Archive for the Travel Events category
Once again, Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. And that means, as with every year, we’ve had to sit down and ask ourselves the question ‘how to approach this beast, this monster of an occasion?’
Well, HostelBookers have decided to swallow the temptation to post anti-love dirges and are instead adopting a more… let’s say… holistic approach. Stay tuned for our complete roundup of Vday for lovers and haters alike.
First, though, here’s a classic top 10 list of Valentine Weekend destinations:
1. Paris, France
It’s obvious but it’s effective. Quite simply, there’s nowhere as romantic as Paris; from the Eiffel Tower and the chic restaurants of Montmartre to the shimmering beauty of the Seine by night, it has all the ingredients for a perfect romantic weekend. In fact, it can’t really go wrong… Paris, je t’aime.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Few urban spaces are as straight-up beautiful as Prague, the City of 1000 Spires. Mosey around the architecturally captivating Old Town, catch a symphony by the Prague National Opera at the acoustically perfect Rudolfinum, and then enjoy the view from the Charles Bridge come nightfall.
3. New York, USA
Browse the Rockefeller Centre, take a horse-drawn carriage around CentralPark, and then travel to the top of the Empire State Building and re-enact that Scene from Sleepless in Seattle. “On top of the Empire State Building at sunset on Valentine’s Day”…
4. Bali, Indonesia
Romantic travel in Asia comes no better that in Bali. Bask on the golden beaches by day, relax around a fire by night, and make sure to squeeze a famous Balinese massage in too.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Enjoy the shimmering Atlas Mountains over breakfast, pick your way around the crumbling ruins of the atmospheric El Badi Palace and shop for souvenirs in the glorious Medina. You could always buy a ring…
6. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is arguably Europe’s most elegant weekend getaway. Browse the architectural delights of the Innere Stadt, catch an opera at the State Opera House and head to the Rathauspark for some late-night canoodling. One thing to remember, though: don’t do anything Freud wouldn’t have done.
7. London, England
Cuddle on leafy Hampstead Heath, browse the stalls and street performers of Covent Garden, pretend to be rich in Notting Hill and end the day with a typically outlandish musical in the West End. You never know, it might all end in love, actually.
8. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is fast becoming Europe’s most popular destination for romantic travel. Get lost in the Barri Gotic (though keep your wits about you enough to find Picasso’s house), explore Gaudi’s colossal Sagrada Familia, chill on the manmade Barceloneta beach, then have a drink next to those iconic shooting fountains. “Barcelooona… Barcelooooona”
9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Forget about the drugs and the prostitutes (unless that’s your idea of a good Valentine’s Day); this is one of the world’s most attractive and urbane cities. Spend the day perusing the Museum Quarter, dine in the excellent restaurants of the non-touristy Jordaan area, and take a romantic stroll along the city’s picture-perfect canals.
10. Florence, Italy
Ever since the time of the Grand Tourists, Florence has rivalled Paris as the romantic destination. By day, marvel at the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David and the Santa Maria Novella. Then, come nightfall, stroll arm-in-arm with your loved one and take in the full and glorious romance of the city of Florence.
What are your romantic plans for Valentine’s Day? Do you have a top destination in mind for a loved-up getaway? Let us know!
For some, being away from home over the Christmas period can be a tough time. Yuletide merriment is all about getting together with your loved ones and sharing some festive cheer (along with a fair bit of booze and pudding, of course). So for backpackers on the road, Christmas and New Year can be, well, a bit of a lonely experience.
But all is not lost! Across the world, there are great hostels that allow their guests to enjoy the spirit of Christmas and the hedonism of New Year to the full. The beauty of these joints is that they create a family out of like-minded travelers. Oh, and they also create huge, all-encompassing Christmas knees ups too!
The Flying Pig Hostels, Amsterdam
The three Flying Pig Hostels in Amsterdam are wonderfully cozy and sociable all year round. Come Christmas, however, they take on a whole new level of appeal… The offer is simple: ‘Free Beds and Free Bubbles’. And it’s as attractive as it sounds. Simply book a two nights stay at one of the hostels over Christmas, and you get a third night free. You also get a free turkey dinner, a free champagne breakfast, and, as the Flying Pig puts it, “no annoying aunts and uncles”!
Nathans Villa, Krakow
Nathans Villa is well known on the backpacking trail as a place where just about anything goes. This is party central, and the traveler looking for a New Year’s mash-up could do much worse than head to this excellent hostel in the middle of Krakow. From the private bar (that’s right – no riff raff) to the beer garden and the outdoor terrace, Nathan’s Villa practically lives for nights like New Year’s. And the travelers who experience it practically live for next year’s installment once the night finally comes to an end…
Sir Toby’s Hostel, Prague
As its motto (“a stranger is just a friend we haven’t met yet”) testifies, Sir Toby’s is a home from home as soon as you walk through the door. Don’t expect the most raucous party of your life, but do expect some genuine warmth, a free Christmas dinner, and the opportunity to learn how to bake traditional Czech Christmas cookies.
Hostel of the Sun, Naples
As with Sir Toby’s, Hostel of the Sun has that little something special that makes you think you’re at home. Perhaps it’s the incredibly cozy TV room, or the helpful receptionists who banter day-long with the guests. Whatever the reason, Hostel of the Sun is a safe bet for a memorable Christmas – this year, they’re planning to do food-based hospitality like only the Italians can by offering a free Christmas and New Year’s dinner.
Be Hostels, Barcelona
Christmas and New Year in Barcelona are always jubilant occasions, with the locals doing their best to drink and dance as much as humanly possible. In preparation for the activities, the two Be Hostels in Barcelona are offering free dinner on both nights. Read between the lines and you realize happy immobility is guaranteed – either through food, or drink, or a combination of the two!
Loki Hostels, Peru
Christmas celebrations in Peru focus around the night of the 24th, or Noche Buena as it’s known. This makes a stay in one of the four Loki Hostels a must, as they plan to go all out on the 25th as well. In fact, these hostels aren’t going to let up all week long, with food and parties carrying guests in a whirlwind from the 24th to the dawn of the New Year.
Soi 1 Guesthouse – Backpackers Hostel, Bangkok
Xmas at Soi 1 promises to be X rated. Things start at 6pm on the 25th, with pub games and alcoholic lollypops, before the entire hostel hits the streets for a pub-crawl of monumental proportions. And, for those who make it through the evening, the hostel picks itself up again for New Year’s, with gallons of ‘Soi 1 Hunch Punch’ (it’s vodka, basically), fireworks on the river, and late night clubbing, all on the menu.
Home Made Hostel, Budapest
Known for its stylish, old-fashioned décor and friendly, welcoming atmosphere, Home Made Hostel is primed for an evening of eating, drinking and chatting come the 25th. This is definitely a hostel in which to kick back and enjoy the finer points of life.
Sevilla Urbany Hostel, Seville
Friendly Urbany Hostel in Seville hosts a truly Spanish Christmas and New Years (including cakes, anisette and 12 grapes…). You can read about it here.
Urban Central, Melbourne
Swish and swanky, Urban Central is simply the place to be if you’re looking to party it up over Christmas in Australia. If Christmas Day, with free dinner and punch, sounds like wholesome – if boozy – fun, then New Year’s Eve, with free champagne, a DJ, and a rooftop viewing of fireworks sounds positively raucous.
In case you were wondering, there’s a dress code for these nights. On the 25th it’s festive attire, and on the 31st it’s ‘dress to impress’. Nothing too controversial, then…
Athens Backpackers, Athens
Athens Backpackers are serving up a three day sucker-punch over Xmas. Things get going on the 24th with cocktails, mulled wine and a carol service, while the 25th is all about heaps of turkey, mince pies and red wine. If you’re able to get out of bed on Boxing Day, there’s a short outing to Lycabbetus followed by films all evening. Lovely!
Meininger, Berlin
If all the above sounds a little heady, then the Meininger chain of hostels in Berlin have come up with a solution. It’s a simple philosophy really: Do whatever you like on New Year’s Eve, and then recover with their free hang-over breakfast the next morning! Who needs Alka Seltzer when you can have a full German Frühstück?
JC
Friday 14th November – Sunday 23rd November
Hepcats and jazz fans in London will be spoiled for choice later this week, as the London Jazz Festival 2008 rolls out across the city. A tradition in the Big Smoke since the early 1970’s, the London Jazz Festival showcases a broad range of jazz music, as well as classes ranging from vocal labs to jazz journalism. There’s also an excellent array of free events – music to both your ears and pocket.
For more information, schedule and event prices, visit the London Jazz Festival’s website. Keep the weekend cheap and easy by using Transport for London to get from gig to gig, and rest your weary, be-bopped-filled head in a clean and comfy London hostel at the end of the night.
KW
On 23 to 27 November, the liberal city of Amsterdam will host this year’s Cannabis Cup. And, in honor of this extravagant celebration of Holland’s famous (and perennially popular) travel attraction, The Flying Pig – one of the most popular hostels in Amsterdam – is giving away two nights accommodation for two people, anytime in December, absolutely free!
To enter, just let us know what your ideal itinerary for a weekend in the city would be. The competition will close on the 17th of November, and itineraries are to be written in the comments box below. A small tip: They should include more than just ‘get baked’!
Here’s a quick lowdown on the Cup itself, for those interested…
Cannabis Cup Background
The festival was first started back in 1987, and today it’s just about the biggest stoner’s event going, with weed being sold, smoked and evaluated everywhere you look.
This year’s Cup will mark a point of departure from those before, however, with Amsterdam now enveloped in a tobacco ban. The law banning tobacco smoke indoors was introduced a few months back – as a result, coffeeshop smokers can either roll with a herbal substitute, or enjoy a more traditional joint outside on the cold pavement.
While many thought the ban would adversely affect Amsterdam coffeeshops’ trade, few have reported a downturn in business. It’s still uncharted territory for the Cup, however, and only the judges will be able to say whether those prized strains of marijuana entered into the competition are affected by this new substitute and law.
All in all, there’s normally around ten different categories, including Best Hash and Best Overall Strain (to which the Cannabis Cup is awarded). There’s also a prize for the Top Coffeeshop – a category that’s been through the travel blogosphere washer recently, after Matt of Matador Nights bravely nominated his favorites with, let’s say, a teeny bit of a backlash.
Well, never one to shirk a challenge (or a whack of vitriol), I thought I’d put my cards on the table. So here are my top five coffeeshops in Amsterdam:
1. Katsu, Eerste van der Helstraat. In a city packed with coffeeshops, it may be tempting to head to the nearest one to your hostel, but Katsu is definitely worth heading south (and off the beaten track) for. Winner of the Highlife Cup in 2008, they mix award-winning strains with a great buzz.
2. Abraxas, Jonge Roelensteeg. With its mosaics, sofas and chessboard tables, Abraxas is the ultimate place to head in Amsterdam for a relaxing vibe and a friendly welcome. This doesn’t mean a compromise in quality, though – from the hash milkshakes to the classic rollies, Abraxas is top-notch all the way.
3. Resin, Hekeveld. Resin (formerly known as The Pool Dog) has a deservedly good reputation among both the local and backpacking crowds. Unlike many shops this close to the center, the weed is consistently good quality and value, plus the pumping sound system and friendly staff, all add up to a great atmosphere.
4. Grey Area, Oude Leliestraat. Down in the Jordaan, the tiny (and always packed) Grey Area may be a little more on the pricey side but it’s actually famous around the world as the original home of Double Bubble Gum, Wobbler and more. Its reputation for these specialties puts it firmly on the Cannabis Cup map – as well as making it popular with bands and celebs passing through town.
5. Barneys Coffeeshop, Haarlemmerstraat. Barneys has been recognized at the Cannabis Cup multiple times, although it’s about more than just smoking here. Get one of their awesome breakfasts from 7am and settle into the slightly surreal interior for a long day, and let the good times roll (yes, pun intended).
AW
Inspired by the extravagant late-night ‘Nuite Blanche’ events in major European cities like Madrid, the small but arty town of Brighton hosts its first ‘White Night’ this Saturday (25th October).
Eclectic Brighton has a reputation for summer fun and an inclusive vibe but this sounds like a really great way to pull in the crowds as winter draws in and that beach-nightlife-fish-&-chips combo starts to lose its appeal.
So rather than going into hibernation, Brighton is celebrating the turning back of the clocks (and the offical start of British winter and dark evenings) with a bang. From 6pm ’til 7am, there’ll be culture and antics aplenty on the streets and, if the vibrant atmosphere of the town in summer is anything to go by, it’s bound to be a success.
Art galleries and exhibtions are staying open late, and the Brighton Philharmonic will play in the grand Regency rooms of The Royal Pavilion, which is sure to be a highlight of the musical program.
There’s also some rather innovative entertainment on offer, including midnight swims at the Prince Regent Pool with underwater music which promises “leisurely Aquadelica” which, I admit, I don’t quite understand but, well, it certainly sounds exciting.
What really caught our eye though is that nearly all of the activities are free – excellent news for the cheapskates here at HostelBloggers.
After all, London to Brighton is just an hour on the train…
AW
October sees the start of one of the most unusual festivals in Thailand – the Cheltenham Gold Cup for cows, the bovine Belmont Stakes, the heifer handicap - it’s the Chonburi Water Buffalo Races! As with all these events (the Pushkar Camel Fair is very similar) what started out as a humble animal trading fair and celebration of the annual rice harvest has become something different entirely.
These days, Chonburi is treated to an engaging hotchpotch of races – with jockeys sitting bareback astride their mighty steeds as they hurtle down the track - processions, and even (slightly bizarrely) a buffalo fancy-dress competition.
As an interesting aside, the animals are now bred solely for the purpose of the event, with a thoroughbred racing buffalo fetching the princely sum of 80,000 Baht ($1,800)!
The event comes lumbering into Chonburi (a mere 30 miles from Bangkok) a day before the full moon of the eleventh month of the Thai lunar calendar, to coincide with the end of Vassa, or Buddhist Lent. After much online sleuth work, HostelBloggers have managed to narrow this down to the 12th and 13th October (but you should probably double-check to be on the safe side!)
So if you’re backpacking in Thailand and that sounds like a good day out, it’s simply a case of charging – faster than a speeding bullock, perhaps? - over to Chonburi.
With the days getting steadily chillier here in London, autumn has crept up on HostelBloggers once again. As if to confirm the fact, this Monday (September 22nd) is the autumn equinox. And there’s nowhere more spectacular to celebrate this event than at Chichen Itza, on Mexico’s Yucatan penisula.
Among the impressive Mayan remains at this site is the Grand Pyramid, which reveals some rather astounding ancient knowledge of astronomy at each equinox. The structure is aligned so that in the middle of spring and autumn the sun’s rays are reflected in such a way as to form the shape of a diamond-backed rattlesnake along the steps.
It’s believed that the Mayans intended this remarkable event to mark essential cycles in the agricultural season, and the biannual gatherings at Chichen Itza became a significant ritual. Today, thousands of pilgrims and travelers are attracted to the site by its heady brew of mysterious celestial alignment and awe-inspiring ancient structures.
The actual moment when the sun hangs directly over the Earth’s equator will fall at 15.44. And HostelBloggers would definitely recommend that anyone lucky enough to be in this part of the world sets their watch!
If human chess isn’t quite up your street then there’s another great event in Europe this weekend: the third annual Noche en Blanco – or White Night – celebration in Madrid. And given its success in previous years (as well as the city’s hard-earned reputation for 24-hour partying!) it looks set to be another fantastic night.
On Saturday (13 September), Spain’s capital will be hit by the full moon madness of ‘white night’ - from 9pm through till 6am. Musuems will stay open and there’ll be all manner of music, performances and arty happenings across the city - with a fair bit of partying, Madrileno-style, thrown in for good measure.
And if the exciting line-up wasn’t quite tempting enough, cash-strapped backpackers should be delighted to learn that absolutely everything is free. Yes, free. In fact, that delightful free-ness even extends to unlimited use of public transport to whizz you from one event to another!
Madrid’s white night is actually part of a larger European cultural organization (which also sponsors similar events in Paris, Brussels, Riga and Bucharest) that aims to arouse interest in art through free events.
In HostelBloggers’ opinion, it’s a laudable initiative and deserves to be fully supported. So there’s only one thing for it: head straight for a hostel in Madrid and really make the most of this bonanza of culture and cañas!
Crashing on into mid-September, it’s nearly time for one of the most curious cultural events in the international calender to come to the small Italian town of Marostica.
In a tradition that dates back to 1923, on the second weekend of September in even years (which will be 12-14 September in 2008) the townspeople – and a fair few travelers, too – gather around a giant black and white chessboard to watch a game of chess being played out… with people for pieces!
There’s heaps of history involved in this intriguing event, with the players dressed (and armed) in full medieval costume and the instructions to the ‘pieces’ still given in the old local dialect.
But there’s more to the event than just human chess. After WWII, Vucetich Mirko wrote a play inspired by the biannual games. Even though the play wasn’t based in historical fact, it’s become something of a legend surrounding Marostica, and now the story is re-enacted, accompanied by a large cast of actors and musicians.
Anyway, here’s a brief synopsis: Mirko describes an ancient rivalry between two suitors for the hand of the Lord of Marostica’s eldest (and very beautiful, naturally) daughter. Rather than have the two noblemen fight in a duel, the Lord decided it should be settled instead by a living chess competition in the presence of the townspeople.
Since the context of this legend became part of the chess game in the 1950s, it’s become something of a phenomenon, with around 4,000 people turning out each year to watch the four performances of games and celebrations. Tickets (ranging from €10 to €80) can be bought in advance online.
Outside the ‘chess season’, Marostica goes back to being a sleepily attractive medieval walled town that’s well worth exploring in a daytrip from a nearby hostel in Vicenza.
This Sunday (7 September), the Regent Street Festival returns to the streets of central London for an afternoon of entertainment. Based in the West End, this year’s theme is… ’Great Britishness.’
The celebration of Brit culture includes a ‘Love London’ photography exhibition at the flagship Habitat store and the colloborative construction of a giant LEGO mosaic to commemorate the famous company’s 50th anniversary.
There’s also musical performances from soul singer (and home-grown talent) Jay Picton and boyband Avenue (from last year’s X Factor) along with marching bands, dance performances and more.
From 12 till 8pm, Regent Street will be closed to traffic so the crowds can mill about in peace listening, watching or heading to one of the gourmet food stalls set up along the edge of the road.
And the best news for us cheapskates here at HostelBloggers? It’s all for free…
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Cuddle on leafy Hampstead Heath, browse the stalls and street performers of Covent Garden, pretend to be rich in Notting Hill and end the day with a typically outlandish musical in the West End. You never know, it might all end in love, actually.
8. Barcelona, Spain
10. Florence, Italy
