The 2009 Backpackers Hostels Conference in Kelowna
The 2009 Backpackers Hostels Conference in Kelowna!Every year, several hostel owners and operators gather at the annual Backpackers Hostels Canada conference to discuss issues concerns and ideas and of course to get together and have a good time.
As you can see in the photo below, Kelowna is breathtaking. Participants stayed at one of the Kelowna Hostels, Kelowna International Hostel and Samesun Kelowna, and both hostels helped organize the event with complete professionalism...was a real blast! Next year, the Backpackers Hostels Canada conference will be held on Canada's East Coast.
To start your own hostel in Canada, please contact us for information.
Feature of the Week, Feb 14th to Feb 23rd 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Visiting the Last Surviving Wonder of the World in Egypt
As many a student and scholar will know, one of the great stories and legends of the ancient world is that of the seven wonders of the world. These truly great constructions are often considered as the ultimate pinnacle and towering feats of human endeavour - and were once collectively considered the main architectural achievements of a society that existed long before our time. While 6 of these 7 great monuments are no longer of this realm, it is an impressive omen in itself that the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt still remains intact - and therefore survives as a towering example of what humanity could achieve in the ancient world so many hundreds of years before modern building technology or construction techniques was even dreamt of. The Great Pyramid of Giza today forms one of the major visitor attractions and key places of interest for any tourist visiting Egypt. Incredibly this magnificent structure remains intact today in spite of being completed in around 2551 BC - making it the oldest of all the seven wonders of the ancient world. If you are on a backpacking trip or a holiday to Egypt this truly stunning structure is an absolute must see on your visit to the country. The pyramid is truly something magnificent to behold, and it is mind boggling to comprehend how such things could be achieved over two and a half thousand years ago.
Best European Backpacking Destinations: Bucharest
It seems to me that the city of Bucharest is often overlooked by people planning holidays here in the UK - which is quite surprising considering that the city has a lot to offer for anyone looking to take a short break in Europe, particularly on a tight budget. If you are on a backpacking trip around the region of Eastern Europe then without a doubt, you must at least pop in and visit the city for a few days. While it may not have the glamorous image held by many of its European counterparts, Romania’s capital has some real hidden gems amongst the concrete blocks that tend to dominate the skyline - with neoclassical architecture that has a style all of its own hidden away, just waiting to be discovered by the young intrepid traveller. Although the city is still shadowed somewhat by its Communist history and former leader Nicolae Ceausescu, with Romania joining the EU at the start of 2007, the city is becoming increasingly accessible for outsiders such as holidaymakers and backpackers. In Bucharest the temperatures can be very cold in winter - but the summer offers very high temperatures and a very dry climate. Accommodation is very cheap and accessible, with Bucharest apartments in particular offering excellent value for money if you are backpacking on a tight budget.
Grantourismo & how we came to be going on a grand tour in 2010
Terry and I have been dreaming about doing a grand tour of sorts for a few years - since way back when we wrote the Grantourismo blog for Charles and Marie. We started to seriously develop the idea of a reincarnation of Grantourismo about a year ago, but we hadn't yet begun to think about how to fund it. Our original plan was to stay in one destination for a month at a time, and to really try to get beneath the skin of the place, to get to know the locals, learn as much of the language as we could, to learn some things unique or special to the place, and to write a book about the project. We were over the moon when we discovered that HomeAway Holiday Rentals had a similar marketing exercise in mind, their idea being to send a couple of travel writers around the world to explore a more enriching and authentic way of travel that was possible through holiday home stays, rather than hotels. It was a godsend that they believed our project would fit, and we were happy to compromise a little (two destinations a month instead of one) to be able to make it work together. I'll tell you a little bit more about Grantourismo in coming posts.
Grantourismo - 12 months, 24 destinations, countless experiences
Backpackers International Hostel Niagara Falls
Backpackers International Hostel, Niagara FallsOperated by a warm and friendly Francophone family, this elegant Victorian home turned youth hostel is only 5 minutes walk to the bus depot and is open 24-7. Dorm rates are $25.00 per night. Private rooms are also available. Facilities include a fully equipped kitchen and a free light breakfast.
The hostel is only one block to the Niagara River and Parkway, and 15-20 minute walk to Falls and attractions. It is also close to the Greyhound and train stations.
When you are planning your travels, remember that Niagara Falls is more than a one-day trip destination!
Hostel of the Week February 1st to February 7th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
