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Contiki Launches 76 New Trips, Including Fiji and the Maldives, with More Affordable Holidays for Young Travellers

Writer: Katie Doyle
Katie Doyle
20 hours ago
5 min read

If you've been dreaming of exploring the world but haven't quite found the right trip, Contiki might have just made things a little easier.


The group travel company, famous for bringing young travellers together on adventures around the world, has announced its biggest transformation in more than 64 years, introducing 76 new trips, eight different travel styles and a new pricing approach designed to make exploring the world more affordable.


Called GO WANDER, the new initiative includes trips to exciting destinations such as Fiji and the Maldives, alongside expanded itineraries across Japan and India.

And whether you're interested in backpacking through Europe, discovering hidden local gems, heading to a music festival or treating yourself to a luxury island escape, there's now a Contiki travel style to match.



Eight New Ways to Explore the World with Contiki


Not everyone wants the same thing from a holiday. Some travellers want to see as many famous landmarks as possible, while others would rather spend their days discovering little cafés, meeting locals or heading off the beaten track.

Contiki's new Travel Worlds have been designed around exactly that idea, giving travellers eight different ways to experience a destination.


1. Contiki Local: Travel Like a Local

Forget rushing between tourist attractions. Contiki Local is all about slowing down and experiencing a destination through the eyes of the people who live there.

Think discovering family-run trattorias in Italy, sampling traditional Greek food, wandering through charming neighbourhoods and finding those little places you might otherwise walk straight past. With smaller groups and more immersive experiences, these trips are designed for travellers who want to get beneath the surface of a destination.


2. Contiki Originals: The Classic Contiki Experience

Sometimes you can't beat a classic. Contiki Originals brings together the iconic group adventures that made the company famous, including its popular European itineraries.

If you've always wanted to travel around Europe, meet new people and experience several destinations in one unforgettable trip, this is where it all began.


3. Contiki Highlights: See the Best of Everything

Short on time but determined to see the sights? Contiki Highlights focuses on the must-see attractions and experiences that make a destination special. These itineraries are designed to help travellers make the most of their time away, with carefully selected experiences that cover the highlights without turning the holiday into an endless checklist.


4. Contiki Lite: Big Adventures on a Smaller Budget

Here's some good news for anyone trying to travel without spending a fortune.

Contiki Lite is designed for budget-conscious travellers who want to explore the world without paying for unnecessary extras. These more affordable, stripped-back trips focus on the essential travel experiences, making them particularly appealing to younger travellers, students and anyone looking to stretch their holiday budget a little further.



5. Contiki Outdoors: For Adventure Lovers

If your ideal holiday involves hiking boots rather than sun loungers, Contiki Outdoors could be your perfect match. Designed for travellers who love getting active, these trips focus on outdoor adventures and exploring some of the world's most exciting natural landscapes.

It's about experiencing a destination rather than simply looking at it, with activities and adventures taking centre stage.


6. Contiki Islands: Sun, Sea and Paradise

Dreaming of turquoise waters, beautiful beaches and island sunsets? Contiki Islands brings together holidays in some of the world's most spectacular island destinations, including Greece, Indonesia and the Maldives. Whether you're looking to explore tropical islands, discover coastal cultures or spend some well-earned time beside the sea, this new collection is all about island life.


7. Contiki Festivals: Travel for the Music and Culture

For travellers who love planning holidays around music festivals and cultural celebrations, Contiki Festivals introduces another way to see the world. These trips will combine travel experiences with access to some of the world's leading music and cultural festivals, including exclusive experiences designed to make the occasion even more memorable.

It's an exciting option for anyone who believes that some of the best travel memories are made in the middle of a crowd, surrounded by great music and new friends.


8. Contiki Luxe: A Little More Luxury

Who says group travel has to mean backpacking and budget accommodation?

Contiki Luxe is designed for travellers who appreciate the finer things in life, introducing a collection of more luxurious holiday experiences. For those who want the social side of travelling with a group without compromising on comfort, this could be an appealing new option.




Fiji and the Maldives Join Contiki's Destinations


One of the biggest announcements from the GO WANDER launch is the introduction of Fiji and the Maldives as new Contiki destinations.


Both are famous for their incredible natural beauty, beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, but they've traditionally been associated with honeymooners and luxury holidays.

Their addition to Contiki's portfolio opens up new opportunities for younger travellers interested in exploring these destinations as part of an organised group trip.

The company is also expanding its itineraries in Japan and India, reflecting growing interest in Asian travel.


According to Contiki, passenger travel to Asia increased by almost 29% between 2023 and 2026, highlighting the region's growing popularity among its customers. From Japan's bustling cities and ancient temples to India's colourful markets, extraordinary architecture and diverse landscapes, the expanded itineraries promise even more opportunities for cultural discovery.



More Affordable Contiki Holidays with New Everyday Pricing


Perhaps one of the most welcome changes is Contiki's new approach to pricing.

Rather than relying as heavily on flash sales and limited-time discounts, the company is introducing lower everyday prices across its portfolio. The idea is to make it easier for travellers to plan and book their holidays without constantly waiting for the next big promotion. With the cost of living continuing to influence holiday budgets, the new pricing structure is designed to make group travel more accessible.

Contiki has also introduced a wider range of trip formats and price points, giving travellers greater flexibility when choosing their next adventure.



Why Group Travel Is Becoming More Popular


Travelling solo doesn't necessarily mean wanting to spend an entire holiday alone.

For many younger travellers, organised group trips offer the opportunity to explore new destinations while meeting people with similar interests. Research highlighted by Contiki found that 75% of young people in the UK and Ireland would consider an organised group trip as part of their next international holiday. Almost six in ten also expressed a preference for travelling in smaller groups of 15 people or fewer. It's a trend that helps explain Contiki's decision to introduce more personalised experiences, smaller-group options and trips built around shared interests.


Whether you're travelling alone, with a friend or as part of a couple, group holidays can offer a balance between independence, convenience and the chance to make new connections.


A New Travel Series Set in Costa Rica


To celebrate the launch, Contiki has also introduced On Contiki, a new short-form drama series directed by award-winning filmmaker Gracie Otto. Set in Costa Rica, the series follows four young travellers as they navigate new adventures, friendships and the inevitable ups and downs of travelling together. Designed for platforms including TikTok and YouTube, the series offers a glimpse into the social side of the Contiki experience.



Is Contiki's GO WANDER Worth Exploring?


With 76 new trips planned by the end of 2026, eight travel styles and destinations ranging from Europe to the Maldives, Contiki's latest announcement represents a significant expansion of its group holiday offering. And with more affordable pricing, smaller-group experiences and greater choice, the company is looking beyond the traditional backpacking holiday to appeal to a wider range of young travellers. Whether your dream trip involves island hopping in Greece, exploring Japan, discovering hidden Italian villages or heading off on an outdoor adventure, there's now even more choice.


Contiki's GO WANDER initiative launched on 29 October 2026, with further information and trip options available through the official Contiki website.

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