Nowdays, Youth Hostels Associations worldwide have opened their doors to independent travellers of all ages and the Youth Hostels Association of New Zealand follows this trend in catering for the budget backpacker. They have a network of more than 50 hostels throughout New Zealand, many of which offer 5-star accommodation and you don't even need to be a member of the association to stay at one their hostels, although members benefit from a discount.
Read a great review of one of Queenstown's hostels written by Angela Walker. The review also covers some of the adrenalin charged activities on offer, in the region that bills itself as the world capital of extreme sports.
A breathtaking video from Santiago, showcasing the diverse landscapes, wildlife and culture of Colombia. A country described as a spectacular paradise.
From 1 April 2008, English residents aged 60 or over and others who are eligible because of a disability, will be entitled to free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. The off-peak time for the national scheme is defined as 9.30 am to 11.00 pm on Monday to Friday and at any time during the weekends and public holidays.
Unfortunately the scheme does not include long-distance coach or rail travel.
For more information and details about how to apply for a concessionary bus travel pass, go to the UK government web site. Their site includes links to the local authorities that are administering the scheme.
The World Health Organization provides free advice for anyone planning travel; enabling travellers to be informed about the potential hazards they may encounter in the countries they are travelling to and to learn how to minimize any risk to their health. They point out that forward planning, appropriate preventive measures and careful precautions can substantially reduce the risks of adverse health consequences.
While the medical profession and travel industry provide a great deal of help and advice, the WHO remind traveller's that they should take responsibility to ask for information, to understand the risks involved, and to take the necessary precautions for the journey. Travel light but travel with knowledge.
There will be plenty of activities on offer. You can get a taster dive session, scale a wall of ice, tackle high ropes and try out a mountain bike on a dirt track. Then you can listen to first-hand accounts of the travels of famous adventurers and learn how to explore the world yourself. There will be the usual map-reading tutorials and also the opportunity to learn about surviving in the wild.
The UK's local independent television network, ITV Local, has just launched a terrific resource for the independent traveller in the UK.
ITV Local: Travel News provides real-time traffic and travel news for England, Wales and the Scottish Borders. It has easy to use, live interactive traffic maps, road traffic cameras from the Highways Agency and Transport for London, plus rail, tube, air and sea alerts.
Passengers at Heathrow Airport's new terminal will travel the two and a half miles from the car park to the airport check-in, using driverless four-person vehicles. Since most of a flight is computer controlled, it does not require a vivid imagination to foresee a future of hands-free travel.
In fact, with the use of biometric data on passports and the trend towards networking databases, passengers could be scanned at the car park and then processed by the computers; being automatically delivered to their destination in much the same way as their luggage. At least when luggage gets lost, there could then be a fair chance that it will be accompanied by its owner.
Travelling around Singapore is a cinch and it just got a whole lot easier, and cheaper. There is a notably efficient public transportation network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit rail system.
A comprehensive transport guide for tourists has just been launched, including information on tourist hotspots and how to get there. For S$8 a day, tourists can buy a card which allows one, two or three days of unlimited travel on buses and trains.
A report entitled Ecotourism and Community Benefits, from Taiko Lemayan and Donald Mombo of the Kenya Community Based Tourism organisation, concludes that although poor communities in Kenya have devoted substantial portions of their own land to the wildlife conservation on which ecotourism businesses are based, they appear to have received very little in return and most of the businesses rewards from promoting responsible travel to areas rich in wildlife, have instead been enjoyed by various private investors with whom they seem to be in exploitative partnerships.
The report paints a gloomy picture of the reality of the much hyped notion that ecotourism in Kenya and elsewhere is a win-win solution, beneficial to the local people, while also helping to preserve the environment and conserve wildlife. More.
France is starting to deal with a series of open-ended strikes that are expected to paralyse public services and utilities. Beginning today, only about 12% of the high-speed TGV trains are running and there is almost no Paris metro service. Paris Opera House and Comedie Francaise State Theatre are expected to be closed, while disruption is anticipated to escalate next week when civil servants, teachers and other public employees will stage protests.
EDF electricity and GDF gas are caught up in the turmoil and even the magistrates and court clerks are planning to take to the streets. As you might expect, the French students have got involved and to cap it all, next week there will be no forecast from Meteo France weather employees.
This is bad news for Parisian hoteliers who report that over a quarter of their reservations have been cancelled already. More information and comment.
Worldiki is reckoned to be the first travelog in the world to chronicle the round-the-world adventures of two geeks who intend to keep up their careers while going anywhere they want. Showing how it is to be working on their businesses from anywhere in the world.
Pedro Pla and Grace Cheng aim to screen a short video clip as frequently as possible, featuring the different places, experiences, and people that they meet along the way. Making life a holiday and documenting it.
South Africa, Botswana and Namibia have agreed regional co-operation in tourism, with the aim of avoiding long queues and unnecessary detours for visitors travelling in the region, as a result of the 2010 soccer world cup. To this end, a Tourist Access Facility, located on the South Africa and Namibia border, in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has just been opened and this will enable tourists to take a short cut across the border at Mata Mata, without having to leave the park. Information from SABC News.
Eric Millirons, has written an article in WC Exchange about an alternative to the herd mentality of touring Europe on one big bus ride. For many Americans, Eric alleges that the European Tour means "traveling in buses with 40 other Americans, staying in hotels frequented by Americans, eating in restaurants that cater to Americans and seeing only those sights that all Americans seem to love."
The alternative, enjoyed by Eric Millirons and his family is Untours European Vacation Rentals. Untours was founded in 1975 by Hal Taussig and his wife Norma and grew from a desire to introduce Americans to a deeper way of experiencing Europe than the standard superficial bus tour. Norma & Hal Taussig, believe in living simply and in sharing the profits of their business to create a better world; something that they have been creatively working at through their Untours Foundation, which provides Microcredit to create jobs, build low-income housing, and support Fair Trade products, all through the most environmentally friendly means possible. If you read Eric's article, you will see that they also provide great alternative European tours.
Here is a great step by step guide to escape the rat race and get started backpacking around the world. As the guys at startbackpacking say, it is not a matter of age or money, anyone can get out and enjoy a great adventure; but you can make life a hell of a lot easier for yourself by getting good advice.
One epic adventurer is Jason Lewis, he set out 13 years ago to peddle, paddle, roller blade, walk and swim around the world. Hats off to Jason, who is about to complete circumnavigating the globe, ending his 46,000 mile journey at the Greenwich Meridian, London, UK. I guess that he will then treat himself to a train ride to his home in Dorset.
Iceland, known as the land of the midnight sun, has a great deal to offer those who seek adventure and freedom. Spectacular nature, fascinating sagas, extraordinary geology and a friendly fun-loving people are all to be found there.
Iceland Worldwide is a highly recommended information website about Iceland and is both a useful resource for the traveller and an outstanding image bank.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of the most spectacular shows on earth and we are moving into the light-show season. Take a look at the special Northern Lights feature on the Iceland Worldwide website; breathtaking.
It appears that Recycle Now, the UK's recycling champions, are urging everyone to cut down on their use of travel brochures. They point out that nowadays it is easy to use sites such as the Activity Holidays Guide to source a holiday and it is easier than ever to book on line.
With 180 million travel brochures being distributed in the UK each year and most of them ending up in landfill, they urge holidaymakers to recycle those old brochures. Problem is that I suspect many of the brochures are not all that eco-friendly. As you might expect, we only really use the Internet in my household, but in the past we have fed old brochures to the worms (we have a garden wormery) but they didn't show a lot of interest in the hard, glossy, finish that makes most travel brochures so attractive.
50 years ago, a young man and his friend took a legendary motorcycle trek across the back-roads of Latin America. The man was Che Guevara and in a new National Geographic Adventure and Geographic television series making its US premiere on V-me Tuesday, September 4, 2007, two, similarly young, Latin Americans retrace their path. They cover more than 13,000 kilometers through the same pampas, rivers and mountains, of Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela, contrasting their observations with those of Che and his friend, Alberto Granados. Exhilarating stories and stunning imagery combine to provide a fresh and entertaining perspective on Latin American travel and history.
This should give you guys food for thought over the upcoming holiday weekend. According to a consumer survey conducted by the UK's Bradford and Bingley, one in five British women wouldn't mind swapping their husbands for someone else.
The company also found that more than half of the people over the age of 35 wish they had travelled more. Now does this mean that a tenth of over 35s can save their marriage by going on a tour or that a tenth of over 35s who go on a tour, might come back with a different partner.
Whatever, it is clear that people enjoy the adventure of travel and it becomes a source of regret if every opportunity is not taken to experience as much of the world as possible.
Urban travellers in US cities are now able to use their mobile phones to dial up a find-a-loo service. That's right folks, the ultimate convenience.
Go to www.mizpee.com in your mobile web browser, enter your location and get a list of toilets in the locality. Of course you could try asking someone but mizpee will also provide a detailed listing of the facilities offered and a user-generated cleanliness rating; you know the sort of thing, 5 toilet-rolls excellent and 1 toilet-roll, well let's not go there!
If you decide to use this service, please understand that we cannot be held responsible for any shortcomings, inconvenience or consequential losses. As always, we advise you to check all the details yourself and where necessary, to take professional advice.
We think that this idea has a lot going for it and can see it spawning a new generation of community network sites, each offering subscriber's their own bog. Does this mean that blogging is going down the pan? Will Blogger be replaced with Bogger? One thing is clear, we are witnessing the birth of a new web service that is destined to just run and run; it could end up going anywhere.
Initially launched in San Francisco, MizPee now also covers Portland, Minneapolis, Washington DC, Atlanta, Oakland, and San Jose. The service providers are hoping to cover more cities as soon as possible.
Brits travelling across the channel for their annual summer holidays will benefit from most of continental Europe being in the European Union (EU). Sadly, the UK chose to opt out of the Euro and hang on to the Pound, which means that somewhere along the line currency exchange will cost the British tourist money, but that aside, European Citizenship brings a raft of benefits.
UK residents are generally entitled to medical treatment, equivalent to that provided under the state scheme, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when visiting another EU country. However, to obtain treatment under the scheme, they must produce a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). To get a card, free of charge, UK applicants can either apply online, telephone 0845 606 2030, or ask at the Post Office for an application form.
It is only necessary to apply once and remember that an EHIC will last for up to 5 years, so do not leave it until the last minute to apply. Seasoned travellers should also note that the old E111 certificates are now invalid and holders should apply for an EHIC. Presumably, similar arrangements are in place for the citizens of other member states.
Government advice is that EHIC and holiday insurance are complementary. Travellers are recommended to have both because there are some costs, such as repatriation, which are not covered by the EHIC. Some insurance companies actually require that people they insure have an EHIC, while some will waive any excess charge if an EHIC has been used.
Another benefit is the authorisation to drive throughout the EU. However, motorists must again look carefully at the small print of their insurance policy if they take motor vehicles abroad.
The problem is that under current EU law, insurance companies only have to offer cover for damage an insured driver causes to another vehicle or driver, so called third-party insurance. Auto insurance companies are under no obligation to provide cover against theft, accidental damage to the insured car or personal injury; even if these circumstances are covered in the UK by a comprehensive insurance policy.
British motorists taking their cars to Europe must usually notify their insurer and it is sometimes possible to upgrade the level of cover but the upgrade is unlikely to be free. Presently, it seems as if there are only a couple of insurance companies who provide motorists with the same level of insurance cover wherever they use their cars in the EU; if a UK motorist is fortunate enough to have comprehensive insurance with one of these companies, then their comprehensive insurance cover continues when they take the Eurostar or ferry across the channel.
Here is an idea, roaming through 25 countries in 212 days, with six backpackers, a camera, a blog, and a mission to see it all. What makes it an interesting idea is that the entire operation will be web based, with the journey documented using the web and broadcast on GlobeRoamerTV.
What makes the idea particularly interesting is founder, Eric Odom's view that "There are millions of travelers who leave their homes every year seeking adventure, off the beaten path journeys, and life changing experiences" who the mainstream travel media is letting down by giving "a false sense of reality on what it's all about." Eric and his team intend "taking old traditional entertainment out of the hands of corporations, and putting it into the hands of the travelers themselves."
They intend beginning with a journey through Europe on September 1st, 2008, and have obviously given a lot of thought to planning the schedule, arriving in Munich on the opening day of Oktoberfest!
Suzanne Herz, publisher of Flying Dolphin Press, has announced that Kazakhstan television reporter, Borat Sagdiyev, has signed with them to write a dual title travel guide:'Borat: Touristic Guidings To Minor Nation of U.S. and A." and 'Borat: Touristic Guidings To Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan.' Presumably the guide will contrast with established publications by taking a more down to earth look at each countries culture and heritage. Or should we say a more downright earthy approach? Hopefully, Borat will provide valuable insight into the difficult travel restrictions and entry regulations facing tourists, and also pass on tips to ensure travellers get to experience the underbelly of society.
Borat is the creation of British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and fictional star of the fake documentary, 'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan'. The book is due for publication November 6, 2007; put it on your Christmas list now.
As we have reported in our Beyond Boarders blog, the Association of Surf Professionals have just completed event number three of their World Championship Tour in Tahiti. This video from the Tahiti Tourist Board illustrates why a group of tough-skinned surfers describe Tahiti as 'Paradise on Earth'.
Funny thing is, that although Tahiti is home to one of the best waves in the world, the Tourist Board video, while providing a lovely overview of the beautiful Islands of Tahiti, doesn't show any surfing. I will make up for that in the next few days, by posting a 'Surfing in Tahiti' video clip over on Beyond Boarders.
Had the press release been a few weeks earlier, many might have thought that a newly announced British Standard was an April Fool joke. The standard in question BS 8848:2007 Specification for the provision of visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the United Kingdom, is a 45 page document developed for adventurous activities abroad with the laudable aim of reducing the risk of injury or illness. It was conceived because of (British) consumer concerns about the risks associated with adventure holidays, fieldwork, expeditions and other visits, and the variable levels of competence, training and fitness of participants.
However, the standard's strategy is to specify requirements that should be met by an organiser of adventurous trips, in order to conform to good practice. Of course, the definition of 'good practice' was decided by the committee that produced the standard, but that aside, the key words are: 'specify requirements' and 'good practice'; what is being offered is a checklist of items that can be used by British nationals, or anyone else, planning adventurous travel outside the UK, and is particularly aimed at expedition organisers; universities, further education colleges and other organisers of field work and field research; gap year travel companies; providers of adventure holidays or vacations; and voluntary groups organising adventurous travel. Helping them to identify and manage risks when planning their ventures and therefore reducing the likelihood of serious harm or injury to participants.
I guess that the value of the standard will depend on the definition of 'good practice' and the way in which it is applied. The provision of such activities within Britain is governed by UK Health and Safety guidelines, and various consumer protection laws, but presumably the same 'good practice' is relevant, whatever and wherever the adventure. Participants can use the new standard, BS 8848:2007, to gauge levels of risk applicable to them and get answers to the 'what if' questions. Hopefully, the advice is universal.
By the way, the reference number for the new standard '8848' corresponds to the height of Mt. Everest in metres, the International Standards Organization unit of distance.
An interesting exhibition of vintage photographs from the second half of the 19th century, is being run by the Department of Art and Archaeology at Princeton University. The exhibition in McCormick Hall, Princeton, New Jersey, USA, runs through September 28, 2007 and is called "Global Views: 19th-century Travel Photographs".
Early travel photographs are proving to be an important record of architectural and social history and this exhibition particularly illustrates how travel photographers documented historical monuments, archaeological sites and scenes of daily life from the Middle East and Asia, 100 to 150 years ago.
Hungary is expected to join the EU's passport-free travel area (Schengen area) on January 1, 2008, which allows for passport-free travel between participating countries.
There is usually a passport or ID check for air travel inside the Schengen area, but not for surface travel and a common visa is available for nationals from non-participating countries wishing to travel to the area.
Currently 15 countries have implemented the agreement, including non-EU members Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, and a further 15 countries are signatories. Eight of the other signatories are also likely to join with Hungary, leaving the United Kingdom and Ireland as the only two EU members not to fully implement the Schengen Agreement.
It seems that California and New York remain the destination of choice for U.S. tourists seeking food and wine related travel themes. Culinary activities participated in while traveling include cooking classes, dining out for a unique and memorable experience, visiting farmers markets, gourmet food shopping and attending food festivals. Wine activities included participating in winery tours, driving a wine trail, tasting locally made wines and attending wine festivals. Within the past three years, 17% of American leisure travelers (27 million travelers), engaged in culinary or wine-related activities while traveling; based on a new report from the Travel Industry Association (TIA), in partnership with Gourmet and the International Culinary Tourism Association.
The top 3 destinations for food-related travel were California (14%), Florida (10%) and New York (7%). While Florida barely makes a showing in the poll for wine-related travel, the top 2 destinations are again California out in front with 31% followed by New York with 10%. However, I bet Florida would fair better in a comparison of wine consumption!
Nationals from the 12 South American nations, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela, will soon will be able to travel throughout their region without needing visas.
This free-travel policy is in contrast to the policy direction of the U.S., where nationals are now to be required to have passports when crossing the U.S./Canadian border.
Exhilarating stories and stunning imagery combine to provide a fresh and entertaining perspective on Latin American travel and history.
