Topdeck vs Contiki: A side-by-side comparison | Finder
finder.com.au

Topdeck vs Contiki

A side-by-side comparison of two major travel companies.

Avatar
Stephanie Yip
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

Are you on the fence about choosing between Topdeck and Contiki? Considering how similar these two agencies are, we don’t blame you.

However, we've analysed both companies on multiple parameters including prices, tours, discounts and cancellations to help you quell your indecision.

You're welcome.

Topdeck vs Contiki

TopdeckContikiVerdict
Where can I book tours to?
  • USA and Canada
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Latin America
  • Australia and New Zealand
  • USA and Canada
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Australia and New Zealand
Contiki offers tours in the Caribbean where Topdeck does not.
Do tours include flights?Internal flights only.Internal flights only.Both companies include internal flights only.
Can I price match?NoNoNeither company price matches.
Is there lay-by or payment plans?A deposit of USD$200 (AUD$255) per person is required. The remainder must be paid 42 days prior to departure.A deposit of AUD$200 per person is required. The remainder must be paid 45 days prior to departure.Contiki also uses ZipMoney which acts like a layby service and lets you pay your purchase back over 6 months, interest free.Both require a minimum deposit of USD$200 per person. Contiki allows slightly more time to pay the full amount.
Are there booking/charge fees?NoNoNo booking fees for both companies.
Is there online chat?YesYesBoth offer live chat.
Is there a loyalty scheme?5% off trips for returning customers.Up to 5% off on future trips with Contiki or bonuses with its sister groups including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Uniworld River Cruises, Busabout, Haggis Adventure, Shamrocker Adventures, Lion World Travel, African Travel, Brendan Vacations and AAT Kings.Both companies at the same level here.
What ages is it for?18-39 year olds.
If you're slightly out of this range, Topdeck may still consider your admission.		18-35 year olds.
This is a strict age policy. If you don’t fit in this limit, you can book with one of Contiki’s sister companies.		Topdeck is open to a wider age range.
Is there a single supplement?Yes, for a fee.Yes, for a fee. On certain tours, you can reduce the cost by opting for a triple/quad-share.Single supplements are available from both at a cost.
What are my payment options?
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Amex
  • Maestro
  • Direct transfer
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Direct deposit
  • Part Pay
  • ZipMoney
Contiki offers more payment options.

Who offers the best price?

We compared some similar tours on Topdeck and Contiki and found a 10-day tour from Cairns to Brisbane including sailing for $2,352 on Topdeck and $2,363 on Contiki.

On comparing other tours, we found there is little variance in prices between the two companies.

The verdict: Both companies compete neck-to-neck to keep their prices comparable.

Which offers a wider range of tours?

Topdeck and Contiki come close in terms of range, too. While Topdeck offers 335 trips, Contiki is slightly ahead with 350+ trips at the time of writing.

The verdict: As both companies are quite close, we can’t declare a winner here.

Any other differences worth noting?

Cancellation policy: Contiki has a more relaxed cancellation policy than Topdeck, allowing you to cancel as late as one day prior and still receive a return of 25% off your booking. With Contiki, you must cancel at least 14 days prior to departure or you'll forfeit your full purchase.

Both have different percentage fees depending on when you cancel. Generally if you cancel before final payment is due, you won't be liable for fees beyond the deposit. The later you cancel, the greater the fee.

Cancellation fee with Topdeck

Days cancelled prior to departureCancellation fee based on your purchase price
42+ daysDeposit only
42-29 days40%
28-14 days60%
13-0 days100%

Cancellation fee with Contiki

Days cancelled prior to departureCancellation fee based on your purchase price
45+ daysDeposit only
45-22 days25%
23-8 days50%
7-1 days75%
Day of departure100%

Site navigation: Contiki is visually more appealing and allows easier access to search results, maps and itineraries than Topdeck.

Feature image: Contiki

What are the deals like?

Both companies offer the following deals:

  • Early payment discount: While Topdeck offers a 5% discount on trips booked six months prior to the departure. Contiki offers early payment discounts of up to 10%.
  • Last-minute deals: On an average, we found Topdeck offers better last-minute deals than Contiki. Most deals on Topdeck have a 30% discount while the average discount on Contiki is around 15-20%.
  • Return traveller: 5% discount on both companies.
  • Discount for booking with friends: Contiki offers discounts for groups of four or more while discounts on Topdeck are available for groups of two or more. However, the total maximum discount on Topdeck is 15% while there is no restriction on Contiki.
  • Multiple trip discounts: If you book two or more trips, you get a minimum 5% discount with Topdeck and 5% with Contiki provided both your trips are seven days or longer.

In addition to these, Topdeck also offers a Festival Discount if you've joined them for a festive event.

In the past, Topdeck has boasted discounts of 30% off on last-minute European tours and 15% off on European winter tours. Contiki has shown 10-15% discounts on last-minute tours worldwide and 20% off Australian tours.

The verdict: Although both companies have a wide array of discounts, Topdeck gives more chances to secure better deals.

Current deals with Contiki and Topdeck

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals

It looks like we don't have any coupons at the moment. Take a look at our most recent deals

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site