international hostels
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 »
Trips that are fun for all ages
Summer vacation- two glorious, unfettered months of freedom- may be a thing of the past for most of us, but the idea still appeals. And for people with school-age children, summer is really the only time they can go on a long trip. Kidlets or not, here are some places that will be fun to visit. Read more »
Touring Iceland’s Golden Circle
Our former group sales rep Ben and his girlfriend visited Europe on their way home to Australia. Here is their first tale
When you typically think of visiting Europe in winter you might envisage strolling towards the Eiffel tower in Paris, making a phone call out of the iconic red telephone booths in London or even getting some sun in Portugal. What most people do not think to do is visit the supposed frozen and barren landscapes of Iceland, which at first glance has nothing more to offer than some funky tasting dried shark and a real risk of floating away in a lava pool. This hidden gem in the North Atlantic Ocean has so much more to offer those that like to travel somewhere new and a little bit quirky. Read more »
Amazing Racers visit YHA Sydney
Last night's episode of The Amazing Race started off with the teams arriving at the Sydney train station, where they were told to fly to Tokyo. Two teams took advantage of YHA Sydney Central's proximity to the train station and went in there to book their flights. Read more »
Finland's Hostel of the Year
Stumped on where to stay when in Tampere, Finland? Good news! Dream Hostel has been chosen as Hostel of the Year for 2011 by Hostelling International Finland. This spacious new 90-bed hostel offers stylish rooms, each with a theme based on local culture. We’d like to stay in the black sausage room, which is inspired by famous Tampere Black Sausage or Mustamakkara as it is known in Finnish!! Read more »
Escape the Holidays!
Maybe you'll do anything to skip the malls at Christmas time. Maybe you’re just a big old Grinch. Whatever the reason, you want to avoid the season, but you want to have a good time doing it. Here are our ideas for great places to escape to for Christmas: Read more »
On Top of the World: HI’s Top 5 Rooftop Bars and Terraces
There’s nothing like standing on a rooftop to make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Unfortunately, rooftop bars and terraces are often associated with sky-high prices. There are some bargains out there and more than a few of them are located at hostels. Here is a list of Top 5 Hostel rooftops with postcard-worthy views. Read more »
HI Member Deal: Head South For the Winter with HI
With winter on the way, some are looking south for a quick getaway. Fortunately, HI has great offers and deals up and down the Pacific Coast. Our neighbours to the south have plenty of deals for HI members visiting Seattle, Portland, LA, and points east. Read more »
Travel Back to the Future in Japan
If you’ve visited Japan, then you know that they’re already living in the future. The Japanese have renewable energy, fuel-celled vehicles, ASIMO (the world’s most advanced humanoid robot), and let’s not forget umeboshi, the pickled plums that cure hangovers.
And now, they have virtual reality. Read more »
Beer Connoisseur 101
Backpacker sophistication doesn’t come from knowing your hostel etiquette (don’t snore, don’t borrow other people’s soap, don’t fall asleep on the dorm room floor, ect). It doesn’t even come from chatting with three different people in three different languages at one time. That’s merely child’s play.
Achieving backpacker prominence really comes down to one thing: know your beer. Read more »
Fort Edmonton Park is best place to enjoy vacations with...