Street Art London: Stik

There has been some debate in recent weeks as to the nature of graffiti: is it art or just plain vandalism.  Griff from Street Art London is a strong believer that street art is indeed art and has kindly agreed to write up a guest post for me.  All photographs in this post are copyright of Street Art London.

We thought it would be a good idea to offer an insight into the work of one particular street artist whose work us Londoners are becoming more familiar and gaining a greater affinity with. This street artist is Stik, and if you have taken a stroll around East London recently then you will probably have noticed his 'Stik People' hanging around on the walls of derelict buildings and sleeping on shop shutters and doorways.

 
 

Stik People originally began to appear in Hackney Wick but have, in recent times, been steadily on the march towards Central London. At present, Stik is one of the most prolific street artists in London and is always putting up new work – 2011 being no exception. There are even a number of Stik People just off Shaftsbury Avenue.

Stik himself has spent a sizable portion of his life living on the street and in squats and such themes of human vulnerability trace through in his street art. Although they are androgynous and constructed out of very simple shapes Stik People are nonetheless capable of conveying complex emotions. In Stik's own words:

“Beauty is in movement. That’s what it’s about. Beauty is about the way that someone moves their body. You can tell by someone’s walk if they’re angry, whether they’re happy or if they’ve just eaten. You can tell a lot about someone just by the way they’re moving their back or their eyes. There doesn’t need to be a great deal of detail there. You can see it from across the road. You can see someone silhouetted against a white wall in the night and check whether they’re walking in an aggressive way or if they’re someone you know. That’s what I’m trying to capture in my work – that direct recognition.”

Read the full interview on Street Art London.

For more street artist news visit us at Street Art London and check out our Facebook community. We also do walking tours around East London and would love to show you all of Stik's work (and more from the likes of Banksy, Eine, C215 etc. etc.) up close.

If any of you are interested in going on one of the walking tours, I was thinking of going in April.  Let me know if you’d like to join in!

Backpacking Guide to Eastern Europe

I fell in love with Serbia earlier this year and cannot wait to explore more of the Balkans and Eastern Europe.  Of course, I have to convince my rather reluctant husband that Eastern Europe is the place to go.  To help me out, the kind people at HostelBookers.com agreed to write a guest post on Eastern Europe.

Prague Castle by Night (uploaded on Flickr.com by vlastula) 

Eastern Europe is a popular backpacker’s destination. Not only is it often cheaper than the rest of Europe, it has plenty of up and coming cities that everyone is talking about. Check out our route from Prague to Krakow, Vienna, Budapest and Dubrovnik on a map of Eastern Europe. You can travel in either direction, but we’ll be going north to south – somehow it feels like going downhill. And of course, if you are visiting in the summer months Dubrovnik makes an ideal last stop where you can relax on the beautiful beaches for a few days. You might want to put aside a few weeks to do this trip. Why not get an InterRail pass and travel by train? To save money en route book hostels in Eastern Europe.

 

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle From The Charles Bridge (uploaded on Flickr.com by Jim Linwood)

For an alternative sightseeing tour with a local spin, hop on tram 14. You’ll have great views of Prague castle when you cross Štefánik’s Bridge, a vista across the water as you ride alongside the Vltava river and past a Gothic church before climbing a steep (steep!) hill. For a mere €1, this is a bargain. Browsing is a particularly cheap thing to do on holiday – in bookshops especially. Anagram Books (Tyn 4) is close to Old Town Square and has plenty of English titles to peruse. Prague has many teashops; in fact it claims to have the biggest number of them per capita in the world! Čajovna Jedna Báseň (Pod Zvonařkou 14) has that little something extra, it’s cosy, has two cats padding around the place and also hold little concerts on their small wooden stage so check out what’s going on and time your visit. Don’t think you’ll end up in the sticks as a backpacker on a low budget. You can find a Prague youth hostel right in the historic centre close to all the nightlife.

 

Krakow, Poland

Stajnia cafe, Kazimierz, Krakow, Poland (uploaded on Flickr.com by Jerzyw)

It’s easy to find green space in this city. Once you’ve explored the picturesque old town, head in any direction and you’ll hit one of the parks that surround the centre. You can track down some of the film scenes from Schindler’s List in the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz. The area is also the place to grab a huge open sandwich, called zapiekanke, for as little as €3. Here, the queues speak for themselves. You could certainly wile away an afternoon exploring some of Krakow’s beautiful Baroque churches but people also visit Krakow to make the most of the cheap drinks on offer. If you’re looking for a hostel Krakow boasts some stunning properties.

 

Vienna, Austria

Belvedere Palace in Vienna (uploaded on Flickr.com by Tobi_2008)

A good place to mingle with students is to head to the university neighbourhood. Not only will you pick up a few tips of upcoming gigs and events but the University of Vienna (Dr. Karl Lueger Ring 1) is a particularly beautiful building with a pretty park in the centre and a good value cafe. For old-Austrian charm, head to the famous Café Hawelka (Dorotheergasse 6). Furnishings and customs have hardly changed – they even continue to sell single cigarettes out of a glass on the counter. Visit on an evening and order Buchteln, a delightful dessert. The heated open-air pool on the Danube is the perfect place to cool off in summer months and it’s open until midnight! You can continue the party at Badeschiff Wien both a bar and dance floor playing electro, and your favourite indie tracks. You can book a Vienna youth hostel or cheap hotel close to the river, train station or the city’s buzzing nightlife.

 

Budapest, Hungary

Művészetek Palotája, MűPa (uploaded on Flickr.com by Birtalan Attila)

Everybody wants to find something special off the tourist track. Gerlóczy Étterem is not far from Deák Ter but it is located in a small square nearby. Don’t be put off by the well-dressed waiters, for as little as €5 you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner in this quaint spot with outdoor seating. If you have the midnight munchies after a night on the town, head to Szeraj (Szent István körút 13). This Turkish eatery which serves warming Turkish tea and hearty fast-food is popular with locals and is open 9am until 4am. Művészetek Palotája, MűPa (Komor marcell utca 1) is a centre for culture and because it is not located right in the city centre, it is often overlooked by visitors. Take tram 2 for a 15-minute ride to Millenáris Kulturális Központ. You’ll find a contemporary art gallery, concert halls and the national theatre all housed in the spectacularly modern building. Don’t forget to visit one of the beautiful bath houses such as Gellert or Szechenyi, as much for the architecture as for the relaxation. You can find a Budapest hostel in a historic building with plenty of character.

 

Dubrovnik

Saturday in Dubrovnik (uploaded on Flickr.com by dediva)

There are lots of lovely nooks and crannies to explore in this beautiful walled town on the gloriously blue Adriatic coast. Days on the beach are always cheap so pick up picnic treats from the market on Gunducileva Square. To escape the city, you can make a day trip to Locrum for a spot of peace and quiet, and yet more lazing on beach. The ride will cost you less than €5. If you are looking to stay in a youth hostel Dubrovnik offers limited choice inside the city walls, it will also be more expensive.

Madeleine Wilson is a travel writer for the budget accommodation website, HostelBookers. She specializes in guides and low-cost travel solutions for destinations around the world.

Guest Post: Detained Abroad? Traveling Safely

Christina and Marcus are two writers who "blog for recreation". Christina contacted me a short while ago and asked about writing a guest post on travelling safely with a focus on detainment in foreign lands and I jumped at the chance to feature this post because I have been following the story of the three hikers that were detained in Iran (see: Free The Hikers).  I hope you’ll find this excellent post informative and helpful and if nothing else, I think it will stimulate some interesting responses!

Highlighting the Necessity for Practicing Safety and Common Sense When Traveling

1: Boeing 747

Over the past nine years, traveling conditions have become anything but convenient.  It is understandable that extreme measures be taken in an attempt to prevent an event such as 9/11 from occurring again, however, many have found that the enjoyable aspect of traveling has disappeared.  As security gets tighter and tighter, we find ourselves spending a significant portion of our vacation time getting screened at security checkpoints en route to our destinations. However, the value of ensured safety can definitely rival the uncomfortable nature of going through security.

2: Aftermath of Sept 11 World Trade Center Attack

Security Increase

Many frequent travelers are aware of the time consuming security checkpoints and they plan ahead. Ultimately, as we all get used to increases in security we become more patient with the process and more understanding and appreciative of the benefits of it. It is the unexpected hiccups in traveling that make it frustrating, such as being the one who gets picked for the “random” full body scan in the airport, or perhaps getting detained in a foreign country because you lost your credentials to get home.

3: Airport Security

In worst case scenario, being accused of committing a crime, being arrested, or being convicted in a foreign country can be extremely scary especially if you do not know governing laws, possible punishments, and whether or not you will ever return home to see your loved ones. Possibly scarier than getting detained for something you actually did do would be getting detained for something you did not do (or at least had no intent to do). Under those circumstances, travelers probably question the real reason they are being detained and when they find no justification for it, they may begin to fear the worst is yet to come. This scenario is undoubtedly not something the average traveler expects to experience on a routine trip.

American Journalists Arrested in North Korea

In the last couple of years, we’ve seen some high profile situations arise where travelers visited foreign countries and were detained in prison for a long period of time on accusations of criminal behavior. One case involved two American Journalists (Laura Ling, 32, and Euna Lee, 36) that were arrested in North Korea and sentenced on June 8, 2009 to hard labor for allegedly crossing into the country in pursuit of a story. The women dealt with anxiety and fear as they awaited the outcome, both pleading that they had no intention of breaking any North Korean laws or doing anything that they thought would warrant their arrest. As their story earned the national spotlight, U.S. citizens and officials became much more vocal/active in trying to earn the two women their freedom. Many Americans believed that the Journalists were being falsely accused as a result of political motives and that the journalist should therefore be released as a humanitarian act. Despite the vocalized U.S. public opinion, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, instead called for amnesty (rather than their release on humanitarian grounds) likely figuring that if the North Korean government found the journalist guilty of committing a crime then a humanitarian act to free them would not be an option. Calling for amnesty provided an opening for their release that could be granted as a human rights gesture and as a favor to the U.S. even though the journalists were found guilty. Ultimately, it took the effort of former President Bill Clinton and his chief of staff, Doug Band, to free the journalists.

Bill Clinton and Doug Band Step In

Having been a former President of the United States, Clinton has always been extremely active in political efforts. He incorporated large scale humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives into his work as part of his post presidency. His reputation among foreign leaders weighs heavily when working with them to resolve issues. The clout surrounding his name can certainly come in handy in situations that involve negotiating. This has become especially true ever since Doug Band suggested to Bill Clinton that they create the Clinton Global Initiative which in the last several years has taken on thousands of projects that tackle worldwide issues that, in turn, has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Having said all that, it makes sense that having him represent your side in any situation can certainly be a valuable bargaining chip. This was proven when he and Doug Band made a surprise visit to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong-il and returned home with the two American journalists that had been detained for nearly 5 months.

American Hikers Arrested in Iran

In a more recent incident, three U.S. hikers were taken prisoner in Iran for allegedly crossing into Iran territory illegally and under suspected espionage and spying offenses. The three hikers were Shane Bauer, Sarah Shourd and Josh Fattal. They were arrested on July 31, 2009 while on a hiking trip along the Iraq-Iran border. They claimed that if they had crossed into Iran it was an accident and that the border was not clearly marked. An Iraqi border official told the AP that the hikers were arrested on Iranian soil which actually countered a statement that anonymous witnesses made explaining that the hikers were actually arrested on the Iraq side of the border. Due to the nature of the problem, the inconsistencies in the stories/evidence and the spike in national publicity the arrests received, U.S. citizens undoubtedly voiced their opinions and took action. Many citizens decided the arrests were politically motivated and pushed for their release as a necessary humanitarian act and as a sign of good faith. Resolution in this particular case carries significant weight because of the U.S.-Iranian relationship.

Safety Recommendation

Regardless of the outcome of these two stories, the underlying theme is the same for both. That is, traveling can be extremely dangerous no matter where you are headed, even in locations where danger is not commonly thought to be present. Nobody wants to find themselves detained in a foreign country with no way to communicate to family members and friends back home. Safety tips should be followed to help avoid potentially devastating problems while traveling.

4: Detainee Jail Cell

Traveling Tips & Resources

In an effort to alleviate safety concerns and potential fear associated with traveling, some simple recommendations can be followed. Travelers should do their best to immerse themselves into the culture of the country they are visiting and try to blend in with the foreign natives as opposed to standing out in the crowd and causing reason for suspicion.  This will not only allow travelers to experience more, but it will also make them less of a target of con, theft, and violence.  Avoiding locations that are close to potential problem areas should be common sense. It is understood that safety is a concern no matter where you go, but it is simply smarter to avoid an area where conflict is known to exist. There are plenty of destinations that can provide a unique experience to travelers that do not test concerns for safety. While these tips are very basic, many more traveling tips are readily available online on the U.S. Department of State website. In addition to general tips, the website also provides country specific advice for travelers. There is no way to be safer than to understand the culture of the destination you will be traveling and to steer clear of areas where “worst-case-scenario” can become a reality rather easily.

Conclusion

Traveling can be extremely dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. Should a problem arise, getting government officials and/or other celebrity individuals involved to help is extremely rare and certainly doesn’t happen every day. In reality, travelers are detained all the time and most often we do not hear about it. The situations in North Korea and Iran received massive amounts of publicity and media hype which is largely responsible for getting Clinton and Band involved. Should your story of being detained never get out, the end result likely might not be as positive as the one in North Korea.

Additionally, many of our elected officials and representatives are busy. Sometimes the projects they are working on could be other crisis situations with thousands of lives at stake that require their undivided attention. A trip to rescue an individual traveler would not take precedent over response to events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, or the earthquake that rocked Haiti.

5: Obama, Clinton and Bush Discuss Earthquake in Haiti

The journalists in North Korea may have gotten lucky that there was no catastrophic event taking place simultaneously that would’ve put their story on the backburner. In summary, when traveling, you are primarily responsible for taking care of yourself and ensuring your own safety. Use common sense and do your research before exploring new areas.

Travel Recommendation

Taking the proper steps to ensure your safety while traveling can result in a very comfortable and fun vacation. You may recall the recent World Cup event hosted in South Africa that turned out to be a great tourist attraction and a great vacation for those that did in fact make the trip out there. If you are looking for something new to do, international travelers (especially those that like sports) should like to know that they may find themselves booking itineraries throughout the United States in the near future. With everything Bill Clinton has going on, he and Doug Band recently joined the U.S. World Cup Bid Committee Board of Directors in an effort to help bring the World Cup to U.S. soil in 2018 or 2022. The event attracts millions of spectators and provides a rare opportunity for natives to show overwhelming support for their respective countries on a national stage. Attending is guaranteed to be a unique experience arguably second to none.

 6: 2010 World Cup Event in South Africa

The country hosting the games undoubtedly receives an economic boost as a result of all of the extra work and jobs that are required to handle the influx of tourism. The country that wins the bid would likely have to be considered safe for travel. With Doug Band and Bill Clinton representing the U.S. Bid, there is no doubt that all of their peaceful endeavors that have promoted international cooperation and the resolution of world issues to date will add value to the U.S. push to win the bid. Travelers just might find themselves headed to America to bear their colors and watch their team compete within the next several years. It is recommended that tourists take the trip to see the World Cup games regardless of who in fact wins the bid.

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Written by Christina Johnson and Marcus Reyes

Christina and Marcus are blogging hobbyists who enjoy writing about trending topics as they occur in real time. Both Christina and Marcus have interest in political science and public policy and contribute written work to the blogosphere on topics that are political in nature. While Christina is primarily interested in international relations, Marcus tends to focus more on domestic policy, often which pertains to alternative energy and economics. Christina and Marcus share a mutual interest in traveling and athletics and cooperated in order to produce the article above.

Guest Post: Volunteer Vacations

This is a guest post from the wonderful and talented team at My Dog Ate My Blog.  I’ve been wanting to volunteer for ages but didn’t even know where to start so thank you to Estela for writing and Emily for arranging this post!

Rwandan landscape by Gareth Codd

If you are yearning for a vacation and would like to do something helpful while you're away, look into volunteer vacations. Not only will you be serving the world, but you will get the opportunity to experience something different and likely eye-opening. Save rhinos from being extinct in Borneo, build homes in third world countries with Habitat for Humanity, preserve American national parks for the posterity, alleviate the AIDS and HIV problems in Africa, or transform the agricultural system in Asia. Whatever your passion or interests may be, there is an opportunity for you to make a difference. All you need to do is browse through informative volunteer vacation sites and find a cause that gets you excited to do service.

The first thing you need to know about volunteer vacations is that you are not getting paid to go on them but are rather paying to get involved. Cost for going on these service trips range from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand (for example, from $100 to $4,000). Again, this all depends on where you are planning to go and how long you are planning to stay. But know that there is always a way to lessen the challenges of funding. There are nonprofit organizations looking to sponsor interested volunteers, or at least pay for some of the expenses, so tap into these resources and see how they can help you go on these trips.

New Mexico by Wolfgang Staudt

A volunteer vacation that will costs you as low as $200 and bring you into the heart of nature can be sought with Wilderness Volunteers, a nonprofit organization that seeks to maintain the the U.S. national parks and forests. From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Kenai in Arkansas or Yosemite in California to Cibola in New Mexico, parks all over the nation are within reach. You can help with revegetation projects, creating new trials, maintaining camping sites, and so much more. This will not only get you into the great outdoors but help you see the beauty of living and being in nature. You will breathe fresh air, you will marvel, and simply enjoy a more simpler life even if only for a moment.

While working is a key aspect of volunteer vacations, service work is more enriching and enjoyable than the normal work you do in your day job. You will even have some time off in the evenings and weekends to explore the land, seek out new activities, and be the kind of traveler that gets in tune with the locals and the culture of the area. You can learn to do something you have never done before, like make a hand-woven basket, or you can photograph fascinating local tourist spots. All this and more is offered to you during volunteer vacations and the more aspect is all up to you and what you make with your time.

El Capitan Spring - Yosemite National Park, California by PatrickSmithPhotography

So take that plunge and go on a volunteer vacation. These service trips will leave you with photographs, memories, and, most importantly, an experience filled with helping others and learning about yourself. You will make friends while doing work and even on your day off that may be part of your life for a long time. You may even get so hooked on service that you decide to take more volunteer vacations to different places and sometimes to the same ones.

It is adventures like these that leave you feeling rejuvenated with life. With all the hustle and bustle of twenty-first century living, vacations filled with service are the means to de-stress and give back to humanity.

Here are some pictures of volunteers being one with nature. Check out some more pictures of volunteers helping orphans in Thailand.

Estela Go is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer on online schools for Guide to Online Schools.

Top 5 Unique (and Free) Things To Do in London

By Yuli Linssen-Kaminitz

London is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe – there is an unlimited number of museums, more than 100 theatres, the famous Royal Family, numerous vintage shops and of course Kate Moss. Even though London attracts more than 27 million tourists a year, many people from outside Europe still find it an extremely expensive destination to visit.

In order to make life easier for those of you who cannot afford to go to on a shopping spree or watch three theatre shows in a row, here are the top 5 free things to do in the city:

1. Speakers’ corner

Cumberland Gate, Park Lane, North East corner of Hyde Park, London W1K 7TY, United Kingdom

Open Sun 12pm-7:30pm

Not only is this attraction free of charge, it is also worth visiting regardless! Where else would you be able to listen to extremely passionate people talking about their beliefs, ideas, conspiracy theories and rough opinions? In 1872 Parliament decided to allow public speaking in the north-eastern corner of London's Hyde Park. People from all over the country gathered to raise their important issues - the main discussions were: politics, religion, the economic situation and more. To this day, every Sunday, you will be able to witness people standing on a small chair in Hyde Park and lecturing the crowd.

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2. Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill, Primrose Hill Road, Primrose Hill, NW3 3NA

This is the perfect spot to chill out, have a pleasant picnic and watch the spectacular sunset. Located in the north side of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill offers the most magnificent view of the city and the district surrounding it is full of cosy cafes, trendy restaurants, tiny pubs and shopping streets. Start your day with getting a tan in the sun and finish it with a glass of wine - there is even a chance you will come across a celebrity such as Gwen Stefani, Jude Law and Ewan McGregor - all of them are extremely fond of this place.

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3. National Theatre Square

South Bank, London, SE1 9PX

The National Theatre Square offers three different vast auditoriums which host more than 20 productions per year! Even though most of the shows do cost money to enter, you would be pleasantly surprised to discover how many free performances are offered monthly.

During the whole summer and until September 26 you will be able to enjoy the spectacular outdoor theatre for free in the "Watch This Space Festival". This wonderful event includes: extraordinary circus, brilliant dancers, acrobatic performances and many more.

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4. Richmond Park

Holly Lodge TW10 5HS

Richmond Park is located in Richmond, West London. It is extremely hard to believe that such an astonishingly beautiful nature area is just 12 miles away from London! This breathtaking Royal Park is the biggest in London; it covers 2,500 acres of complete beauty and total freedom for the wild animals.

 

Walking there, witnessing the deer running free and listening to the sound of birds will make you feel like you are not in the UK but in a far away country which words cannot describe how striking it is.

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5. Sunday UpMarket and the Backyard Market

Ely's Yard (entrances on Brick Lane & Hanbury Street), The Old Truman Brewery, London E1 6QL‎

Both of these markets are sort of hidden hotspots in the city. They are quite alternative and most of the people there are locals. The Backyard Market, (open Sunday from 11am till 6pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm) offers exceptional fashion from young, talented and upcoming designers. Even though the stalls do not offer free treats, you will surely enjoy strolling around and be inspired by the fashionable clothes, one-of-a-kind jewellery and the distinctive arts and craft treasures.

 

The Sunday UpMarket which is located right next to the Backyard Market is similar with its unique fashion items, funky vibe and colourfulness. The major point of distinction from its neighbouring market is the famous food area: tempting cupcakes, Turkish and Moroccan homemade delicious meals, Spanish Paellas, Sushi and many more! The best part is: free tasting is offered to everyone!

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Yuli Linssen-Kaminitz is a staff writer for EasyToBook.com which specializes in discount rates on hotels all over the world that range from simple motels all the way up to celebrated 5-star venues.

For more information about hotels in London, visit their site!

Guest Post: Hostels in South Africa

Ahead of my big trip to New York last year, the fantastic team from HostelBookers.com wrote a guest post for me on New York Hostels.  I had been a bit wary of staying in a hostel but this was a great post that showed just how much the standards have improved in hostels and how they are certainly not the dives they used to be. 

With the upcoming World Cup in South Africa, I thought it would be a fantastic idea to do a post on South African hostels and so I contacted HostelBookers.com again and they kindly agreed to write another guest post for me.  Enjoy!

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Hosting the World Cup has thrown South Africa into the spotlight. Not since the country’s movement from apartheid to a multiracial form of democracy back in 1994 has it courted such attention. While the 2010 event may reveal deep-rooted flaws, at long-last, many more will consider travelling to South Africa and start to unearth some of the country’s beautiful attractions. And the accommodation on offer is certainly one of those.

Fortunately for budget travellers, comfortable and quality hostels in Johannesburg and other cities around South Africa are not hard to come by. Many are concerned with giving customers a real ‘African’ experience providing good home cooking, barbeque braai or tropical gardens for guests to relax in.

CAPE TOWN

Cape Town is all about spending time outdoors. Living in the shadow of Table Top Mountain makes for a dramatic backdrop and travellers are always eager to hike, climb or picnic at the summit. There are leisurely walks along the stretches of beach and, for the more energetic, windsurfing.

A room at the Backpack and Africa Travel Centre

The Backpack and Africa Travel Centre (shared dorms from €15, private from €34) is really in touch with local goings on and ideal if you’re looking for something with a bit more personality. It ranked in the top 3 of HostelBookers Awards for Excellence in 2010 for ‘Best Atmosphere’. Pleasant and comfortable furnishings, there are also self-catering facilities or a restaurant for lazier evenings. They encourage guests to bring their soccer boots and give neighbouring kids a few tips so it’s probably the most ethical choice of all the Cape Town hostels.

Playing football with local kids, Backpack and Africa Travel Centre

The rooftop garden at the Penthouse on Long (shared dorms from €10, private from €20) offers wonderful views of the city. You are right in the cosmopolitan heart of Long Street with cafes, restaurants, theatres and clubs. But if it’s peace and quiet you want after a day of sightseeing, you can relax back at the hostel in the communal lounge and bar areas.

A dorm room at the Penthouse on Long

JOHANNESBURG

Both travellers and South Africans agree that Johannesburg offers a ‘more African’ experience. The city is both frantic and bustling and suffers from high crime levels, which has in the past, deterred many tourists. But give this city a chance and you will unveil a live music scene that is unrivalled throughout South Africa, arty hotspots in the Melville area and a community dedicated to its sport.

Accoustix Backpackers Hostel

If it's music that attracts you to Johannesburg, pack your instrument and join in the jamming sessions at Accoustix Lodge and Backpacker (shared dorms from €8, private from €11). For those lacking musical talent (and not willing to bang a drum) you can still sit back with a drink and listen, have a game of snooker in the cellar bar, swim or read a book from the library.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The main attraction of South Africa’s east flank is the Kruger National Park, one of the best game parks on the continent. The size of Massachusetts, it covers 20,000 square kilometres and operates open-top safari drives with rangers

The Kruger View Lodge (shared dorms from €13 and private from €14) is situated on the banks of the Crocodile River overlooking the animals roaming Kruger National Park. The garden is perfect for lazing in and you can cool off in the pool. As the sun begins to set the barbecue braai offers delicious and traditional dishes. If you are eager to visit the park or any of the surrounding area, tours can be arranged by staff at the lodge.

DURBAN

After Cape Town, Durban holds much appeal for travellers to South Africa. British in origin it also has a large Indian and Zulu community. Visitors will enjoy the many historic Victorian buildings complete with fanned palm fronds, developed beachfronts but muddled with temples and the scent of curry wafting through the air.

Rock pool at Hippo Hide

The Hippo Hide Backpackers (shared rooms from €10, private from €13) does well to keep to ethnic African decor. Complete with tropical garden and rock pool, the accommodation is an oasis in the heart of the city. For those after local knowledge or help booking tours, staff can arrange safaris or excursions.

If you decide to explore the wilder coastline and spend a few days on the outskirts of Durban, the Blue Sky Mining Backpackers and Lodge (shared from €12 and private from €15) is 30km south of the city. You can enjoy breakfast in a tropical garden surrounded by coconut, banana and papaya trees with a 180° sea view. The nearby Aliwal Shoal is one of the top ten diving sites in the world with wrecks, reefs and abundant marine life. But you’re not far from clubs, bars and a pleasant arts and crafts market.

JEFFREYS BAY

With a reputation for prime surfing along the Eastern Cape, many travellers visit Jeffreys Bay hoping to try the sport for themselves or take some time relaxing on the beautiful stretches of beach. You are not far from the Whale Coast which offers some of the best onshore whale-watching in the world.

Island Vibe Backpackers in Jeffreys Bay

The beach is on your doorstep at the Island Vibe Backpackers (shared from €11, private from €17). The private doubles have access to balconies with spectacular views and even a breakfast-in-bed service. The hostel can arrange surfing tuition and horse-riding, quad biking and sandboarding are all popular sports to try too.

Bonfires on the beach at Island Vibe in Jeffreys Bay

Madeleine Wilson is a travel writer for the budget accommodation website, HostelBookers. She specializes in guides and low-cost travel solutions for destinations around the world.

You can follow HostelBookers.com on Twitter (@hostel) and Facebook too.

Guest Post: Perchance to Dream: Seriously Fine Dining

Chris Zwierzynski, from Tripbase.com shares some expert advice on fine (read: really rather expensive) dining in Britain.

Barely a day goes by when we don’t hear of someone’s tales of woe with regards to their finances. Maybe nary a day goes by when you don’t think of your OWN tales of personal finance horror, but this post isn’t about personal finances, in fact, this post isn’t even going to be particularly serious in the slightest, perhaps a welcome break from the drudgery we encounter on a day-to-day basis. This post is for those who dare to dream, who occasionally – or often, there’s no discrimination at play here – have flights of fancy where they can afford whatever they please, consequences be damned.

Food. Everyone loves food. Of course, there are picky eaters, gluttons who eat anything and then there’s the gourmet, who will indulge in only the finest of fripperies wherever food is concerned. You’ve probably guessed where this is going and it’s headed in a direction in which the subject matter will revolve around the finest/most expensive eating establishments in Britain, avoiding the cliché that is the “world’s most expensive” and instead opting for the lower-key “just in Britain” subtitle, so maybe you’ll want to bear these in mind next time you’re booking any flights to London. There are no diamonds in food, gemstones on cutlery-related shenanigans here, for these places are expensive because…well…they just ARE.

London, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Also one of the single most expensive restaurants in the world, this place can set you back at least £120 for a single person and that’s just selecting from the average stuff. If you were to opt for more exquisite dishes and then a bottle or wine or so, well, then you’re looking at a hefty price-tag indeed! A favorite amongst locals and tourists alike (provided that can afford it, of course), the restaurant itself is known for serving up the most palate-pleasing dishes in the whole of England’s fine capital city. Typical delights on offer might include Cornish lamb, pork belly and the finest Angus beef, all mixed in with a wide range of other fine accoutrements. By the time you were done with this place, you’d certainly be in a better position to understand the reason behind the three Michelin Stars that have been awarded to it. However, your wallet might not be!

Berkshire, Waterside Inn

Put on the proverbial map thanks to fantastic food, a three-star Michelin chef in the form of owner Michel Roux and a £24 plum soufflé that made it onto the Forbes list of the world’s most expensive desserts (it came tenth), the Waterside Inn is not only a dive into opulence, but also a dive into quality as those stars aren’t awards to just anyone that comes along. With “Inn” in the title, you’d be correct in suspecting that the building housing the restaurant also serves as a place where you can – for a modest sum – spend a few nights. The restaurant’s chefs serve the whole gamut of dishes you’d expect: lobster, rabbit, lamb, duck, turbot and many others, each served as decadently and in an adept a fashion as you’d imagine. Truly an experience for the rich in taste as well as the rich in wealth, as you will most likely be set back around £100+ for a two-course meal.

London, Sketch

Back to the nation’s capital again, for meals that again breach the £100 mark. Sketch has long been touted as an incredibly expensive place to eat, hence the gaggle of celebrities and other people of note that occasionally dine at the establishment. However, the price doesn’t belie the quality and instead is more of an indication of it, what with the restaurant itself being a product of Algerian restaurateur Mourad Mazouz and celebrated French chef Pierre Gagnaire, you can rest assured that the place will contain nothing less than the most sumptuous of everything the culinary realm has to offer.

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Guest Post: New York Hostels

How exciting! Just as I was about to investigate hotels and hostels in new York, Laura from HostelBookers.com contacted me and we discussed a guest post on my blog.  As you probably know by now, I was really worried about finding accommodation in New York after plans to stay with friends fell through.  Well, thanks to this excellent article, the only problem I have now is which of these fantastic hostels to book with!

Enjoy the post – Emm

L Hostel in New York

Planning a city break on the cheap this summer? Well New York is a great budget destination, with bargain shopping, great museums and plenty of cheap eats, from the humble hot dog stand to huge sandwiches served at a local deli.

But the Big Apple is also famous for its overpriced and under-sized hotel rooms. My top tip for affordable accommodation in the city is to stay in a hostel. Even if you aren’t a backpacker, the humble hostel has had a revamp of late, as more and more travellers are cutting back, but still want stylish and affordable accommodation.

Hot on the heels of cool cities like Lisbon, Barcelona and LA, New York’s best hostels will banish any memories of cramped and dingy dorms, and endless queues for the bathroom.

Many New York hostels are housed in old apartment buildings or the traditional brownstone townhouses, so you are guaranteed larger rooms and surroundings with more character than your average faceless hotel chain. Of course not every New York hostel is a chic loft apartment, so here’s my guide to some of the best:

Although a ride in a yellow cab is a must when you visit New York City, no one wants to spend half their budget trekking across the city. The Times Square New Hostel is great value for its central location – just two blocks away from the hub of Times Square. The building is newly renovated with a homely atmosphere – the rooms are cool and modern and there’s a huge common room area with comfy sofas. This hostel has all the facilities of a hotel, with wireless internet, free coffee and tea, and flat-screen TVs with cable.

The terrace at L Hostel in New York

The ‘L’ in L Hostel stands for luxury – not a word you’d usually associate with budget accommodation! The hostel boasts that it offers ‘the most space per bed’ of any hostel. Housed in a beautiful old apartment building, the hostel is brand new, with a rooftop terrace and garden, private marble bathrooms and even penthouse suites with their own roof deck! Ideal for families with special ‘Family Suites’, there’s also a café and grocery, kitchen and barbeque for cutting down on food costs. This hostel blows all the other competition out the water – and rooms start at around $28 a night!

You can live like a real New Yorker at the New York Loft Hostel, with trendy loft apartments just 10 minutes from Union Square. The rooms are as cool as you’d expect – all exposed brickwork, stainless steel bunk beds and modern furniture, but there are loads of extra facilities at the hostel – an outdoor Jacuzzi, common room, free internet, flat screen TVs, and best of all, a hearty free breakfast to fuel you up for a day of sightseeing.

Travel Writer Lauren Smith works for HostelBookers, a Budget Accommodation site. She has been all over the USA, from New York to Nevada, and plans to road trip across America next year.