Backpacker Buzz

Did your membership expire on March 31, 2009? Renew now and you could win over $1000 worth of prizes from Lonely Planet, Greyhound and HI. Even better, take advantage of our renewal and upgrade deals to save even more money!

Vancouver might have the 2010 Olympics, but Jasper has managed to score getting up close n' personal with some NHL Legends.  There are three main events taking place April 3-5th.  First up on Friday, the Legends will take on the Jasper/Hinton All-Stars, then on Sunday, they'll battle it out with the Jasper/Hinton Old-Stars.  On Saturday, everyone will be heading to the activity centre for a Gala Dinner.  If you've ever wanted an opportunity to hang out with a NHL players, this is your chance! Read more »

HI-Vancouver Central's pay for 6 nights and get the 7th FREE has just been extended until April 30th!  There is also a FREE all-you-can-eat continental breakfast served daily before 10am.  If your thinking about coming to Vancouver, take advantage of HI-Vancouver Central's great deals until April 30th.

Europeans never cease to be amazed by the vast distances in Australia. The idea that an eight-hour bus journey will take them a few millimetres on a map baffles the kind of person who can drive across their own country and into another one in the same amount of time.

So far, I've been pretty impressed by everywhere I've visited. Some were definitely better than others (I still have love dreams about Melbourne), but all have had some form of redeeming quality, whether it's a nice beach, nice locals, a good museum or just a good vibe. Then I got to Exmouth.

After three years of meticulous renovating and restoring, Melbourne Central YHA is ready to open it's newly restored doors in April 2009.  This 208-bed hostel is now a modern, environmentally-friendly hub for travellers - the perfect launching pad for people who like being in the middle of urban action. Read more »

When I booked my flight from Adelaide to Perth, I figured I'd just stay at the Perth City YHA. I called them the day before to find out they had no space. So I did what any responsible backpacker would do - left it and figured I'd sort it out after my plane landed.  Read more »

Once I hit Australia's south coast, I kept hearing about Kangaroo Island. Tourists and locals would both rave about the place, even those who hadn't yet been there. It didn't take much to convince me, since any island with an animal in its name will get a visit from me.