48 hours take three… Moving rather further afield from our 48 hour guides to London and Berlin, Dan Zbijowski fills us in on the best of Buenos Aires!
Buenos Aires is a backpacker’s dream.
Most famous for Tango and steak, it is the 24hr party capital of the Southern Hemisphere. Often referred to as ‘the Paris of Latin America’, Buenos Aires has wide leafy boulevards, great shopping, more architecture than you can shake a stick at and something to keep you entertained every night of the week.
Day One
Lose Yourself Amongst the Streets… Starting at the 12 lane Avenida de 9 Julio – the widest road in the world – take in the impressive Obelisque. You can stroll along the quirky cobbled streets of San Telmo (on a Sunday the streets come alive with vendors selling Antiques and Arts) then stop at Plaza Dorrego for a coffee and a pastry, where there’s always live music or street performers. If you’re feeling energetic you can walk from here to La Boca – otherwise, jump on a Collectivo (Argentinean mini-bus).
Get your camera ready for the brightly coloured street “Caminito”; arguably one of the most famous streets in the world, the blue, yellow and pink houses that adorn it are proud testament to the birthplace of Tango.
‘Los Portenos’ (people living in a port city) are fiercely passionate, which means a visit to La Boca wouldn’t be complete without taking in a game of football. Boca Juniors (home of Maradona!) is a ground where the football passion is unrivaled and, although it’s better to go in the safety of an organized tour, a trip to El Classico (Boca Juniors vs River Plate, the biggest derby in South America) is an experience not to be missed.
Stay Out All Night… Nightclubs often don’t open until 2am and then close at 9am, with some of the younger crowd heading straight to work afterwards! There is a nightclub for every night of the week, from ‘Super-club’ Pasha to the more off-beat Club 69 (on a Thursday). Be prepared for pop or techno; there isn’t much in-between.
Catch a Few Hours Sleep… This might be a city that never sleeps, but it’s probably best to get a few hours rest at some point! Head to one of the hostels in Buenos Aires, such as Hostel Clan – within walking distance of San Telmo and the sights and bars, it has a roof terrace for catching the rays when you finally turn in after a hedonistic night out.
Day Two
Start Again at Recoleta… Home of the main Buenos Aires cemetery, Recoleta is the place to head for the impressive mausoleums of Argentina’s important political figures. The most famous of these is Eva Peron, whose status was elevated around the world by the film, Evita – just don’t mention Madonna to the locals!
Recoleta is also home to the capital’s rich set, with many fine examples of French Architecture dotting the streets. Despite its size, Buenos Aires has a very laid back pace and relaxing (and recovering) over an empanada and a cup of coffee is a great way to watch the city as it passes by.
Shop for Bargains… For travelers who still feel they have some energy left, Avenida Florida is home to designer shops with many of the big European names – but at a fraction of the price.
Dine Out Late… Locals typically spend the evenings eating, drinking and then dancing the night away, so don’t be surprised to see people eating in restaurants after midnight. There are great restaurants everywhere in Buenos Aires, although Palermo is a young student neighbourhood that has many bars and places to eat that are perfect for backpackers on a budget. Enjoy a Quilmes or 4, have an empanada for a starter and fight your way through the huge steaks that are served… And then, of course, you can party your way through ’till dawn again!
Guest poster Dan Zbijowski shares his experiences in Buenos Aires. If you have tips on traveling in Buenos Aires or a 48 hours in your favorite city to share, why not get in touch below!
Here’s the thing: St. Patrick’s Day has become a bit of an excuse for a piss-up.
“Say something controversial”, do we hear you say? Well it’s worth offering a reminder that St. Paddy’s Day isn’t just about wearing a silly hat and making jokes about potatoes while drinking Guinness that’s been dyed green specially.
In fact, it’s the feast day of St. Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints and the man credited with driving snakes out of the country (which either refers to the slithery reptilian species or Pagans, depending on how susceptible you are to myth or metaphor respectively).
While it was ole St. Pat who introduced the symbol of the Shamrock (representing the Holy Trinity) to Ireland, the history of St. Patrick’s Day has proven to be a little less pious than the saint it celebrates.
Lenten rules of moderation are officially alleviated for the day, meaning it is widely seen as a one-shot opportunity to merrily binge before seeing through a dry period until Easter Sunday.
Whether you’re at one of the top 10 St. Patrick’s Day destinations or just celebrating quietly close to home, it’s a fair bet that your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations will be defined by alcohol. So here’s 5 tips tips for both those who like a pint (or ten) and those who prefer to end the day still standing…
5 Things to Do if You’re Drinking on St. Patrick’s Day
1. Visit your local Irish Pub, eat Irish Stew and drink Guinness. What did God do on the 7th Day? He went down the Irish Pub, stupid. There’s nothing as wonderful as an Irish pub – its air thick with camaraderie, folk music and the smell of Guinness. Get yourself to an Irish Pub by noon on the 17th, start on the Irish coffee, move onto the Guinness, try a few Murphy’s, refresh yourself with another Irish coffee and end with half a bottle of Jameson’s. Quite simply, anything could happen.
2. Attend your local St. Patrick’s Day parade and dance a jig … St. Patrick’s Day parades take place across the world, and since you’re drinking/drunk, you can dance an Irish jig as the street performers parade past. For those who can’t get to a parade, you can always watch it online and dance away in the comfort of your bedroom…
3. Be stupid. Think of all those wonderful clichés about St. Patrick’s Day and then live them out! Wear green (and pinch anyone not doing so), paint Shamrocks on your face, grow a ginger leprechaun beard, shout ‘top of the morning to ya’ at anyone, and wear a T-Shirt that says ‘Kiss me I’m Irish’. (Ed: We take no responsibility for injuries incurred following such actions. If you want to find out what’s Irish and what’s not, take a look here).
4. Sing ‘Fairytale of New York’ over and over again. It doesn’t matter that it’s about a secular Christmas; Shane McGowan is an Irish hero… and a complete drunk. That’s excuse enough.
5. Drink dyed-green Guinness until your pee runs gangrenous. ‘Nuff said.
5 Things to Do if You’re Not Drinking on St. Patrick’s Day
1. Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin. Since you’re not drinking, you have money for a trip! And where better to enjoy Ireland Day than in the capital, Dublin? Book a stay in one of the affordable hostels in Dublin, wake up early on Parade Day and claim a roadside spot. Then sit back and enjoy the fun.
2. Cook yourself ‘Traditional Irish Food’. After all, it is a feast day, and St. Patrick’s Day recipes are plentiful. So make yourself loaves of soda bread, a plateful of corned beef and cabbage, and a big pot of traditional Irish stew(Ed: Guinness is a vital ingredient in this one, but the alcohol burns off when cooking, right?). Don’t at any cost cave in to the temptation of adding green coloring – it’s just not Irish.
3. Look for a Fairy Ring and get your kid brother to sit in it dressed as a small green bearded elfin. Record the event in dingy light and sell it to a tabloid.
4. Promote the ‘Make St. Paddy’s Day a National Holiday’ cause. There’s a growing online campaign to make Ireland Day into a national holiday. Join the St. Patrick’s Day petition here, or lobby for the cause on the Facebook group here.
5. Congratulate yourself on a sober St. Paddy’s Day. You’ve done well, my child.
Do you have a better idea for things to do on St. Patrick’s Day, whether on the wagon or off? Send it in! We’ll give half a potato to the winner, recession permitting. JC
There are around 7,000 pubs in London… so how do you make sure you end up with a good pint (and not piss) when there’s such a long, long list?
Well, quite simply, there isn’t a magic formula – there are hundreds of good drinking spots in the vast area over which the city sprawls… you just have to find them first!
Here, then, are 10 of my favorites – intended, not as a definitive guide to London nightlife, just a way to share the top 10 London pubs that have stood out to me over the years!
1. The Rosemary Branch, 2 Shepperton Road (Old Street)
The Rosemary Branch is arty, bohemian, alternative – and yet still manages to stay just the right side of “trendy”, despite its proximity to Shoreditch and Old Street. There’s a theatre upstairs, whilst the main pub is a treasure trove of board games and eclectic wall hangings. Plus there’s a real coal fire, making it perfect for hibernating in the winter.
2. The Palm Tree, Haverfield Road (Mile End)
Once part of a row of terrace houses and now slap in the middle of Mile End Ecology park, The Palm Tree is a genuine relic of the Blitz… And inside, it’s as if it hasn’t been decorated since then, either. A ‘retro’ East End drinking den for all the right reasons, it’s the sort of place where the clients actually know everybody. The pints are good, the live jazz on weekends is excellent and the grass outside lends itself nicely to summer afternoon drinks.
3. Jerusalem Tavern, 55 Britton Street (Farringdon)
Possibly the smallest pub in London (if not the world), the 17th century Jerusalem Tavern is renowned amongst those in the know for its wide range of special St. Peter’s brews accompanied by a hearty sausage and mash. If only you were a teeny bit more likely to find somewhere to sit after midday…
4. Bradley’s Spanish Bar, 42 Hanway Street (Tottenham Court Road)
Another ‘compact’ pub on the London scene, Bradley’s is split into two even smaller halves, the ground floor with its vinyl jukebox and the cellar-like downstairs bar. Characterized by its nick-knacks and perfectly poured beers, it’s an enjoyably odd mix of English eccentricity and continental chic.
5. The Pineapple, 51 Leverton Street (Kentish Town)
Huge mirrors, Victorian wallpaper and scorching fires make this out-of-the-way pub a great winter warmer, whilst the courtyard and airy conservatory mean its also an excellent choice in the summer. They serve Thai food that, unlike hundreds of other London pubs which now seem to do the same, is both reasonably priced and pretty good.
6. The Cittie of Yorke, 22 High Holborn (Chancery Lane)
This busy pub has to get a mention for being one of the best Sammy Smith’s pubs in the capital. Aside from the pleasantly dusty old decor and the booths that are rumoured to be soundproof (as so many cases are discussed in here by lawyers from Gray’s Inn next door), it’s main draw is something very rare in London indeed; cheap pints!
7. The Old Queen’s Head, 44 Essex Road (Angel)
Chandeliers and leather sofas make this pub worth a visit, but their taste in music makes it something of an Islington institution. From open mic nights to big name house DJs at the weekend, the Old Queen’s Head pulls in some great acts. Watch out for their monthly ‘Jazz on the Road’ night, too.
8. The Alma, 59 Newington Green Road (Canonbury)
A little out of the way up in Newington Green, The Alma is a little London gem; as quirky, cozy and inviting inside as it looks through the window. It’s always pleasantly gloomy in here, with candles providing the only lighting, and a nice crowd of 20-somethings priced out of Islington.
9. The Lamb, 94 Lamb’s Conduit Street (Russell Square)
A real ‘local’ pub in the middle of an often anonymous city, The Lamb is the place to stare at the eccentric residents of ultra-fashionable Bloomsbury. Often surprisingly quiet thanks to its location on one of London’s most pleasant but overlooked streets, it’s an old-fashioned haven.
10. The Pride of Spitalfield, 3 Heneage Street (Aldgate East)
Just when you thought the trendy crowd had completely taken over Brick Lane, you find a lovely little boozer like this just off the main drag. Well, you eventually find it, anyway – this has to be one of the hardest pubs to find on the list (hence its bumped to no. 10) but its friendly feel and peaceful spot make it worth coming back to. Just don’t forget your A-Z.
Are you a regular at any of our recommendations? Or perhaps there’s a fantastic pub you think should make a top 10 London pub list? Let us know! – AW
Get ready to don a big green hat, paint Shamrocks on your cheeks, gorge yourself on Irish Stew and drink more than your body weight in Guinness…that’s right, St. Patrick’s Day is coming round again!
St. Paddy’s Day celebrations take place across the world, with fun, fermented fervor, and a fair slice of frolicking always high on the bill. This is, quite simply, one of the major events in the calendar for any party-happy backpackers.
Hold you pints aloft, then, and let us make a toast… to the top 10 St. Patrick’s Day parties and parades…
1. Dublin, Ireland Six days of music and performance culminate on the 17th of March with the legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade through the streets of the Irish capital. Expect crowds, merriment and enough Guinness to drown a small colony of leprechauns. Where to Drink: Temple Bar is the headlining drinking spot here. For a slightly more studenty vibe, O’Donoghues on Merrion Square is a worthwhile call. Otherwise, head north of the river and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day jokes with inebriated old men in one of the many ‘locals’. Where to Stay: For central fun with hoards of backpackers, Kinlay House comes recommended. For something a little cozier, try Litton Lane.
For the lowdown on all the best Paddy’s Day parties, check out this great Dublin blog http://www.dublinblog.ie/tag/st-patricks-day/
Slightly less hectic than Dublin’s parade, Cork’s St. Paddy’s Day is nonetheless an impressive spectacle which feature puppets, street artists and dancers aplenty. Head to Merchant Quay for the early afternoon and enjoy the swing of this cultural city. Where to Drink: Try The Corner House or Sin E, both on Coburg Street Where to Stay: Kinlay House Cork is again a good bet, as is Shelia’s of Cork. http://www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie/ has the full events program and helpful info.
3. London, England St. Patrick’s Day is always jumped upon with heady abandon here in London, a city where any event (and especially one that centers around booze) is happily used as an excuse for a great big party. The Parade is on the 15th this year, but the drinking is guaranteed to go on all weekend. Where to Drink: Filthy McNasty’s in Clerkenwell, The Boogaloo in Highgate. Both are (albiet tenuously) connected to Shane McGowen.
Where to Stay:The Clink hostel will put you slap in the middle of town. For something smaller, try O’Callaghan’s, which is bound to be a source of drunken travelers. http://www.irishinbritain.com/iib_cms/ is the place to look for all things Irish-related in London (and beyond).
Given its rich Irish heritage, it’s no wonder that New York goes slightly loopy during the St. Patrick’s Day party. Get to 5th Avenue early (as in, before 9am) and see the parade begin it’s historic journey. Then get drunk. Where to Drink: Not on the streets. You’ll get arrested. Take a look here for the best Irish Pubs in the city. Where to Stay: The LOFTSTEL hostels, especially the LOFTSTEL NYC: reasonably priced, impressively furnished.
5. Boston, USA One of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world is held in Boston every year, with around a million people hitting the streets. The Boston St. Paddy’s Day celebrations are also known to be the USA’s eldest, dating back as far as 1731. Where to Drink: To be honest, any of the pubs listed here will do nicely. Where to Stay: HI Boston Downtown
Stuff kicks off on March 15th this year, with the theme ‘peace and prosperity’. Where to Drink: The Dark Horse Pub between Pine Street and Lombard Street, or Fado on Locust Street. Where to Stay: Apple Hostel is well situated and affordable, or the LOFTSTEL guys also have a place in town.
All the gossip you’ll need to know from the city’s Irish community can be found at http://www.irishphiladelphia.com/
7. Toronto, Canada On 15th March, the Toronto parade begins at noon on St. George Street, finishing a few hours later on Queen Street. Where to Drink: The large Irish Pub scene predictably kicks into gear come St. Paddy’s Day. Try Fionn MacCool in Downtown, or Dora Keogh (Danforth Avenue). Where to Stay:Canadiana Backpackers Inn proves a hit with most. http://www.topatrick.com/ is dedicated purely to the ins and outs of the day.
The parade starts from the corner of George Street and Bathurst Street at noon. Where to Drink: There are tons of good spots to choose from. Where to Stay:Wake Up Hostel is a backpacker’s favorite; cheap and highly rated.
Check out http://www.stpatricksday.org.au/ for full details.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Paddy’s Day celebrations in the city. Expect week-long festivities leading up to the big day itself on the 17th. Where to Drink: Enjoy a Guinness (or 10) in any one of these. Where to Stay: City Lodge is one of the top rated hostels in Auckland. http://www.stpatrick.co.nz/ has good info on both 2009 and past festivals.
10. Birmingham, England A week of music performances and film screenings culminate with the parade, whose floats and participants will wind their way through Birmingham on the 15th. Where to Drink: As this is England you’ll find plenty of small-time pubs throwing themselves into hardy St. Patrick’s Day; knees-ups are around most corners you turn! Waxy O’Connor’s on Broad Street is probably the signature joint in town, though. Where to Stay: There are plenty of party-happy hostels in Birmingham. Take your pick, really. Just don’t expect a good night’s sleep!
You can find details of all the events, venues and parties at http://stpatricksbirmingham.blogspot.com/
With the whole industry engrossed in the forthcoming Academy Awards, it seems a day doesn’t go by without a movie critic or two predicting a winner from this year’s elite group of Oscar nominees. And the recent close fought Baftas have only created a bigger buzz around 2009’s star films…
So what have the Academy Awards got to do with travel, I hear you ask? Well, the nominated films have been shot in some truly fantastic locations….
Embrace the spirit of the Oscars and experience these now immortalised destinations for yourself, or add them to your 2009 travel wishlist!
‘Australia’ – Australia
Baz Lurhman’s epic, set in the sprawling landscapes of rural Australia, perfectly captures the vast scale of an often unforgiving land. These amazing scenes are often overlooked by backpackers in Australia, who tend to stick to Sydney or cosmopolitan Melbourne during their visit. To experience the other side of the country which is drawn on by the film, head out of the cities to Watarrka National Park, home of the expansive plains of the Kings Canyon.
‘The Reader’ – Germany
The post-WWII film about truth, justice and reconciliation was shot in Berlin, with the set dominated by the city’s well-known architecture and enduring symbols of this contraversial period in German history. Visitors to the vibrant capital can still capture the essence of this rather grand past today, with the Reichstag building (and the panoramic views from its dome) at the fore.
‘Slumdog Millionaire’ – India
Filmed almost entirely on location in Mumbai, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ offers a rare insight into this most lively and colorful of cities. Aside from the more typically ‘Bollywood’ sequences, director Danny Boyle tries to dive into the heart of Mumbai through its slums. Wandering into their vast depths may not be the most sensible (or safe) idea for backpackers in Mumbai, but the stunning cinematography certainly inspires you to seek that off-the-beaten-track travel experience in India.
‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ – Spain
As the title suggests, Woody Allen’s latest movie is set in the Spanish city of Barcelona. With its stunning architecture, fashionable bars and boutiques, Barcelona is bursting with the chic culture that Europe is often seen to represent. From Gaudi to the Spanish guitar, the movie (if a little cliched at times) celebrates the glamor and exuberance of the city. You can’t get much better than a few days in Barcelona sight-seeing and drinking wine a la Vicky and Cristina…
‘In Bruges’ – Belgium
The painfully quaint architectue of the medieval city is the subject of much discussion in hit comedy ‘In Bruges’, with Colin Farrell’s character repeatedly calling it a “sh*thole”! Set against a dark storyline and sharp dialogue, the tranquil cobbled streets create a charming and inticing backdrop to this excellent film. Belgium is also famous for its great range of beers so there’s plenty to keep travelers entertained once the novelty of strolling along the romantic canals wears off.
Are you inspired to hit the road when you see a fantastic film? Where’s your favorite movie location? Let us know! Ed.
Today, the Mardi Gras Carnival is considered a period of letting go – of your diet, your troubles, and occasionally your clothing – before the tortuous abstinence of Lent kicks in.
Yet there’s a convincing argument to suggest this apparently most Christian of occasions finds its roots in the feared dealings of Paganism.
Keen not to upset the applecart too substantially on their conversion to Christianity, the Romans – so the story goes – decided to leave a few tactical remnants of Paganism lying around. One such remnant was the celebration of ‘Lupercalia’; a circus-like event during the month of February that was characterized by typically Roman decadence and Pagan abandonment.
But whatever its origins, Mardi Gras is now celebrated the world over, from Carnaval in Brazil to the German Fasching.
2009 sees “Fat Tuesday” fall on 24th February, although festivities commence days – if not weeks – beforehand. And if you’ve yet to book a Mardi Gras holiday, never fear, there’s still time…
Three Top Mardi Gras Destinations
Brazil
The Brazil Carnival period is, quite frankly, spectacular, with the Rio Carnival often known as ‘one of the best shows on Earth’.
The New Orleans Mardi Gras Carnival is the big one here, with community ‘krewes’ parading through the streets and tossing beads to those who are deemed worthy. Mobile also boasts an impressive (and slightly less touristy) celebration.
There are two big carnivals in Italy: the Viareggio Carnival and the Venice Carnival. Traditionally, the first is known for its satirical floats, and the second for its Mardi Gras Masks.
Aside from ‘The Big Three’, there are actually many other Mardi Gras carnivals held around the world, including 1) Nice Carnival in France
2) Carnaval de Dunkerque in Belgium
3) Spain Carnival (particularly the festivities in Tenerife and Cadiz)
4) The Germany Carnivals of Dusseldorf and Cologne, known as Fasching
5) Carnival of Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean For more on these, take a look at our top 10 carnival destinations.
Mardi Gras Carnival Tips – How to make the most of the festivities!
Accommodation. Firstly, book early! Right across the world from Brazil hostels to hostels in Italy, good, cheap places to stay get booked up quickly. Secondly, choose carefully! The choice of where to stay can prove crucial: if you want easy access to the parades and performances, book somewhere close to the action; if sleep is necessary to you, pick somewhere further out!
Getting Around. Avoid taking a car if possible. In New Orleans, parking is difficult and towing is a favorite hobby of the police. Taxis in Rio, meanwhile, charge visitors extortionate premiums during the carnival. The best bet wherever you are is to forget four wheels and walk; that way you experience the streets in all their teeming glory.
Finding a Spot. The first rule here is to turn up early. As with New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras attracts a staggering amount of people onto the streets whether you’re in Viareggio or Trinidad & Tobago. So, if you want to see the parade, pack a lunch, take something to sit on, and claim your spot early on. Also, pee before leaving – finding a toilet once there is no fun at all…
Buying Tickets. Generally speaking, tickets are not needed unless you want to don a Mardi Gras Mask and go to a gala ball, in which case you have to be invited to get in anyway. The big exception, however, is in Rio, where seats at the Sambadrome are sold to the general public in advance of the carnival. These Mardi Gras tickets start at US$50, though they often go for about five times that amount on the black market once the box-office has sold out.
Making the Most of Mardi Gras. To make the most of Mardi Gras (wherever it may be) the key is definitely dressing up! 1) This means you really get into the swing of things, and 2) it means you don’t stand out as a foreigner quite so much. To get your ideas flowing, photos of Mardi Gras costumes and carnival masks can be found here and you can buy costumes online from www.mardigrascostumes.com.
Mardi Gras for Singles. If you’re traveling alone and are in town for carnival, the best bet is to hit the bar at your hostel and make a few friends. Online forums are also a good way of arranging to meet with others in a similar situation.
Staying Safe. As ever, when in a big crowd, staying sensible is key. Don’t wear valuable things, don’t carry wads of money, and don’t get too drunk. Since Mardi Gras is both a religious and somewhat sexually charged occasion, learning how to say ‘shame on you’ in the local lingo is a good way of repelling unwanted attention. There’s nothing like a bit of religious rhetoric to dampen the libido.
Mardi Gras Recipes and Traditions
Can’t get to Rio or Venice? Then celebrate Mardi Gras where you are! Try cooking a traditional Mardi Gras recipe such as pancakes, King Cake, or gumbo and then drink as many Mardi Gras cocktails as you can.
Then once the merriment is flowing, try some of these Mardi Gras traditions… - Throw eggs and flour at each other.
- Throw water balloons at each other.
- Sing satirical songs.
- Flash your breasts in exchange for beads! (Check out http://www.beadwhore.com/mardi_gras.htm to find out more about this tradition in New Orleans. Don’t worry, the website is safe for work…)
- Bury a sardine in the ground. No joke; this is the custom of the Carnaval de Dunkerque, with the sardine representing the fat of Fat Tuesday. Its burial signifies the beginning of Ash Wednesday and therefore Lent.
Ed. – Have you been to Mardi Gras before? Tell us your best Mardi Gras memories, and send us your favorite photos! NB: Titillating ones will be appreciated but not necessarily reproduced…
And from wintry carnivals to famous carnivals… February also spells the approach of Mardi Gras and the biggest date on the global carnival calendar!
A joyous expression of life (and a handy excuse to get in some heavy partying before the abstinence of Lent), the color and vigor of Mardi Gras graces some of the top travel destinations across the world.
Which, all in all, makes it a pretty handy event to plan your next trip around….
Here’s a quick rundown of the top 10 Mardi Gras Carnival destinations…
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Probably the best carnival in the world, the Rio Carnaval began as far back as the 17th Century. Then a predominantly bourgeois activity, it revolved around balls and masquerades; today it’s a free-for-all partyfest featuring songs, satirical shows,and more samba than you can shake both your shoes at. Things to do at the Rio Carnival:
1) Get into the swing of things by dressing up and really making an effort.
2) Find a ticket to a Carnival Ball.
3) Go to the Samba School Parade in the Sambadrome (slightly pricey, but worth it – you won’t see this spectacle anywhere else in the world).
4) Find yourself a bed in one of the Rio de Janeiro hostels and carry on the revelry with fellow travelers even after the street parties die down!
2. New Orleans, USA
With 500,000 spectators, and nearly as many participants, the New Orleans Mardi Gras festival is quite rightly renowned the world over. Krewes from communities across the city parade through the streets during the two weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, dancing, singing and tossing ‘throws’ (typically beads on a string) to the jubilant crowds. Things to do at the New Orleans Mardi Gras festival:
1) Eat King Cake and hopefully find that elusive bean.
2) Catch the Mardi Gras parade itself on Shrove Tuesday.
3) Flash your baps for beads. (Ed. – Apologies to females and feminists everywhere, but it’s true that nudity is an integral part of the fun…).
4) Head back to your New Orleans hostels for a few quiet hours before the wonderful music of New Orleans kicks in once again.
3. Venice and Viareggio, Italy
Visually, the Carnival of Venice is one of the most recognizable events in the world today. Locals and visitors don the signature leather or papier-mache masks and equally ornate gowns, and then head to a masquerades or gala ball.
For the average backpacker, however, the Viareggio Carnival is probably a safer bet in terms of money. And it’s no less impressive, with huge floats decorated to satirize popular figures paraded through the streets. In fact, the Viareggio Carnival has become so popular a small city has sprung up to the north of Viareggio, just for the float and mask makers! Things to do at the Venice and Viareggio Carnivals:
1) Don a mask.
2) Watch the parade.
3) Beg, borrow or steal your way to a Gala Ball ticket.
4) Book hostels in Venice to escape the city’s famously extortionate prices – and save enough to wheedle your way into one of those balls.
4. Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
A hedonistic month-long carnival season in Trinidad & Tobago culminates with three days of jubilant parading prior to Ash Wednesday in Port of Spain. Soca and calypso sounds run riot over the city during the Trinidad carnival, as does the local rum, which is strong to say the least…
5. Binche, Belgium
During the 3 ‘fatty’ days leading up to Ask Wednesday, the Carnival of Binche sees the town’s inhabitants grace the streets in heavy disguise while parade after parade passes by. Characters to watch out for include the ‘Gilles’, who throw blood oranges to lucky bystanders, and the ‘Blancs-Moussis’, who thwack less fortunate spectators around the head with a pig’s bladder!
6. Nice, France
On the face of things, the Nice Mardi Gras Carnival is a pleasant affair, with flower-covered floats gracing the streets by day, and light displays illuminating buildings by night. History tells another story, however; the Nice Carnival was once so rampantly indulgent that even the scorn of the almighty Church failed to quell its drive.
7. Dusseldorf and Cologne, Germany
Carnival season (or ‘Fasching’) in Germany actually begins on 11th November. Low key ceremonies rumble on henceforth for months, until they explode into action during the week before Ash Wednesday. A particular (and idiosyncratic) highlight is Women’s Carnival Night, where women are supposedly permitted to cut off men’s ties and kiss whoever they want…
8. Cadiz and Tenerife, Spain
Given its Catholic heritage and love for a fiesta, carnival in Spain is unsurprisingly a pretty awesome event. Ostensibly, the main draw of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the themed costumes and music-led parades. Scratch at the surface, however, and you realize it’s all just a big excuse to meet your friends and drink on the streets!
The party spirit is just as strong in the Cadiz Carnival. Everyone dresses up in a costume that relates to the year’s main events, and revelers then take their cue from the groups of choirs who parade through Cadiz’s streets singing highly witty satirical songs.
9. Cowes, England
Shrovetide (the period before Lent) in England is generally a sober (and pretty dull compared to the rest of the world) affair, during which people are supposed to confess their sins and not commit any more. That’s not to say carnivals in England are non-existent, it’s just that, like the famous Notting Hill Carnival and the infinitely charming Cowes Carnival, they come later in the year – when English weather is more favorable.
10. A Central American Extravaganza…
If none of the above take your fancy, how about heading to Mexico, where effigies representing ill-humor are burnt on top of great pyres? Then, once your ill-humor has dissipated, make the short hop down to Ecuador and throw water balloons at all and sundry!
And there you have it – outrageous parties in every corner of the world. Whoever said that February was a dull month…? JC
The recent snowfall here in the UK might seem like a godsend to winter-lovers, but it’s nothing compared to the likes they see over in Quebec!
The Canadian province is currently holding the annual Winter Carnival, which is the largest in the world… Lasting 17 days in total – and running from 30th January - it’s a great way to embrace the freezing weather!
Dating back to the inhabitants of New France, the event has a rich history of winter celebration and is held at a series of locations throughout Old Quebec. Pop on your scarf and mittens and head out to cheer Bonhomme, a giant snowman (think Frosty minus the carrot) who acts as ambassador of the carnival festivities.
Top highlights include the Bonhomme Night Parade, which kicks off two weeks of concerts, competitions, snow baths, snow sculptures, ice skating and dog sledding through the cobblestone streets.
Featuring acrobats and fireworks against a fairytale-like winter backdrop, the opening ceremony is always particularly spectacular. Grab a poutine (a traditional Canadian mountain of French fries, topped with cheese curds and smothered in brown gravy) take away and enjoy the show. Even if you weren’t a fan of winter before, a day (or even a week) at Quebec’s Winter Carnival will certainly change your mind!
But if you’re still not enamored with the Canadian cold, take a stroll through the charming city streets for amazing views from the cliff tops over the St. Lawrence River. Quebec is certainly picturesque; the city walls and historic district were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
When the snow gets a bit too much, seek refuge (and a chance to warm up) browsing the souvenirs and novelty gifts (how about a Bonhomme t-shirt?) in the Carnival Boutique or head for a relaxed brunch of more traditional Canadian grub – this time pancakes and bacon.
Think this is snow in England? You ain’t seen nothing yet… TZ
The world may be used to snowy scenes elsewhere, but here in London they’re so rare that they inevitably cause much celebration (and disruption…)!
This was how lovely the city (and home of HostelBookers) looked yesterday under several inches of snowfall – not that we ran out with a camera at the first sign of a few flakes, or anything like that…
The ‘heaviest snow in 18 years’ meant more than just pretty pictures and snowball fights, though… The capital ground to a halt, with no buses operating for most of the day and a large part of the underground and overground rail networks shut. Hundreds of flights in and out of London’s five airports were also cancelled.
Bad news for the many travelers in London at the moment, as well as for us commuters.
But when this only happens once every two decades, why not just forget about transport, enjoy the city and build a snowman? It certainly reveals a unique side of London to backpackers and visitors!
As we bowl into February (with rather alarming speed), the office is buzzing with the news of the impending launch of our new website!
But I’ve realized that with all the excitement around here, the month of January – and with it the beginning of a New Year – has somehow slipped under the radar. And so its with slight trepidation that I broach an already outdated subject – New Year’s resolutions.
Hands up who’s broken theirs so far?
With whisperings of recession (the UK has now officially fallen under its influence), 2009 doesn’t exactly seem to promise adventures and new travel experiences. We think, though, that there’s always an excuse to set off – and that economic gloom might just be one of them!
Here’s our five travel resolutions for 2009:
1. By-pass the credit-crunch chat.
Who else is bored stiff of this depressing talk about money? We say: escape it all and head off to the destination of your dreams. You’ll be hard pushed to find people fixated on investment banker jokes in Goa. And go now, whilst the gloom is making stuff extra cheap…
2. Spend where it matters.
Having said that, it’s inevitable that budgets will tighten as the year goes on – but that just means watching where we spend. Whether its finding ingredients for a picnic from the local market to avoid high restaurant prices or using our feet instead of public transport, HostelBookers know how to be stingy on our travels. It’s all a question of prioritising – and knowing that saving up for that next trip is more important than central heating…
3. Travel eco-style.
There’s been a lot of guff in the news over the last few years about the environmental impact of flights and traveling. Although it shouldn’t stop you in your tracks, eco-friendly and responsible travel can be both easy and rewarding. How about staying in an eco-lodge in Costa Rica or an ecology hostel in Girona, Spain?
4. See more of the UK.
The easiest place to forget to explore is your home town or country. The UK has amazing sights to offer (that’s why so many visitors flock here each year, after all!) from vibrant cities like Brighton and Glasgow to rolling countryside and rugged mountains. And seeing as we like to be economical, the UK handily ticks off two more resolutions at the same time; it’s cheaper to stay this close to home and easy to avoid a carbon footprint, too!
5. Work on a wish list.
Traveling can be most exciting when you’re headed somewhere so new that you’ve never heard of it, let alone considered going there. Why not just jet off into the sunset wherever you can find a cheap deal? Find an inexpensive flight with a budget airline like Easy Jet, book a hostel there and voila – instant adventure.
We may be pretty well-traveled here at HostelBookers, but there is always more to see and look forward to. Here’s a couple of spots on our wish-list:
Six days of music and performance culminate on the 17th of March with the legendary St. Patrick’s Day Parade through the streets of the Irish capital. Expect crowds, merriment and enough Guinness to drown a small colony of leprechauns.
St. Patrick’s Day is always jumped upon with heady abandon here in London, a city where any event (and especially one that centers around booze) is happily used as an excuse for a great big party. The Parade is on the 15th this year, but the drinking is guaranteed to go on all weekend.
One of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world is held in Boston every year, with around a million people hitting the streets. The Boston St. Paddy’s Day celebrations are also known to be the USA’s eldest, dating back as far as 1731.
On 15th March, the Toronto parade begins at noon on St. George Street, finishing a few hours later on Queen Street.
A week of music performances and film screenings culminate with the parade, whose floats and participants will wind their way through Birmingham on the 15th.
Keen not to upset the applecart too substantially on their conversion to Christianity, the Romans – so the story goes – decided to leave a few tactical remnants of Paganism lying around. One such remnant was the celebration of ‘Lupercalia’; a circus-like event during the month of February that was characterized by typically Roman decadence and Pagan abandonment.
The New Orleans Mardi Gras Carnival is the big one here, with community ‘krewes’ parading through the streets and tossing beads to those who are deemed worthy. Mobile also boasts an impressive (and slightly less touristy) celebration.
1) Nice Carnival in France
Carnival season (or ‘Fasching’) in Germany actually begins on 11th November. Low key ceremonies rumble on henceforth for months, until they explode into action during the week before Ash Wednesday. A particular (and idiosyncratic) highlight is Women’s Carnival Night, where women are supposedly permitted to cut off men’s ties and kiss whoever they want…
There’s been a lot of guff in the news over the last few years about the environmental impact of flights and traveling. Although it shouldn’t stop you in your tracks, eco-friendly and responsible travel can be both easy and rewarding. How about staying in an 
The easiest place to forget to explore is your home town or country. The UK has amazing sights to offer (that’s why so many visitors flock here each year, after all!) from vibrant cities like 
