I ask all guests a series of questions that I normally ask myself after I come home from travelling, these questions are aimed to give some insight into how these travellers accomplished what they did. These questions also will help you find out if your style of travel matches well with this guest.
What led you to this destination?
Katie and cousin Nick had talked about going to Germany before. So when the opportunity arose to be able to go she knew she had to take it.
At any time was there a reason to leave, ever uncomfortable?
They were in a subway late at night with no-one else on the platform save two guys dressed in military garb. Without warning the military guys took off running out of the subway. That is enough to make anyone uneasy, especially due to how close the terror attacks had been to the time Katie was there.
Were there any surprises during your trip that were contrary to your beliefs?
Paris was the one place that was so against the movie expectations Katie had. When she was there she found it dirty, smelly, not romantic in the least.
Did you run into any trouble while there?
She was very lucky, everything was smooth sailing for her.
What was the least enjoyable situation for you?
The memorial in Nice after the terror attack was a very eerie experience, knowing so many people had died where she walked definitely took Katie for an emotional trip. She often relies on her instincts and vibes and it always pays off, being there was very uncomfortable for her.
What did you discover there that was off the beaten path?
Katie would say her biggest surprise was when she happened upon the group's of surfers in the rivers of Munich.
Do you think you found out anything about yourself that you regularly would not have?
This was a trip where she did some much needed soul searching. Once she left she found she needed to have that time alone to be able to really express herself in a place with no expectations. She feels like she just gained so much experience and is now more educated about the world because of this trip.
Do you think your brought back any parts of another culture?
Katie found a new place in her heart for the delicious cheese and bread of Europe.
If you went with anyone on this trip what role did they serve for you?
She went with her cousin Nick. He acted as sort of a bodyguard and that little piece of home that gives you that small bit of comfort that you may not need but it is always fun to have. They were one and other’s ideal travel buddy.
Did you try to blend in to that local atmosphere, or act more like a tourist?
She spent the only time in the local scene with her dutch friend in her home land. She did not know any of the languages before hand. She had no problem being a tourist.
How did your country of Origin influence your behaviour when travelling?
Katie found french people to be very rude towards tourists while Italian people were so welcoming and wanted you to experience everything they had to offer. In Germany as well Katie found they were welcoming and Amsterdam is obviously a tourist hub for young people. Everyone was a big fan of the Canadian nationality as usual.
Was maximizing Utility to cost a priority?
Yes, even though most of the stuff was already paid for. There was no space to be able to bring back souvenirs in her backpack. Lots of the other ladies on the trip bought an Italian leather purse, which was to the tune of $400 which is clearly absurd and Katie had no part of it.
Would you save or spend more in the future?
She would have bought more funky cool articles of clothing that you may not find from back home. More money on food was also an option for Katie she was trying to limit herself on the quality of food due to price. Local more authentic food would have been better.
What was the approx cost of the trip, how did you save for it?
$4000 was the rough cost. Katie hates wasting time by not earning money in the summer she is working all the time. She also loves to buy things for friends Christmas has become the enemy of her savings account.
After the experience, was it easy to justify the time spent doing what you did?
“Oh god yes”
Why are you so attracted to travelling?
She is a very well travelled individual. However she did not have a great interest in learning of the countries when she was younger which she regrets now.
Are you a vacationer or a traveller?
Katie enjoys a little of both, but definitely hates being stuck on the resort, it was here that we shared a story about going to Cayo Santa Maria Cuba we both went there at roughly the same time the year previous to this. We both hated it, the food was terrible, and both of us became deathly ill. If you do not make a considerable effort to have an adventure then you will not have an amazing adventure.
Any new technology that you used while you were there that seemed helpful?
She received some advice from her stepbrother to download her google maps to offline mode so you can view the area you are visiting.
When people ask about your trip, what do you tell them?
It depends on how much time she has to talk about everything. She will usually just give her friends a summary of places she did and didn't like.
Is there anything that has been part of this trip that you have not mentioned and why?
One story about her Nick and Austin getting drunk then lost in the city, Austin decided to test his athletic ability by jumping over a concrete construction barrier… needless to say he did not fare well and face planted into the concrete.
Did you pay attention to the welfare of the people or animals or environment when in the area?
In Paris Katie noticed that one of the markets they passed were run by homeless people and they were warned against visiting the market by her tour guide. She was very surprised by the greenery of the Netherlands.
How did you connect with other people on the trip?
She didn't really need to branch out much because they were always with at least one Contiki trip. It helps make you comfortable in the destination.
What kind of mindset did you have to make the trip the best it could be, what consistent action did you take to continue the ball rolling when it comes to positivity?
Before Katie left she made a promise to herself to have zero expectations when it comes to each destinations. She wanted to be surprised by each place fully. With the help of Contiki this was made possible. When expectations get high then anything that does not meet those expectations puts a big damper on the trip.
Where do you think you will be heading next?
Thailand and Bali and that will be followed by South Africa. She is scared of going to Japan or Hong Kong for some reason, which is perplexing to me because Japan is the best.
Who are YOU when you travel?
Katie thinks she is more open to new experiences and foreign experiences. If she is at a restaurant here she knows what she likes and she knows what she wants to order. She likes losing the comfort of having friends and family around always. You become more exposed and vulnerable being out of your element and having respect for the place and the people.
