Backpacker Buzz

If you're making last minute plans to visit Vancouver during the Olympics, you're not out of luck. A large block of beds has just been released at HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach. It won't hurt your wallet either, with dorms starting at just $31.50. There's still space before and after the Games at all three Vancouver hostels. Read more »

The long-awaited new HI-Whistler will officially open its doors on July 1, 2010. Read on for full details. Read more »

Hostelling International has a lot to look forward to this year - from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver to a brand new hostel opening in Whistler, not to mention improved hostels across the region and exciting events. Get a sneak peek at what's coming up in 2010 at HI. But rest assured, there's plenty more where this came from. Read more »

The newest batch of HI membership cards have just been released. Get your adult card now and you get over two years of life out of it, which means discounts at hostels around the world and on other fun stuff from now until March 31, 2012. Read on to learn about the benefits of being an HI member and how to get your membership. Read more »

HI's Blog the Games winner, Dan HB, is currently skiing his days away in the French Alps but soon enough he'll be Canada-bound for the Vancouver Olympics as HI's Olympic video-blogger. Have a look at his gracious acceptance speech above.

For the first week of the Olympics, Dan will be in the streets of Vancouver, filming the fan action and all the stuff you won't see on T.V. Do you have ideas about how Dan should spend his time in Vancouver? Particular spots he should hit-up or people he should try to talk to? Have your say in the comments. Read more »

Enter to win two-day ski package from Greyhound including lift tickets valid at Whistler and Blackcomb as well as return transportation between Vancouver and Whistler. One package will be given away every month until April. Read more »

Lots of people are excited for the upcoming Winter Games in Vancouver, and rightly so. But if you're like some and you just want to steer clear of the hype, check out a few hostel deals outside of Vancouver that'll ensure you're well away from the face-painted, cheering crowds. Read more »

Congratulations to Dan Habershon-Butcher from Bristol, England who has been selected as the winner in Hostelling International's Blog the Games contest!

The competition was tight and the final two came down to a final three at the last second when two videos had identical vote counts at the contest's cut-off on Wednesday. Read more »

Tis the season, once again. We've gathered up some of the best gift ideas for the travellers on your list, including deals you can only get with your HI membership card. Read more »

Ten finalists have been selected from the entries into HI's Blog the Games contest. Vote now for your favourite at www.hihostelspm.ca/blogthegames. The two with the highest number of votes will go before HI judges and the winner gets a return flight to Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics, five nights' accommodation in Vancouver, a new camera, $500 spending money and a ski trip to Banff at the end of it. Read more »