Contiki, the world's leading company specializing in affordable vacation packages exclusively designed for 18-to-35 year olds, offers an array of itineraries allowing travelers to explore exciting destinations while meeting new people from all over the world. For many, visiting new lands and experiencing new cultures is only half the experience. Memories that last a lifetime aren't necessarily the ones captured on film - they're the friendships made and experiences shared while traveling abroad.

Marliese Rizzardo remembers her European vacation fondly, reminiscing about the first time she met the rest of her Contiki group in Amsterdam, "After that first day, we weren't only small groups of people taking the same tour, we were a great group of friends experiencing Europe together." Other past Contiki travelers site new friendships, unique accommodations, inclusion of many meals, the helpful and awesome Contiki staff, sightseeing, and freedom to do what they want as the highlights of their trip.

With Contiki, guests have the advantage of traveling with knowledgeable staff members who are well-informed of local history and youth hot spots, and can direct their clients to the most fun, interesting destinations in each city. Itineraries include all of the not-to-be-missed highlights as well as many out-of-the-way sites, along with plenty of free time for travelers to explore on their own or in small groups. Travelers have more free time to do their own thing because they don't have to search for accommodations, restaurants, tourist attractions or worry about transportation.

Frank Marini, president of Contiki, says that not only is traveling with Contiki a great option because it's hassle-free and stress-free, it's also more affordable than following similar European itineraries solo. "As a leader in youth travel, we have a great deal of purchasing power with many hotels and attractions, and we pass these rates along to our guests," he said. Marini also noted that Contiki guests often go straight to the front of the line at busy museums and other attractions, just one more perk of traveling with the company.

Contiki offers a choice of more than 100 vacations around the world in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, ranging from three to 48 days.  One summertime favorite is European Discovery, a 14-day excursion starting at $1,649. This popular itinerary provides a wonderful sampling of Europe with stops in Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

All of Contiki's vacation packages are designed to make the most out of any budget. Most tours average about $125 per day, including hotel accommodations, sightseeing, transportation and many meals. Contiki will also match solo travelers with same-sex roommates to avoid single supplement costs.

Contiki's web site (www.contiki.com) offers many resources for travelers, including travel tips, backpacking price comparisons and message boards that allow people booked on the same tour to e-mail each other and interact even before the trip begins. There are also hundreds of postings from previous travelers that give firsthand accounts of past Contiki vacations. Additionally, a special student page (www.contiki.com/student-travel) highlights the best trips for students, current deals, and information about discounts when friends travel together. Through May 31, travelers who book a vacation for 2006 can save 5 percent when traveling with one friend and 10 percent when traveling with four friends, a savings of up to $450 on select trips.

For more information and a free Contiki brochure, students and graduates can see their travel agent, call 1-866-CONTIKI or visit www.contiki.com.

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Note to Editors: High resolutions images as well as interviews with Contiki staff and past travelers are available on request.

Contact:
Holly Ferris
Ferris Communications
(562) 429-6456
[email protected]