Hostelworld's 8th annual Hoscar (HOStelworld Customer Annual Ratings) awards ceremony took place at the 26. Jan 2010 to recognize the best hostels in the world, voted for by 1 million Hostelworld.com customers in 2009.
The overall winner of the night was the Travellers House, a backpackers in Lisbon, Portugal.
Cape Town's famous"The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre" was voted the 3rd best hostel/backpackers in Africa by the customers of Hostelword.com.
Top 10 Worldwide Hostels:
1. Travellers House, Lisbon, Portugal
2. Rossio Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
3. Living Lounge Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
4. Academy Hostel, Florence, Italy
5. Carpe Noctem, Budapest, Hungary
6. The Riverhouse Backpackers, Cardiff, Wales
7. Lisbon Lounge Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
8. Greg & Tom Hostel, Krakow, Poland
9. The Naughty Squirrel Backpackers Hostel, Riga, Latvia
10. Lisboa Central Hostel, Lisbon, Portugal
Top 3 hostels in Africa:
1. Dahab Dorms, Dahab, Egypt
2. Riad Massine II, Marrakech, Morocco
3. The Backpack & Africa Travel Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
Showing posts with label worldwide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worldwide. Show all posts
26 January 2010
05 December 2009
International Volunteer Day (05 Dec 2009)
International Volunteer Day (IVD) at the 05 Dec 2009is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. The declared aim of this day is to thank the volunteers for their efforts and increase public awareness on their contribution to society. The International Volunteer Day is marked by most non-governmental organizations throughout the World.
In the Video:
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner
- United Nations Volunteers
- UN-led "Seal the Deal" campaign
- "Volunteering for our Planet" campaign
- Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
In the Video:
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner
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- United Nations Volunteers
- UN-led "Seal the Deal" campaign
- "Volunteering for our Planet" campaign
- Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen
02 June 2009
A taste of volunteering - by Justin Francis
If you are interested in volunteering to work with communities in need, or in wildlife conservation, but are unable to take very long periods off work then there is a new type of trip – a taste of volunteering – that might be of interest for you. These shorter trips combine volunteering with an opportunity to see the main sights in destinations.
Many of us like the idea of ‘doing something worthwhile’ during our time away from work - or between jobs. Of course if volunteering involves travelling to some of the most beautiful parts of the world then so much the better! We volunteer in the knowledge that as well as making a difference where it is needed most we will also discover new things about ourselves, and that pitching in together with like minded people is a great way to meet new friends.
Ten years ago volunteering either involved taking two years off in developing countries, or spending a weekend pulling prams out of canals in the UK. More recently tour companies have created one to three weeks trips which combine time spent volunteering with an opportunity to travel with your group to visit the main areas of interest as a tourist.
For example, a 19 day trip in Vietnam combines 6 days building a classroom, and then the opportunity to visit Hanoi, Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City for £995 excluding flights. Alternatively, you could combine a Tanzanian safari in the Serengeti with time spent building a home for street children, 13 days for £980 excluding flights.
The essential difference between a charity trek, where you raise sponsorship money for a cause, and these taste of volunteering holidays is that in these trips your contribution is principally the work that you contribute rather than a financial benefit, which of course makes them cheaper.
Choosing the right volunteering organisation
It’s important that you choose your volunteering organisation carefully. It’s vital that the project is based on real local development or conservation needs, and that local people are consulted about what is required and how it is implemented.
You certainly will enjoy your trip more if the benefits to conservation and local people are obvious. There have been examples of volunteering programmes are determined by what appeals to the volunteering organisation or tourists rather than real local needs.
My advice would be to ask to see detailed reports on the effectiveness of the projects before you travel, and to ask how local people are involved in the decision making processes. In some projects you will have the opportunity to work alongside local people, which is both desirable and enjoyable.
And finally
Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'. If you like the idea of travelling with a purpose then I’m confident that you’ll find these trips one of the most worthwhile, enjoyable and memorable experiences possible. [src]
Many of us like the idea of ‘doing something worthwhile’ during our time away from work - or between jobs. Of course if volunteering involves travelling to some of the most beautiful parts of the world then so much the better! We volunteer in the knowledge that as well as making a difference where it is needed most we will also discover new things about ourselves, and that pitching in together with like minded people is a great way to meet new friends.
Ten years ago volunteering either involved taking two years off in developing countries, or spending a weekend pulling prams out of canals in the UK. More recently tour companies have created one to three weeks trips which combine time spent volunteering with an opportunity to travel with your group to visit the main areas of interest as a tourist.
For example, a 19 day trip in Vietnam combines 6 days building a classroom, and then the opportunity to visit Hanoi, Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City for £995 excluding flights. Alternatively, you could combine a Tanzanian safari in the Serengeti with time spent building a home for street children, 13 days for £980 excluding flights.
The essential difference between a charity trek, where you raise sponsorship money for a cause, and these taste of volunteering holidays is that in these trips your contribution is principally the work that you contribute rather than a financial benefit, which of course makes them cheaper.
Choosing the right volunteering organisation
It’s important that you choose your volunteering organisation carefully. It’s vital that the project is based on real local development or conservation needs, and that local people are consulted about what is required and how it is implemented.
You certainly will enjoy your trip more if the benefits to conservation and local people are obvious. There have been examples of volunteering programmes are determined by what appeals to the volunteering organisation or tourists rather than real local needs.
My advice would be to ask to see detailed reports on the effectiveness of the projects before you travel, and to ask how local people are involved in the decision making processes. In some projects you will have the opportunity to work alongside local people, which is both desirable and enjoyable.
And finally
Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'. If you like the idea of travelling with a purpose then I’m confident that you’ll find these trips one of the most worthwhile, enjoyable and memorable experiences possible. [src]
11 May 2009
Overland Tours - special offers!
Southern Explorer
15 days Rio de Janeiro to Santiago
Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Puerto Varas, Santiago.
Journey across 3 countries through the heart of South America. Sip wines in Santiago, learn to tango in Buenos Aires and live it up in beachside Rio. Experience diverse landscapes, from majestic mountain peaks to roaring waterfalls, including the greatest of them all, breathtaking Iguassu Falls.
15 days Rio de Janeiro to Santiago
Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Puerto Varas, Santiago.
Journey across 3 countries through the heart of South America. Sip wines in Santiago, learn to tango in Buenos Aires and live it up in beachside Rio. Experience diverse landscapes, from majestic mountain peaks to roaring waterfalls, including the greatest of them all, breathtaking Iguassu Falls.
Special Discounted Departure
04 July - 18 July 2009
€1769 -20%
Your Price:
€1415.2
+
Local Payment 400 USD
04 July - 18 July 2009
€1769 -20%
Your Price:
€1415.2
+
Local Payment 400 USD
more info & booking >>
Roam Cambodia and Vietnam
20 days Bangkok to Hanoi
Bangkok, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat Temple complex, Phnom Penh, Sinhanoukville, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Hanoi.
The scenic beauty coupled with the diverse legacies of their past make Cambodia and Vietnam truly fascinating. Marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor, face the horrific reality of the Killing Fields, relax on white sandy beaches, brave Saigon and Hanoi's chaotic streets, soak up the relaxed pace of life in Hoi An and Hue, and discover an incredible corner of Indochina that you will never forget.
20 days Bangkok to Hanoi
Bangkok, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat Temple complex, Phnom Penh, Sinhanoukville, Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay, Hanoi.
The scenic beauty coupled with the diverse legacies of their past make Cambodia and Vietnam truly fascinating. Marvel at the ancient temples of Angkor, face the horrific reality of the Killing Fields, relax on white sandy beaches, brave Saigon and Hanoi's chaotic streets, soak up the relaxed pace of life in Hoi An and Hue, and discover an incredible corner of Indochina that you will never forget.
Special Discounted Departure
03 June - 22 June 2009
€729 - 20%
Your Price:
€583.2
+
Local Payment 300 USD
03 June - 22 June 2009
€729 - 20%
Your Price:
€583.2
+
Local Payment 300 USD
more info & booking >>
Roam Bangkok to Singapore
14 days Bangkok to Singapore
Bangkok, Southern Thailand beaches, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Singapore
With three world class cities to explore, stunning beaches, cool hill stations, colourful and fun bazaars and all the spicy, yet delicious, street food you can handle, this journey gives you a great insight to a unique and diverse part of the world.
14 days Bangkok to Singapore
Bangkok, Southern Thailand beaches, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Singapore
With three world class cities to explore, stunning beaches, cool hill stations, colourful and fun bazaars and all the spicy, yet delicious, street food you can handle, this journey gives you a great insight to a unique and diverse part of the world.
Special Discounted Departure
11 June - 24 June 2009
€429 -20%
Your Price:
€343.2
+
Local Payment 250 USD
11 June - 24 June 2009
€429 -20%
Your Price:
€343.2
+
Local Payment 250 USD
Tibet Adventure
15 days Beijing to Kathmandu
Beijing, Great Wall, Trans-Tibetan Railway, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Sakya, Everest Base Camp, Kathmandu
Take an amazing overland journey across the roof of the world. From the frenzied streets of Beijing travel the high-altitude railway to charming Lhasa and overland to Kathmandu via the great monastic centers of Central Tibet and Everest Base Camp. Take part in temple rituals and haggle for a bargain in the markets.
15 days Beijing to Kathmandu
Beijing, Great Wall, Trans-Tibetan Railway, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Sakya, Everest Base Camp, Kathmandu
Take an amazing overland journey across the roof of the world. From the frenzied streets of Beijing travel the high-altitude railway to charming Lhasa and overland to Kathmandu via the great monastic centers of Central Tibet and Everest Base Camp. Take part in temple rituals and haggle for a bargain in the markets.
Special Discounted Departure
21 June - 05 July 2009
€1319 -20%
Your Price:
€1055.2
+
Local Payment 250 USD
21 June - 05 July 2009
€1319 -20%
Your Price:
€1055.2
+
Local Payment 250 USD
more info & booking >>
Bangkok To Hanoi Adventure
14 days Bangkok to Hanoi
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Khong, Mekong River, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hanoi
From the hectic streets of Bangkok to the tranquil charm of Luang Prabang, and the timelessness of Vientiane, this is a memorable introduction to a land that is a treasure trove of history and culture. Experience this wondrous journey of an unforgettable area.
14 days Bangkok to Hanoi
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Khong, Mekong River, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Hanoi
From the hectic streets of Bangkok to the tranquil charm of Luang Prabang, and the timelessness of Vientiane, this is a memorable introduction to a land that is a treasure trove of history and culture. Experience this wondrous journey of an unforgettable area.
Special Discounted Departure
13 June - 26 June 2009
€729 -20%
Your Price:
€583.2
+
Local Payment 150 USD
13 June - 26 June 2009
€729 -20%
Your Price:
€583.2
+
Local Payment 150 USD
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