I’m sure you can very well imagine that gathering 51 travelers, ranging in age from 18 to early 30’s, and exposing them to the enchantment of Europe can easily lead to some romantic engagements (to avoid using slang). I don’t think I have to spell it out for you, but in case you don’t know what I’m talking about I mean singles coming together and becoming duos. Some may take a tour such as this one with the explicit plan of hooking up, while others refuse to go that route. Others, still, will take things as they come and decide which route to pursue. I could tell you stories (oh so many stories), but out of respect for those involved I’ll avoid doing that. I can, however, speak in general and from my own personal experience. Oh boy, here we go.

Europe has been romanticized to such a great extent in films, music, books and on television that it’s almost impossible to think of Europe without feeling a tinge of romantic yearning. On my tour there were about 6 couples (in the beginning) but many one’s became two’s along the way. As humans it’s second nature to want to find companionship, love, romance and intimacy. As (on average) 20-somethings it can sometimes be about just the physical connection, and on the tour there have been examples of all, I would say. The majority of my tourmates are traveling alone and a good portion of them are unattached (as the traffic light game proved early on), so it’s natural to want to form friendships (and more). There will always be those who want to have a good time at all costs - including neglecting others’ feelings - but I can honestly say that I have seen some legitimate connections.

I can say from personal experience that it’s possible to meet someone with whom you connect on a real level, and not just a Contiki level. Or, at least that’s how it feels. When the tour is over and we return to our own lives it remains to be seen how we’ll look back on it, but for right now it’s real and I’m enjoying it. Each person’s experience will vary drastically from the next, and whether or not they experienced a little romance (assuming they wanted to) can mean the difference between a mediocre experience and a wonderful one. This is not to say that it’s the only measure of happiness and satisfaction, but it’s ONE way to enhance a trip. As tricky as dating (if you can call it that on a tour) is, it can become very challenging on a tour when you consider that there are 10 days of close-knitted bus traveling. To quote the tour’s driver: “better an awkward morning than a boring night”. You may disagree, but many of my bus companions seem to live by this statement.

As the tour winds down, it becomes ever trickier to consider how things will be when we all return to our respective homes. The length of the tour (or even part of it) can definitely be long enough to develop a close relationship with someone. Hell, I’m downright going to miss a bunch of people from this tour, including the Object of My Attention (I’d use affection but it seems a little too strong, considering the circumstances). In no way am I saying that the tour is ABOUT this, but just like The Contiki Cough it’s just an undeniable part of the whole thing and I’m grateful that I got to experience it along my journey. It may seem silly, but despite the shortness of the whole thing I will not soon forget the woman I kissed at the top of the world.

Nick is currently adventuring in Europe. One of RBC's partners, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, has recently launched a travel site featuring exclusive travel deals. Deals are exclusive to students who have RBC No Limit Banking for Students™ and Nick is currently experiencing one of their travel deals. Over the next 2 weeks, Nick will be writing about his experience as he tours Europe on a Contiki tour.