May 2010
13 posts
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Extraordinary Transportation Around the World
The world is a big place, so transportation is key if you want to see a lot of it. But stick to the traditional planes, trains, and automobiles, and you just might miss cultural flavor or a true vacation adventure. From the fine folks at SmarterTravel.com, here are ten unforgettable ways to explore destinations around the world. From colorful jeepneys in the Philippines to vintage funiculars in...
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World Mosaic Created From 1001 Web 2.0 Logos →
visualoop:
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Strange and Stunning Trees from Around the World
Stumbled upon this offbeat gallery of bizarre and beautiful trees from around the world and thought it was worth sharing! Enjoy…
El Arbol de La Sabina
Source
Trees are important components of the natural landscape and a wonderful living organism which gives shelter, food, warmth and protection to all living things. Though common trees are fascinating here are some that top the list...
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Historic Cape Cod Residence Becomes a Hostel on...
The Angeline Crocker Hinckley Hostel
The Legacy of a “Real Cape Codder”
One of Cape Cod’s legendary hosts, Ruth Rusher, has left her birthplace as a legacy: a hostel on Hyannis Harbor. Rusher was a popular tour guide, a Cape Cod native who entertained visitors with stories of Cape lore and legends as she guided them on bus tours.
Thanks to Rusher’s bequest, Hostelling...
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Get on Board: Celebrate National Train Day!
Attention Fans of Rail Travel: On May 8, 2010, the 3rd Annual National Train Day will be a FREE coast-to-coast celebration. Don’t miss out on your chance to tour private and Amtrak train cars, explore interactive and educational exhibits, enjoy live entertainment and much more!
WHAT:
From www.nationaltrainday.com:
Free fun for everyone! Amtrak will host the third annual National Train...
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HI World Destination of the Month: Mexico!
Colors, sounds, flavors and nature… Discover this and much more in Mexico!
Mexico is a country full of highlights that will captivate you and make your visit a unique experience, so let’s start the journey!
First stop - Mexico City - The capital and largest city in Mexico, which is served by Mexico City International Airport – Latin America’s busiest and largest airport with daily...
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Top 5 Favorite Natural Wonders of Hawaii
Results have been tallied from the recent Facebook poll conducted by Hawaii Magazine and they have revealed the Top 5 Natural Wonders of Hawaii:
#5 Diamond Head (Oahu)
The extinct volcanic tuff cone known as Diamond Head—and especially, its west-facing Waikiki Beach profile—is perhaps Hawaii’s most recognized natural landmark. British sailors arriving on Oahu in the 19th century gave the...
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Deadline Extended! International Exchange...
Spend two weeks in Morocco this July with other young people ages 18-22 from Germany, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, France, and the U.S., during Hostelling International’s sixth IOU Respect International Exchange program.
You’ll live in and explore Morocco together while taking part in workshops meant to foster an understanding of your own culture as well as the cultures of the other participating...
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3 Days Left to Enter the GREEN sLOVEnia Trip...
Slovenian Tourism Board and the Bank of Tourism Potentials in Slovenia are running a contest and it’s not too late to enter to win trip to Slovenia worth 3000 EUR! Even if you don’t win, the 10 best trip suggestions with the most votes will get a “I FEEL sLOVEnia” wind jacket.
If you are 18-30, all you have to do is describe the 3-day trip of your dreams, with an...
April 2010
21 posts
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World's Most Impressive Skylines
Many of the world’s most famous skylines are more easily identifiable than the country’s flag and other national symbols. The skylines form uniquely structured compositions where the height of the buildings, their density and originality as well as the surroundings play a significant role in shaping impressive and beautiful cityscapes.
Have a look at some of the most stunning...
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Hostel Spotlight: New York
Welcome to HI-New York, Manhattan’s premier hostel and the biggest in North America - located in a landmark building on the Upper West Side. We’re just one block from Broadway and a main subway line, and only minutes from glorious Central Park.
Our friendly atmosphere and great facilities have made us world renowned as an international traveler’s hub providing the perfect mix for bringing...
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Commemorating Hostelling: Postage Stamps from...
Postage Stamp Gallery
Countries around the world have recognized the positive impact of hostelling on intercultural exchange and youth development and issued postage stamps in commemoration. Here are some highlights for all you stamp-collecting hostel buffs out there!
Australia (1989) To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Australian Youth Hostel Association. The stamp shows hostellers...
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Where to Find Unique and Affordable Paris...
Paris is full of history, magic, and beauty, and when it’s time for you to leave, you’re going to want to take a piece of that with you. But after spending a lot on hotels, meals, and excursions, what’s a cash-strapped traveler to do? While your budget may not allow designer labels or antiques, there are plenty of souvenirs more interesting than a miniature Eiffel Tower or a felt beret if you...
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Happy Earth Day! Are You a Green Globetrotter?
Happy Earth Day 2010! You may have traveled the world (or want to!) but how much do you really know about the earth? Are you really a Green Globetrotter?
Take these quick & fun Earth Day quizzes to find out your Earth IQ and learn more about Earth Day, conservation and how to make a difference for the world we live in:
Planet Green Quiz: Are you a Green Globetrotter
National Geographic...
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Packing the Western Version of a Bento Box
We all know that grocery stores and local markets can be a budget traveler’s best friend when trying to cut meal costs, but make sure you are being healthy and environmentally friendly, too!
Photo by gamene, feature photo by firepile
Michelle Schusterman explains how to use bento boxes to pack a healthier, more earth-friendly lunch.
Bento boxes, the Japanese art of packing an...
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Disney and SeaWorld offering free passes to...
Walt Disney World is offering free admission to travelers stuck in Orlando, as flights to and from Europe continue to be canceled because of an erupting volcano in Iceland.
Disney said it will offer one-day park hoppers on both Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The complimentary passes will also include admission to Disney’s two water parks.
Guests seeking the ticket will have to show a...
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America's Least Wasteful Cities
Earlier this month, Nalgene published the results of its second annual Least Wasteful Cities study; the rankings are visible in this graphic. San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Portland, Oregon, and Boston are the top five; Houston ranks last.
Read more…
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Amazing Street Art from Around the World
Going to museums and seeing the world’s great masterpieces is awesome, but some of the most amazing art isn’t listed in the average guide book or visited on most tours. It can be found and viewed for free - down random side streets, on sides of buildings and in neighborhoods and public spaces when you least expect it! Here’s just a sampling:
Triangulo Dorado, Buenos Aires
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World's Strangest Buildings
These odd, eye-popping structures—in England, China, and elsewhere—are worth a detour. Check out the slideshow here…
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Hostel Spotlight: HI-Waikiki, Hawaii
Live the Aloha Life on a Hostelling Budget!
Situated close to the city center, this hostel is only two blocks from Waikiki beach and is within easy reach of Ala Moana, Kailua and Hanauma Bay beaches. Island tours and nature walks can be arranged. There is room for 63 guests and facilities include internet access, TV, laundry and kitchen.
2 blocks from Waikiki Beach. Clean & safe!
The...
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What Can Scuba Teach Us About Travel?
Happy Friday everyone! I was browsing Matador Sports blog today and thought this post offered great insight into how the basic principles of Scuba diving can be applied to travel and how we approach life in general:
Over 60% of our planet is covered by water. Most of us only skim its surface.
Scuba divers like to go deep and stay there for a while. They want to better understand the ocean...
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One Day Without Shoes
Hopefully you’ve heard about TOMS Shoes and their mission of giving away a pair of shoes to a child in need, for every pair they sell. They’ve also started One Day Without Shoes and it’s TODAY!
WHY SHOES? One Day Without Shoes is the day we spread awareness about the impact a simple pair of shoes can have on a child’s life. On April 8th, TOMS asks people to go the day, part...
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Debunking the Myths of Hostels
The awesome travel writers over at BootsnAll have put together a huge section about hostels and hostelling! Here’s some advice we thought was handy:
Debunking the Myths of Hostels
Before we hit the myths, first let’s talk about one of the most universal truths of both hosteling and traveling: Be considerate of others, and treat them as you would like to be treated. Remember that,...
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GOOD Instructions: How to Travel Without Ruining...
For many of us, travel is a time to let go, unwind, indulge, or explore. All good things, but that doesn’t have to mean a vacation from your otherwise squeaky-clean, environmentally responsible habits. Travel is one of the more wasteful industries—just think of all those single-use bottles of moisturizer, the carbon cost of transatlantic flights, the rented cars—taking measurable tolls on...
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Hostel Spotlight: HI-Chicago
Located in the center of downtown, HI-Chicago is very close to Lake Michigan and within walking distance of Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Our neighborhood is safe, fun and easy to get to from anywhere in Chicago. The hostel is SO well located in fact, that it won the 2010 Award for Best Location by Hostelbookers!
Activities from the...
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HI World Destination of the Month: Fjord Norway!
Get Ready to Explore Fjord Norway- The World’s Best Destination as voted by the National Geographic Traveler
The western part of Norway is called ‘Fjord Norway’ and with good reason! The many fjords mean that this region of Norway is blessed with fantastic scenery like nowhere else in the world. The fjords of Norway have retained their natural beauty and feeling of untouched nature. For...
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Hostelling International Membership Explained
Hostelling International USA is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to helping all people, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through travel.
Membership is only $28US/year (FREE if you are under 18) and provides you with a wide range of awesome benefits, at home AND while you travel, including:
Access to more than 4,000 hostels in over...
March 2010
40 posts
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Earth Hour 2010: Before & During Lights Out Around...
Beginning in Sydney, Australia three years ago, Earth Hour has grown into a global observance. States, large organizations and individual people observed Earth Hour 2010 on Saturday March 27th, as homes, office towers and landmarks turned off their lights for an hour starting at 8.30 pm local time to raise awareness about climate change and the threat from rising greenhouse gas emissions.
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Happy Tumblr Tuesday!
Here’s a direct link, if you’d be kind enough to Recommend Us!
http://www.tumblr.com/directory/recommend/travel/hostellinginternationalusa
Thanks!
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National Park Week is April 17-25 So Come Visit!
To make it easier to experience America’s Great Outdoors, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees, so visitors can enjoy all 392 national parks for free April 17-25.
In addition, many national park concessioners are offering special promotions that are certain to add to your fun.
National parks across the country are also hosting events and volunteer projects on Earth Day...
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Hostel Spotlight: HI-Baltimore
HI-Baltimore is located in the heart of downtown Baltimore City. Nestled in between the Washington Monument and the Inner Harbor just off of Charles Street; we are within walking distance to everything Baltimore City has to offer. Explore the world famous Lexington Market. Walk along the water and discover the neighborhoods of the Inner Harbor, Harbor East, Fells Point, and Canton. Spend the...
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Join Us for Earth Hour!
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Top 10 Most Environmentally Friendly Nations
The 2010 Environmental Performance Index, which ranks 163 countries on 25 performance indicators tracked across ten policy categories covering both environmental public health and ecosystem vitality, has been released, and it’s worth looking at in closer detail for the aspiring expat or the eco-conscious traveler. These are the places with the most pristine environments, cleanest waters, most...
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Movies That Inspire Your Travel?
Saw interesting survey results recently that report nearly 20 percent of us have been inspired to hit the road after seeing a destination on the big screen.
Survey respondents cited more than 60 international locales, but Greece topped the list, thanks to the films “Mamma Mia” and “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.” Rounding out the top five were, in descending order of popularity:
New York City – 10...
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California Lighthouse Hostels Now Eco-Friendly...
Two historic lighthouse hostels in San Mateo County are now providing green-certified lodgings in dramatic coastal locations. By upgrading their facilities to exceed federal and state environmental regulations, and working to conserve natural resources, prevent pollution, and reduce waste, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel and the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel have received certification...
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Happy Tumblr Tuesday!
It’s Tumblr Tuesday again…please help out Hostelling International by Recommending us in either Travel or Nonprofit Directories (you choose!). Thanks!
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Travel Writing Contest: National Parks, Monuments...
Since several Hostelling International hostels are located at or near National Parks, Monuments and Seashores, we are super excited about this writing contest from 52perfectdays:
Submit Your Travel Article to the 52 Perfect Days 3rd Annual Travel Writing Contest for a chance to Win a Trip to Hawaii!
2010 Hot Topic to Write About: National Parks. “Inside every National Park are...
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World Monuments and Landmarks Participating in...
On Earth Hour hundreds of millions of people around the world will come together to call for action on climate change by doing something quite simple—turning off their lights for one hour. The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations.
Some of the world’s greatest buildings,...
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How to Turn a Hoodie Into a Backpack
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