iTravel Ten……………..a countdown of …………….

The iTravel Ten is a countdown of the most popular countries among Australian youth travellers, as revealed in the iTravel Report commissioned by Contiki Holidays.

It provides a shortlist of the most popular destinations among young intellectual travellers; a person who has, or plans, to travel to absorb a country’s culture, its history, arts, customs and lifestyle [also referred to as iTraveller].

Activities can include visiting historical sites, going to museums and exhibitions, sampling authentic cuisines, attending festivals and events and mixing with the local people.

The iTravel Ten reveals the top ten countries as rated by young Australian iTravellers:

At number ten it is Egypt;

at nine its Greece;

coming in at number eight was Ireland;

then its Spain and Canada;

sitting at number five is Italy;

following is France at number four;

then it’s the top three: New Zealand, the USA and the big numero uno, the UK.

The Contiki iTravel Report, which can be see at www.contiki.com/itravel reveals that these top ten are taking off quicker than a 747 as the top ten must-see destinations right now for young Australians.

In light of the change in demands of young Australian travellers, Contiki continues to evolve its product offerings to include stimulating and fresh travel experiences that meet these expectations.

The company’s trademark mix of fun and social activities is increasingly combined with once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences.

Here are a few examples:

It’s more than pizza, its ancient sites, ruins and crumbling monuments of another age, like the preserved city of Pompeii. It is amazing architecture as well as infamous art like Michelangelo’s David.

Contiki’s Italian Espresso – seven days from $1029 per person, twin share, land only. Over seven days visit Venice, Florence and Rome with loads of included tour highlights and plenty of free time so you can do your own thing. Highlights include an evening walking tour of Rome, a visit to the Vatican City; see Piazza San Marco, the famous Bridge of Sighs, the Doges’ palace and St. Mark’s Square in Venice; take a walking tour with a local guide through the streets of Florence, the best way to really get a feel for the city, where you’ll see the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery and Piazza della Signoria plus you can see a traditional Florentine leather craft demonstration.

Not just consumerism and hamburgers but iconic cities, small towns steeped in regional Americana and of course the awesome scenery of the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and the beauty of country’s National Parks.  

Contiki’s Wild Western – 13-days priced from $1835 per person, twin share, land only. Enjoy travelling around the west of the US visiting San Diego, Tijuana, Mexico, Grand Canyon National Park, Route 66, Las Vegas, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Highlights include the cacti-filled Sonora Desert, overnight in Grand canyon National Park, hiking and watching the sunset over the Grand Canyon, experiencing the famous Las Vegas ‘Strip’, see the famous Joshua Trees in the Mojave Desert, a visit Mann’s Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood’s walk of fame and loads more.

From the colossal metropolis of London, offering an epic array of nightlife, cultural events, museums, galleries, pubs and restaurants to what lies beyond London. Divided into nine distinct regions, each with its own unique offering of things to do and places to see, it’s England that gives travellers the cultural fix they crave today. 

Britain and Southern Ireland – 15 days from $2595 per person, twin share, land only. On a 15 day adventure discover England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Highlights include: Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey; Oxford; a walking tour of York; Hadrian’s Wall; Edinburgh Castle; scenic drives including the Whisky Trail and Royal Deeside; a visit to Loch Ness and Loch Lomond; a tour of a whisky distillery; the opportunity to take part in an historic wedding ceremony at Gretna Green; Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin; a trip to kiss the Blarney Stone; Cobh the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic and so much more.

For more information on all the great destinations and styles of touring Contiki has to offer young Australian iTravellers see www.contiki.com. To get even more insight into young travellers and the research report visit www.contiki.com/itravel.

Report by The Mole