Flash Pack or Contiki? Travel reviews compared
Flash Pack and Contiki are lead names for anyone looking at group travel – but there are a number of key differences between the global trips both offer. Our team performed a deep dive of comments from customer reviews and publicly available feedback across the internet, to understand how travellers see the comparison between us. Here’s what people have to say on the topic:
TL; DR
Flash Pack group travel is designed for solo travellers aged 30–49 or 45-59 who value small group connection (<16 solo travellers) plus comfort and curated experiences. Ideal for immersive adventure, culture and friendship.
Travellers often describe Contiki as great for large groups (~45 people), budget travel, fast-paced city-hopping, and nightlife, with optional add-ons. Group trips are designed for an age range of 18-35s.
Flash Pack and Contiki: what’s the difference?
Based on Contiki website information (Sept 2025) and traveller reviews
| Category | Flash Pack | Contiki |
|---|---|---|
| Group Dynamic | Small, tight-knit groups (≤16) of solo travellers aged 30-49 and 45-59, carefully curated for similar age and life stage; encourages fast bonding and shared experiences. | Large, social groups (~45 people) of travellers aged 18-35. Young age range; good pace, social energy. |
| Price Range (2025) |
From around £910 for short trips to approx. average £2,926 per person, per trip** and above for longer adventures. | From around £215 for short trips to approx. average £1,214 per person, per trip** and above for longer adventures*. |
| Accommodation | Boutique & “wow” stays; option to room-share with one other or upgrade to private. | From budget hotels and hostels to “special stays” (e.g. a French chateau); rooms shared between 2–6 people*. |
| Experience Style | Immersive, one-of-a-kind adventures designed to bring destinations to life. Each trip is thoughtfully curated to offer authentic, memorable experiences that would be hard to replicate solo. Led by experienced Pack Leaders (local guides). | High-energy tours often covering multiple cities in a short time. Emphasis on sightseeing, social activities, cultural highlights, and optional add-ons. Appeals to travellers seeking a social, fun and action-packed itinerary. Led by trip managers. |
| Meals & Activities | Nearly all meals included, from local gourmet experiences to unique dining. Curated activities include everything from cultural workshops to off-radar hikes and adventures (e.g. desert canyoning). | Breakfast included; plus “a handful” of dinners, other meals optional. Alongside included experiences, activities often appear as optional “Free Time Add Ons”, including tours, foodie events, and sporting excursions*. |
| Ideal For | Solo travellers seeking comfort, connection, and curated, immersive experiences. | Young travellers seeking social, high-energy trips with sightseeing, local activities and optional nightlife. |
Flash Pack vs Contiki: group dynamic
Quick take:
Flash Pack: Aimed at solo travellers aged 30–49 or 45–59, with small groups (~12 people) fostering quick connections among like-minded, often professional, adventure-seeking solo travellers.
Traveller feedback: Solo participants highlight the supportive dynamic and ability to connect with people from similar life stages, with many returning for multiple trips.
Contiki: Designed for younger travellers (18–35), with mainly large groups (~45 people) including solos, friends and couples. Fast-paced itineraries, often a strong social culture, with options also available for nature/wildlife immersion, hiking and so on*.
Flash Pack reviews – group dynamic:
“I really got along great with everyone,” says Wanderingtime222 on Reddit (July 2024). “I’m 45, and I was the oldest there, but there were a few other 40-somethings, and I never felt left out. Something about having to abseil down a cliff on Day 1 really bonded us! lol. I totally met like-minded solo travellers. Most childfree working professionals who love to travel.”
“I went to Peru with Flash Pack in April,” adds Darren P on Tripadvisor (June 2025). “We were the first 45-59 group to go to Peru. This was my first solo adventure holiday of any kind. I loved it so much, I have signed up for another two trips with them.
“I was very nervous about holidaying with a group of complete strangers but, given we were all roughly the same age, and all loved adventures, we bonded as a group easily […] I really cannot recommend this company. Do it, you will love it.”
Contiki group reviews – group dynamic:
“I joined that one month Europe Contiki and had a blast,” says Hdjd on Reddit (February 2025). “You can party if you want to, and it is kinda geared that way, but the quiet people in the group usually find each other. But overall, the entire group clicks pretty well.”
“Loved the group energy. A bit fast paced but perfect for solo travellers in their 20s,” says Mariya on Trustpilot (July 2025).
“Contiki is great when you’re in your early to mid-20s if you want to go out and hit the night life afterwards,” says Goater10 on Reddit (August 2023). “I did enjoy it when I was a lot younger. The group sizes tend to be pretty big, too.”
Flash Pack vs Contiki: friendships
Quick take:
Flash Pack: Solo travellers from around the world bond quickly in small, age-matched groups, often forming lasting friendships and booking future adventures together.
Traveller feedback: Reviews highlight strong group dynamics, and repeat customers who value like-minded people, strong community and curated age range.
Contiki: Friendships also form fast, but in larger groups (around 45 people or more) with a focus on destination immersion and social fun among younger travellers (18–35).
Flash Pack reviews – friendship:
“I absolutely adore the company and they are very true to their word on the group dynamic […],” says Porcelain74 on Reddit (July 2024). “FP does an amazing job of organising their trips and thinking of all the details, and I can tell you that I made friends on both of those trips, friends for life. In Morocco, I made friends with many, but in particular two women are actually going on a trip to South Africa this year for my birthday with FP. And in Portugal I have two friends that I met there, and we are going to the FP Costa Rica trip in July.”
Diana O on TripAdvisor (May 2025) says, “Í have just gone on one of the Flash Pack trips for ages 45-59, which was fantastic [..] I’ve found them to be amazingly well-organised and the other travellers have been great company.”
“I’ve been on 5 trips with FP, with two more planned and absolutely love the company and the itineraries. I’ve never had a bad trip with them, and the group dynamics are usually great,” says Jacks0an on Reddit (September 2024). “One of those 5 trips was their 8-day Morocco trip, and it was amazing. That group was all women, one (gay) man, plus the guide (also a man). We all got along great, and the age range was low 30s to early 40s.”
Contiki reviews – friendship:
“It’ll be a lot of drinking, a lot of walking tours, and a lot of time on buses,” says [Deleted] on Reddit (August 2024). “It will definitely be fun, and you’ll probably get really close to everyone on the tour quite fast, cos you’re with them almost 24 hours a day.”
Competitive-Drive930 on Reddit (January 2025) says, “On my tour we had everyone from 18 up to 35. The majority of people were between 21-28 in a group of 40 people. Everyone integrated pretty well and there was no-one left out.”
“Contiki was the best time of my life tbh. Met amazing friends, my heart was so full the entire time,” says Angel on Trustpilot (June 2025).
Flash Pack vs Contiki: accommodation
Quick take:
Flash Pack: Boutique and design-led hotels, and unforgettable “wow” stays like Andean salt lodges or island glamping – details curated for comfort, style, and experience. Room-shares between two matched roommates, option for private upgrade.
What travellers say: “Absolutely stunning,” “exceeded expectations,” and “unmatched service” – with chefs, guides, and even island masseurs making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Contiki: A mix of hostels, budget hotels and standout “special stays.” Rooms are typically shared (2–6 people), with option for private upgrade on some trips*. Experiences leaning more toward budget-friendly and social/ fun rather than luxury.
Flash Pack reviews – accommodation:
“Just returned from Wild Tanzania and all I can say is wow! This trip was a bucket list dream trip to be in the Serengeti and camp in the park. It immensely exceeded my expectations!” says Annelise on Trustpilot (June 2024). “The level of service and attention to detail from the entire Tent with a View team was unmatched. The food was incredible! I don’t know how they did this out in the bush! The accommodations were absolutely stunning and unique experiences.”
Ricky Tizon on Trustpilot (June 2025) adds, “You could tell how much attention and care went into the design of the itinerary, travel accommodations, and the amazing meals every day! The camping on Ginto island was truly unique and memorable. They had a full staff of local chefs, guides, and even a masseuse who all deserve the highest praise for their hospitality and positivity. I highly recommend this experience.”
Contiki reviews – accommodation:
“The accommodations you’ll stay in range from hostels, to hotels, to what Contiki refers to as ‘special stays,’” says travel blogger Rachel Off-Duty (Nov 2024). “[…] Regardless of the accommodation type, expect to share your room with anywhere from one to four other travellers throughout your trip. This may be a good or a bad thing, depending on how you view it, but hostel-hopping is an extremely common practice outside of the US and an incredibly easy way to meet new people.”
“On average, the quality of the accommodation tends to be on par with that of a budget hostel,” adds blogger The Savvy Backpacker (July 2022). “The type of accommodation differs in each city, and some are nicer than others. Some places are not that great, but some are fairly nice (for budget standards).”
Flash Pack vs Contiki: activities and experiences
Quick take:
Flash Pack: Immersive, one-of-a-kind adventures designed for solo travellers, with authentic cultural moments, local guides who bring destinations to life, and a balance of adventure vs downtime.
Contiki: High-energy, group tours that feature multiple activities/cities in one trip, with cultural highlights and a strong social scene. Great for those who want to explore and make friends on the go.
Flash Pack reviews – activities & experiences:
“The itinerary was great and I feel like we got to see things off the beaten path and learn about Tanzania and the way of life,” says Claire P on Tripadvisor (July 2025). “The places we stayed were all really cool and felt appropriate for what part of the world we were in. The staff and food in every place were great. The magic of Tanzania and Serengeti is unbeatable. The very best part was our guide, Mbasha. He is a wonderful person, extremely knowledgeable, and can seemingly do anything. We all adored him.”
Amy Nolen on Trustpilot (June 2025) says, “Even the activities that I would not have chosen on my own turned out to be fantastic: breakfast with goats was an absolute blast (complete with an amazing spread of locally made jams, cheeses, breads, fruits etc.) and cuddles with baby goats! Whale watching was in a speedboat type-vessel that was both incredibly fun and that placed us basically at water level as dolphins and sei whales frolicked beside us in the water.”
Contiki – activities & experiences:
Infinite_World0933 on Reddit (August 2025) says, “I really enjoyed the leisure of having everything decided for me.” The reviewer shares the following example of a Contiki itinerary, taken from a 10-day tour of eight cities:
- Wake up at 7:30am to be on the bus by 8.
- Arrive midday at the destination and do a group activity
- Have dinner and then go out and drink
- Go to sleep at 2:00am and do it again the next morning.
Cloudcxrdie_ on Reddit (January 2025) says, “I did a Contiki as an 18 year old around countries in Southern Africa and LOVED it. They are tiring, and you’re on the go a lot, my tour included a 4am start one morning for a flight. But if you’re ok with early starts (many people catch a few hours of sleep on the bus) it’s a great way to meet people from all over.”
Flash Pack vs Contiki: pricing and value
Quick take:
- Flash Pack: More expensive but offers boutique hotels, small groups (≤14 solo travellers), and most meals/activities included, making it popular with solo travellers who value comfort and curated experiences.
- Contiki: Cheaper, with larger groups (~45 people), multi-share rooms, varied hostel/budget accommodation and more paid add-ons, appealing more to budget-conscious travellers seeking a social trip with flexible activity options.
The price of both Flash Pack and Contiki tours depend on the destination and length of trip, plus which activities and type of hotels are included within it. Flash Pack adventures short stay adventures start from around £910 for short trips to an average of around £2,926 per person, per trip** and above for longer adventures (as of 2025).
This price includes accommodation in boutique hotels, experienced Pack Leaders (local guides), most activities (including immersive, once-in-a-lifetime and exclusive activities), private in-country transfers and most group meals – often including standout dining experiences. International airfares are extra, but almost everything else is bundled in.
Contiki trips start from around £215 for short trips* to an average of around £1,214 per person, per trip** for longer adventures (as of 2025). This price typically includes accommodation in multi-share rooms (of up to six people), a Contiki trip manager, local guides, some experiences, in-country transport, all breakfasts and several evening meals. International airfares, some meals and airport transfers are not included and most trips feature “Free Time Add-Ons” (e.g. a street food tour), which travellers can choose to pay extra for*.
Flash Pack reviews – pricing & value:
Millerk95 on Reddit (May 2025) says, “I took Flash Pack’s Antarctica trip this past December/January for New Year’s and had an amazing time. If you’re travelling solo and can afford it, I’d highly recommend it.
“The price was definitely higher than some others I looked at, but it had a lot of inclusions and the expedition ship company they used was top notch. As a solo traveller, being in a group of just other solo travellers made things so much more fun I think, too. We had eight of us on my trip, none of whom knew each other beforehand, but felt like old friends by day two.”
Allison on Trustpilot (October 2024) says, “I travelled with the 12 days in Bali group with Yogi as our guide, and I can genuinely say the trip and Yogi were nothing less than phenomenal. The amenities provided at each place of lodging, as well as our activities, was beyond my expectations […] This trip was well worth the value and I am so happy I decided on this company and trip.”
Contiki reviews – pricing & value:
Competitive-Drive930 on Reddit (January 2025) says, “Breakfast was included, and a couple dinners. They were not stellar meals by any means, but they did the job. Most of the time for lunch we would try and find a cafe for a cheaper alternative. Dinners not included and nightlife are as much or as little as you want it to be. […] The majority of people did all the add-ons, so I would kind of expect to include that within your budget.”
“The majority of the ‘optionals’ are not included,” says Henry on Trustpilot (May 2022). “This is fine as it was well worth it, activities like a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon is something that will stay with me forever […] it can be unexpectedly expensive but even with this in mind it was 110% worth it the most fun I have ever had abroad.”
Flash Pack vs Contiki – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the typical group sizes?
- Flash Pack: Small, tight-knit groups of up to 16 solo travellers, curated by age and life stage for connection and bonding.
- Contiki: Generally large groups of around 45 people*, including friends and couples, with a social, high-energy atmosphere.
- What age ranges are the trips designed for?
- Flash Pack: Solo travellers aged 30–49 or 45–59.
- Contiki: Young adults aged 18–35.
- How much do trips cost?
- Flash Pack: From around £910 for short trips to average £2,926 per person, per trip** and above for longer adventures (as of 2025). Most meals, unique activities, private transfers and boutique accommodations are included. International flights not included.
- Contiki: From around £215 for short trips to an average of around £1,214 per person, per trip** and above for longer adventures*(as of 2025). Meals, excursions, and nightlife are sometimes extra. International flights not included.
- What type of accommodation can I expect?
- Flash Pack: Boutique and “wow” stays, including unique lodges, luxury hotels or glamping; room-share with one other or private upgrade option.
- Contiki: Budget hotels, hostels, or curated “special stays”; rooms shared 2–6 people, most trips come with an option for private upgrade*.
- What kind of experiences do the trips offer?
- Flash Pack: Immersive, one-of-a-kind adventures including cultural deep-dives, wildlife encounters, off-the-beaten-path activities, and a balance of adventure vs. downtime. Led by Pack Leaders (local guides).
- Contiki: Multi-city/activity itineraries focusing on sightseeing, cultural highlights, nature/sports, nightlife where applicable, and optional add-ons. Led by trip managers and local guides.
- What is the group dynamic like?
- Flash Pack: Small, age-matched groups encourage strong connections and shared adventures.
- Contiki: Large, social groups with a focus on flexibility, fun and energetic interaction.
- Can I make lasting friendships on these trips?
- Flash Pack: Friendships form quickly and often last, with many solo travellers returning for multiple trips.
- Contiki: Friendships develop fast in a social setting, among travellers of a young age group.
- Who are these trips ideal for?
- Flash Pack: Solo travellers who value comfort, connection, and immersive, curated experiences.
- Contiki: Young travellers seeking social, high-energy or immersive group trips with sightseeing, cultural activities and nightlife.
*According to information from Contiki’s website, as of 1 September 2025.
** Sept 2025 pricing, subject to change, based on four, similar-length trips from Flash Pack (8-day Morocco, 7-day Croatia, 14-day Vietnam & Cambodia, 9-day Peru) and Contiki (8-day Morocco, 9-day Croatia, 11-day Vietnam, 9-day Peru).
Contiki price/experience/inclusion details are for informational purposes only and based on publicly available sources (websites and customer reviews). Prices and inclusions may change over time.
This article is based on publicly available traveller reviews and information accurate as of 2025. All opinions cited are those of independent travellers. This article does not represent the views of Contiki and is intended for informational purposes only.
Quotes reflect individual traveller experiences and may not represent all customers.
