Contiki Holidays, the largest vacation company for 18- to 35-year-olds, announced the results of a national travel survey, which revealed the most popular vacation preferences. More than 60 percent of respondents said that they would tap into their savings accounts to pay for their next vacation over using their credit card or money from parents, relatives or friends. Among those respondents, Europe was chosen as the second top travel destination, closely trailing Hawaii. �The results are a strong indicator of a bolder and less fearful attitude of traveling among consumers,� said Lisa Wooldridge, vice president of marketing for Contiki Holidays. �This is optimistic for our industry as a whole as we�ve also seen a record number of U.S. passports � 7,300,667 � issued in 2003.�

SURVEY RESULTS: The survey revealed the following travel preferences among 18- to 34-year-olds: � About one-third have a valid passport (32 percent � which is higher than the national average of any other age group); � Most will use their savings to pay for their next vacation (64 percent); � About three in 10 generally or sometimes use a travel agent to book leisure travel (28 percent); � About half (46 percent) would use a travel agent to plan a two week international trip that would cost about $1,500, while the second most popular booking method would be the Internet (38 percent); and � Their primary influencer regarding travel decisions are family/friends (37 percent) and the Internet (29 percent).

These results are based upon telephone surveys conducted by Opinion Research Corporation among a national probability sample of 241 adults 18- to- 34 years of age living in private households in the continental United States. The survey was conducted November 6 � 9, 2003. The margin of error for the entire sample is plus or minus six percentage points.

ABOUT CONTIKI: Contiki tours are specially designed with 18- to 35-year-olds in mind. Each tour offers the perfect balance of sightseeing and free time, with plenty of suggestions from Contiki�s knowledgeable tour managers. For those adventurers seeking extra thrills, Contiki offers a wide variety of optional activities such as white water rafting in Tyrol, Austria; parasailing in Corfu, Greece; or a folklore lunch and lake cruise in Lucerne, Switzerland. Optional activities can be arranged and booked on site with the tour manager.

Contiki European vacation packages begin at $75 a day with escorted tours that feature the following: accommodations; most breakfasts and about half of the dinners; transportation by climate-controlled motorcoach and trains or ferries, where indicated; guided sightseeing; plus a young, professional tour manager and driver throughout. Solo travelers can be matched with same-sex roommates to avoid single supplement costs.

In business for more than 40 years, Contiki offers more than 100 escorted tours, resorts, and cruises, specially designed for 18- to 35-year-olds. For more information and a free Contiki 2004 Europe brochure, consumers should see their travel agent, call (888) CONTIKI or log onto www.contiki.com. Contiki also offers escorted tours throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S.

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Media Contact: Kathrina Calbes Contiki Holidays 714-935-0808 x5165 marketing@contiki.com