations into emerging markets such in Latin America and East Asia.
Over the past few years, it has emerged as a significant competitor to Contiki especially in the youth travel segment. Since the tour operator’s clients are mostly youngsters between 18 and 30, Topdeck trips are typically sold through most popular student travel outlets like Flight Centre and Student Flights.
Share your tour stories in the comments below.
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I have done tours with both Contiki and Topdeck and I think you get better value with Topdeck. The tour will depend on your style and the group you placed with. It is true that Contiki has more of a focus on partying but you still get to pick and choose what you want to do. If you like to party but not every day, Topdeck is better. If you like to party hard, Contiki is more for you. Having said that my Contiki group was very quiet. It depends on your individual group.
Remember that you won’t really get to see countries and culture in depth with Contiki or Topdeck. It’s quick, cheap, arguably safer and you see many places and meet many new people. If you really want to throw yourself into the local culture, travel on your own. You won’t regret it.
I think Contiki is better. The accommodation and destination options are much better with Contiki currently but I admit Topdeck is getting closer. One thing to remember is that with both Contiki and Topdeck, you are only getting a snapshot or taste of the locations to guide you when you visit next time. Go for it!!