January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Often times, we travel to uncover new ideas, experience new places, and discover new things about ourselves.  The world provides a vast landscape of future and promise for those of us looking for inner enlightenment and broadened horizons.  However, we also have to remind ourselves that we are a traveling through a world shaped by past events, and take time to also keep history alive for generations to come and understand the world we are traveling around.

January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a designation from the U.N. marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on January 27, 1945.  Museums and memorials around the world offer visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the men, women, and children who inhabited the Jewish ghettos  and concentration camps and the hardships they faced during the Holocaust.

One of Contiki’s most popular tours, Eastern Road, provides travelers with a guided tour of Auschwitz & Birkenau in its present state – a sobering glimpse into the country’s history during the Holocaust.  Visitors to Amsterdam have the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank Museum, commemorating the two years that Anne Frank and her family spent hiding in the secret annex before their discovery.

Today, take a moment to reflect and remember on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.  For more information, visit the U.N. website at http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance.

Thoughtful Thursday: Tips for 20-something Job Seekers

If you’re in college and/or getting ready to graduate, chances are you’re going to start looking for a full-time job – and while we all want to experience a fantastic vacation year-round, securing a job is one of those major priorities on your list that can get you to those fantastic vacations.  Check out another great ‘Thoughtful Thursday’ post from guest blogger Christine Hassler with tips for 20-somethings in the job market.

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Guest blog post by Christine Hassler

Today’s generation of young adults are especially challenged in getting their careers off the ground as they face high unemployment rates and a bleak job market. According to recent census data, employment among young adults ages 16-29 stood at 55.3 percent, down from 67.3 percent in 2000 and the lowest since the end of World War II. This is troubling news for 20-somethings who find themselves under or unemployed and at a loss for how to change things.

As a result, staggering numbers of 20-somethings are moving home with mom and dad and/or remaining financially dependent on their parents. The obstacles to employment and the inability to generate financial momentum are also delaying adult milestones like getting married, buying homes and having children.

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Contiki Employees Go ‘Round the World

It may be winter, but here at Contiki travel is a year-round event.  Our own staff have been busy jet-setters, trekking the globe to far-off places like Spain (see John on the left!), Italy, and New Zealand – or staying a bit closer to home with visits to New York City and Colorado for skiing.  Check out more of John’s photos from Spain & what other Contiki staff have been up to!

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Contiki Weekly Buzz: January 24, 2012

 

Check out the weekly buzz, from swimming with dolphins to just recapping the magic that Europe has to offer.

1. heynadine.com – Swimming with Dolphins [Bay of Islands NZ Day #2]

We just announced a global partnership with Nadine from heynadine.com, who will be traveling through New Zealand and Asia over the next 3 months.  Check out her 2nd day video at the Bay of Islands in New Zealand!

2. Travelblog.org user AlexMonty -  Day 27: Memphis

Check out this great entry from Australian AlexMonty, who is taking the USA by storm and visiting the home of Elvis himself, Graceland in Memphis!

3. Eat Shop Tan – My spontaneous Asian Adventure Part I

Check out “Eat Shop Tan” as she made the leap from dreaming of a Contiki to making her Thailand trip come true! She even threw in a Hong Kong stopover as well!

4. Monica’s Scrapbooking CornerContiki Tour / Europe

Are you crafty?  Check out this scrapbooking blog that Monica put together for her son’s Contiki!  Some really creative ways to display your group photo when you return (especially if you like physical scrapbooks!)

5.  Kristin Scarfone – Contiki: European Magic

Check out these really great blog posts (with time breakdowns!) from Contiki’s European Magic adventure, showcasing some videos, photos, and slideshows from Kristin’s amazing experience!

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So looking forward to checking out more Contiki experiences in 2012!