World Travel
Bucket list: The Painted Desert, South Australia
The Painted Desert is an area of spectacular colourful hills. It's an amazing sight - you'll see rocky outcrops of large and small hills, which emerge suddenly out of a flat, desert landscape. Read more at SouthAustralia.com
First Time Honolulu
The capital of Hawaii is a great compromise if you can’t decide between a relaxing beach vacation and a busier city one. One day you can kick back on the sand and swim in the sea, and the next you can be touring historical sites like ‘Iolani Palace or Shangri La. Read more »
Perth, Western Australia - a city guide
Image: Flickr user_stusev
Wayout west, Perth is usually on a traveller’s lists when they visit Australia for the second time, or when they have more time on their hands. First time visitors to Australia tend to be drawn to the East coast’s well-known cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Personally I love Perth and its surrounding area, so if you have time add it to your itinerary or if you prefer less crowded travels I recommend Perth and the West for you. Read more »
YHA Christchurch Rolleston House reopens!
It’s been a bumpy ride since those early morning hours of 4 September 2010 when the people of Christchurch were introduced to earthquakes and aftershocks. The city suffered more damage in the 22 February 2011 earthquake. And so did YHA. Both YHA hostels closed after the 6.3 shocker. Despite the loss and damage to some areas of the city, post-earthquakes Christchurch has allowed locals and travellers the unique opportunity to witness a renaissance of sorts. Read more »
South Africa Takes Off as a Backpacker Destination
By guest blogger and HI employee — Heather
When I was plotting out my route for my round-the-world trip a few years ago, I had to make a pretty big decision. Would I include South America in my trip, or would I go to Africa? It was one or the other, because I only had nine months to cram everything in and this world is a pretty big place. After a bit of strategizing, and even trying to figure out how to get both of them in, my decision was made. And I've still never been to South America. Read more »
We Want Your Travel Stories
Do you have a travel tale you want to share on this blog? It could be about a particularly memorable hostel stay, an adventure abroad or a funny mishap at the airport. Basically, if it happened to you, we want to hear it! Read more »
Haunted Hostels: A Spooky Tale
Being in the hostel business, it’s not Halloween for me until I read ghost stories from HI-Ottawa and get shivers up my spine. Here are some chilling tales of hostels I’d be too freaked out to stay at. Read more »
The Beauty of Travelling Overland
Written by guest blogger and HI employee - Shaun Read more »
Swiss Snow Deals
How does taking your board or skis over to Switzerland this winter sound? Pretty good? Well check out these snow-tastic deals from HI Switzerland: Read more »
Slovenia's Hidden Gem
The Alps has many hidden gems, among which is the regional park Logarska dolina, one of Europe’s most beautiful glacial alpine valleys. It’s located in the Solčavsko district of Slovenia. You won’t find Logarska dolina in the list of ‘top destinations of Europe’ or even the ‘top 5 destinations of Slovenia’. In a way this is unjustified, but on the other hand, it means it doesn’t have the influx of tourists like other places, which keeps it extra special. The lack of road access (you cannot drive more than half a mile into the valley) has helped preserve its beauty. The locals’ efforts in promoting sustainable tourism in protected areas were finally recognized in 2009, when SOLČAVSKO: THREE VALLEYS IN HARMONY was awarded the EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) award by the European Union. Read more »
Jeremy! This is wonderful! Again, well done and enjoy...