Euro Holiday Destinations: Advice on Travel Insurance & Legal Claims
Travelling in Europe should always be a fun experience you remember for the rest of your life - and for the vast majority of backpackers and holidaymakers on the continent this will be the case - but please also keep in mind that at some of the holiday destinations in Europe you may plan to visit on your travels, you may possibly find that the standard of health and safety can on occasions be less thorough and strictly regulated than the conditions we are perhaps used to here in the UK. For this very reason, proper preparation as well as due vigilance and care for your personal safety are always essential.
If the worst happens and you do fall foul of an injury or illness whilst on your holiday, then it’s always advisable to seek the advice and expertise of a qualified holiday claim specialist or solicitor who will be able to give you greater clarification on your legal options, should you wish to pursue them. In many cases, any initial enquiries you make are usually available for free, and you may find that seeking legal advice in such scenarios is often far less intimidating than one would potentially expect. If the accident or illness that occurred on your holiday was not through any fault of your own, it is possible you could be entitled to varying levels of compensation – but the help of experts in the field is invariably the best path to take to explore your options.
The Cona Hostel, Vancouver Island, Courtenay BC
The Cona Hostel, aptly named with Strathcona Park outside its back door, is situated in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. There is no shortage of activities for travelers to enjoy in Courtenay. The Cona Hostel endeavours to provide clean, secure accommodation for the budget-minded traveler in a fun and exciting atmosphere.The hostel is located downtown Courtenay in a newly renovated heritage building with great views overlooking the Courtenay River and Lewis Park. Also nearby are outdoor swimming pools, the Courtenay River Walkway, Kayak rentals, Mountain bike shop, the Sid Williams Live Theatre, art galleries, and live music, as well as the farmer's market and downtown shops and cafes. You can also go mountain biking down nearby Mt. Washington or experience the crystal clear water of Horne Lake Caves! ...or just relax on a hammock or hang out by the river on the hostels new deck!
Some of the hostel amenities include a BBQ, board games, fooseball, tv/dvd, wireless internet, secure bike and board lock-up, free pancakes on weekends.
The owners of the Cona Hostel also operate the “Cona Shuttle and Tours Ltd” and are well informed about the area, striving to do their best to make a guest's stay a great experience! Groups and families are welcome. Phone to inquire: 1 (877) 490-CONA, (250) 331-0991.
"Supporting the Journey -- The Cona Hostel"
Hostel of the week, November 23rd to 29th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Eagle Creek Universal Traveler
- Perfect carry-on or works great for day-to-day transport needs
- Checkpoint Friendly suspended laptop compartment: butterfly-style opening that fits up to a 17” laptop
- Smart Travel Security organization with Secure-Zip Toggle closure
- The ultimate travel daypack with supreme organization and travel sensibilities
Hostels European Cities
Here is the unbiased lowdown on more than 200 hostels throughout Europe. From Vienna to Lisbon, Prague to Edinburgh, Berlin to Paris—more than thirty cities are covered. Whether you’re looking to party or just looking for a clean, quiet, affordable place to crash, this guide will get you exactly where you want to go.
Lowe Alpine TFX Expedition
Adjustable spacious and aimed at the committed trekker Lowe Alpine's fully-featured design pairs with a suspension that has been put through hundreds of hours of tests - all to create the expedition-comfortable TFX Appalachian 75:95 pack. Dial in the fit quickly for the ultimate in trail comfort and versatility with Lowe-Alpine's adjustable TFX 8 fit system; a soft foam hipbelt and spacer mesh on the straps and back system help promote comfort and breathability while also reducing weight.
Overseas Timetable
A well-planned holiday is a trouble-free holiday and this reference guide will help you in researching and planning any trip. The Seasonal Edition of the Overseas Timetable is a unique publication packed full of comprehensive train, bus and ferry timetables covering Africa, Asia, North & South America and Australasia. Editions twice annually – for Winter and Summer.
Road Trip USA
Whether we're beret-bearing beatniks or Lexus-driving cosmopolitans, road trips still beckon. Gas up the tank, load up the trunk--it's hard to resist. But who has time to waste on wrong turns, getting lost, and bad choices? When it comes to finding fun, time is of the essence, so Jamie Jensen's guide takes the pain out of the road trip, be it across the continent or a Sunday jaunt. With directions to pit stops, scenic routes, bizarre museums, and the best apple pie stands, all you have to do is drive.
Dreamcatcher Hostel, Golden BC
The Dreamcatcher Hostel is conveniently located in downtown Golden and within easy walking distance from pubs, restaurants, grocery shops, outdoor shops, clothing stores, banks, mountain bike rental, a book store and several adventure companies. Golden is perfectly placed to explore the very best of the Rockies without the crowds and inflated prices. Take a walk along the riverside paths and enjoy the friendly community.In creating Dreamcatcher Hostel, Gerald Wagner & Abi Marsh wanted to provide a haven for weary travellers and a base for outdoor adventurers; somewhere to kick back and relax, meet like-minded individuals and travel on refreshed and renewed. The hostel prides itself on having fantastically comfortable beds with real mattresses and down duvets.
There are plenty of splendid sights within a half hour’s drive, including the Wolf Centre (to see and learn about wolves), and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (where you can take a gondola up the mountain to visit Boo, the resident grizzly bear!). Eat dinner at the highest restaurant in North America, the Eagles Eye and drink in the fabulous views, or hike up to Thompson Falls, or visit Mount Seven to watch the paragliders jump, admire the far-reaching views of mountains and valleys or hike to the peak. Golden also has outdoor swimming pools and children's spray parks.
A staggering variety of outdoor activities are available for you: mountain biking, snowboarding, para-gliding, hiking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, quadding, snow-mobiling, back country skiing, fishing, horse riding. Your stay is sure to be action packed and exciting.
"Welcome to Dreamcatcher Hostel, where all guests leave as friends. We will be your home away from home during your stay in Golden!
Hostel of the week, November 14th to 23rd 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
European Rail Timetable
Includes new schedules from December 2010, timings for over 50,000 rail connections in Europe serving nearly 5,000 destinations, country by country travel information and a comprehensive guide to European rail passes. Information on many other topics, including ferry and hydrofoil sailings and airport to city centre transport links.
Moon Living Abroad series
The Moon Living Abroad series helps people realize their dreams of making a home in a foreign country. Written by authors who have made the move themselves, and with honest insights into the challenges and rewards, each title provides the tools necessary to find—and settle into—a new home.
- Moon Living Abroad in Australia
- Moon Living Abroad in Canada
- Moon Living Abroad in China
- Moon Living Abroad in Costa Rica
- Moon Living Abroad in Guatemala
- Moon Living Abroad in Italy
- Moon Living Abroad in Japan
- Moon Living Abroad in New Zealand
- Moon Living Abroad in Nicaragua
- Moon Living Abroad in Panama
- Moon Living Abroad in South Korea
- Moon Living Abroad in Spain
- Moon Living Abroad in Thailand
3M Ultrathon
- Central America to be the most effective and longest-lasting repellent.
- Ultrathon is slower to evaporate making it effective long after other repellents have dissipated.
- Stay bite-free and more importantly disease-free by repelling mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus and ticks that may carry Lyme disease.
- Resists perspiration, rain and water splashes. Convenient aerosol sprays upside down for total coverage.
- Lotion, with 34.34% DEET, provides continuous protection for up to 12 hours.
AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
In 2003, software engineer David Miller left his job, family, and friends to fulfill a dream and hike the Appalachian Trail. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail is Miller's account of this thru-hike along the entire 2,172 miles from Georgia to Maine. On page after page, readers are treated to rich descriptions of the valleys and mountains, the isolation and reverie, the inspiration that fueled his quest, and the life-changing moments that can only be experienced when dreams are pursued. While this book abounds with introspection and perseverance, it also provides useful passages about safety and proper gear, with a view into a professional hiker's preparations and tenacity. This is not merely a travel guide, but a beautifully written and highly personal view into one man's adventure and what it means to make a lifelong vision come true.
Victorinox Climber
The Swiss Army Climber II Knife is a compact knife with a selection of more than 10 useful tools. Precision crafted in Switzerland, this knife is constructed with a nylon handle, and 100-percent stainless-steel components that will hold their edge and last you for years. The Climber II weighs a lightweight 3.55 ounces and measures 3.58 inches when closed. Features include: large and small blades, two standard screwdrivers, bottle and can openers, a corkscrew, a wire stripper, scissors, key ring, reamer, and parcel hook. Tweezers and a toothpick pull out of the ends of the Climber II. Ideal for your glove box, utility drawer, or taking along for weekend trips at the cabin.
Song of Ruth House, Chilliwack BC
The Song of Ruth House is an adults-only house, operated like a hostel. It represents freedom away from Vancouver traffic! Song of Ruth House is 90 minutes closer to southern BC sites! Chilliwack is a farming town circled by volcanoes, rivers, lakes! Two short-term furnished room rentals are available: The Waikiki Room and The Molokai Room. The House is in a nice family area in northern Chilliwack, near downtown shops and the bus centre.The house enjoys a policy of peace-and-quiet, with Quiet Hours after 10 pm. You will get a good night's sleep.
Hostel of the week, Nov. 7th to 16th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Europe by Eurail 2011
Europe by Eurail has been the train traveler’s one-stop source for visiting Europe’s cities and countries by rail for more than thirty years. This comprehensive guide, newly revised and updated, provides the latest information on fares, schedules, and pass options, as well as detailed information on more than ninety specific rail excursions. Trips start from one of twenty-four base cities on the Continent––including Vienna, Nice, and Milan––and contain all the details necessary to visit historic cities, romantic villages, and scenic hamlets. Three sample rail-tour itineraries combine several base cities and day excursions into fifteen-day rail-tour packages, complete with hotel recommendations and sightseeing options.
Footprint Activity Guides
Diving
Surfing
Snowsports
Wine
Mountain Biking
Travel with Kids
- Travel with Kids
- Britain with Kids
- Cornwall with Kids
- Dorset
- Devon with Kids
- Lake District with Kids
- Europe with Kids
Music
Travel Photography
Football
Footprint travel guides
Eyewitness Travel
- Back Roads Australia
- Back Roads France
- Back Roads Germany
- Back Roads Great Britain
- Back Roads Ireland
- Back Roads Italy
- Back Roads Spain
- Arabic
- Bulgarian
- Czech
- Dutch
- European
- French
- German
- Greek
- Italian
- Japanese
- Latin American Spanish
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Thai
DK Eyewitness
Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide
Southeast Asia
Southwest Asia
Middle East
Russia & NIS Countries
West Europe
- Top 10 Amsterdam
- Top 10 Andalucia & Costa Del Sol
- Top 10 Athens
- Top 10 Barcelona
- Top 10 Berlin
- Top 10 Brussels
- Top 10 Corfu & the Ionian Islands
- Top 10 Devon and Cornwall
- Top 10 Dublin
- Top 10 England's Lake District
- Top 10 Florence and Tuscany
- Top 10 Greek Islands
- Top 10 Italian Lakes
- Top 10 London
- Top 10 Madrid
- Top 10 Mallorca
- Top 10 Milan & The Lakes
- Top 10 Munich
- Top 10 Naples & Amalfi Coast
- Top 10 Normandy
- Top 10 Paris
- Top 10 Provence & Cote D'Azur
- Top 10 Rome
- Top 10 Scotland
- Top 10 Venice
Northern Europe
Africa
North America & Hawaii
- Top 10 Chicago
- Top 10 Boston
- Top 10 Honolulu & Oahu
- Top 10 Las Vegas
- Top 10 Los Angeles
- Top 10 New England
- Top 10 New Orleans
- Top 10 New York City
- Top 10 Maui
- Top 10 Miami and the Keys
- Top 10 Montreal & Quebec City
- Top 10 Orlando
- Top 10 San Francisco
- Top 10 Santa Fe
- Top 10 Toronto
- Top 10 Vancouver & Victoria
- Top 10 Washington DC
- Top 10 Cuba
- Top 10 Cancun and Yucatan
- Top 10 Dominican Republic
- Top 10 US & British Virgin Islands
- Top 10 Mexico City
DK Eyewitness
Eyewitness
Southeast Asia
Southwest Asia
Middle East
Russia & NIS Countries
West Europe
- Amsterdam
- Barcelona & Catalonia
- Belgium and Luxembourg
- Berlin
- Brittany
- Brussels
- Canary Islands
- Corsica
- Cruise Guide to Europe and the Mediterrane an
- Dordogne
- Dublin
- Europe
- Florence and Tuscany
- France
- Germany
- Great Britain
- Great Britain *
- Greece Athens & the Mainland
- Greek Islands
- Ireland
- Italy
- Italian Riviera
- Lisbon
- Loire Valley
- London
- Madrid
- Mallorca
- Milan & The Lakes
- Munich and the Bavarian Alps
- Naples & The Amalfi Coast
- Northern Spain
- Netherlands
- Paris
- Portugal
- Provence and Cote D'Azur
- Rome
- Sardinia
- Scotland
- Seville & Andalusia
- Sicily
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Venice & the Veneto
- Vienna
- Budapest
- Bulgaria
- Cracow
- Croatia
- Czech and Slovak Republics
- Eastern and Central Europe
- Hungary
- Prague
- Poland
Africa
North America & Hawaii
- Alaska
- Arizona & the Grand Canyon
- Boston
- Canada
- California
- Chicago
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Las Vegas
- New England
- New Orleans
- New York City
- Pacific Northwest
- Philadelphia & The Pennsylvania Dutch Co untry
- San Francisco & Northern California
- Southwest USA & Las Vegas
- USA
- Walt Disney World Resort & Orlando
- Washington
- Washington t
South America
Oceania
DK Eyewitness
Deuter Pace
The Deuter Pace 30 Backpack is ideal for backcountry adventures, carrying your skis and other gear up the mountain on race day, or being the ultimate ski bum. The large front stretch pocket can easily handle a helmet or shell. Stretch side pockets are perfect for water bottles, or you can add your water reservoir to the hydration compatible inner sleeve. The mesh shoulder straps and hip belt offer ventilated comfort, and less overall weight, so you can spend more energy on having fun.
Let's Go Europe
From Portugal to the Ukraine, from Norway down to Greece, Europe is a lot to take on. Luckily, the student adventurers behind Let’s Go Europe 2011 know that any traveler can handle it — with a little help. Whether whipping through London, Barcelona, and Prague in five days or spending a leisurely year abroad, travelers get all the info they need from Let's Go. Their wit and irreverence can brighten even the drabbest Renaissance museum — if travelers didn’t take their advice to skip it. From German beer halls to Roman ruins, Let's Go Europe 2011 is the ticket to adventure.
Fernie Job Fair, Fernie BC
Stay at the Raging Elk, in Fernie BC while attending the Fernie Job Fair on November 5th 2010.Drop into the Fernie Job Fair at the Fernie Community Centre on November 5th between 10am and 3pm. Find seaonal and year round job opportunities in hospitality, tourism, retail, industry, and construction.
Work in Fernie: Start making an income before the snow starts to fall! For more information call the Raging Elk at 1-(250) 423-6811, or email bookings@ragingelk.com, or email "Jobs in Fernie" at info@jobsinfernie.com
Feature of the week: Nov. 1st to 7th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
Granite Gear Uberlight Drysack
Ultralight just didn't adequately describe this sack, so Granite Gear named it the Uberlight CTF3 Drysack. While half the weight of sil nylon, the high-tech CTF3 fabric boasts five times the tensile strength. This means you can keep your gear clean, dry, and organized with virtually no additional weight. Granite Gear also designed the Uberlight DrySack with a squared-off, space-saving shape that won't leave gaps in your pack the way round sacks do. Stitch-free seams and a tight roll-top closure ensure that whatever you stow in this bag will stay dry.
Spyderco Ladybug 3 Serrated Edge Knife
The Ladybug's modified clip-point VG-10 stainless steel blade is hollow-ground and uniformly thick from heel to tip for durability and strength. Its FRN (fiberglass-reinforced-nylon) handle is Bi-Directionally Textured® and comfortably shaped to ensure a secure grip and positive control. Despite its small size, its Trademark Round Hole is fully functional and supports one-handed opening with either hand. The blade locks open via a back lock mechanism, and a lanyard hole allows easy attachment to a keychain or thong. This version of the Ladybug features a black FRN handle.
Best Non Euro Holiday Destinations: Go On Safari!
Garmin GPSMAP 62St
The newly designed GPSMAP 62st handheld navigator features a 3-axis tilt-compensated compass, a barometric altimeter, preloaded 100K topo maps and supports Custom Maps, BirdsEye Satellite imagery (subscription required) and photo navigation. Rugged and waterproof, GPSMAP 62st employs a quad helix antenna for unparalleled reception, has a high-speed USB connection, a sleek new design and connects wirelessly to compatible Garmin handhelds.
Travel as a Political Act
Travel connects people with people. It helps us fit more comfortably and compatibly into a shrinking world. And it inspires creative new solutions to persistent problems facing our nation. We can’t understand our world without experiencing it. Traveling as a Political Act helps us take that first step.
There’s more to travel than good-value hotels, great art, and tasty cuisine. Americans who “travel as a political act” can have the time of their lives and come home smarter—with a better understanding of the interconnectedness of today’s world and just how our nation fits in.
In his new book, acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves explains how to travel more thoughtfully—to any destination. He shares a series of field reports from Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East to show how his travels have shaped his politics and broadened his perspective.