About me:One of my dreams was to be able to work and live in another country, after doing a couple of Contiki tours as a Contiki traveler, I decided to go for it and take a risk, at the end there was nothing to lose, but lots to gain. I have a passion for customer service and traveling. After working with the company I was working before joining Contiki, that's when I said I can combine both passions while working with Contiki. I applied and got the job and it has been one of the best decisions in my life and don't regret it. I love what I do, I love to share my passion with my travelers and hope to spread the travel bug to all of them. This job has changed my life forever, in a great and amazing way and sometimes I have to pinch myself because sometimes I still can't believe the 360 degree turn that I gave to my life :).Traveling changes you, makes you learn something about ourselves, makes you appreciate what you have back home and especially to not taking anything for granted and to live every moment to the fullest. You only live once, so make every moment count :)
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I went back in July 2019 on my first Contiki and I enjoyed every single minute of it! I experienced a lot of things, from culture shock, to delicious and tasty cuisines, adjusting to life on the other…I went back in July 2019 on my first Contiki and I enjoyed every single minute of it! I experienced a lot of things, from culture shock, to delicious and tasty cuisines, adjusting to life on the other side of the world. The people were also what made the trip very memorable; I enjoyed talking with them and doing things with them and by the end, I felt like we were also close to each other!! :) We saw a lot of amazing sites in different cities (Great Wall, Beijing, Xian, Pandas in Chengdu, hiking the mountains in Yangshuo, admiring the skyline in Shanghai, and so on) and even partying out until 2 am a couple of times! Jelly was a very sweet, funny, friendly, and knowledgable, and anyone would be really lucky to have as their Contiki group manager!! Once again, my first Contiki in China was very memorable and I have no regrets of it whatsoever. This is what also kicked me off traveling with Contiki in different parts of the world.
K
I love love LOVED this trip! I didn’t know much about China beforehand so went in with no expectations and was thoroughly blown away.
Our itinerary covered everything that I wanted to do in mainla…I love love LOVED this trip! I didn’t know much about China beforehand so went in with no expectations and was thoroughly blown away.
Our itinerary covered everything that I wanted to do in mainland China and then some! For example massive bucket list tick with The Great Wall, but then to toboggan our way back down was something that I’ll never forget. Seeing the Terracotta Warriors and visiting the Panda sanctuary were two more highlights for me, especially as we had fantastic local tour guides educating us and answering our questions at each and every location.
That being said, my favourite destination on the trip was Yangshuo, which was somewhere I had never heard of nor seen photos of before, so if I had ever attempted China without being in this tour I would have majorly missed out! That was the destination where I felt we were privileged enough to get a feel for the real China and their people.
Speaking of, I personally found the Chinese to be wonderful, friendly, welcoming people. In my experience other Asian countries have been far less open to tourists. I’m Caucasian and yes, I had locals taking photos of me, but they were never rude about it or grabbing me, there were often lots of charades involved or broken English attempts but whenever I said yes to a photo the people were so grateful - and who wouldn’t want to spread that kind of joy?! I also did not find China to be at all crowded - they’re constantly developing and creating larger open spaces for their population, I’ve felt more crowded in London. We even rode the metro at peak hour in Beijing and Shanghai with no trouble at all. As for the mannerisms that you may have heard about e.g. spitting, farting etc, I also did not find that very prevalent or confronting, and even if you do - it’s part of the experience right?
As for my experience of being within a tour group, I honestly could not have had a better one. This was my 4th contiki and the best group I’ve had thus far. We were a small crew of 16 (which I welcomed after 50 in the US), we weren’t just typically all aussies (about 50%) or all girls (about 50%) and 11 of us were each independent travellers so everyone mingled together really well*. We had some big nights of parting, and we had some chill nights of staying in and playing games, everyone was happy to stick together or split up and just do whatever they desired.
As wonderful as the people on my tour were, our friendships would not have flourished so much if not encouraged by our exceptional tour leader Jelly. Jelly as a tour manager was second to none, and as a person is one of the kindest, sweetest people I know. Jelly made herself available to answer questions before I had even stepped on my flight to China (what do I pack? Is there internet? Ah!). Once the tour started her day sheets were full to the brim of educational info about what we were seeing that day, optional extra things we could do in that location that she recommended, transport info, ATM availability, and just cute fun facts about China for us to remember. She was always happy to answer questions, listen to our terrible jokes, and have us follow her in the only free time she got, like the herd of sheep that you become on tour. Jelly even came out and partied with us, truly sacrificing all her free time and sleep, she was a genuine member of the crew whilst maintaining a level of professionalism so we knew we were in safe hands and could go to her if or when we needed. She facilitated opportunities for us to mingle and make friends in the beginning of the trip, and now even months on she still chats and checks in with us and answers our questions regarding other tours (especially ones she runs that we all hope to go on).
*in reference to our group all mingling, we did have one exception. The single scathing review on this page was written by our group latecomer who I believe proved Jelly to be a true saint that we are not worthy to have on this earth. Jelly was always composed, professional, and inexplicably patient whilst facing this person’s outbursts of rudeness, racism and cultural insensitivity. For this person to make such horrid statements about Jelly after all that Jelly did for them is simply abhorrent behaviour.
Anyway. I sincerely hope that those of you reading this do decide to book this tour. I had the time of my life in this beautiful country and the more people who experience it, the more we can alter the poor perception or simple lack of education people have of China. You never know, you may be lucky enough to have Jelly as your tour guide. If so, my question to you is, are you ready for this Jelly?
A
I was quite apprehensive about travelling to China. I had no idea what to expect.
Before I arrived I got an email from the guide, Yelitza (Jelly). Her email was so informative and instantly put me…I was quite apprehensive about travelling to China. I had no idea what to expect.
Before I arrived I got an email from the guide, Yelitza (Jelly). Her email was so informative and instantly put me at ease. It was warm, fun and had helpful things to know before our arrival.
From the time the tour started Jelly was positive, knowledgeable and engaging.
The tour overall was a lot of fun. We stayed in hotels, ate at home stays, had fun adventures and were given pointers on all the good places. The local guides were also fantastic.
Jelly took time for each of us and made the experience so much better than I thought it could be. Especially the Panda Party!
This was my first Contiki and I have already planned my next one. My next guide has some pretty big shoes to fill.
Do yourself a favour, suck down some ‘fire water’ and book this trip if you’ve ever been curious about China, black and white bears, big walls, buried soldiers, mystery street meat or delicious dumps.
China Adventure was my best trip so far. Contiki drafted an excellent itinerary which covered the vast cultural richness of the country from the history and fascination of Beijing (the Great Wall, Min…China Adventure was my best trip so far. Contiki drafted an excellent itinerary which covered the vast cultural richness of the country from the history and fascination of Beijing (the Great Wall, Ming Tombs), the ancient walled city of Xi'an and the terracota warriors, the fasicinating and cuteness overload of Chengdu at the Panda Research Center, the 'out-of-this-world' scenery of Yanhshuo and the impressive Shanghai and its skyline.
The highlight of the trip was however, by far, the trip manager Yelitza who was the epitome of professionalism, fun and human encyclopedia! She made the trip memorable in so many ways and will definitely do the rest of Contiki Asia trips with her! She reached our before our trip started to give us excellent tips, made sure to spend individual time with everyone to get to know them personally, was resourseful throughout the trip to make it as comfotable as possible.
The accomodation was good, I was dreading the overnight train but it ended up being quite comfortable and fun night. I highly recommend signing up for all the optionals - I would thoroughly have regretted having missed any of them. The transport (coaches and flights) were spacious and high standard. It was a small group trip - 16 people - so it was easy to get to know everyone (except one - see below) - who were beyond amazing and looking forward to meeting and travelling with them again.
I would also like to talk about the 1 star review below posted by American (written on Sept 19, 2019 - Jessica Rachel) who was on the trip with us! Although she is entitled to her opinion, they are absolutely not true and do not reflect the Group's views on Yelitza, as reflected by the thumbs down. Jessica was extremely rude, racist, not respectful of fellow passengers. She was late every single day at every single stop and we had to wait for her or go look for her, she would belittle fellow travellers and locals, she would never listen to instructions. I recommend anyone with common sense to ignore her review!
To end on a possitive note, don't waste any more time! Book your trip!
L
This tour was amazing, one of the best experiences of my life! Yelitza Perez, Jelly to us, was the most amazing person I've ever met. She really made this trip, she was kind and funny, she knew all of…This tour was amazing, one of the best experiences of my life! Yelitza Perez, Jelly to us, was the most amazing person I've ever met. She really made this trip, she was kind and funny, she knew all of these amazing places to take us during our free time. She really tried her best with a difficult girl in the group, she was professional and handled it with absolute grace. Could not recommend her enough, I will definitely be booking another tour just for her to be my guide!
I took a trip to china with this organization. I went on their china adventure tour. DO NOT TRAVEL WITH COMPANY TO CHINA! Especially with YELITZA she was a horrible tour guide and was so unprofessio…I took a trip to china with this organization. I went on their china adventure tour. DO NOT TRAVEL WITH COMPANY TO CHINA! Especially with YELITZA she was a horrible tour guide and was so unprofessional and made it super uncomfortable for multiple people. I was kept up multiple nights in a row and went to her to find a solution. Instead of dealing with it privately she told everyone in the group and told people I was giving her a hard time...I had to hear this from members of my group before I left and after the trip. You were a bully and you really made me feel awful. I also thought it was unbelievable that she refused to add me to the Facebook page that everyone was part of afterwards so I couldn't connect with anyone. I was originally part of it and then was taken off. She did not allow me to get any of the group pictures and to this day refuses the respond to my messages to add me. I paid for a trip and an experience that I wasn't fully able to partake in because of Yelitza Acevedo Perez. She treated me like shit, made me feel so bad about myself and turned the group against me. This was the most unprofessional tour leader I have ever traveled with. I went to thailand with them and thankfully didn't have the same problem. I paid a lot for this trip and lost out on a great experience because Yelitza was so immature. I even tipped you and brought you out for a drink to try to make things more comfortable and you still talked shit and made me feel bad...you were such a bully. There's a lot more that I will add as I think of it. This Leader is such a bully. I want to make sure others understand how unprofessional you are I would never treat my customers with such disrespect. I'm disgusted your behavior and actions. Yelitza Acevado Perez made me send her a photo of my feedback as well and then got scared and didn't respond. I shouldn't of had to let you see my feedback that was confidential. The entire thing was weird like she knew she was going to be called out and got scared. . I would never be this mean but I understand respect and either they don't know how bad this leader us or they do and do not care. Get me my photos and don't alienate someone from an entire group. Your awful. I feel bad that you had to make me feel so bad...NEXT TIME RESPECT everyone...Dont exclude people from an entire group. For those reading this I'm sure this is not the first time so please speak up. Yelitza Acevedo Perez aka Jelly don't do this to someone again! Don't talk shit, don't waste people's time or money...if you don't like your job don't bully people.
N
This tour was absolutely incredible, and made a million times better thanks to our Trip Manager, Jelly! The itinerary was jam packed whilst allowing for free time everywhere we went. The tour allowed …This tour was absolutely incredible, and made a million times better thanks to our Trip Manager, Jelly! The itinerary was jam packed whilst allowing for free time everywhere we went. The tour allowed us to explore massive cities as well as some smaller beautiful towns. Jelly was incredible before, during and after the tour providing support, answering questions and always being so positive and cheerful throughout. She dealt with everything so calmly and professionally and was always wonderful to be around. She had plenty of knowledge on just about everything, what to do, what places to hit up etc. Truly a fantastic tour with the best possible trip manager!
This tour was everything I hoped it would be and more! Checked just about everything I wanted to do in China off my list, made amazing friends (we're still messaging each other), and grew as a person …This tour was everything I hoped it would be and more! Checked just about everything I wanted to do in China off my list, made amazing friends (we're still messaging each other), and grew as a person while learning so much about the culture and the people. Our trip manager, Jelly, made ALL the difference! She either knew the answer to everything or found the answer as soon as possible. She handled everything with grace and so much positive energy that it hyped all of us up as well. This was my first time doing a solo trip with a tour company, and I can definitely say I will be doing it again!
Yelitza was an incredible tour manager. I never felt like anything unexpected happened, or that we were never in good hands. This was my first tour I've done, and all the worries and concerns I had w…Yelitza was an incredible tour manager. I never felt like anything unexpected happened, or that we were never in good hands. This was my first tour I've done, and all the worries and concerns I had were gone once I saw how personable and responsible she was. She was always cheery and personable, always prompt, and was always available to answer questions, no matter what they might be and who they might come from.
The tour itself was very busy, and I felt hit all the great spots to see in China in one fell swoop, with it slowing up more in the Yangshou and Shanghai regions, just in time for people to get some rest after the extremely active beginning parts. The transportation included inter-country flights, an overnight train, and the high-speed train line, so we got to sample a little bit of everything, and all the transports were clean and safe, including the buses.
The hotels, other then one case which is apparently closing anyway, were actually much nicer then I expected. They were a variation of normal hotels, resort hotels, etc, and the rooms were large, and the showers in almost all of them were the really fancy walk in ones. Each provided a buffet style breakfast with a decent selection, and all of them were in pretty convenient locations for getting around town during free times.
The provided meals were all family style, mostly simple fare. They did their job at feeding us, nobody ever went hungry, but they weren't the most flavorful things around. Special shout out to the goodbye meal though, which was at a really nice BBQ place in Shanghai that was delicious.
Amazing experience that was worth every penny! Really well organized so that all the major sites could be seen in a relatively short space of time. Accommodation and included meals generally very good…Amazing experience that was worth every penny! Really well organized so that all the major sites could be seen in a relatively short space of time. Accommodation and included meals generally very good, and Jelly even made the effort to prearrange my meals to accommodate my diet (thanks, Jelly!). Jelly was the best trip manager to see this awesome country with; superb organisation and highly professional while being fun and friendly. Despite the apparent high cost given the length of the tour, there is so many inclusions that the tour still represents excellent value for money. Overall a really positive experience and I would love to revisit China, and use Contiki for my next tour.
M
It was wonderful! The trip was so above and beyond what I even imagined it to be! Jelly was so informative. Even when we had our free time we asked her questions on what to do she would help us and pl…It was wonderful! The trip was so above and beyond what I even imagined it to be! Jelly was so informative. Even when we had our free time we asked her questions on what to do she would help us and plan and gave us suggestions on where to eat and shop! Also Jelly was so sincere and sympathetic, she wanted everyone to have a unforgettable trip!
J
It was amazing !!!! Jelly was so helpful, informative, and was such a fun tour guide. I can’t wait to do another contiki this one has set the standards high.
Jelly was absolutely incredible and really completed the trip for me! A guide can definitely be make or break on a trip and Jelly definitely made my trip! She always made sure everyone was having a gr…Jelly was absolutely incredible and really completed the trip for me! A guide can definitely be make or break on a trip and Jelly definitely made my trip! She always made sure everyone was having a great time and checked on those who were sick and offered to do everything in her power to help. I would definitely go on another trip with Jelly!
L
Absolutely loved Jelly! Legendary tour guide, keen to share her knowledge of the local area and happy to help so always ended up going the extra mile! Probably would have gotten lost on my last two so…Absolutely loved Jelly! Legendary tour guide, keen to share her knowledge of the local area and happy to help so always ended up going the extra mile! Probably would have gotten lost on my last two solo days in Hanoi without Jelly’s advice and phone number!
M
Amazing trip and an incredible trip manager! Jelly had all the information you needed and more. Not to mention her bright and bubbly personality that lit up the room. Jelly was so organised! The tour …Amazing trip and an incredible trip manager! Jelly had all the information you needed and more. Not to mention her bright and bubbly personality that lit up the room. Jelly was so organised! The tour was great and provided the chance to see Thailand in the best way possible. I have already recommended the tour to so many people and have said I can only hope they have Jelly as their trip manager so their experience can be as great as mine!
C
She was truly the best tour guide i ever had
This trip was amazing thanks to Jelly's wonderful energy! It was my first solo Contiki, and she made sure this trip was amazing for everyone! THANK YOU, Jelly! i hope to have you again on my next Cont…This trip was amazing thanks to Jelly's wonderful energy! It was my first solo Contiki, and she made sure this trip was amazing for everyone! THANK YOU, Jelly! i hope to have you again on my next Contiki trip!
E
Best tour guide ever!!! Anyone who gets to have Jelly as a tour guide will be very lucky. She’s very fun, attentive and very caring. I really wish I can meet her again in my next contiki.
L
Jelly made every step of the journey so so easy! From getting us to know each other straight away with a treasure hunt in Ho Chi Minh City to getting to know each of our interests and dietary needs so…Jelly made every step of the journey so so easy! From getting us to know each other straight away with a treasure hunt in Ho Chi Minh City to getting to know each of our interests and dietary needs so she could make it the best experience possible. The way she personalised each of the daily itineraries made us even more excited for what was to come. Whenever she didn't know something we asked, Jelly made it her business to find someone who did!
Jelly is such a nice person that even when the trip was over, our friendship continued. When Jelly herself came to Ireland, we met up in Dublin! And because of her skills in getting a big group to mingle, I am writing this review from South Africa right now as I am visiting a friend I made on Jelly's Vietnam trip!
D
Jelly is an absolute diamond, she made our experience unrepeatable. Her emotion and passion for travel extends to everyone who is fortunate enough to spend time with her. While her calm and fun attitu…Jelly is an absolute diamond, she made our experience unrepeatable. Her emotion and passion for travel extends to everyone who is fortunate enough to spend time with her. While her calm and fun attitude makes you feel completely at home in a new surrounding.
It was my first trip abroad with my now fiancée and it will be a beautiful experience that we carry through our life with one and other.
K
Jelly is a fantastic tour guide! She made everyone feel comfortable and included.
E
Jelly was upbeat and friendly from the start. She made everyone feel comfortable!
I enjoyed the itinerary and free time add ons! Accomodation was beyond my expectations, clean and great locations!
C
So great meeting all the new people for different countries! So easy to make friends! Transportation was easy just get on a tuk tuk most transportation was organised by jelly. Accomodation and meals b…So great meeting all the new people for different countries! So easy to make friends! Transportation was easy just get on a tuk tuk most transportation was organised by jelly. Accomodation and meals both amazing. Only thing I would say is for me a bit too many temples on the itinerary, but overall great tour! Jelly is amazing so fun but still professional she could come out for a fun night of drinking but then be up ready to go in the morning with so much energy!!
I
Yelitza (jelly) was an amazing trip manager! Each and every day she made sure to go above and beyond to make sure that we were comfortable and enjoyed ourselves to the fullest ! I appreciate that she …Yelitza (jelly) was an amazing trip manager! Each and every day she made sure to go above and beyond to make sure that we were comfortable and enjoyed ourselves to the fullest ! I appreciate that she checked in on us on tour whenever we needed it. She is friendly, outgoing, and knowledgeable. I did not feel like I was traveling with a tour guide but with a friend instead
K
I travelled solo for the first time and the trip was amazing and would recommend to others.
L
Asian Adventure (Until Mar 2018) (from Bangkok to Siem Reap)
Yelly made the tour amazing with us she make me feel always suported and part of the contiki family shes great friendly and willingnes to help always
J
Jelly made the tour! Apart from the planned itinerary she included extra activities that she had found along the way. Jelly was super fun, caring and organised! I couldn’t have hoped for a better guid…Jelly made the tour! Apart from the planned itinerary she included extra activities that she had found along the way. Jelly was super fun, caring and organised! I couldn’t have hoped for a better guide and friend.
S
Yelitza “Jelly” is the best tour guide she is so caring and genuinely wants you to have the best time while on holidays. She is very knowledgeable about south east Asia. She takes us to great places a…Yelitza “Jelly” is the best tour guide she is so caring and genuinely wants you to have the best time while on holidays. She is very knowledgeable about south east Asia. She takes us to great places and also gives great recommendations for food , activities, where to shop, best bars to go too etc. she leaves all her travellers at the end of the tour happy!!
S
Jelly is one of the best and kind tour guides. I’d never been on a contiki before and she made the expierence so enjoyable. It was an amazing trip, I have met so many beautiful people from around the …Jelly is one of the best and kind tour guides. I’d never been on a contiki before and she made the expierence so enjoyable. It was an amazing trip, I have met so many beautiful people from around the world who I’ll know for the rest of my life. The places in Vietnam we went to we’re incredbile. It is a short trip, but has given me ideas when I go back to Vietnam where I would. I went to a lot of different places, which I might not of gone to if I was just traveling solo or with friends.
Jelly is so down to earth, and always so much Fun. I would love to do another Tour with her ❤️✨
H
A fantastic tour made possible by Jelly. She’s organised, knowledgeable, and all round fantastic person. Keep up the good work !!
B
Experience of a life time! Jelly was the perfect combination of professional and fun! She made every step of the tour easy and enjoyable! The tour itself was full of adventure and partying as well as …Experience of a life time! Jelly was the perfect combination of professional and fun! She made every step of the tour easy and enjoyable! The tour itself was full of adventure and partying as well as relaxation time. Loved every second!
K
Our tour was made by having Jelly as our manager. She was absolutely fantastic!
J
Once-in-a-lifetime experience led by Jelly, who was so much fun, so passionate about her job, and led us through 12 days in Vietnam seamlessly.
An amazing time in an amazing place
O
Jelly is an awesome guide! She knows her stuff which makes exploring a new country more enjoyable! 10/10!
T
Jelly was a one of a kind tour guide. Having done several other Contiki tours previously I knew what to expect but to say Jelly went over and above what was required is an understatement. Not only was…Jelly was a one of a kind tour guide. Having done several other Contiki tours previously I knew what to expect but to say Jelly went over and above what was required is an understatement. Not only was she knowledgeable about local activities, lingo and cultural expectations, she ensured we were always well prepared, safe and most of all ensured we all had the best time possible. She always sought out different options to cater for everyone’s needs (where possible). She was also the life of the party when it came to nights out and was always there to greet you with a smile in the morning. Jelly made my visit to Vietnam an unforgettable one, and has raised the bar for all future tour guides!!
A
Jelly was fantastic she was not only a great coordinator as she was a knowledgeable source with great suggestions. She is warm and inviting and makes everyone feel comfortable!
J
Jelly was amazing. Very informative, knew everything about everywhere. Always smiling and happy. Always having a laugh. She kept it all very professional with us yet she still had fun with us and was …Jelly was amazing. Very informative, knew everything about everywhere. Always smiling and happy. Always having a laugh. She kept it all very professional with us yet she still had fun with us and was just perfect! Couldn’t fault one thing about her. She is such a gorgeous person. Will be back to do contiki ASAP. Hopefully with jelly too!!
D
Best month of my life and Jelly was amazing
B
Jelly made traveling in a group super fun and also made it feel like a small family. Such a great guide. I want to go on another tour with her as a guide!
B
Even before the trip started, I had a feeling that Jelly would be a great trip manager. The bar had already been set pretty high by another amazing Contiki trip manager, but Jelly did a great job. She…Even before the trip started, I had a feeling that Jelly would be a great trip manager. The bar had already been set pretty high by another amazing Contiki trip manager, but Jelly did a great job. She even proactively made suggestions to us based on what she knew about us after getting to know our likes and dislikes. If Jelly ever stops being a trip manager, that will be a sad day for travelers. But Jelly deserves to be doing bigger and better things IF that can be imagined as I feel that helping people see the world is one of the most important jobs out there!
First time making a Contiki trip and It was amazing. Yelitza was such and amazing part of our trip and she truely made it that much more special.
C
Jelly made a great trip become truly unforgettable. She anticipated needs, kept everyone in good spirits, and took the time to get to know all of us. She truly puts the traveler first. She is also ver…Jelly made a great trip become truly unforgettable. She anticipated needs, kept everyone in good spirits, and took the time to get to know all of us. She truly puts the traveler first. She is also very knowledgeable about history and culture so I learned a great deal from her. Also she is ridiculously patient... I'm not sure how she put up with some of us! I would definitely travel with her again.
J
She is the best I would travel aging with here
