We love to travel! Who doesn’t? It’s one of life’s greatest gifts to be able to explore somewhere brand new: The sights, the smells, the people. Want to see parts of our fair nation that you’ve never been to before? Or visit our neighbours to the south? Maybe Brazil is calling your name? Or Mexico? Or Waikiki? Contiki’s The Americas tour list has you covered for all things South and North America. There’s definitely a trip (or 10) perfect for you. We asked some of our own staff to share one tour they would hit up in a heartbeat. 

Lisa Amerongen, 26

Which trip did you pick? Southern Adventure

Why is this the trip you picked? I’ve never explored the Southern United States before. Wild cities—LA, Las Vegas, New Orleans—and beautiful scenery—Joshua Trees, Grand Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains—combine to make this the perfect road trip!

What excited you most about this trip/what’s the one thing you’re dying to do or see? On the stretch between Durango and Albuquerque you get a choice between river-rafting or exploring an old mine on a four wheel drive excursion! I honestly don’t know which one excites me more., but I’d like to think the mine tour would something be straight outta the scene from Temple of Doom…with less lava and gun fire. I’d be screaming “Indieeeee!” the whole time.

Why is travel important to you? It’s really exciting and enlightening to take myself out of the day-to-day. It’s important to be reminded that I’m just one person living in this huge culturally diverse world. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but more often than not travel challenges a lot of my taken-for-granted notions about how people live. Plus, there’s always great new food to try. “Fooooood!!” -Also me on this trip.

Haley Cullingham, 27 

Which trip did you pick? The Explorer

Why is this the trip you picked? I love South America, inasmuch as you can love a continent when you’ve only been to two countries on it. I would love to experience more of this incredible place. 

What excited you most about this trip/what’s the one thing you’re dying to do or see? Colca Canyon, the jungle lodge, and the Sacred Valley ruins. 

Why is travel important to you? Travel is an incredible privilege, and for me nothing feels more invigorating or energizing than being in a new place.

Monica Heisey, 25

Which trip did you pick? Grand Southern

Why is this the trip you picked? A road trip across America has always been a dream of mine, and probably of anyone who’s ever read On the Road or Travels with Charley (or any of the many other novels about the Great American road. USA! USA! USA!

What excited you most about this trip/what’s the one thing you’re dying to do or see? The Grand Canyon looks like the kind of thing that makes you cry a bit.

Why is travel important to you? Travel opens you up to the world and the world up to you; you can inform and be informed by what’s out there. Sounds real cheesy but GUESS WHAT, sometimes the truth is cheesy.

Sara Harowitz, 23

Which trip did you pick? Mexican Fiesta

Why is this the trip you picked? I’ve been to Mexico twice, but both times were at an all-inclusive resort. I really want to go back there and stay in the cities, actually exploring the country and experiencing its culture. Plus I crave Mexican food at all times. I’m not exaggerating.
What excited you most about this trip/what’s the one thing you’re dying to do or see? Mexico City! Oh my gosh, I really want to go there. Seeing the cathedral lit up at night sounds breathtaking. I’m also excited about Taxco because if you take away the “x” it spells “taco” and if that isn’t a sign from the cosmos that I should be eating tacos, I don’t know what is.

Why is travel important to you? It reminds me how small I am. There are so many different lives and cultures in the world, and it’s so fun to learn about and experience them first hand. It’s humbling, to say the least.

Becca Lemire, 26

Which trip did you pick? LA to the Bay

Why is this the trip you picked? I chose this trip because I have yet to cross California off my list, despite it being at the top for a long time. This trip sounds EPIC!

What excited you most about this trip/what’s the one thing you’re dying to do or see? I want to see all of the west and southwest USA. As a photographer, I would love to take photos of the Grand Canyon landscape. And I don’t drive, so seeing all these car-heavy cities on a guided tour seems ideal.

Why is travel important to you? It’s the one thing that is the most special in life. It’s exciting, eye-opening, exhilarating, humbling, scary, and fun all at once. It always gives me perspective on my life, and I always return feeling refreshed. 

Jen McNeely, 33

Which trip did you pick? Canada & The Rockies Tour

Why is this the trip you picked? At this very moment, I can think of nothing better than going for a hike through a deep forest followed by a cool dip in a glacier lake. I’m craving an outdoor adventure.

What excited you most about this trip/what’s the one thing you’re dying to do or see? I’ve explored our coastal mountains but I’ve never been to Banff. I think trekking, kayaking and mountain biking would be extra exhilarating and fun with a group of likeminded individuals who share an appreciation for our beautiful country.

Why is travel important to you? It’s the best education and you always return with a new perspective. Regarding this particular trip, I cherish a close connection to nature and it helps me think clearly and reminds me to be grateful to our planet.

They all sound amazing. Find the perfect Contiki adventure for you!