Contiki is ideal for young, budget-conscious travelers seeking social group experiences and pre-planned itineraries. Scott Dunn is better suited for travelers looking for highly customized, luxury holidays with premium service and accommodations, regardless of age.
| Attribute | Contiki | Scott Dunn |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience (Age Range) | 18-35 years old, average age is 26 | Caters to diverse guests of all ages, including families with young children, multi-generational families, couples, and solo travelers. They offer specialized services like Explorers Kids Clubs and SENNIES for children with special needs. |
| Tour Style | Group tours emphasizing social travel, adventure, and vibrant nightlife. Styles include Discovery, In-Depth Explorer, Winter & Ski, Cruise and Sailing, Active, Adventure, African Safari, Beach, Christmas, City Breaks, Detour Mini Adventures, Festival Travel, Gap Year Travel, Hiking and Trekking, Island Hopping, New Year's Eve, Plus+ Trips, Pride, Reunion, Sailing, Short Breaks, Ski & Snowboard, Small Group, Solo, Train, U.S. National Parks, Wildlife, Winter, and World | Specializes in tailor-made, luxury holidays. They focus on customizing itineraries to match individual lifestyles and preferences rather than offering standard packages. |
| Destinations Covered | Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa & The Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada. Over 350 trips worldwide | Offers holidays to over 100 destinations across all seven continents. Popular destinations include Tanzania, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Oman, Ecuador, Bhutan, Rwanda, Mongolia, and South America. |
| Average Tour Group Size | Europe and New Zealand: 24-53 travelers. Asia, Africa, and Latin America: 12-30 travelers. Small group trips: max 24. Detour trips: max 16 | Information on average tour group size is not explicitly mentioned in the provided context. However, they focus on customized trips, which could imply smaller, private groups or even individual travel. |
| Accommodation Quality | Mix of hotels, hostels, and unique options like cabins or camping. Aims for best 3-star type hotels or hostels | Focuses on luxury accommodations, including hotels, villas, resorts, and lodges. They curate a collection of high-quality accommodations, often with exclusive extras for Scott Dunn guests. |
| Inclusions | Accommodation, ground transportation (coaches, boats, jeeps, planes), some meals (breakfast almost always included, some dinners), Trip Manager and sometimes local guides, some activities, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences | Inclusions vary depending on the specific tour but often include meals, activities, and transportation. Some villas come with private chefs, hosts, and nannies. |
| Price Range | Varies widely based on trip duration, destination, and inclusions. Bundles accommodation, some meals, and activities | Scott Dunn is a luxury tour operator, and their prices reflect this. Specific price ranges per day/tour are not available in the search results, but expect to pay a premium for their services. |
| Sustainability Practices | Achieving Net Zero by 2050, 50% renewable electricity by 2025, 50% food waste reduction by 2025, increased local & organic food, 50% printed brochure reduction by 2025, eliminating single-use plastics, at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences on 50% of itineraries by 2025, energy-efficient transportation | Committed to responsible travel and minimizing their impact on the planet. They partner with organizations like Tree Sisters for reforestation and support community-based projects through the Scott Dunn Charitable Fund. |
| Customer Service Responsiveness | Support system with trip managers and drivers, 24/7 support | Known for providing seamless service from the initial planning stages to after the trip. They offer 24/7 in-country support and guidance. |
| Guides' Expertise and Local Knowledge | Trip Managers recruited for problem-solving and communication skills, undergo training | Employs travel consultants who spend a month a year seeking out the best properties and fine-tuning their local knowledge. They also have a network of expert local guides. |
| Flexibility and Customization Options | Free Time Add-Ons (FTA) for extra experiences at additional cost | Highly flexible and offers complete customization of itineraries based on individual preferences. They focus on understanding the customer's needs and interests to create the perfect holiday. |
| Cancellation and Refund Policies | Flexible deposit and payment options, allows changes or cancellations (for a credit) up to a certain point before departure | They are constantly evolving their booking conditions in line with the latest governments' travel guidances so that they can offer total flexibility to give you peace of mind. If you cancel or reschedule a Live Online course more than 7 days before the first day of the class you will receive a full refund. If you cancel or reschedule within 7 days of the first day of class, a 50% fee will be charged, and the remaining 50% can be used as a credit toward a class to be taken within 6 months from the date of the canceled class. |