We know traveling as a woman alone can sometimes be tricky, from worrying about safety to finding an all-girl dorm. So if you’re a female backpacker or solo traveler, have been traveling or are planning to hit the road alone in the near future, we want to hear from you!
We’re looking to find out what makes female backpackers tick, so why not help us out by telling us about yourselves – share you travel plans, travel tales or top places to visit, in our biggest ever survey of female travelers!
The three girls that send us the best travel tips will all get a copy of the book – enter at the end of the survey, or send your answers to competitions@hostelbookers.com, with the title ‘Women’s Travel’ in the subject line). The results will be published here on the 24th-30th August.
We’ve also got some exciting stuff coming up in the future for all single female travelers - so check our website or our new blog for more information!
We’re cracking out the champagne (or cheap cava) over at HostelBookers…we’ve just heard that HostelBloggers, our old blog (and the daddy of blog.hostelbookers) has won a budget travel award!
Online travel tool Tripbase have named us as one of the ‘Best Budget Travel Blogs’ out there – chosen by their panel of travel experts who scour the web every day, and ranking alongside top bloggers eurocheapo and vagablogging.net, it’s a huge compliment to receive such a prestigious award.
You can still check out HostelBloggers selection of articles and travel guides online, but for now, here’s hoping our new blog will be as successful!
Avid traveler Kate Cooper backpacked for 4 years before settling in New Zealand to edit online magazine, Mad Travel Mag. The world might have been hit by a recession, but Kate share’s her reasons why now is actually the best time to travel…
There were a few reasons that I postponed my ‘year out’ or ‘gap year’; my first excuse was that I was afraid to go traveling by myself and couldn’t work out if I should travel alone or with friends. But to be honest, if you stay on the main backpacking routes and don’t go to places known to be unsafe then you’re going to be okay if you do choose to travel alone. You just have to be sensible and don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger. Don’t accept that lift from the dodgy looking fella you’ve just met, and it’s probably wise not to hitch-hike! The biggest thing that put me off traveling, though, was money.
So here are a few reasons why now is the best time to stop thinking about and just start traveling!
Number 1 – Selflessness With the current global financial crisis, people around the world are either having trouble finding a job, keeping a job or justifying to their boss that they are entitled to a pay rise. So, why not take a year out? You probably won’t make that much money if you work this year anyway so what better excuse to give up the miserable 9 to 5 life, plus you can cheer yourself up by thinking that you’re doing a good deed to the company you work for and your colleagues! They may let you have extended unpaid leave because they’ll be happy that there’s one less person to pay, and your colleagues will be happy because there’s less likelihood of redundancy! Give yourself a pat on the back for being so selfless by being a globe-trotter!
Number 2 – Spread Happiness Everyone at home is miserable because they can’t afford to go out or they’re struggling to pay for all those things they bought on credit, and all they do is whine! Rather than be brought down too, you should surround yourself with happy people. Happy people tend to be those that are on holiday at the beach or doing things they never dreamed of doing. Be one of those happy people and spread the happiness further by lying on a beach as well… and knowing at the same time that you wouldn’t have been this happy at home…
Number 3 – Save $$$$ Flights are getting cheaper, accommodation is getting cheaper, tours and activities are getting cheaper! Why? That financial crisis again… Even better deals can be found in destinations that are currently in their low season. Find out which countries – and fly there asap! Tourism operators need an income, so in off-peak seasons they’ll do everything they can to attract as many people as possible to them. This includes heavy discounts and including lots of free stuff to entice you to their product. You can be safe in the knowledge that by traveling to a country in it’s ‘off season’, in addition to there being a financial crisis, you are in fact saving yourself loads of money!
Number 4 – More Cash Depending on where you’re from, you may find that your currency is still strong against others. In addition to all the savings you’re making by getting loads of discounts and free stuff, your money could actually stretch further. Check with your local bank or exchange bureau for up to the minute news on which country is going to be the cheapest for you to have an adventure in..
Now really is the best time to travel. You can have fun, save money and be smug that you’re sunning yourself while your friends at home are miserably concerned with the credit crunch!
Mad Travel Mag has articles written by Kate (including How to Save Money When Traveling) and other backpackers, for backpackers. The website also has a social network where travelers can meet and ask each other questions in the forum.
In the second of her guest posts, TripAtlas travel girl Gizelle Lau takes us on a tour of Rome’s top sights to coincide with the new adaptation of Dan Brown’s best selling novel, Angels & Demons…
In this adventure, Robert Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) teams up with his female counterpart, Vittoria Vetra (played by Ayelet Zurer), to investigate and uncover the conspiracy secretly wreaking havoc in the Vatican and threatening the eternal city of Rome with destruction… On the way, though, they encounter some of Rome’s most iconic and spectacular monuments!
Santa Maria del Popolo was built in 1099 by the Pope and later renovated in the early 1400’s. At the Santa Maria del Popolo, you’ll see Raphael’s “Creation Of The World” mosaic on the dome of the chapel which plays a significant part in the movie Angels & Demons. The Santa Maria del Popolo is the first church in the movie and was actually used twice as a set – once as the church itself, another as a building opposite to a police station.
The Sistine Chapel was built by Pope Sixtus IV (hence the name, ‘Sistine’) in the 14th century and its walls are the most famous in the world. Painted by the greatest artists of its time (Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Botticelli), it is nonetheless known as Michelangelo’s masterpiece. It is here that the selection of new Popes is carried out by the Papal Conclave, as is seen in the movie. A full-sized set was built for filming, from the mosaic floors to massive and intricate wall paintings. To put the set together, the production designers visited the Sistine Chapel and tried to take as many photos as the could before they were asked to stop – a well-known “no-no” in the Sistine Chapel, as is speaking or making too much noise.
St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica is known as the centre of the Roman Catholic Church. The best time to visit is on Sunday morning to hear a mass and get a glimpse of the Pope himself. It is in St. Peter’s Square that a large part of the story unfolds, in the midst of the crowds waiting for the election of a new pope. Today, when you step into St. Peter’s Basilica, you can’t help but be amazed and stunned at the grandeur of the church.
Santa Maria Vittoria is known for the intricate and glorious sculpture of Bernini that resides within its marble walls: The Ecstasy of St. Teresa, finished in 1646. The statue features St. Teresa being pierced in the heart with a golden shaft, causing both pain and joy for the saint. The church was actually recreated for the movie filming but since Brown’s novel, has become a popular tourist site in Rome.
The Pantheon is one of the most stunning and breathtaking buildings in the world and has stood at the centre of Rome for almost 2,000 years. Its current version was built by Emperor Hadrian in 125 A.D. The most unique feature of the Pantheon is its 7.8-metre hole in its ceiling which floods light throughout the edifice and acts as an ancient sundial. Here you’ll find the tomb of the modern kings of Italy and of Raphael. Filming was done outside the Pantheon but the whole interior was recreated as a set for the film, right down to Raphael’s tomb.
Piazza Navona is known as one of the most artistic and dramatic piazzas in Rome, with its colourful buildings and three prominent baroque statues. A popular place for travelers and locals to visit during festivals and celebrations, it has tons of cafes, shops and entertainers looking to make a dollar at night. At it’s center, Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) statue is an important clue on Langdon’s adventure.
Castel Sant’Angelo or “Castle of Angels” is an ancient fortressed castle that was built in 139 A.D. as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, re-builder of the Pantheon. Just metres from Vatican City, the fortress has also been used as a home to the Pope during difficult political times as well as a prison. Today, the castle serves as a historic museum and tourist attraction.
Ed. – One of the best things about many of these attractions for backpackers in Europe, however, is that they’re free to explore! Looking for more info on visiting Rome on a budget? Check out our top 10 things to do for under $10, plus browse hostels in Rome for a cheap accommodation solution.
We wouldn’t exactly call ourselves ‘cheapskates’ here at HB, but we’re pretty obsessed with saving everyone a bit of extra cash – so we can spend every last penny on our travels! Our thrifty ways must have paid off, though, as we have just won an award for our ability to save you guys money!
WiseBread – a community of bloggers dedicated to ‘living large on a small budget’ - has just rated HostelBookers one of the top budget travel resources and the ‘easiest way to book hostels all over the world’. We’ve also been named one of the Top 40 ‘Most Useful Travel Websites For Saving A Fortune’.
But aside from all this modesty (!), the website itself is a great find for budget travelers – WiseBread is full of money-stretching tips and amusing advice on how to score freebies and discounts. Want to learn how to ‘hustle free drinks’ or work out the perfect budget for your trip? We certainly do!
We head down under for the next instalment of our 48-hour city guides with Craig Martin, who fills us in on what to do in Perth.
Perth is the gateway to the red deserts, world-class diving and excellent surf of Western Australia. Having grown quickly in the last few years, it is now home to around 1.7 million people — a crazy 75% of the state’s population. Acting as a gateway to Margaret River and the southwest or the national parks of the northwest, Perth has long been a backpacker-friendly city.
Day One
Kick Off in King’s Park… Spend your first morning walking in massive King’s Park, perched high above the city. Photographers will want to be near the war memorial for dawn snaps over the Swan River and CBD (Central Business District). When you’re done, walk (or bus) into town, wandering the shops and cafes along Hay and Murray Street.
Top Attractions… Budget-conscious travelers can explore the Museum or Art Gallery of Western Australia, located next to each other and the central city train station. You can then catch one of many trains from there down to Fremantle.
If you have a little more cash, drift down to the Esplanade, Bell Tower and the picturesque Swan River. From there take a ferry down river to Fremantle, or Freo as it’s known. The ferry pilot is also a fun and informative guide and, if you’re lucky, you might run into a pod of dolphins as you cruise towards the Indian Ocean.
Lunch and a Pint in Fremantle… There’s no better way to start the afternoon than lunch and a pint at one of Australia’s best microbreweries: Little Creatures. With various beers and a particularly crisp cider on offer, there’s a cafe and tasting room to help you wile away the afternoon. Freo’s famous for its markets, but exploring Freo is also exploring the convict past of Australian colonisation; these Victorian buildings were all convict-built … including the Goal (jail), ironically enough.
Party Back in Northbridge… Freo has its share of good restaurants and bars but public transport, like Cinderella’s coach, turns into a pumpkin around midnight. Before your night really gets started find your way back into the city train station and walk for ten minutes up into Northbridge: it’s pumping with nightclubs and every spare building hosts a small restaurant serving international cuisine on a budget.
Take a Snooze and a Dip… When it’s time to slip off the dancing shoes and lay down your head, the Witch’s Hat Hostel has tight rooms and friendly staff which really make this place feel homely. It’s a ten-minute walk past the top end of Northbridge and nearby Hyde Park is a cool, refreshing place to clear your head in the morning.
Or if you fancy spending your morning by the pool, head to another Perth hostel, the Billabong Backpackers Resort, which has an amazing range of amenities alongside rather ordinary dorms.
Day Two
A Sunny Start… If a day trip to Rottnest Island, the Pinnacles and Lancelin, or the wine regions of Swan Valley or Margaret River aren’t your thing, spend a morning in the sun at Cottesloe or Scarborough beach. Both are popular and easily reached by public transport, but Cottesloe has more amenities on the waterfront. It’s around a fifteen-minute walk from the train station to the sea or there’s a free shuttle bus making regular runs between them.
Afternoon in Leederville… To relax after a hard day at the beach, make your way to Oxford Street in Leederville. This tiny stretch has the best selection of cafes in Perth and some great restaurants too, including the very budget-friendly Han’s Cafe which is a local chain with tasty Asian food. After dinner, check out the offerings at the Luna cinema, which has a mix of indie and mainstream films and, during summer, is host to one of Perth’s outdoor film festivals.
Freelance travel writer and podcaster Craig Martin shares his experiences in Oz with HostelBloggers. For more info, check out his free audio guide to Perth on the Indie Travel Podcast or Free Audio Travel Guides. If you have any tips about backpacking in Perth or a 48 hour guide to share on your favorite city, why not get in touch below!
This week the super-stylish will descend on Paris for Fashion Week, with high-end designers from Chanel to Dior showing the latest in Parisian chic.
We like to think we’re a stylish bunch here at HB, but our humble purse-strings can’t quite stretch to the eye-watering prices of Chanel and co – do you know how much it costs to look that good?
But you can still shop ’til you drop in Paris on a backpacker’s budget, and there are plenty of places to find a bargain off the catwalk. If you’re planning on visiting Paris anytime soon, here’s our top five cheap and chic shopping haunts:
Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. Porte de Clignancourt, 75018 Paris
Paris is famous for its flea markets, where you can pick up anything from vintage couture to kitsch crockery on the weekend. This is the largest antiques market in the world, and you’ll need to come here early (6am!) to scout out the antique gems, but the scramble for a bargain and elbow-bashing is all part of the fun.
Tati. 4 boulevard Rochechouart, 75018 Paris
At a glance, you may think Tati more than lives up to its name – the hectic piles of clothes and eclectic mish-mash of stock are not for the faint-hearted. But Tati is a Paris institution and the prices defy belief – you can scoop up armfuls of t-shirts, toiletries and anything from potted plants to clock-radios for a few Euros. You may not be tempted to buy your wedding dress here (and thousands claim they have), but it’s a great stop-off for budget travelers low on supplies.
Free ‘P’ Star. 8 Ste-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
Amongst the edgy art galleries and unique boutiques in the Marais, this second-hand gem is far more affordable than the daunting vintage boutiques in St Germain. One of the neighborhood’s best kept-secrets, join the throng of fashionable ‘filles’ rummaging through the rails, crammed with mainly sixties and seventies pieces. Prices start from €5-30 for a piece of boho-chic.
Pullsion. 35, Rue Saint-Placide, Paris
If you’re after effortless French chic (with Breton stripes and all), then check out this little shop tucked away on the Rue Saint-Placide. Pullison sells cut-price Petit Bateau, its comfortable cotton t-shirts worn by French women and their enfants alike. T-shirts start at €9, a fraction of what they charge at the Champs Elyseés boutique.
La Generale de Pharmacie. 58, Rue Saint-Placide, Paris
If you’re feeling grubby after a few days on the go, freshen up French style at this cosmetics heaven, where French brand make-up, perfume and skincare is heavily discounted. Prices are around 40% cheaper than what you’d pay in the grand magasins. Failing that, buy your toiletries in local supermarket Monoprix and check out the clothes and accessories while you’re there– their chic silk scarves, tote-bags and knitwear are not to be sniffed at.
Have you got a favorite shopping spot in super-stylish Paris? Or a penchant for bargain hunting on your travels? Let us know! LS
Self-confessed travel geeks and trip sharing pioneers Sosauce are searching for a summer intern to join their annual work-for-travel program.
Eight weeks work experience in New York City with Sosauce’s marketing team will earn you a free two week independent travel experience…
Perfect for travelers with a passion for social and environmental issues, past interns have completed such unique projects as cycling across America building houses, teaching kids journalism in India and helping with reforestation in Peru.
Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras might be over for another year, but there’s plenty more excitement coming up in March!
Here’s a guide to the top escapes this month, from a vibrant Valencia festival to surfing in sunny South Africa…
Valencia, Spain
From March 15 to 19, Valencia celebrates ‘Las Fallas’; an historical event to honor the beginning of Spring and lighter evenings, which climaxes with a huge ceremonial bonfire at midnight on the 19th.
The dramatic blaze is lit to destroy “ninots” – ornamental wood figures, often in human form – carefully prepared by the town over the previous weeks.
Although humor and irony is a big part of the festival – along with a lot of partying and spectacular, colorful parades – the bonfire is actually an act of purification that marks the start of St. Joseph’s Day.
After the festival celebrations have died down, Valencia remains one of Spain’s most exciting cities, packed with culture – from the 13th century cathedral to the ambitious new Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – and atmospheric bars. Whilst it’s (rather surprisingly) managed to stay under the radar on the European backpacking trail, it’s nonetheless both accessible and affordable, with a number of Valencia hostels offering cheap beds to visitors throughout the year.
Cape Town, South Africa
Fed up of the dismal weather in the Northern Hemisphere? Then head to one of the coolest backpacking destinations in the world, where there’s certainly no shortage of blue skies and entertainment in March. An up-and-coming party city, Cape Town is also known for its busy harbor and surrounding natural eco-system, the ‘Cape floral kingdom’.
With its beautiful setting in Table Bay, the city is home to some of the best surfing beaches on the continent, thanks to the big, powerful waves that swell in an uniterrupted line all the way from Cape Horn.
Travelers looking for a slightly less strenuous break will find Cape Town is also full of attractions away from the water, from the famous Table Mountain (and the National Park) to the picturesque architecture of the Bo-Kaap (Malay) quarter.
Marrakesh, Morocco
If you don’t fancy the long haul flight to South Africa, Morocco is just a short hop across the ocean from Europe, but has all the sunshine and exotic intrigue of Africa. Marrakesh is Morocco’s top backpacking destination and, with the ancient Medina and sprawling souks (markets), it’s one of the country’s most ‘important’ cities,
Home to dozens of cheap traditional restaurants, shisha (waterpipe) cafes, affordable ‘riads’ (old-fashioned Moroccan guesthouses) such as Riad Khabia, it’s a backpacker’s dream. Outside the increasingly expensive Euro-zone, it’s also a perfect escape for winter sun-seekers on a credit crunch budget.
Explore the narrow, historic streets, bargain for spices in the souks, relax in the exotic Majorelle gardens and enjoy the stalls and street performers of Djemaa El-Fna at the heart of the Medina. The High Atlas Mountains and seaside resort of Essaouira are also a short bus ride away from the city for travelers hoping to see more of Morocco.
Dublin, Ireland
One of the most famous events in March is St. Patrick’s Day! The festival cemmomating Ireland’s patron saint has become a global celebration of Irish culture in the run up to March 17, with green Guinness and leprauchaun jokes to be found right across the globe.
Although there are parties and parades held around the world, the event’s spiritual home is still the Irish capital, Dublin. Aside from the huge parade which winds its way through the city streets on the 17th itself, the festival includes six days of free entertainment and events, including a treasure hunt, fireworks and a funfair in Merrion Square.Head to one of the many traditional pubs around lively Temple Bar for a few pints, dance on the streets…then head back to one of the central Dublin hostels to carry on the party!
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!
What’s more, anyone who fills in the survey can enter our prize draw to win a copy of High Heels and a Head Torch: The Essential Guide for Girls who Backpack by Chelsea Duke, courtesy of Pan Macmillan publishers. It’s the essential guide for any girl on the road!
The Pantheon is one of the most stunning and breathtaking buildings in the world and has stood at the centre of Rome for almost 2,000 years. Its current version was built by Emperor Hadrian in 125 A.D. The most unique feature of the Pantheon is its 7.8-metre hole in its ceiling which floods light throughout the edifice and acts as an ancient sundial. Here you’ll find the tomb of the modern kings of Italy and of Raphael. Filming was done outside the Pantheon but the whole interior was recreated as a set for the film, right down to Raphael’s tomb.
