Is 35 too old for Contiki?
I've always wanted to go on a Contiki tour but with uni and working I never got the chance. I finally got some time and I want to do a tour of Europe but I'm worried I might be pushing the boundaries and too old at 35? I know they say its 18-35 but I didn't want to be the only "old" person whilst everyone is 18. Has anyone been on a trip and can you tell me the age ranges?
Here's a good question ... (not that the others are less important) But it's one I had to face as well..
I did a contiki tour when I was 22 & it was fine, I did a tour of NZ at 24 & I felt old & I was one of the oldest on the tour ... (I still had fun) .. But there were moments that I felt I was around babies...
I am now 30 & going to Europe next year & looked in to a few different tour companies ... I ended up booking a tour with G Adventures, the age range is 18 to 55, but after speaking to the rep, most of their clients are late 20's & 30's ...
I have nothing against Contiki, & would have had a great time no matter what, but I would rather be with more of my own age.
So really I guess it's up to you and your Personality and what you feel comfortable with.
It can be a bit hit and miss and will depend on you. I did a tour for my 30 birthday and was in the middle of the age group - plenty of people older and younger. I got along great with the young people though too. Do you feel more like a young 35 or an old 35? How do you think you'll deal with a bus full of 18-25 year olds? I certainly don't think that 35 is too old, unless you're not young at heart.
I think it really depends on your state of mind. There are some wild partying 35 year olds, and there are some 18 year old sticks in the mud. I'm 20's now, and did my first Contiki about a couple of years ago. My roommate was 30, and she was the oldest on the tour. But she was out there every night, partying it up with every one else.
35 is definately not too old for Contiki. It is what you make it - if you want to get drunk every night, get drunk. if you want to see and do as much as you can while you're there, do it. It's all in the attitude 
Happy travels
We had a person on our last tour I did to the states he was in his 40's but his wife was in her 30's contiki have a loop hole may of stopped since where if you are over the required age but travelling with wife, husband etc and they are in the required contiki bracket you can travel with contiki. You'd probably have to sign a waiver and it would be a case by case. This may of changed since so don't quote me.