Backpacker Buzz

With the new HI-Whistler up and running, the world of budget travel in Whistler just got bigger and better. Hostelling International has partnered with Moose Travel Network to get you up there and having fun, without a big price tag.

For $99, get the Sea to Sky Adventure package with Moose. It includes hop-on, hop-off transportation between Vancouver and Whistler, one night at HI-Whistler, dinner on your first night, and a whole lot of fun in between. Read more »

HI in Western Canada is loading up on new discount partnerships across the region and you'll want to hold on to your hats for this next one: 20% off car rentals in the Rockies. Is it just us or does anyone else agree that this calls for an Icefields Parkway road trip? Read more »

Penticton loves summer. And it had better, being situated in semi-arid desert conditions in British Columbia's Okanagan. They've already hit 27 degrees this month, which is undoubtedly a sign of things to come over the next few months.

Oh but there's more. Penticton is rife with festivals over the summer months, and homey HI-Penticton has an excellent multi-day deal on offer all season long. Does anybody smell a long-weekend road trip? Read more »

The Hostelling International family is pretty eclectic - with hostels in unique locations like tall ships, former prisons, castles, tree houses and lighthouses. But we recently added a new one to the brood and if you're visiting Sweden any time soon, you could spend the night in the world's first airplane hostel. Read more »

A year and a half ago, I decided that I needed to go travel, and I needed to go for a long time. I spent eight-and-a-half months on the road and have been back in Canada for a few weeks. After the obligatory questions of "How was your trip?" and "What was your favourite place?" a lot of people want to know just how I pulled a stunt like this off.

Get the low down after the jump. Read more »

It's a bit of a contentious issue but I don't think there's a better way to get around than by train. All things considered - price, convenience, comfort and time - the train wins. Canada doesn't come close to doing the train justice. Compare a rail map of Canada with a rail map of Europe and it's like comparing a single strand of spaghetti with a massive bowl of spag bol. Europe knows trains and if you're heading here any time soon, I suggest you get acquainted.  Read more »

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 »

Well, the romance is gone. After riding in 20 airplanes in six months, I've lost that loving feeling for air travel. My patience has worn thin, the take-off doesn't give me butterflies anymore, I don't really care if I get a window seat and I absolutely cannot stand the waiting followed by waiting and topped off with more waiting. I want that flame back and I hope it's not gone for good. Read more »