Articles Tagged with: Hostels

Whether you’re planning your first work trip or you are already a seasoned traveler, we have put some business travel tips together to make your life easier and to help you get the maximum benefit from your trip.

Tips on how to travel

You can make things a lot easier for yourself just by getting your travel arrangements arranged to provide best convenience and comfort. There’s little worse than scrambling off the airplane or train and turning up for a meting feeling like you’ve just been put through the wringer.

Always pre-book your travel tickets and print any confirmation documents to go in your travel wallet. Likewise, always pre-book your accommodation and again, print off any confirmations to put in your travel wallet.

Speaking of bag, or rather bags, hand luggage, take a little bag or case ( the type the airline will accept in the cabin – or you can just put in the boot of your vehicle, or easy to carry on a train ) and just have a change of shirt, undies, and socks with you should you need them.

A little thought and research can go a great distance here, especially if you are travelling abroad. Different mains plug configurations could be a problem and the simplest way of solving this one is to buy one of those universal adapter kits. Just remember to check that your destination country is covered by that particular adapter. Similarly, telephone sockets alter. Not all countries have Wi-Fi so you might need to connect your laptop to the web thru a telephone socket.

Superb for preparing agendas etc from your hotel room. Not all hostels have them in their rooms. One last thing is two USB memory sticks.always helpful.

We hope you enjoy our travel tips.

If you really love scenic locations with plenty of wildlife, then you should plan to spend your vacation backpacking through Costa Rica. The best time of year to visit depends on whether or not you like crowds. From December to April is peak tourist season in this country with crowded beaches and attractions and higher prices. The rainy season during the months of June to September, which is also hurricane season is not a good time to visit because the roads often become impassable. The best time to plan your backpacking trip is from mid-October to mid-December because the temperatures are just right and you still have sunny weather.

 

You do have to plan your trip carefully because it is not an easy task to find your way around Costa Rica unless you have some idea of the layout of the country. The road system is very poorly maintained. Even though it is only 100 miles wide at the widest point, this journey can take a very long time. The country is made up of five regions, so the best advice is to choose two of these regions for your first visit and them make plans to return for another backpacking vacation to see the others.

 

It will take you about two days to backpack through San Jose and the Central Valley. This region is home to the majority of the population of Costa Rica. In this area you can visit a volcano, hike through a cloud forest and engage in whitewater rafting on rivers classified as Class 1v. Some of the Olympic kayaking teams actually train on the rapids in the rivers of this region.

 

In order to backpack through the Alajuela And Northern Guanacaste Region, you need to allow yourself four or five days. This region is located inland from the Pacific and contains one of the last dry tropical forests in Central America located in an inland area. Here you will find clear areas where there are scattered umbrella-shaped conacaste trees standing alone, under which the Brahman cows seek shade from the sun. Climb up the Monteverde Range to backpack through the Cloud Forest Biological Reserve of Puntarenas. You can also take a four-hour drive from San Jose to reach this forest.

 

The Nicoya Peninsula and Quepos will take you about four-to six days depending on how much time you want to spend in the various locations. This area is the domain of surfers, international tourists that own houses here and the tico farmers of the country. You can spend time on the beaches and trekking inland to see the wide variety of wildlife and birds. As a side trip you can take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, where you will meet other backpackers resting on the beach.

 

The Osa Peninsula is located in the Southern part of Costa Rica. Allow yourself at least five days for backpacking in this region. This area has one of the most biologically dense rainforests on the planet and was one of the first ecological reserves to be built in the world. Here you will glimpse many of the elusive animals that inhabit the rainforest, such as howler monkeys and scarlet macaws. There are many public and private reserves in this area.

 

The accommodations you choose when backpacking in Costa Rica depend on your finances. There are cheap hostels and hotels as well as expensive resorts in all regions.

Thinking about going backpacking in Europe alone, with your sweetie, or a buddy? Instead of just grabbing your backpack and hopping on the first plane out to a random European country, it’s worth your while to plan a little bit ahead and figure out what you need in order to have a successful, hassle-free, and exciting European backpacking trip.

Pick a Destination
Some people choose to go into Europe blindly without a plan or destination in mind, but it’s best if you have an idea of where you’d like to go backpacking. Some stick to Western Europe, some to Eastern Europe, some traverse the entire continent on a rail pass, and others explore one or two countries more intimately. Your destination(s) will also determine your budget, gear, and other factors.

Budget
Make sure to plan an overall budget for your backpacking trip. Your budget will include your flight, your gear (all the stuff you need to buy before you go), and your “living expenses” by the day, which will include food, accommodations, and activities. Around $40 USD is fairly realistic, but this will vary from country to country and even city to city. Do some research to find out how much it will cost you in the countries/cities you wish to visit. Find out the exchange rate as well, and keep a journal of your expenses.

Get your Gear
Think you can go backpacking in Europe with nothing but the shirt on your back? Think again. There are a few fundamental elements you’ll need to take with you on your backpacking trip. First and foremost, a durable, high-quality, side-loader backpack that fits you is a must. You’ll also need several travel shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking), a money belt (with your money), all your necessary travel documents, a European guidebook and phrasebook, a journal, a camera, a water bottle, camping gear (if applicable), and more (neck pillow, basic clothing, a few toiletries).

Accommodations & Transportation
Hostels are the accommodations of choice for backpackers in Europe. Try to make arrangements (at least some) ahead of time. This way you’ll be able to find the best deals and you’ll have a spot reserved for you.

Look for cheap flights to Europe (search online or go through your travel agent)-student travel agencies and student airfare finders are great places to start. Get a rail pass when you’re in Europe, especially if your backpacking adventure takes you through several countries. Subways make a great option, too.

Learn Lingo
Although much of Europe speaks English as a second (or third or fourth or fifth) language, it’s helpful for you to learn a few key phrases in the languages of the countries you’ll be visiting.

Traveling can be a wonderful eye-opener to the world around us. Most people refrain from traveling due to lack of funds. But that should not be a barrier to traveling. With cheap travels, you can travel to many destinations.

Firstly, any traveler would worry about accommodation. Well, there are lots of cheap accommodations. If you are a single traveler, hostels can provide clean and safe accommodations. You may even meet and mingle with people from across the globe.
Most hostels in major U.S. cities range from only $20 to $30 a night.

In Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, hostel accommodations are even cheaper. You can even get accommodation for $5 a night or less. Always check the Internet and see what is available in your travel destination. Many hostels even provide online booking, so you can arrive with your lodging already taken care of.

For couples, a cheap or budget hotel can be a great choice. There are many such hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts, located at all your preferred travel destinations. Always remember this travel tip: many of them are on the Internet and can be booked online before you leave home.

Another great travel tip is to use the public transportation system. Most travel destinations in Europe and in the United States and Canada have excellent, fast, reliable and cheap public transportation systems. Public transportation frees you from the hassles of parking the car, keeping it gassed up and learning your way around.

Another important cheap travel tip is to travel light. Trekking around Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia or the Americas does not require a lot of luggage. Take a couple of sturdy and versatile outfits, a good pair of walking shoes and leave the rest at home.

There are a number of strategies to score the best deals on airfare – credit cards to rack up frequent flier miles, using discount airlines, traveling in the off or shoulder season. The strategy that is best for you depends on your individual needs, and on the location you choose.

Also remember to always keep your cash safe and secure. Most seasoned travelers use a hidden money belt to carry passports, plane tickets and the majority of their cash. Using an in room safe is also a good idea. It is best to use credit cards for major purchases and keep a small amount of cash on-hand for incidental purchases.

Cheap travels is possible. You can even travel to the other side of the world on a cheap travel trip and still be able to enjoy your vacation. It is all about taking the time to do some research, focus on your priorities and getting value for money.

Backpacking Wondering what backpacking really is? The definition is varied but the bottom line is that Backpacking is low-budget, independent, round the world, off-the-beaten-track traveling. It is for those travelers who are averse to lots of luggage and conventional package holidays.

Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Backpacking is slowly but surely turning into a subculture of generally youthful travelers exploring the planet on a limited budget. The name connotes travelers that travel with a rucksack (a large backpack) instead of the usual holiday suitcase. They may go hiking and camping, backpacking in the other sense, but they more often explore more urban settings.

This is an infectious sub-culture attracting enthusiastic and intrepid travelers everywhere. The determining factor is to see as much of the world as possible on slim wallets; a passion for exotic places at the least cost.

The adventure is all about low-cost options such as sharing lifts, last minute flights, relatively cheap round-the-world air ticket which permits numerous stops, youth hostels, free hospitality services and buying food at supermarkets abroad instead of going to restaurants. Some backpackers get free accommodation by teaching the local people in return for their services. Some simply volunteer their time and skills as they travel.

The most popular backpacking destination is undoubtedly Australia. The key advantage of backpacking in Australia is that, if you’re aged between 18-30, you qualify for a working holiday visa. Other attractive destinations include beautiful places with low costs of living such as Africa, South America, India, Morocco and even Thailand.

Destinations being exotic means travelers must change their lifestyle accordingly. You may have to live with the bare essentials. You may have to get accustomed to habits and facilities such as pit latrines, going without running water and even the luxury of three proper meals a day.

Before you go gather information to help you before you embark, from advice on passports and visas,airport parking and travel insurance through to what you need to pack. You can read up on specific gap year advice, find out about working abroad and get tips on transport too. Read through country guides to give you an introduction to the location itself and gain advice about working there. Browse hostel listings to help you find the right budget accommodation.

Remember whether you are Backpacking the conventional way, or tramping or trekking or bush-walking in other countries, you must read in advance, other people’s experiences. Such information is crucial in providing trail finders, hosteling information, gear guides, and other travelling tips In your preparatory list remember to put insurance right at the top. It is important to get the right cover for the type of trip you are undertaking.

Safety and your health are important while away from home, is the most important. Remember the risks posed by Hypothermia if you are going to places with extreme temperatures; ‘prevention is the best cure’ should be your mantra. The dangers of a sudden hostile weather change or equipment poorly conditioned for backpacking can, quite easily, ruin your globe-trotting adventure. We hesitate to recommend children joining you in your trail blaze.

It is recommended that you travel light. Buy Multi-purpose gear if available. Use tried and tested tools and gadgets. You not only need gadgets but experience of using them too. Items such as optics (binoculars, monoculars), electronics (cameras, picture-editing software, GPS, compasses, altimeters, watches) communications (phones, radio, ham radio) are all handy tools.

Backpacking can be a wonderfully spontaneous and thrilling experience but a traveler must afford a great deal of flexibility to enjoy it fully. If backpacking isn’t your preferred style just remember that there is more than one way to travel around the world.