Your backpacking travel planner

Cocoon TravelSheets

A TravelSheet is an extremely lightweight and roomy sleep sack or sleeping bag liner.

Uses:

- hotels, youth hostels, alpine huts, boats, planes, trains

- warm weather sleeping bag

- rectangular sleeping bag liner

- for overnights with friends or as a guestsheet

Standard size: 220 x 90 cm

Cocoon TravelSheets

For the traveler who enjoys deluxe features, the Osprey's Meridian Deluxe Wheeled Travel Pack provides it all. The main compartment is spacious and includes straps to prevent clothing migration while a side mesh and side fabric pocket offer organization possibilities. A large panel zippered area accesses the main compartment without removing the daypack. Underneath, you'll find a full mesh pocket for further organization, a padded laptop sleeve, side water bottle pockets, and a top and backpanel entry.

Osprey Meridian Series

Deuter Quantum

World travelers love the quality and the practical slim shape of the Quantum travel backpacks. Even when fully laden you won't get stuck in bus doorways or train passages. These roomy companions have kept all their excellent functions, yet are in a new modern design with a different daypack construction on the front..

Deuter Quantum 55+10 / 70+10

Pacsafe

Backpack & Bag Protector

Built for multi-purpose use. Whether outdoors, touring or adventure travelling PacSafe’s tough, expandable design fits most popular-sized backpacks, duffels or soft-sided wheeled luggage.

Eagle Creek Switchback

Eagle Creek Travel Gear Switchback Max 22 Luggage,Black

Wheeled luggage is ideal for sidewalks, but backpacks are far more convenient when walking over uneven terrain on the way to class. So why not enjoy the best attributes of both with the Eagle Creek Switchback Max 22? Boasting a set of travel wheels that provide smooth and reliable transit over all flat surfaces, along with a pair of moisture-wicking Air Mesh backpack straps, the Switchback Max 22 is a great choice for anyone who's constantly on the move. The bag boasts 3,900 cubic inches of storage space, with a zip-off daypack that measures 1,600 cubic inches by itself. Storage chambers include a large main compartment, an organizational panel for paperwork and travel necessities, a fleece-lined interior pocket for electronics or sunglasses, and side zip-away pockets to keep water and other quick-grab items within easy access. In addition, the Switchback Max 22 is remarkably comfortable on the back thanks to the adjustable padded hip belt and the breathable foam back panel. The hip belt and shoulder straps combine to distribute the pack's weight evenly and comfortably over the long haul. Other details include a Zip-Away Comfort Zone suspension system, Soul Patch corner guards, and support for Eagle Creek's Pack-It organizational system.

European Rail Timetable

A well-planned holiday is a trouble-free holiday and this reference guide will help you in researching and planning any trip. The Independent Traveller’s Edition of the European Rail Timetable is an extended version of the regular monthly edition. It is packed full of schedules and essential information on trains, ferries and hydrofoils throughout Europe. Editions twice annually for Summer and Winter schedules, published in June and December.

Includes new schedules from 13 December 2009, 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.

Auberge Internationale Le Tangon

Auberge Internationale Le Tangon

Whether it be for one night, one week or even more, you can be sure of a relaxation time at the warmly decorated and colourful "Le Tangon". Brigitte and her team are always on hand to welcome you with a smile. You will immediately feel at home and will be taken aback by the family-oriented atmosphere of the Hostel and the kindness of the people who live there. Impromptu musical performances in the evening add to the enchanting atmosphere of "Le Tangon". Almost unique on the North Shore, it is a place where people come together, share experiences and become friends.

Few places offer as much natural beauty with all the advantages of a modern city as the North Shore. Beaches, a unique archipelago, majestic rivers, an animal reserve and varied marine life invite travelers to escape and relax. The North Coast offers visitors quaint villages, historical sites, Nordic adventures and out-of-the-ordinary open-air expeditions.

The hostel offers you everything you need to make your stay both comfortable and enjoyable.

Hostel of the Week, May 18th to 25th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Montpellier

No holiday or backpacking trip in the South of France would be complete without taking time to visit the city of Montpellier and the fantastic surrounding region of Languedoc-Roussillon in which the city is located. Montpellier has some very famous and extremely popular visitor attractions – that have helped to make it one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in Europe. Perhaps best renowned of these is the Place de la Comédie in the centre of the city. This stunning town square is a great hive of activity for any visitor to the city featuring some fantastic architecture, fountains and statues.

The Languedoc-Roussillon area is famous for its huge vineyards and if you want to go and explore them then Car Hire Montpellier can be the best way to get around in the district. Although often overlooked for more well known wine making regions, the area has vast expanses of vineyards and produces some fantastic tipple not to be missed. Luckily cheap car hire France is available from several regional outlets and can be booked online meaning its relatively easy for you to get around and enjoy one of the best holiday destinations in France. The car hire services are reasonably priced for this area of Europe – particularly if you are sharing with friends or family.

Top US Hostels

Kindle Books Category

Category

Kindle

What Are The Best Visitor Attractions In Bucharest?

The Romanian city of Bucharest is a good place for any young backpacker to visit if you are on a backpacking holiday in Eastern Europe. While perhaps not the most glamorous of cities in the continent, it does offer some interesting places to visit and a unique flavour all of its own. Many of the places to see are things you can view walking round the city so it’s a good option if you are travelling on a tight budget.

Amongst the best tourist attractions in the city of Bucharest is the neoclassically styled Royal Palace – an impressive structure that is well worth a look. This has now been turned into an art museum so its also worth checking out the interior if art is your thing. If you want to get a good feel of the old pre communism side of the city however you should visit the Lipscani District. This is very much a major tourist draw and as you would expect features plenty of shops, coffee houses and restaurants. Simply taking a walk through the quaint cobbled streets is in itself a good experience for anyone visiting Bucharest.
If you are looking for Bucharest apartments in which to stay during your visit to the city, you will be pleased to know like many things in the city they are very affordable. Romania is a very cheap place to visit and you may find that even luxury apartments in Bucharest are not beyond the budgets of backpackers. So why not take a trip to the city and see a different - but nonetheless interesting - side of Europe.

Michelin Green Guides

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Michelin Travel Publications

Lonely Planet Spanish Guides

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USA Phrasebook

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Lonely Planet Travel Guide Books

Top European Holiday Destinations: Exploring the Granada Province of Spain

If you’re thinking of doing some traveling in Europe this summer then one of the many top holiday destinations you should give some consideration to is the Granada region of Spain. One of the counties unique autonomous communities, the city of Granada can be found in the fantastic Andalusia region of Spain. Accessing the city from abroad is easily done, and to have all the freedom you may need to explore the surrounding region you can easily find local services offering car hire Granada airport. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out how affordable car hire Spain can be – and it certainly gives you a viable alternative to public transport which in such a large European country can be quite time consuming.

As well as the City of Granada itself, the region of Andalusia offers fantastic coastal areas that attract many thousands of tourists to the region each year. Although the package holiday heavy Costa Del Sol region is not necessarily everyone’s cup of tea, the area does have some great beaches and resorts for families to take a holiday in Europe. I feel however that the Sierra Nevada area offers a little more to visitors, and sports a fantastic national park that yo8ung travelers may like to take time out to explore. This mountainous region of the country boasts the highest peak in all of Spain - Mulhacen – which stands at just under 3,500 metres.

Beach Hostels

Stay in Tuscany in Style: Rent a Tuscany Villa

Italy is surely one of the finest and most varied holiday destinations in all of Europe, with its many different cities and regions offering something unique and fresh – with characteristics all of its own. Whether you enjoy a ski or snowboard trip in the north of the country, the numerous fantastic ancient historical attractions of Rome, or are more interested in checking out the many brilliant designer boutiques in Milan its easy to understand and recognise just how much Italy has to offer as a holiday destination.

If you are however looking to get away from all the mad traffic, endless hussle and bustle and congestion of Italy’s big cities but still fancy a holiday to this great European country then you may prefer to take up the option of renting a villa in the Tuscany region of Italy. Whether traveling to Italy with a group of friends or family, many holidaymakers choose to rent Tuscany villa to get a much more authentic experience of rural Italy and the local Italian way of life.
If you do somehow tire of the beautiful countryside in the region there are also some great nearby cities you can visit such as Florence, Siena and Pisa – each with their own unique charm and great visitor attractions, restaurant, bards and cafes. With so much to do in the region and with a great degree of freedom to experience it in – you’ll find that renting a villa in Tuscany can be a very different and exciting way to experience Italy.

Overcharged For Airport Parking Due To Ash Cloud? You May Be Able To Claim Money Back!

If you are one of the thousands of holidaymakers in the UK who have had their holiday unwillingly delayed or extended by the ash cloud chaos then you may be pleased to know there seems to be some positive news on the horizon. Many tourists who had traveled to Europe have had their flights delayed or canceled over the last few weeks due to the large cloud of ash across European airways - and have therefore found themselves stranded at various cities and airports across the continent.
Many UK holidaymakers have understandably raised concerns that as they were forced to remain in their holiday destination for an extended period, they are now facing extra costs for their airport parking services which they would otherwise had not incurred had their flights not been delayed. However, there is some good news to report – as some London airport parking providers are reportedly willing to waive any excess charges incurred due to flight delay or curtailment.
Gatwick airport parking services for example have already confirmed they will not charge any additional costs for those who have been affected by the ash cloud - and have also taken the time to get in contact with thousands of UK holidaymakers who are still stuck abroad requesting their expected renewed arrival dates in order to help plan ahead for such difficulties. This new will no doubt come as a great relief for many UK tourists still stuck at various holiday destinations in Europe. If you are unsure as to whether you will be charged it is generally best to contact your parking provider to find out the details of their policy.

Auberge Inn, Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island,

The Auberge Inn is a small eco-friendly international hostel situated in the heart of the village of Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island Ontario. The house is situated 400 steps from the longest, most beautiful sandy beach and boardwalk. The beach alone is worth the trip!

At the Auberge Inn you can enjoy comfortable and affordable accommodations while exploring the largest fresh water island in the world. You will quickly discover that Auberge Inn is more than just a great place to sleep, its also a place to meet people and share your experiences!

Included in your stay at Auberge Inn are bedding and pillows, self-serve breakfast in a shared kitchen, free wi-fi internet, a secure locker and bicycle storage, and common living room and sun deck

Your hosts, Nathalie Gara-Boivin and Alain Harvey, welcome you into their home and can suggest ways to make the most out of your vacation, having explored the island thoroughly with information on: local festivals, pow-wows, restaurants, cycling, hiking, kayaking, photography, bird watching opportunities and many other activities to enjoy on the Island.

The Auberge Inn is now open for business!

Hostel of the Week, May 11th to 18th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Top 10 Hostels for April 2010

Lisbon Lounge Hostel, Lisbon
Travellers House, Lisbon
Rossio Hostel, Lisbon
Lisboa Central Hostel, Lisbon
Living Lounge Hostel, Lisbon
Hostel Mostel, Sofia
Academy Hostel, Florence
Hostel Suites Obelisco, Buenos Aires
Friendly Fun Franks Backpackers Hostel, Riga
Oasis Backpackers Hostel Granada, Granada

Cool Off On Your Backpacking Holiday – Go Snorkelling In Dubrovnik

If you’ve been traveling around Europe with a heavy rucksack and the stresses, strains, heavy drinking and lack of sleep of you backpacking holiday are getting all too much, even the hardiest backpacker has to take some time out to relax and enjoy a bit of down time. For me this usually meant simply getting out in the sunshine and enjoying a bit of a swim - and I found there were few better places to enjoy such activities as in the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Adriatic that lap the walls of the Croatian city’s old town.

There are many different companies offering snorkeling and diving trips in and around the city of Dubrovnik – and you can readily hire all the snorkel gear you will need if you don’t already have it stashed away in your backpack. You can shop around for the best prices as the large amount of competition seems to make the locals more open to negotiation. I found that taking a dip in the warm and clear waters of the Adriatic was a really great way to relax after partying hard in the many bars of the Old Town or in the Lapad district of Dubrovnik the night before. You’ll find that there’s some great natural wildlife and fish to see – and it’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.

When you’ve had you’re fill of snorkeling its time to relax and do a bit of sunbathing on the many rocky outcrops of the Dalmatian coast near the city of Dubrovnik. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to find a more secluded area to the north of the old town – as the old town area tends to be rather crowded with holidaymakers and visitors from the many cruise liners. Remember to pick up some sun block, a pair of shades and one of the many quality beach towels on sale from either the old town square or the many little shops around the beach areas before you set yourself up for the late afternoon and evening of sunbathing.

Best Hostels of 2009

The winners of the coveted Hoscars were:

Top Hostels by Continent:

North America

Latin America

Africa

Asia

Oceania

Special Category Awards were also given to the following hostels:

Cleanest Hostel: Academy Hostel, Florence, Italy
Most Secure Hostel: Travellers House, Lisbon, Portugal
Most Fun Hostel: Carpe Noctem, Budapest, Hungary
Hostel with Best Location: Academy Hostel, Florence, Italy
Best Staff: The Riverhouse Backpackers, Cardiff, Wales
Hostel with Best Character: Living Lounge Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
Best Small Hostel [Max 50 beds]: Hostel Majdas, Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina,
Rossio Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal,
Giovanni's Home, Naples, Italy
Best Large Hostel [Min 500 beds]: H.I. Chicago, Chicago, USA,
Wake Up! Sydney Central, Sydney, Australia,
smartcityhostels Edinburgh, Scotland
Most Improved Hostel: The South Beach Hostel, Miami, USA

Best Hostel Chain

Wombats, Austria and Germany
HI USA
Astor Hostels

The Algarve: Best Holiday Destination in Portugal

If you are looking to find out the best holiday destination to visit in Portugal then you can surely look no further than the Algarve. The Algarve region of Portugal offers fantastic sun spots for young people, older couples or families alike - and is easily accessed by thousands of visitors from across the world each year via the popular Faro airport. Indeed, Faro airport was reportedly visited by over 5.5 million people in the year of 2008 alone, making it the second most frequented airport in the country of Portugal.

If you are looking to get around the Algarve region at your own speed and need a greater degree of freedom from your holiday experience, then cheap car hire Faro Airport is available in order to allow you to explore the surrounding Algarve region at your own leisure. Cheap car hire Portugal can allow you to travel to numerous fantastic locations in the Algarve at your own pace.
The beautiful beaches that adorn Portugal’s South West coast are truly to die for - with many natural sun spots for you to visit and enjoy. It is also very popular with golfers who come to enjoy the fine quality golf courses in the Algarve region and soak up some fantastic summer sun. For reasons such as this it is therefore not surprising that the Algarve region of the country is long established as the most popular holiday destination for tourists visiting the country both from Europe and further affield.

Buying Currency for Backpacking Holidays in Europe

If you are planning on taking a backpacking holiday in Europe it’s obviously a good idea to buy some currency in advance so you are not charged extortionate exchange rates at the airport or train station for your travel money. While you clearly wont want to be risking carrying around large amounts of cash in your wallet or rucksack, its still worth while having some local currency already in hand for when you arrive at your European city destination – particularly as you may arrive at an awkward time during the night (especially if arriving by train on an inter rail pass) when some currency exchanges may be shut.

Many young backpackers will look to buy currency from there local foreign exchange broker - simply because it is often the most convenient method of buying travel cash - but if you plan ahead carefully and buy your Euros online when the exchanges rates are at the best point for your regional currency (be it pounds, US Dollars etc), you may actually be able to get much better exchange rates and therefore make your hard earned money go a lot further during your backpacking trip in Europe.

With 16 current EU member states currently using the Euro as there currency – plus another 6 countries in the continent now using the Euro, it clearly makes sense that you will be needing this currency during many of the great city destinations you visit during your backpacking trip – so why not plan ahead and get a better exchange rate deal before you set off on your backpacking holiday in Europe by buying your Euros from an online broker instead of the local high street exchange.

Renting Villas In Greece: One Of Europes Best Holiday Destinations

If you’re looking for a great holiday experience this summer that combines all the elements of a fantastic climate alongside all the intrinsic qualities and fun features that you’d expect from any warm and sunny Mediterranean holiday destination – but also offers a bit more of an enlightening and interesting historical experience then look no further than Greece – surely one of the best holiday destinations that Europe has to offer. Travel along the stunning coastline adorned with fantastic sandy beaches and you’ll instantly see why so many holidaymakers visit Greece each year.

Many people choose to stay in large hotels in one of Greece’s many popular holiday resorts – but I find that if you want to get a truly authentic taste and experience of the Mediterranean way of life then why not rent out a Greek holiday villa with your friends or family, and take time out in a more relaxing fashion than you would find on a package holiday to Europe. I also find that renting Greek holiday villas allow you a much greater deal of freedom than package holidays – something I’ve always thrived upon and tended to seek out as a “must have” when travelling Europe either on a backpacking trip or just a summer holiday break.

There are also many fantastic other benefits to renting out a villa in Greece – such as being able to have a much more personal and close holiday experience with your family and friends then what you would expect to receive when staying in a hotel or other larger accommodation, as you can privately hire out the villa for your own use. You also tend to get a lot more for your money with self catering – so the quality of your holiday accommodation is likely to be much nicer than in an all inclusive holiday package.

Bonavista Hostel, Newfoundland

Bonavista Hostel is located in none other than Bonavista Newfoundland, located 300km west of St. John's. The hostel itself includes kitchen and on-site laundry facilities and wireless internet. Transportation can be provided to and from St.John's by Shirran's Transportation.

Bonavista is rich in history and beautiful scenery. It is famous for the first landing by John Cabot in North America, icebergs, fishing, the Bonavista lighthouse, whales, and the largest puffin grounds in North America. There is so much to see in Bonavista and also in neighbouring Trinity! Rates at the hostel are $30.00 for dorm bed, with discounts for HI membership. Private rooms are also available.

Hostel of the week, May 3rd to 11th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

An update from the road... we're on our grand tour and we're in Montenegro!

This is the longest I've gone without posting on my poor neglected Cool Travel Guide. You want to know why? Drop by Grantourismo and you'll see that we've been a tad busy on our yearlong grand tour of the world, which we embarked on in February in partnership with HomeAway Holiday-Rentals. So far our trip has taken us from Melbourne via Dubai to London, Marrakech, Essaouira, Madrid, Jerez, Barcelona (pictured), Ceret, Perpignan, Paris, and now we're in Kotor in Montenegro. We're busy, but we're meeting some amazing people, having some extraordinary experiences, and we're generating some top quality content of which we're really proud: go take a look! I won't be neglecting Cool Travel Guide for much longer though... I have plans to re-launch the blog very soon, which I'll share with you shortly. In the meantime, do come and visit us at Grantourismo - even if it's just to drop by and say hello!

Lake Como: Best Holiday Destinations in Europe for Rest and Relaxation

Soaking up the atmosphere on the edge of Lake Como in Italy has to be one of the most pleasant ways one can spend a summer evening in Europe. Sinking back into your chair and sipping on a cold beer or glass of fine Italian wine is hard to beat in such stunning natural surroundings, and as the evening draws in you’ll find that your mind starts to wander as you listen to the gentle lapping of the waters and take in the true beauty of this fantastic natural feature. There are numerous great little cafes and wine bars to explorer along the banks of Lake Como that all give you that great sense of rustic and traditional Italy.

Feast out on great Italian foods such as pasta, pizzas fresh fish dishes and delicious grilled meat and vegetables in the many great restaurants that span across the banks of the lake. It’s hard not to feel relaxed in such a great holiday destination as this, and if you need to take time out to unwind then this is a great place to do it. Although not a cheap place to visit (unlike many of the places I have been backpacking and covered on this blog), a trip to Lake Como is one that is truly unique and is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations Europe has to offer - particularly if you are looking for a quick week away with your partner.

Your backpacking travel planner

Cocoon TravelSheets

Osprey Meridian

Deuter Quantum

Pacsafe

Eagle Creek Switchback

European Rail Timetable

Auberge Internationale Le Tangon

Best Tourist Attractions to Visit in Montpellier

Top US Hostels

Kindle Books Category

What Are The Best Visitor Attractions In Bucharest?

Michelin Green Guides

Lonely Planet Spanish Guides

Lonely Planet Language Guides

Lonely Planet General Travel

Lonely Planet Activity Guides

Top European Holiday Destinations: Exploring the Granada Province of Spain

Beach Hostels

Stay in Tuscany in Style: Rent a Tuscany Villa

Overcharged For Airport Parking Due To Ash Cloud? You May Be Able To Claim Money Back!

Auberge Inn, Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island,

Top 10 Hostels for April 2010

Cool Off On Your Backpacking Holiday – Go Snorkelling In Dubrovnik

Best Hostels of 2009

The Algarve: Best Holiday Destination in Portugal

Buying Currency for Backpacking Holidays in Europe

Renting Villas In Greece: One Of Europes Best Holiday Destinations

Bonavista Hostel, Newfoundland

An update from the road... we're on our grand tour and we're in Montenegro!

Lake Como: Best Holiday Destinations in Europe for Rest and Relaxation

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