As the weather gets nicer and the urge to get outside even outweighs the urge to binge-watch Netflix on the couch, it's normal to start feeling the itch to travel. You know, that feeling of longing to travel, where you just want to be somewhere, anywhere, far away from home. You want to explore a new place, try new food, meet new people, and get out of your comfort zone a little bit on an epic vacation. Unfortunately, planning an epic vacation isn't as easy as you think: Such trips are expensive, and whether you pay with a credit card or prepay, paying for one can seem daunting. That's why Contiki's new travel payment plan, which allows you to pay for any Contiki travel expenses on a monthly basis, is a great idea.
The new payment plan is powered by Uplift, a travel financing site that works with brands as diverse as Kayak and American Airlines Vacations. Now, through a partnership with Contiki, travelers can affordably and easily travel to more of the world. The way it works is simple: you select the Contiki trip you want to go on, and then you'll be given the option to fund the trip. Monthly prices range from about $220 per month to $30 per month, so what you pay each month really depends on the travel you choose.
Once you've finalized your itinerary and checked out prices, you'll be asked to enter all of your information. Please note: Depending on your credit limit, prices may increase from those shown on the travel page, so if you have a lower credit score, you may get a higher quote. You have 12 months to pay off your trip, with the first payment due at time of booking.
Let's say the trip you choose requires you to pay $100 per month: You'll pay $100 up front, and then you have nearly a year to pay off the rest of the trip. Paying small monthly installments makes a $2,000 trip seem much easier than paying $2,000 up front or adding it to a credit card that will continue to accrue interest and add fees. Uplift allows you to keep traveling even if you haven't paid it off yet. They make it easy by sending payment reminders and automatically withdrawing your money so you never forget. Yes, you still pay the same amount as everyone else, but you do it in a way that makes your life a little easier.
Another benefit of this payment plan is that it provides options for any of their trips—and there are plenty of them. Contiki has a collection of amazing global tours for you to browse, whether you want to explore different countries or just want to visit one. For example, you can take a 13-day European Discovery Tour, visiting cities such as London, Amsterdam, Germany, Austria, Italy, and France. Monthly fees are as low as $223.
For just $68 per month, you can try Thai Island Hopper East, which lets you spend 9 days on some of Thailand's most beautiful and picturesque islands. You can even opt for a six-day Zanzibar beach getaway for $49 per month. Options range from long-haul tours throughout countries around the world to short tours in one location - you can even choose a trip to explore the United States. An epic 55-day adventure across America that takes you to every sight you can imagine, for only $818 per month!
Is this better than planning a trip yourself? Contiki is a travel service that essentially makes your vacation easier and less stressful. At these prices, you not only get the chance to explore, but you also get additional services such as a tour manager as a guide, transportation, most meals, and unique excursions to make the most of your trip. You may also connect with other people there and make new friends, which is always a plus. It's basically a great way to make your Instagram holiday drama a reality - one we can all get in on.
