8 great places of refuge in a hostel world

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First appeared in USA Today in 2005 but still worth checking out.

Vacations aren’t just for vegging out anymore. Many travelers, serious about returning home with more than memories and a tan, expect to increase their knowledge while on the road. How to do it on a budget? “Try a hostel — they’re more than just cheap accommodations,” says Niamh Ni Mhir, director of marketing at hostelworld.com, which lists more than 9,000 hostel properties in 155 countries around the world. “So many of today’s hostels provide guests with the opportunity to engage with local communities and learn more about their culture and customs.” Here, Ni Mhir shares with USA TODAY’s Shawn Sell hostels where you can learn skills by day and still get an inexpensive night’s sleep.

Waidroka Bay Surf & Dive Resort 
Coral Coast, Fiji

“Waidroka (translation: fresh spring water) Bay on Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, gets its name from the spring creek which flows through the surrounding rain forest. Not far from the resort is Sunset Reef, which offers unforgettable snorkeling and diving. This hostel/dive school on the bay offers fully certified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses.” 011-679-330-4605; waidroka.com

The Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge
Byron Bay, Australia

Whether you stay in the lodge’s tepees, wagons or dorms, there’s a lot to learn at this secluded 5-acre tropical haven. “The lodge runs various workshops where you can make and play a didgeridoo (long wooden flute), learn African and Caribbean rhythms, massage, life drawing or try your hand at twirling fire (pyrotechnic dancing).” 011-61-2-6685-7709; artsfactory.com/au

Seven Suns 
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s nightlife, “Seven Suns offers guests a one-day Thai cooking course from Smart Thai Cooking School, where you can learn how to make authentic Thai-style fried noodles, chicken in coconut milk and other local delights.” 011-66-53-814-325; sevensuns.net

Hôme Youth Hostel
Valencia, Spain

“According to the International Student Travel Confederation, nearly 30% of young travelers learn a language during their travels. So, when in Spain, learn Spanish. The Hôme hostel offers all-in-one packages which include both intensive courses and accommodation.” 011-34-9639-16229; likeathome.net

Rocky Mountain Inn & Hostel 
Fraser, Colorado, USA.

“Here at the youth hostel, accommodations (many rooms are private) are as reasonable as the ski instruction in Winter Park Ski Resort, just 20 minutes away via free shuttle bus. Choose from all-in-one packages (ski-pass/gear/lesson) for beginners or intermediate skiers.” 866-467-8351; therockymountaininn.com

K2 — The Killary Centre
Leenane, Connemara, Galway, Ireland

Combining great accommodations and adventure with terrific Western Ireland views, “Killary is a full-service hostel where you can learn how to kayak or rock-climb. There’s also archery instruction as well as skeet shooting (must be over 18).” 011-353-95-43411; killary.com

The Secret Garden
Quito, Ecuador

“Conveniently located down a cobbled street in central Quito, this colonial hostel offers Spanish lessons conducted by qualified teachers who not only teach in classrooms, but also bring students into the city for tours and to learn the city’s history in Spanish.” 011-593-2-295-6704; secretgardenquito.com

Hostel-Inn Tango City
Buenos Aires

There’s a lot to do and see in this never-sleep city. “Not only will you be treated to pleasant surroundings in San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ historical quarter, but you can also learn how to dance. Salsa classes, held every Wednesday at the hostel, are free and very popular.” 011-54-11-4300-5764; hostel-inn.com

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Cliff Chapman
traveljunkies 

For something different, new places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do >>>> www.traveljunkies.com

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Just a Ferry Ride From Seattle

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Visit the beautiful and historic Pacific North West of the USA and get the best from your trip.

Just a short ferry ride from Seattle, explore Bainbridge Island, the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas in spectacular Washington State. Surrounded by mountains with water in every direction, you’ll find an eclectic collection of communities including artsy and rural Bainbridge Island.

Travelling in a luxury mini-coach, the tours take in Suquamish, the home of the Suquamish tribe and burial place of Chief Seattle; Poulsbo, little Norway on fjord-like Liberty Bay, Port Gamble, an historic timber town with its roots in New England and the world renowned Bloedel Reserve, a 150 acre estate garden. Soak up the history and heritage, there are museums for every interest.
Kitsap Tours owners Jim and Jean Boyle would love to show you their beautiful and historic island. So join one of their day or half-day tours, or let them help you plan your own itinerary for your group, your club or your business away-day.

See more … www.kitsaptours.com

Cliff Chapman
traveljunkies 

For something different, new places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do >>>> www.traveljunkies.com

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95-year-old Aussie is world’s oldest backpacker

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With 23 countries and 109 cities under his belt, 95-year-old Keith Wright is the world’s oldest backpacker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full story … http://paper.li/journeyjottings

Cliff Chapman

For something different, new places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do >>>> www.traveljunkies.com

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This Weeks Deals For Travel, Flights, Hotels & Holidays – 9 May 2012

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For This Week’s Top Deals . . . Click Here

USA, UK, Australia, Spain, Japan, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Germany, China, Taiwan, and Others

And for more top adventure travel  >>>>>  Click Here

Cliff Chapman

For something different, new places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do >>>> www.traveljunkies.com

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This List Should Have 12 On It – Lonely Planet Misses One . . .

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Fish ‘n Chips – UK

 

 

 

The 11 best street foods worth blowing your diet over – lonely planet
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/travel-tips-and-articles/77162

Cliff Chapman

For something different, new places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do >>>> www.traveljunkies.com

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Useful Stuff For Your Travels

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As well as all the stuff you’re told to take in the various travel articles – here’s what’s really useful …

1.  Elastic bands – you can never have enough. The girls and your mates with long hair will want to thank you. (kisses & beer).

2. Plastic bags – you’ll always have stuff that’s wet or leaks, and food that’s half eaten or left over.

3. Zip lock bags – for your precious stuff like your phone.

4. Towel, sarong or big t-shirt – so many uses – keep warm, get dry, keep sun off, sit on it, make a pillow etc.

5. Sticky tape – strong stuff like Duct tape mends anything except broken bones.

6. Something to write with & write on – lipstick & a mate’s back isn’t always the best.

7. Padlock – take a combination lock, you’re bound to lose your keys.

8. Snacks – you’ll always get hungry where there’s nowhere to buy anything or it’s expensive.

Now … add your useful stuff in comments & we’ll update this list.

Cliff Chapman

For something different, new places to go, good value accommodation, great activities and exciting things to do >>>> www.traveljunkies.com

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Visiting Singapore? – Then You Must See This . . .

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Great blog about how & where to eat well & cheaply in Singapore . . .

Here is their own “about us” on their website . . .

ieatishootipost.sg was started in 1 Aug 2006 as part of a desire to see a website whichlists Singapore’s best hawker food with beautiful photos and a frank review. It has now grown to become the most read food blog in Singapore, currently getting around 14K hits per day from 7K+ unique visitors which translates to 90K unique visitors every month. The website clocked more than 15 million hits since inception and has been voted Best Food Blog in the 2009 Asia- Pacific Blog Awards as well as winning theBloggies award for Best Asian Weblog 2010.

Cliff Chapman
www.traveljunkies.com

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Going Travelling? – Look After Your Money …

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10 top tips for financial safety
Courtesy of http://www.fieldingfinancialfamily.com

1. Before you go, make sure that you plan your financial requirements properly: allocate
yourself a daily spending allowance: decide how much you need for food and living
expenses: how much will you spend on gifts or treats? Once you know exactly how much
you need, then you can plan how to provide that money when you need it.

2. Once you know how much you need, work out a plan of how much you want to take in cash (as little as possible!), travellers cheques and how much you wish to pay on credit cards. Remember that it is likely that your credit and debit cards can be used as normal when abroad, so check this with your bank and card provider before you go. Even the bank automated telling machines will probably still work, so there is no need to carry cash.

3. Make sure that you have appropriate travel and health insurance.

4. Consider if you need a specific credit card protection policy.

5. Make a note of all the numbers of your bank accounts, credit cards and other financial
documents and leave them in a safe place at home.

6. Make a note of any telephone numbers you may need in a financial emergency, such as
the bank, and your credit card protection policy, and hide that list in your luggage so you
have it if the emergency arises.

7. If you are travelling to a country where the currency is volatile, consider carrying some
US dollars or sterling as security in case of currency difficulties. Most emerging countries
would gladly accept dollars for almost anything.

8. Divide your finances between the people travelling, such that if you get separated or if
one of you loses their portion of money, you still have enough money.

9. Divide whatever finances you have and put it in different places: wear a money belt for
cash, put one credit card in your hand luggage and another in with your underwear!

10. Don’t take all your credit cards: leave something at home just in case.

Cliff Chapman
www.traveljunkies.com

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