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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)
- December 2011 (18)
- November 2011 (13)
- October 2011 (9)
- September 2011 (8)
- August 2011 (16)
July 2009
HI-Memory Lane: Celebrating 100 Years
Over the years, many relationships have started at hostels and they cover the connection spectrum. From a fleeting 24 hour companion to a friend for life; from a comrade in different time zones or a romance that ends happily ever after, hostelling relationships and stories are made to grow and develop over generations. HI-C-PMR member Peter Spear met his wife through hostelling back in 1961, and his mother and sister were influential figures in the Canadian hostelling movement. He recently attended the successful 100th anniversary celebration at Bragg Creek - a commemorative journey to mark the beginnings hostelling in Canada. Read more »
RTW: Flying Solo by Night
We humans are social creatures, so the prospect of doing typically social things alone is a bit of a daunting one. While it's pretty darn easy to find people to dabble in the nightlife with when you travel solo, it's not always a guarantee, especially when you feel the need to hit the town. You can either hunker down in your bunk bed and wait for more favourable conditions, or you can pull yourself up by your dancin'-shoe straps and go it alone. Read more »
New HI-Seattle Hostel to Open July 31st
When I was planning a trip to Seattle, I did a quick search on hiusa.org to find the local HI hostel. I was surprised when nothing came up. How could this be when Seattle was just over the border from Vancouver, where there are three HI hostels in the city? Sure, HI-Vashon Island and HI-Olympic Hostel, Port Townsend were near Seattle, but a quick google search suggested these were beyond walking distance and public transport didn't offer a convenient solution. On July 31st, this is all set to change when HI-Seattle opens. Read more »
Get To Know Program - Awards Event
Previously in Backpacker Buzz, we mentioned our new partnership with the The Robert Bateman's Get To Know Program. The program is based on the philosophy that caring begins with knowing our neighbours of other species and every year, a contest is held to promote learning about plants and wildlife though writing, photgraphy or art. Lisa Grey-Dreaper, Manager for HI-Penticton went to the awards. This is the lo-down from the day. Read more »
RTW: A Visit to Auschwitz
If travel is all about getting to know the people, culture and history of a place, then you're bound to run into the more gloomy side of things every now and then. Unfortunately, humanity has a dark side. Something I got very close to when I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau yesterday from my base in Krakow, Poland.
New Member Deal: Free Airport Transfers in Buenos Aires
If you book one or more nights at any of the Buenos Aires hostels Suites Florida, Suites Obelisco, Suites Palermo or Tango Backpackers you can enjoy a free transfer from Eleiza International Airport to your hostel until the end of 2009. Read more »
London in 24 Hours
If you had 2 weeks off, where would you go? That was my dilemma. All I knew was that I wanted to go somewhere sunny, not too touristy and where I'd have to be on a plane for 8+ hours. After googling - best place to travel in June - and perusing 'inspire me' on www.hihostels.com , I chose Croatia. The best decision I ever made. Traveling with a friend, London was our first stop. Read more »
RTW: Flying By the Seat of Your Pants
I am a planner. This trait doesn't go well with my indecisiveness. I research relentlessly, because I don't want to make the wrong decision. I want to know each and every one of my options and assess them thoroughly before deciding on one so I can know that I'm setting myself up for the best experience ever.
RTW: Iceland's Little Homes for Migrating Birds
I already gave you the run down about my week driving around Iceland. The folks at Hostelling International Iceland have a super car rental package on offer that's well worth taking up if you plan to spend some time in the little country. It gets you a rental car that you can pick up at the airport upon your arrival and keep for the duration of your stay, as well as vouchers for HI hostel accommodation around the country. I stayed at four out of their 26 hostels on the way. Read more »
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