EF Ultimate Break and Contiki are both popular choices for young travelers seeking organized group tours. EF Ultimate Break is praised for its meticulously planned itineraries and customer service, while Contiki offers a wider range of trip styles and has a focus on sustainability. The best choice depends on individual preferences regarding pace, group size, and desired level of flexibility.
| Attribute | EF Ultimate Break | Contiki |
|---|---|---|
| Target Age Group | 18-35 years old (majority closer to the younger end) | 18-35 years old. Some tours have specific age ranges, such as 27-35 year olds. Reunion trips are available for past travelers aged 35-45. |
| Trip Style | A mix of adventure, cultural exploration, and social activities. Some trips have a 'party' theme. They also offer sober tours. | Active, Adventure, Cultural, Party (though they have been trying to move away from this reputation), Chill Trips, In-Depth Explorer, Train Trips, Sailing and Cruise, African Safaris |
| Accommodation Type | A mix of hotels and hostels, often with shared rooms. Private rooms available for an extra charge. | A mix of hostels, hotels, and "Special Stays". Special Stays can include chateaus in France and floating rafts in Thailand. Accommodation is pre-planned. Expect to share rooms with 1-4 other travelers. |
| Inclusions | Flights (optional), accommodation, transportation between cities, a tour director, metro passes in some cities, tickets to some attractions, guided sightseeing and city walks, welcome dinner, some breakfasts, 24/7 support. | Transportation during the trip (air-conditioned motorcoaches, minibuses, trains, cruises, and ferries), Accommodation, Some meals (breakfast is often included, as well as some lunches and dinners), Dedicated trip managers and drivers, Some activities (walking tours and sightseeing at famous landmarks). These are often "No Regrets Inclusions". |
| Pace of Travel | Can be fast-paced, covering a lot of ground in a short time. | Generally faster-paced itineraries. Contiki is known for trying to fit a lot into a short amount of time. However, they are now offering slower-paced tours as well. |
| Group Size | Up to 44 travelers. | Classic Contiki trips can have 30+ people, with a maximum of 53 and an average of 45. Small group tours are typically capped closer to 20-30 people. Sailing trips in Greece, Turkey, and Croatia have 15 people or less. |
| Price Range | Varies widely depending on the trip. Some trips are available for under $2500. They offer interest-free payment plans. | Tours range from $200 to $10,000, depending on the trip length, travel style, and destination. The average price per day for Contiki tours in Europe is $190, with a range of $120 to $327. |
| Destinations Offered | Over 65 destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Europe is a popular focus. | Europe, Asia, USA & Canada, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand |
| Tour Guide Expertise and Local Knowledge | Tour guides provide insider tips, advice on local customs, and help with logistics. | Expert trip managers and drivers, as well as local guides. |
| Sustainability Practices | Not available | Contiki has a 2025 sustainability strategy focused on reducing food waste, sourcing electricity from renewable sources, and eliminating single-use plastics. They aim to reach Net Zero status by 2050. They also include MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences on itineraries. |
| Flexibility in Itinerary | Limited flexibility due to the structured nature of the tours. Free time is allocated for independent exploration. | Contiki offers "Free Time Add-Ons" that can be booked for an additional cost. They also offer options for slower-paced tours. |
| Booking and Cancellation Policies | A reservation fee of $150 is required. The reservation fee is fully refundable if you cancel within 48 hours of enrollment and the cancellation occurs more than 60 days prior to the scheduled departure date. Cancellation fees apply. You can change your tour date or destination up to 3 times with travel protection, as long as you're more than 60 days away from your departure date. EF offers a 'Cancel for Any Reason Protection'. | Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to departure are eligible for a full refund, minus any non-refundable deposits or administrative fees. Cancellations made 15 to 29 days before departure will be eligible for a 50% refund. Date changes are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. If you cancel your booking more than 60 days before departure, you can get your money back in full excluding the deposit. |