My European Adventure

Hi this was a nice website to remember how it was to feel young and carefree! I did the European Adventurer in 1999. It was the best time of my life! I wish I could take my husband on one but we are almost too old :) Plus, our 3 young kids would miss us :) Thanks for the memories!

Hi there Your page is just fantastic and brings back so many memories. I done the Adventurer tour back in 99 so a little bit different!!!

Great site. Your photos are really beautiful. It sounds like you had a great time. I\\\'m also going to Europe in Aug/Sept (of \\\'07), and staying 30 days so looking at your photos and reading your words is really getting me excited for the trip. Happy Travels!

Hi Daniel! I just wanted to say your website is amazing! I stumbled across it while doing yet more research for my contiki trip in August. Thanks for making me even more excited than I already was for my trip! It was good to get some tips from your experience. Keep travelling, there's nothing in the world like it. Ciao, Leah (Sydney/London)

Hello there Daniel! Hell of an excellent job youve done here, if I may say! ^^ Thanks a heap for the bunch of info, its covered many many doubts, especially those annoying ones about either suitcase or backpack, hahah Aaanyways, Id like to ask ya, is it true theres a half an hour stop at Bosnia and Herzegovina? Im sort of worried about this one, since the only place I can apply for a visa at is New York - thank you very much. Aaww, I know it doesnt appear in your traveled-through-these-18-countries list, yet...? :] Thanks a lot! And sorry for the inconvenience ^^ Keep up the great work! =)

Hey Katie! I would definitely switch some USD for GBP while you're over here. It will be cheaper, and it will also be one less thing you have to worry about once you're over there. Have a great time on your trip! And thanks for saying hi.

Hi Daniel, I leave in exactly 7 days for the Contiki European Discovery tour. We land in London...so do you suggest that I exchange some US dollars for GBP, or does London accept USD or Euros? It may sound dumb but I have never been. Thanks, Katie

Thanks for all the compliments everyone! I'm glad this site is continuing to help so many people. = ]

@ Laura:

I'm happy to answer your budget and USA exclusive questions! To answer your first question... there will definitely be power outlets at every stopover on your trip. Sometimes there won't be enough for everyone in the room to charge what they need to. But you'll definitely have one or two available in your room at each stop.

Just make sure to bring some sort of universal power adapter that covers all the countries you'll be visiting! (I recommend the Kensington All-in-One International Travel Adapter, which you can find through the "Recommended Shopping for Contiki Travelers" link on the homepage.)

About the sleeping bags... you'll have to pick one up from the Contiki Basement when you arrive in London. Since you're from the United States (as was I), you'll be given one for free! Everyone else has to pay for one if they want one. Even though most stopover have some sort of bed and sheets in the room, you'll be glad you have a sleeping bag. (Especially at the colder stopovers.) And I'd also recommend bring some sort of light blanket or thick pajamas if you have some.

Besides all of that, have a great time on your trip! Don't hold back, relax, and just enjoy the experience as much as you possibly can. Go out to all the clubs, and do as many of the optional excursions as you can. You'll never regret taking more time to enjoy the people on your tour. = ]

@ Dindin:

Thank you so much for the kind words! I had such an amazing time on my trip, and am just thankful to be able to share my experience with so many other people. So get to savin' that dough, and make taking your own European Adventure your number one priority for the rest of the year! I promise you'll have the experience of the lifetime too.

how's it goin' Daniel? I just came across your site and I found it absolutely beautiful. Your travel stories and pictures/videos are truely inspiring. You gave a helpful tips on what to bring on a trip to make it memorable (i.e cam/gb/pxl as u mentioned above).Hopefully I'd able to travel this year ( before end of Dec-*crossed my finger* ..still savin' some dough ;)) Your European trip was INDEED a wonderful experience of a lifetime. It's an experience you wouldn't want to trade for anything.

Hi Daniel! Your website is very nicely done and so so so informative. I'm taking my first Contiki Tour this comming July and I'm totally a nervous (and, of course, excited) wreck. My tour is going to be a budget tour also, and I'm SO glad yours was because it kind of feels like everyone else's blogs I've found were from superior tours. I'll also be flying out of the US (from New York), and basically, my tour is the shorter version of yours (European Whirl). So, I've got some budget-exclusive/USA-exclusive questions for you. Mainly, are there power outlets in the Contiki Villiages/Stopovers? Also, what's the deal with the sleeping bags? We'll be handed them? Help! Thanks again for making this site. I go to it constantly (because the only thing I can think about for the next 2½ months is Europe, obviously). Laura

Hey Daniel, Just want to thank u for doing this page! i'm doing the same tour in july and it's made me even more excited (which I didn't think was possible!) Great pix too :) xoxo

Hey Daniel, great site you made on your trip, I'm traveling on July 3rd with my fiancee for the European Adventurer, and I'm glad to finally get a good perspective on that specific tour. Thanks a ton, and keep up the good work!

@ Micheala:

Glad you like the photos! Venice is such a truly beautiful place to visit and explore. I highly recommend just letting yourself get lost in the city. It's pretty much impossible not to take beautiful pictures while in Venice! It's just too beautiful.

As for the music in the video, it's Gabriel's Oboe by Yo-Yo Ma, Roma Sinfonietta, and Ennio Morricone. And it is just such a beautiful song!

Thanks for saying hello! And I hope you have a wonderful time in Venice - and take lots of photos. = ]

Hi Daniel, I am about to visit Venice in few days and your shots are beuatiful. I never heard such a nice music like in your video from Venice. Where is it taken from? Wish you many great travels. Micheala

First of all nice website! Love the design! It has been interesting to read about your adventures in Europe. I am from Denmark, Europe - but right now I am working as an intern in a company a little north of Atlanta, Georgia. I will be there till the middle of December. Will be interesting to experience America from a different kind of view than when you are just being a tourist here (even though I kinda still am a tourist :))

I love your design! Have phun with travelling.. ;)

Hi there, I was checking the contiki photo gallery and came across your photos. Nice Work Mate! Chris

Hi, I just wanted to remark that you have an awesome website! I am graduating this Spring and going to be touring. While I initially set my heart on European Contrasts, after seeing your pics and videos I'm now considering the European Adventurer. Thank you for sharing! Truly! Cristina Toronto, Ontario Canada

THanks for sharing your adventure with us. I did a Contiki tour over the summer as well (I did Golden Fleece, a greek islands tour that was spent on a cruise ship), and had a lot of fun, but I didn't think I would be going back on another one. After more research I thought the traditional Contiki trip would be a lot of fun, and after looking through your stuff, I definitely want to try to go on the European Adventure this coming summer. Thank you for sharing, you have some amazing photos. It was fun to see some of your greece photos and be like, "I was standing right there!!"

Thanks for posting your travels to Europe. I went on European Contrasts with Contiki from May to June of 2006 so seeing your video and pictures reminded me of my own adventures. On the website portion of this, I posted my pictures on a yahoo website. I also have some of the same up on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=26003581 The videos are great and I, too, recommend visiting and traveling as often as possible. Thanks, again! -Teri

@ Fiona:

I'm glad you're taking a backpack instead of a suitcase. And 55 Litre will definitely be big enough. It's actually the exact same size I took with me. The one thing I would suggest is to make sure you pack a smaller (duffel style) day bag. I started using this daily about half way through the trip to make packing early in the morning with little time easier; and to fit souvenirs and clothing I'd picked up along the way!

And definitely bring a decent camera with you! I know how you feel. I was already broke after paying off the trip, and I knew I still really needed a good camera. Just be patient and save up! Don't make the mistake of buying some huge, professional photographers camera. Just buy something with six to eight mega-pixels, that's small enough to go with you wherever you go. I feel like I'm shamelessly promoting this camera, but the Canon SD630 worked great for me. I was incredibly impressed with the pictures it took. And the big display on the back, and ease of use, were just awesome.

You're going to have an incredible time on your trip! The European Adventurer tour is just perfect. It's a bit rushed at times, but you can beat seeing so many amazing places you've always dreamed of seeing in such a short period of time.

Happy holidays to you too! And bring on any more questions if you've got 'em!

Daniel, Your site is awesome, Love your work! I'm booked to do the European Adventurer May 2007 and have got some great information from your site. I'm planning on taking a 55Litre back pack with me instead of a suitcase, do you think that will be enough? I was considering in purchasing another digital camera and after seeing your photos I'm adamant I need a decent camera now!! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a New Year of health and happiness. No doubt I'll be back with more questions. Thanks for your sharing your travelog matey!! Fiona - Australia

Thank you so much for all the compliments and encouragement everyone!

@ MissBliss:

Thanks for the compliment! I had so much fun on my trip. It was really the trip of a lifetime. And I really think doing it Contiki was the absolute best thing I could have done. You just can't beat seeing all the sights, and getting to meet and hang out with so many great people, and having so much fun every night for forty days (in my case)!

I've got two tips for ya!

Numero Uno: Don't hold back when you're over there. Before I left I had a budget for how many optional excursions I wanted to do and how much money I was going to spend during the trip. That all went out the window as soon as I got over there. If there's something you want to do while you're over there, don't hold back! Don't budget and scrimp and try to save. Just enjoy yourself and have the time of your life! And trust me, the more optional excursions you do, the closer you'll get with your group and the more fun you'll have.

Numero Dos: Get a great camera before you leave, and bring along a portable hard drive! This isn't real trip advice. But if there's one thing I'm really happy I did it's what I said above. Because the memories do fade, that's not something you can stop or slowdown, but the pictures I have will last a lifetime. Get a small camera, like the Canon SD630 I took, and take it with you wherever you go. Going out to a club? Take it! Leaving for a dinner you don't think you'll us it at? Take it! Because you just never know when you'll see something you don't want to forget. And bring a portable hard drive along so you can back up your pictures. I got a 40 GB one for about $150. And it was well worth it. That way I could take as many pictures as I wanted without worrying about how much space I had. And that way you can also back-up other people's pictures - which often turned out to be just as great as mine. As some even had me in them! : - )

Other than that just enjoy everyday! And have an amazing time.

Your photos are beautiful! Make me want to really get out there and travel the world. Just to be able to live and breathe it - cant wait! Im very much looking forward to my trip to Europe next year. Any tips??

Hey Danny Boy!! Great page man. You\'re very creative. Its great bringing back all these awesome european adventure memories. Been back home for a few months now. Still trying to get back nito the swing of things. Miss partying with you guys like crazy. Would give anything to get the crew back together. Have totally changed my life style and outlook on things since ive been back. Will be travelling to the states sometime hopefully in the next two years. If i make it to your side ill definately drop you a line!! take care man. All the best. Jamie (jamiesholiday@gmail.com)

I love all the shots mate. They are all my FAVORITE! ha ha. When i have the time, i will definitely logon and comment and try to upload some of my own. Big ups to you brother, thanks heaps for the good times and i wish you the best in life mate. Please keep in touch and i look forward to having a beer with you again.

Hey Danny, how's stuff back in the States?! England has finally got all cold and rainy... boo :o( Contiki seems like an absolute age ago- i've seen Lurch a few times since i've been back which is cool. Loving the photos on Flickr. i've got over 1000 to organise- oops. Anyway, would be good to hear from you- come back on Facebook!!! Jocy xx

Hi Dan. i came across your site on the contiki page...your site is awesome!! it really answers the questions i have. i'm planning on doing the euro adventure Oct or Nov of 2007 solo :S so this is great heads up of what i'll run into...esp great to see that the majority of people who go are solo travelers. glad you had fun and you're pictures are gorgeous!! i love the ones of the city, the little walkways and alleys, the night time photos and the sunrise!!! Nadia - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hey Daniel, It was great to see the time you had... my boyfriend was actually on the 46 day tour that you guys started with... and he seemed to have hung around with ur tour more at the start.. on his site there a a few pics of ur friends pacho and ingrid. I'm also heading to europe next year, and am even more excited now I've looked at your site. Fantastic photography too!! You have some AMAZING shots!

hey, thanks for your awesome info... will help me out big time next year when i go on the same tour in june 07!!!!!

Danny, My man, love the site bro. Its good to see other peoples photos from the trip, it definately brings back the memories. Thanks for everything on tour and sharing the best 36 days of my life. Keep in touch mate. Ryan

Hey Danny... This website is brilliant! Im very impressed! Im in Herefordshire at moment (2 hrs out of London) and missing everyone from Contiki! hoping you are all going ok..... Im feeling a little homesick at the moment! Im very envious of you all back home in Australia! Lots of Love Flick

hey danny. how are you going? so strange to read about your experiences, sharing alot of them myself. your website looks great. i really do miss you, it was weird to hear your voice in the welcome msg. just wanted to say how glad i am that we met and spent as much time together as we did. pitty it had to come to an end. hope to hear from you soon. take care love always court

hey danny boy! Nice website. Hurry up and put some photos up!! In Madrid at the moment ready to start our next Contiki tour. However i dont think it is going to compared to the awesome 36 days we all spent on PB017! Missing you and almost everyone else from the tour ha ha! Hope California is treating you well and you are spreading the Aussie slang across America. Lots of love Jess

Hey everyone! I finally got the chance to get online and say hello. :-) The trip has been absolutely incredible so far. I´m traveling with a great bunch of people, seeing all the sites, and having the time of my life. I spent last night out in Barcelona partying on the top floor of a shopping complex that has about six different smaller clubs. And the party was just incredible - the room was packed out, the music was blaring, and everyone was having an awesome time dancing and singing along to all the songs. Barcelona is definitely the place to go for a great time!!! Tomorrow morning we´re leaving Barcelona for the French Riviera. It´s going to be quite a drive (probably somewhere near 6 hours or so). And I think we´re only going to be there for one night and part of the next day. But it should be a great time and some great sightseeing! Love ya all! Talk to you soon.

hey kid ! Sounds like your having a ton of fun over there, all of us, including Coco miss you. hope you have a great time. See ya when you get back.

Hey! Hope you're having the time of your life! We're following your route and think of you daily. Much love!

Danny! I'm so glad that your website is working. Stay safe, and make good choices. I can't wait to hear about your adventures.

Hello to all, and welcome to my european adventure website.

Please, feel free to post questions, comments, advice or recommendations. As I'm currently in Europe, my responses may be delayed, but the next time I find an internet cafe, I will respond to as many messages as possible.