Your backpacking travel planner

Sir James Dunn Residence, UNB Saint John

“Choose UNB Saint John’s summer accommodations! Stay in our comfortable, affordable, updated rooms in our fully secure buildings accessible only by key card. Amenities include free high speed internet in all rooms, private phone with free local calling in all rooms, free laundry facilities, snack and vending machines. Bedding and towels included in your room rate.

Only minutes from Uptown Saint John, City Transit stops every 20 minutes just steps away from the Sir James Dunn residence. Our friendly summer staff will help you find fun and interesting things to do in the Saint John area, or assist you with your plans to explore New Brunswick.

Nearby attractions in Millidgeville include Rockwood Park which boasts kilometers of hiking and biking trails as well as canoeing, kayaking and rock climbing; Rockwood Park Golf Course and Aquatic Driving Range, Tucker Park Beach and Cherry Brook Zoo.

Summer accommodations are open on May 3. Reserve your room today!”

Hostel of the Week, April 27th to May 3rd 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Quadra Island Boutique Hostel, Quathiaski Cove

"Quadra Island is an Outdoor Enthusiast's Utopia and Artist Paradise.

World class Diving, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, Canoeing... and much much more, is at your fingertips on Quadra Island. Local artists are plentiful on Quadra, a studio tour is a must while on Quadra Island.

Join us in celebrating our Grand Opening on May 1st, we will be hosting an Outdoor Tourism and Artist Show. Come see all that Quadra has to offer.

Quadra Island Boutique Hostel is located just minutes walk from the Quathiaski Cove Ferry Terminal on Quadra Island, and within walking distance to all amenities. This clean spacious Hostel offers travellers a comfortable home away from home.

Quadra Island Boutique Hostel: Oceans away from the everyday"

Hostel of the Week, April 19th to April 27th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Before you set off on a backpacking holiday in Europe you will firstly of course have to have a fairly rough idea of which European cities you want to visit on your travels. Although spontaneity is important to a certain extent on any backpacking trip (as you will naturally want to gain new experiences and learn new things), you obviously don’t want to miss out on the best holiday destinations in Europe simply through poor pre planning. If sheer popularity in terms of visitor volume is anything to go by, then the city destinations below must qualify as “must visit” places for any young backpacker during your backpacking holiday around Europe. Listed below are the 10 most frequently visited cities in the continent of Europe - based on visitor numbers.

1. London
2. Paris
3. Rome
4. Barcelona
5. Dublin
6. Madrid
7. Amsterdam
8. Prague
9. Moscow
10. Vienna

Make sure you find the time to visit at least some of these fantastic city destinations on your trip! Remember, this list is compiled purely from visitor volumes - there are also several cities not on this list that I would highly recommend visiting! Please check out my other post to find out my personal thoughts on what are the best city destinations in Europe. My list is compiled slightly differently to this one - but that is simply because I have had a really great time when I have visited other less popular locations and stayed there!

Indian Line Campground, Brampton Ontario. The closest campground to Downtown Toronto!

Gatineau Park Cabins, right inside Gatineau Park! The Cabins and the Park are near Chelsea Quebec, in the Hull/Ottawa area.

Backpackers Hostels Canada does include several campgrounds and cabins in its membership. The Gatineau Park Cabins are available in summer or winter.

Summer Sleepovers
Nature enthusiasts who use the Park trails for hiking and mountain biking during the summer and fall can prolong their excursions by spending the night in one of the Park’s yurts or cabins.

Winter Sleepovers
Have you ever dreamed of an experience of nature so profound that the silence of the forest penetrates to the very depths of your being? Skiers and snowshoers can extend their stay by spending the night in one of the Park’s shelters located in the heart of the forest.

Don't forget your sleeping bag and cooking gear!

Hostel of the Week, April 7th to April 11th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

When planning any backpacking holiday in Europe a key concern for any traveller will always be what essential clothing and equipment to take with you on your excursion. Now, obviously you have a limited amount of space even in the most spacious and high quality modern rucksacks, plus you will also have to consider what baggage allowance your flight will allow you - so this of course makes packing the right gear for your backpacking destination all the more essential.

If you are thinking of any major hiking or adventure excursions on your trip always ensure you have taken the right quality of equipment and clothing for your trip. You will need a good quality sleeping bag and tent for example if you are considering camping in eastern or central Europe and also in the UK - particularly in winter months - when temperatures can drop well below 0 Celsius even on low ground. Always also take the right maps, head torch, survival bag and a compass and ideally a GPS - plus your mobile phone.

If you plan a backpacking or hiking trip to the more mountainous or hilly areas it is also highly recommended that even in the summer months you pack warm and fully waterproof and windproof clothes. Hats, gloves and good quality water proof clothing from quality brands such as The North Face are all but essential even in summer months in many European locations - but make sure even then you select the correct products for your chosen location as climates can vary greatly across Europe according to your backpacking destination and the seasonal weather conditions of that area of the continent. Always plan in advance and don’t leave anything to chance. If in doubt study the local weather conditions carefully and prepare for the unexpected.

Well I’ve been spending the last few hours of an excellent bank holiday weekend reminiscing about some of the many great cities I’ve visited across Europe over the past 12 months or so. I’ve managed to drill this down to my personal favourite top 10 backpacking holiday destinations that I would suggest to any young traveller making a trip to Europe - believe me, these are fantastic places to visit that you can’t afford to miss out on. My list is purely based on my own opinions and experiences, and takes into account a wide range of key factors that I felt affected my enjoyment of the locations and destinations the most - such as climate, nightlife, people, tourist attractions, value for money, scenery etc. Anyway here’s the list - please feel free to share your thoughts by posting a comment on my travel blog or by using the voting panel in the left hand side of the blog.

1. Budapest
2. Krakow
3. Prague
4. Dubrovnik
5. Rome
6. Amsterdam
7. Barcelona
8. London
9. Paris
10. Venice

Please note these are based only on my own experiences and views - please feel free to disagree with me! I also welcome any personal recommendations from your own backpacking holidays about what you believe to be your top 10 best backpacking holiday destinations in Europe - so as always feel free to post here!

As any backpacker travelling around Europe will no doubt be aware, Holland’s capital Amsterdam has an excellent reputation of being one of the best European cities for young backpackers to go and party until the early hours – and deservedly so. The city offers up numerous bars where party goers can enjoy some cool pints of Heineken, many great restaurants in which to eat out with your friends and of course the famous coffee shops - such as the Grasshopper. Many of the best bars and coffee shops are located in the infamous Red Light District in the city – a definite eye opener for any young traveller and certainly not for the fainthearted – particularly after daylight hours. Always be safe and stay with friends when visiting this area. During the day the Heineken brewery is a good place to visit during your stay in the city of Amsterdam, and there are also many museums covering a range of tastes and functions from the arts, history of the city, and even a torture museum! If you are on a backpacking holiday in Europe but are limited by a low budget, then a simple stroll along some of Amsterdam’s many canals can be a great way of seeing the city and its beautiful architecture and style that have a unique flavour all of their own - and is in itself a nice way to spend the afternoon in the outdoors when you’ve had a few too many beers the night before and are in need of some fresh air! All in all whether you are backpacking, looking for a fun weekend away in Europe or on a big do with your mates – Amsterdam is undoubtedly the place to go and party in Europe.