G Adventures is better suited for travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences with a focus on responsible tourism and smaller group sizes. Contiki is a strong choice for younger travelers prioritizing social interaction, convenience, and budget-friendly options on faster-paced itineraries.
| Attribute | G Adventures | Contiki |
|---|---|---|
| Average Tour Group Size | Typically around 10, maximum usually 15 travelers. Some tours for younger travelers can have up to 22 people. | In Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, groups range from 35-52 travelers. In Asia and Latin America, group sizes are smaller, around 25-30 travelers. Small group trips max out at about 24, and "Detour" trips don't exceed 16 travelers. |
| Accommodation Style | Small local hotels and guesthouses (basic tours), mix of hostels, hotels, homestays, and camping (18-to-Thirtysomethings tours), upgraded accommodations (Classic tours), community guesthouses (in specific regions like the Galápagos) | Mix of accommodation styles, including hostels, hotels, camping sites, boats, jungle lodges, eco camps, beach resorts, and even chateaus. Budget-friendly trips may involve hostels or camping. Aims to find the best 3-star hotels or hostels. "Special Stays" are unique accommodations like Contiki-owned chateaus or ski chalets. |
| Tour Pace | Fast-paced (18-to-Thirtysomethings tours), balance of activities and free time (Classic tours), more relaxed pace with more time to explore (Comfort tours) | Generally faster-paced itineraries. Some trips are more intense, trying to fit many activities into a short time. Contiki offers different styles based on pace: Discovery Plus, In-Depth Explorer, and Easy Pace. Itineraries can involve long bus days between cities, with 1-3 nights at each destination. |
| Inclusions | Accommodation, some meals, a range of activities, entrance fees to major highlights, transportation between destinations | Transport during the tour. Some meals, usually breakfast daily and some lunches/dinners. Trip manager, driver team, and local guides. Some activities; many are available at an extra cost. Park entry fees and dinner reservations. |
| Age Range of Typical Travelers | Mid-20s to their 60s, with an average age of 30-35. National Geographic Journeys tend to attract older travelers. | Specifically designed for travelers between 18 and 35 years old. The average age of a Contiki traveler is around 26-28. |
| Tour Destinations and Regions Covered | Over 100 countries across all seven continents. Popular destinations include Costa Rica, Peru, South Africa, and Thailand. Expanding into lesser-known regions like Pakistan, Jordan, Morocco, and the Balkans. | Offers tours in over 50 countries across 6 continents. Popular destinations include Europe and Asia. Other regions include Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and the Middle East. |
| Sustainability Practices and Responsible Travel Initiatives | Committed to responsible tourism through its 'G for Good' initiative. This includes supporting locally owned businesses and accommodations, ensuring tours benefit local communities, focusing on animal and child welfare, reducing single-use plastics and carbon emissions, partnering with Planeterra to support community projects, and planting a tree for every day a customer travels with them. | Contiki has a five-year sustainability plan. Aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 or sooner. Focuses on increasing the use of local and organic food products. Committed to reducing food waste and eliminating single-use plastics. Prioritizes bus travel over plane travel and uses public transportation when possible. Using biofuel for its new coaches in Europe. |
| Price Range and Payment Options | Aims to offer competitive prices by focusing on authentic experiences. Offers various tour styles to suit different budgets. Payment options and specific pricing details should be confirmed during booking. | Initial deposits are low (e.g., $200). Payment plans are flexible. Contiki has a "Part Pay Program" with interest-free payment options. Travelers can wait until 60 days before departure to pay the balance. Payment options include MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. |
| Tour Guide Expertise and Language Skills | Employs local guides and Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) who are knowledgeable about the destinations. These guides often speak the local language and are trained to provide insights into the culture. | Contiki calls its guides "Trip Managers." Expert and highly trained Trip Managers ensure the trip runs smoothly. Some trips in South America include English- and Spanish-speaking Trip Managers. |
| Transportation Methods Used During Tours | Varies depending on the tour. Often use public transportation to allow interaction with locals. Some tours, especially in Africa and 'Superior' or 'Comfort Class' adventures, use private transportation. | Primarily coach (bus) travel. In Asia and Latin America, travel in mini-coaches. May include internal flights, boats, or bullet trains. Coaches often have Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and a bathroom on board. |
| Flexibility and Customization Options | Provides some flexibility, with optional activities available on many tours. Also offers TailorMade tours for customized adventures. | Some flexibility with "Me Time Options." Travelers can opt out of certain activities on non-travel days. Customization is available with slower-paced tours. |
| Cancellation and Refund Policies | Cancellation policies vary depending on how far in advance of the trip you cancel. Generally, you may receive a partial or full refund if you cancel far enough in advance, but the initial deposit is often non-refundable. Specific cancellation terms apply to certain products or services. | Cancellation policies vary. Cancellations made 30 days or more before departure may be eligible for a full refund, minus non-refundable deposits/fees. Cancellations made 15-29 days before departure may be eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made 14 days or less before departure are non-refundable. If Contiki cancels a trip, customers may receive a full refund, reschedule, or receive credit for a future trip. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |