What do you do when you’re newly single, have a stash of annual leave, and a craving for adventure – not to mention a need to remember what fun feels like again? You book a Contiki tour. And that’s exactly what I did.
Age: 23
Year: 1993
Tour: EE338 Europe Adventurer
Days: 40
Countries: 11
Cities: 37
Pax: 1 – flying solo
Bags: 1
Annual leave: 12 weeks
Languages spoken: zero
Anxiety: high
Excitement: higher
Heart: broken
Current feeling: trepidatious
In the era of large glasses, oversized scrunchies, traveller’s cheques, a camera loaded with film and a well-thumbed paper guidebook, I boarded a flight from Sydney to London to check in at the Royal National Hotel – departure point for Contiki.
Little did I know that I was about to meet a group of like-minded strangers who quickly became far more than travel companions … they’d become lifelong friends.
What I appreciated most was how easy Contiki made everything. No queues for tickets, no reservations to juggle, no late-night timetable searches- it was all seamlessly organised. I travelled on a “Concept” tour, which struck the perfect balance with a mix of group lodging, cabins and hotels.
Every day brought something new – a new place to explore, somewhere different to stay, a new currency to navigate, a traditional meal to try, and even a new language to attempt.
As the journey began to draw to a close, I remember feeling unexpectedly overwhelmed with sadness. How could something I hadn’t even known existed have such a profound impact on me?
But as it turned out, the story didn’t end there. Back in London, many of us realised we each had more time to travel – six more weeks, in fact – and there was no way we were letting the Contiki vibe go. My little Contiki family had one more chapter to write together.
Once we were back in London, saying goodbye didn’t feel like an option. So, we regrouped at a hostel in Paddington, spread out our plans, and decided to keep the adventure going – together.
We hired a minivan, picked a “day song” that became our soundtrack, and hit the road, exploring the UK from top to bottom.
Thrilled to get a hostel book full of stamps and explore one castle and pub at a time.
But eventually, reality caught up with us. Because, as the saying goes… all good things must come to an end. Sigh.
On that flight home, I realised I was a new version of myself – the version I had always hoped to be. More independent. Rich in knowledge and shaped by experiences I had been lucky enough to have.
How, in just three months, had I changed so much? I still remember boarding that flight in July, feeling lonely and scared, with tears in my eyes. And now, here I was, reading back through my travel journal with a smile stretching across my face and a single tear rolling down my cheek. Not from sadness – but from knowing I had completed something truly special.
It was life-changing in a way I cannot quite recreate – leaving behind a feeling I can only describe as a “fortunate sting.” The kind that stays with you, reminding you just how meaningful it all was.
I knew then that the people I met along the way would become lifelong friends. We made memories I’ll carry forever – bonding over glasses of wine, long, heartfelt conversations, and sharing some of the funniest, most unforgettable moments of my life.
And for that, I’ll always be grateful. I may have started the journey solo, but we travelled it together.
Age: 24
Year: 1993
Countries: 11
Cities: 37
Pax: 37
Bags: 4
Annual leave: zero
Languages spoken: 8
Anxiety: what is anxiety?
Heart: full
Feeling upon returning home: bring it on, where to next?
In 2023, those of us still in touch reunited in Sydney for a 30-year reunion. Seven of us came together in person, sharing stories, laughter, and raising a glass to something we all agreed was more than just a holiday – it was an unforgettable moment in time.
I returned home from that trip with a full heart, memories forever etched, a collection of fridge magnets, and a bag filled with notes and coins from every corner of Europe in many currencies I forgot to exchange. But more importantly, I found myself again.
Thank you, Contiki.
By Leearne Groves.
If you would like to know more about Contiki or book a Contiki tour, talk to our Personal Travel Managers who can guide you every step of the way.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
