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Welcome to Backpacker Buzz,
Hostelling International's blog from Western Canada. We'll bring you news, information and tips about hostels in Canada and around the world.
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- January 2012 (12)
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- October 2011 (9)
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April 2009
RTW: Lovely Laos
When I stepped out of the Luang Prabang airport to an audience of waiting tuk tuk and taxi drivers, I thought my hearing must have gone because not one of them approached me, a welcome change from the bustle and persistence of Bangkok. Over the next few days as I wandered around the streets of this UNESCO World Heritage City, tuk tuk drivers would ask if I needed a tuk tuk, usually a simple "Miss? Tuk tuk? Waterfall?", sometimes almost too quiet to hear, and I'd say "No thank you", they'd leave it at that and smile.
Good Times!
Summer is the ultimate "feel-good" time. Leave us your funniest, strangest or most random (but still amusing) travel story in the comments section below and be in to WIN a Lonely Planet Australia Guide Book!
Vancouver Art Gallery: How Soon Is Now?
The Vancouver Art Gallery wants us to further explore this philosophical musing during their excellent, current exhibition, How Soon Is Now? (until May 3, 2009). Read more »
RTW: More Bang for Your Baht
Why is the internal gauge of good value so closely tied to the currency in your wallet? Thailand is a relatively inexpensive country to visit. Relative to say, Sweden, or even Australia. Accommodation can easily be covered for a few dollars a night, food, again, a few dollars a day. Depending on your bargaining skills, souvenirs can be a steal.
RTW: Thai Islands - Same Same But Different
I came to Thailand with one goal in mind - to find me an island. And now, my whizzbangin'-quick tour of Thailand has come to an end. Trying to rank Thailand's islands is a futile exercise, unless you have dreadlocks and fisherman pants on, in which case it's a sport.
Robert Bateman's Get to Know Contest Launches.
Robert Bateman is a highly successful wildlife artist, conservationalist and environmental advocate who has been leading the Get To Know contest for nearly a decade. The contest is about getting people back outside to learn the names of plants and wildlife, forming an appreciation and understanding of nature. Writers, photographers and artists (19 and under) are to create a piece that represents this years theme, Biodiversity. Click here for more information on entries and prizes. Read more »
RTW: Friends in Thai Places
While Thailand is a major backpacking destination, and for good reason, it's a bit of a shock to the system after breezy Australia. So when I started to make my way towards customs in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and my old roommate Gabe wheeled his luggage cart up beside me and asked if I wanted a ride, the familiar face was extremely welcome. Read more »
RTW: States of Emergency
From early on in my trip's planning stages, my mom would always ask if I'd been keeping up to date on various countries' travel advisories. Over the past few months, she's politely asked again if I'm keeping on top of these things and I assure her that yes, I am and I in no way intend to put myself in harm's way while I'm on the road. Read more »
RTW: Australia Round-Up
Well two months in Australia has come and gone in a flash. It seems like eons ago that I was in soggy jeans and a hoodie in Sydney but now I'm back in the sunshine near Bondi Beach about to head off to Bangkok in less than 24 hours. Here's my Aussie Round-Up with the bests and worsts of two months around Australia. Read more »
RTW: The Soundtrack to Travelling - My Playlist
Music is one of the best travel companions. I know I can't go too far without it. Not only does it keep your brain occupied on the road, it very quickly attaches itself to the memories you're creating whether you like it or not. Weeks, months, years later one little song, even one you may not have even noticed at the time, can trigger the feelings of a particular time and place with an intensity that puts your entire photo album to shame.
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