Backpacker Buzz

Hometown: Calgary, AB
Age: 24
Member Since: March 08

Describe your most memorable travel moment.
I took a D-Day Juno Beach tour and didn't have enough time to track down the location of my family member in the Beny-sur-Mer Canadian D-Day cemetery. The group was given 10 minutes to explore, as time ticked down I wandered down my last row and came face to face with the stone of my great uncle. It was a piece of serendipity in the middle of one of the most rewarding stops on the trip, Bayeux (France).

What countries have you travelled to?
Germany, Czech Republic, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, United States

What was your longest trip and where did you go?
I spent seven weeks in Europe - did my own version of the "grand tour" with a few unexpected stops, like Barcelona and Nice, and a few rewarding adventures like Bayeux and Switzerland.

What's your favourite HI hostel and why?
The HI hostel in Bayeux had the most character and provided me with the greatest adventure. I've never been more grateful for my ability to speak French, for companionship between solo travellers and the kindness of staff at the hostels - shout out to the cook at this HI hostel.

Where do you want
to go next?
I'd love to re-do some of the smaller towns I passed on the train in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria. The plan is to raise enough money to rent a car one week at a time and do some driving around, stopping only in places considered towns or small cities.

What's your best advice for a first-time backpacker?
Buy a pocket knife, eat your grocery store bought meals with it until you need a treat and then eat at a restaurant. Eating throughout the day, like mini snacking, turns out to be cheaper in the long run rather than large meals that can weigh down your gut, your energy, and your budget. Food will be what tips the scale on your budget.

What can you never travel without?
A pen and something to write on need to be with me at all times because you never know when inspiration strikes or when that digital camera of yours might not be able to capture what you need it to.

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