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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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May 2009
RTW: When the Wallet Goes
Before I left, I figured I'd lose my wallet at some point. It seems like an inevitable part of long-term travel. So when I reached into my daypack to grab my wallet one morning a couple of weeks ago and came up shorthanded, I still felt a deflating sense of "Crap..." Read more »
RTW: The Half-Way Point
Well it's May 26th - officially the half way point of my 8.5 month trip, a date I marked down in my calendar months ago not knowing where I'd be or what I'd be doing when it came. As it turns out, I've just crossed the border from Zambia to Malawi. Four and a quarter months down, four and a quarter to go. It doesn't really feel like it's been that long, but when I think back to my arrival in Auckland in mid-January, it feels like that was years ago, and like another trip altogether. Read more »
Win the Ultimate Backpacking Adventure with YHA AU
Crocodile Dundee's "essentials" list for what to take on holiday would have earned him major hassles with today's post 9-11 airport security measures. So in 2009, what would you pack for 100 Days Downunder? YHA Australia is giving away the Ultimate Backpacking Adventure to celebrate 100 Years of Hostelling and all you have to do submit a 60-second video on what you'd take with you. Read more »
RTW: The Downsides of Solo Travel
After nearly four months of solo travel, I've come to learn a lot about what it really involves. The upsides to solo travel keep getting better and better but the few downsides just seem to repeat themselves. So if you're thinking about heading out on the road alone, consider these important, though surmountable, bummers. Read more »
RTW: An Open Letter to My Earplugs
Dear glorious green ear rockets,
I've had many earplugs over the years - most of them were squishy cylinders of foam, but none of them have impacted my life (or ear wax) like you have. Your job is a thankless one and it's high time you got some recognition. Read more »
Member Spotlight: Ed Hemmings
Calgarian Ed Hemmings has been involved in hostelling for most of his life, according to a recent article on youngretired.ca. A proud hosteller, he recounts his experiences at HI hostels in Canada and the Pacific Mountain Region. Ed's favourite Wilderness Hostels is HI-Mosquito Creek (pictured above) and HI-Québec is his stand-out urban hostel, located just within the walls of the old city. Read more »
RTW: Backpacking South Africa
I arrived in South Africa almost a week ago with little in the way of expectations simply because I didn't know what to expect. After a few days in Cape Town I headed east into a world of awesome hostels, friendly locals, excited backpackers, easy transportation all at an affordable price. If you've always wanted to come to South Africa, and even if you didn't, you should come. The ins and outs of backpacking South Africa after the jump. Read more »
The Dirtiest Cities in Europe
Dear Banksy. London is doing a pretty good job of sweeping ill-repute behind the manufactured social curtain according to a recent survey by TripAdvisor, where London didn't even rank in the Top 5 of Europe's dirtiest cities - the honour was shared between Athens and Rome. So far, London, travellers are distracted by your free attractions. On the flipside, Zurich (Switzerland), was voted the cleanest city in Europe. Read more »
RTW: Exploring Cape Town
Cape Town is a pretty little city by the sea. But its monster of a mountain backdrop, sweeping beaches around its edges and laid-back, good looking people also come with an emotional history and wild contrasts of wealth and poverty. Read more »
RTW: Big City Confessions
What is it about travelling to big cities that makes me want to go home, buy a car and a condo, a $60 haircut and an entirely new wardrobe?
Thanks for your comments!
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