Backpacker Buzz

I guess if 2012 is going to be the end of the world, then we better make the most of it and see as much of it as we can! Where are you planning on going this year? Tell us all about it in the comments section below. Here are some places that are on HI’s wish list: Read more »

New York, New York; it’s a wonderful town, but hard on your wallet. I’ll give you some tips on how to save in some areas so you can splurge in others. Read more »

Do you know which natural phenomena were crowned the New7Wonders of Nature by voters from around the world? From a pool of 440 candidates in 220 countries, the New7Wonders Foundation recently announced the seven provisional winners. The awareness and tourism income generated through the New7Wonders campaign will ensure that these natural treasures are better preserved for future generations. Read more »

Throughout the year hostellers rate our hostels at www.hihostels.com, and from these ratings HI hands out the HI-5ives! awards. Categories for the award are as follows: Friendliest Hostel, Most Efficient Hostel, Most Comfortable Hostel, Best Overall Hostel and Best Country Hostel. Read more »

By Hostelling International employee, Ceri.

Okay, so you are headed to Sydney and you want to see it all, but you don’t want to empty your wallet. No probs, there are plenty of ways that you can experience this city without breaking the bank. I have been lucky enough to visit Sydney numerous times, and with different budgets. But you know I do love a bargain or a freebie, so here is my low down to seeing the best of Sydney on a budget. Read more »

YHA Australia is celebrating a win at the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards that saw Sydney Harbour YHA take out the “Best Backpacker Accommodation”. Read more »

It was my second visit to San Francisco in three years, so I didn’t need to go back to Alcatraz or Chinatown. And while I did go back to the Ferry Building for the Saturday farmer’s market and then to Fisherman’s Wharf to look at the sea lions and line up for an hour to take the cable car, I heartily regretted every overcrowded, heavily-touristed, teeth-gritting minute of it.

What I did enjoy…

By Kaitie Worobec 

Ever thought you could see flamingos in the steppes of Kazakhstan? Neither did I, until I visited the friendly people at the Kazakhstan booth at World Travel Market. Read more »

Christmas markets are a big deal in Europe and nearly every European city has one. They are a great place to get you in the holiday mood, pick up gifts that are a little bit different and indulge in some holiday food and drink treats. If you are thinking about visiting Europe during the late November or December, then make sure you schedule in a visit to a Christmas Market. Read more »

Missed Oktoberfest this year but definitely want to check it off your travel bucket list in 2012? Here are our tips to successfully navigating the world’s biggest beer festival. Oktoberfest 2012 runs September 22 to October 7, so start practicing the lyrics to Ein Prosit and book your ticket to Munich now! Read more »