Culture on a Budget
Contiki Tour Comparison Activity
While Europe offers many tourist activities and vacation packages that come with a high price tag, people
can also experience what Europe has to offer if they’re on a budget. Every year, backpackers from around
the world flock to the continent to experience what it has to offer. Before planning any trip, you must do
your homework to ensure that you get the best value for your buck. Imagine you have just finished high
school and you have the summer to travel Europe. Compare your options and research a 14-day tour of
Europe that is less than $1600 and one that is as expensive as you like.
 Both tours must be in Europe
 Both must be for 14 days
 One tour must be a budget option and $1600 or less, the other must be over $1600.
Items to compare
Price
Countries visited
European cities visited
Things to know (right
side of page under
itinerary)
Types of
accommodations
Significant cultural
attractions, sites,
experiences available
Description of the
best day of the trip, in
your opinion.
Benefits and
drawbacks of taking a
Contiki tour
Which tour would you
choose and why?
14-day Budget Tour:
14-day Luxury Tour:
Are you more of a FIT?
Hostelling International
If you’re a Fully Independent Tourist (FIT) and traveling Europe with a tour company is not your thing, you
may want to backpack independently or with friends. Backpacking or hostelling may just be the
experience you have been waiting for so that you control where you go, what you see and when you go.
Continue your Webquest by exploring how travellers can experience the cultural diversity of Europe by
hostelling.
Go online to: http://www.hihostels.com/
1. Click on “About Us” on the top right of the screen. What is Hostelling International and explain
its history and philosophy/ mission? You may want to click on the icons at the bottom to get the
full overview.
2.
Go to “Inspire Me” and then select “Featured Hostels.” Choose two different types of hostels
(Ski Hostels, Green Eco- Hostels, etc.) and explain why they are unique. Provide an example of
where we can find these types of hostels in Europe.
3.
Why would hostelling appeal to a FIT?
4.
What are some benefits and drawbacks to staying in hostels while you travel Europe compared
to other forms of accommodations (e.g. hotels or motels, B&Bs)?
BENEFITS
5.
6.
DRAWBACKS
Click on “HI Memberships.” What are some benefits of becoming an HI member?
Go “Hostels,” then “Hostels Worldwide.” Select Europe and find a hostel in a country that
interests you. Complete the information below:
a) Country and capital:
b) Currency:
c) Hostel Name:
d) Location:
e) Rating (percentage):
f) Click on “Travel Tips” and see what others have to say about what to do in the area.
g) What features of this hostel interest you?