Franz and Adam at the Travel Shack were invaluable in organising the best way to see the city. They found us a great hostel, took us on bike ride of the city, a wicked vineyard tour to say the least.
Also great to meet people in their bar, I can't recommend it highly enough!
Travel Shack Vienna Mariahilfer Gurtel Vienna, Vienna 1150 Austria 4369918820156
One of the best hostels in Europe I have ever stayed in. High standard on a budget. Great location, no curfew - allowed me to enjoy nightlife to the maximum. Great facilities. It is not the cheapest hostel in town, but you get a lot of freebies, like breakfast, laundry, maps, lockers and wi-fi.
I stayed there on a Thursday and came right on time to have a piece of the usual Thursday afternoon cake. Glorious.
Mama's Hostel - Old Town
Zyblikiewicza St. 9
www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/poland/krakow/30362/
www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/poland/krakow
I have written a book (a series of humourous short stories) of my adventures over the years while backpacking, mostly alone, in my blue wheelchair. The book, 'Travels in a Blue Chair', documents my experiences over all six continents and through 28 countries, containing more than 55 stories. It's a twist on the usual backpacker book!
When I was in Rethymno, Crete in 2001 I was told about a hostel in a village called Plakias that I should go visit. I went down to Plakias and ended up staying for weeks, and returned several times over the next few years. There is great snorkeling and hiking within walking distance of the hostel. This is one of the best hostels I've been to in many years of travelling.
We travelled around Cambodia for around two weeks as a part of an extended backpacking trip around south-east Asia earlier in the year. Of course the temples are amazing but we would say try to extend your trip to see some of the more rural areas like Kratie.
This is a caravan park and recreation reserve where you can pitch a tent. For camping without the hassle and its close to the airport. Relatively inexpensive, within easy reach of the city and Glenelg the most popular tourist spot. They have cabins but who needs them when with your small tent and their fantastic kitchen, shower blocks, tv room, and the sun your set for a comfortable stay. It's right on the beach, surrounded by fencing and the restaurants and hotels of Glenelg, are a ten minute walk away. Great for families and backpackers.
The only hostel that remains open on the North Shore of Hawaii is called Backpackers. It’s in a great location (you can walk to famous surfer beaches like Sunset, Pipeline, etc.), and they offer four different types of accommodation, all a stone’s throw away from the beach.
59-788 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712
tel: 808 638 7838;
www.backpackers-hawaii.com;
For other hostels in Hawaii for less than $25 look at www.twizi.com/hawaiihostels.html
Old Prague Hostel offers cheap accommodation in the heart of Prague. Very central to everything, you do not have to use any public transportation. It's clean and social.
www.oldpraguehostel.com, Benediktska 2, Prague 1
Nest is a new hostel located in one of the most beautiful streets in Valencia and just a short walk to many of Valencia's most interesting sites.The historical appearance of the facade has been maintained, while creating a 70's Pop design interior in huge rooms with lots of natural light. Here I found backpackers from all around the world and could share experiences in a friendly atmosphere. There is a great common kitchen which is fully equipped, a dining area and a gorgeous top floor to chill out, listen to music, watch the TV or a DVD and play pool.
In Calle La Paz, 36 Valencia+34 963427168www.nestyh.com10 min. walk from the train station, bus number 8 from the bus station stops just at the front door.
Backpackers hotel in the centre of the new city, but just 5 mins walk from the old city. A reasonably well maintained hotel in a centuries-old Damascene 'Arabic House'. It's courtyard will transport you back through the ages - the ivy sheltering you from the sun, and the sound of car horns a couple of blocks away. Some rooms have en-suite facilities. Most rooms are double, but there are one or two dorms for the really tight-fisted. Prices are about £2-£3 per room per night. Yes, that is two pounds I've typed. Welcome to Syria! If you want something a bit higher standard, the nearby Al-Majed hotel is a world apart. Definately not for backpackers, this one. It's lobby and rooms feel like a three/four star hotel in Britain. Price per room is £15 per night.
Al-Rabie and Al-Majed are in Souq Saroujah - very close to Merjeh Square (the centre of the new city). Most taxi drivers know Al-Rabie (pronounced Rab-ee-ah) in Souq Saroujah - they might have more difficulty finding the Majed. saroujah.blogspot.com
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