Bondi Beach is one of Australias most famous beaches and among the worlds most well known beaches. The beach is roughly a kilometre long and is patrolled by lifesavers who make swimmers stay between the yellow and red flags.

Bondi Beach is located on the east coast of Australia and is a suburb of the city of Sydney.

Bondi has become synonymous with Sydneys beach lifestyle, busloads of Japanese tourists, for example, frequently travel to Bondi direct from the airport, just so they can feel the warm yellow sand between their toes.

It has become a favourite of the so called barmy army or better known as the British tourists, who annually gather on its sands for a Southern Hemisphere Christmas in the sun.

Due to the worldwide popularity, Bondi is now home to numerous youth hostels with backpackers who congregate mainly in the summer months so it is not uncommon to hear Norwegian, French, German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish or Spanish while walking across the beach or through the cafes.

Bondi Beach has a vaguely alternative feel, despite the obvious commercialism present, and attracts a large number of individualist, for example, for the guy who will strip off near the shops, to walk stark naked through the traffic on Campbell Parade, before going down to the beach.

It is very tolerant as topless sunbathing is common and gay and lesbian couples displaying affection is common.

The two biggest bars in Bondi are the Beach Road Hotel and Bondi Hotel. Both are excellent places to catch the finals in a cricket match or have a few drinks with your mates. Another great bar is at the previously mentioned Bondi Icebergs, it has a great view of the beach and relatively cheap drinks.

Make sure to take some form of ID that proves you live outside a 5km radius as this is a club and the rule require that you be a member if you are inside 5km. Of course, if you want to be seen then go for Ravesis on the corner of Hall St and Campbell parade.

It attracts the so called beautiful people, or at least those who think they are beautiful. The locals will tend to go for BBs. Relocated from its cramped spot on Curlewis St, BBs is hidden down an alley next to the Mambo surf shop on Campbell Parade. Live music, surf videos and a more relaxed vibe than the goldfish bowl up the road.

Australia, the only country in entire continental land, is the world’s smallest continent. It is the driest continent on earth that has lowest rainfall in the world but still it has outstanding economies of the world. Australia has become more vibrant city as it has high growth, low interest rate economy and low inflation. It lifestyle completely depicts it to be grown out of western style. It is the most urbanized nation of the world. The central Australia gives you vast and unspoiled wonders of Australia’s interior. One can come across wonderful natural beauty in Australia. One of the best shows in town, million-star display at night, attracts people form all around.

Increasing number of tourists to this continent has led to the emergence of cheap hotels Australia, so that they can cater to the basic need of travelers at lower price. These hotels in Australia are well equipped with modern facilities and amenities, but being cheaper they could avail only some of their facilities to clients. One can come across several types of recreational facilities like swimming pool, games, and beauty treatments with spa and massages.

The wide network of Australia hotels have spread across the city to serve the visitors in the every corner of the mainland. Most of these are concentrated along main tourists attractions for the ease of tourists. Luxury star hotels or cheap hotels Australia can be booked online through several booking agencies. Some of the main spots that are becoming the reason for increase in tourist are:-

Great Barrier Reef- it is the most attractive tourists’ destination in Australia. It is the world’s largest natural feature comprising reefs and islands. One can come across tour to this natural beauty through the towns of Cairns, Townsville or Port Douglas. Red centre- it is not only the physical but also the spiritual center of Australia. The place is famous for world’s largest monolith, world famous red rock, Uluru. The rock is best viewed at sunrise and sunset, when one can see the change in color in magical way. Sydney- it is most visited destination of Australian tourists. The opera house is framed with unique design and excellent acoustics liked by most of the tourists. Sydney is filed with cultural and fun loving activities. It offers some of the most beautiful beaches and ocean side playground in the entire world. Canberra- it is the capital of Australia. The places can be visited to have a glance over some national buildings like Parliament House, National library, National gallery and war memorials.

 

The Legal Framework for the Prosecution

That the king can do no wrong is a necessary and fundamental principle of the English constitution.

-Sir William Blackstone,

Commentaries on the Laws of England, 1765

No living Homo sapiens is above the law.

-(Notwithstanding our good friends and legal ancestors across the water, this is a fact that requires no citation.)

With respect to the position I take about the crimes of George Bush, I want to state at the outset that my motivation is not political. Although I’ve been a longtime Democrat (primarily because, unless there is some very compelling reason to be otherwise, I am always for “the little guy”), my political orientation is not rigid. For instance, I supported John McCain’s run for the presidency in 2000. More to the point, whether I’m giving a final summation to the jury or writing one of my true crime books, credibility has always meant everything to me. Therefore, my only master and my only mistress are the facts and objectivity. I have no others. This is why I can give you, the reader, a 100 percent guarantee that if a Democratic president had done what Bush did, I would be writing the same, identical piece you are about to read.

Perhaps the most amazing thing to me about the belief of many that George Bush lied to the American public in starting his war with Iraq is that the liberal columnists who have accused him of doing this merely make this point, and then go on to the next paragraph in their columns. Only very infrequently does a columnist add that because of it Bush should be impeached. If the charges are true, of course Bush should have been impeached, convicted, and removed from office. That’s almost too self-evident to state. But he deserves much more than impeachment. I mean, in America, we apparently impeach presidents for having consensual sex outside of marriage and trying to cover it up. If we impeach presidents for that, then if the president takes the country to war on a lie where thousands of American soldiers die horrible, violent deaths and over 100,000 innocent Iraqi civilians, including women and children, even babies are killed, the punishment obviously has to be much, much more severe. That’s just common sense. If Bush were impeached, convicted in the Senate, and removed from office, he’d still be a free man, still be able to wake up in the morning with his cup of coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice and read the morning paper, still travel widely and lead a life of privilege, still belong to his country club and get standing ovations whenever he chose to speak to the Republican faithful. This, for being responsible for over 100,000 horrible deaths?* For anyone interested in true justice, impeachment alone would be a joke for what Bush did. 

Let’s look at the way some of the leading liberal lights (and, of course, the rest of the entire nation with the exception of those few recommending impeachment) have treated the issue of punishment for Bush’s cardinal sins. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman wrote about “the false selling of the Iraq War. We were railroaded into an unnecessary war.” Fine, I agree. Now what? Krugman just goes on to the next paragraph. But if Bush falsely railroaded the nation into a war where over 100,000 people died, including 4,000 American soldiers, how can you go on to the next paragraph as if you had been writing that Bush spent the weekend at Camp David with his wife? For doing what Krugman believes Bush did, doesn’t Bush have to be punished commensurately in some way? Are there no consequences for committing a crime of colossal proportions?

Al Franken on the David Letterman show said, “Bush lied to us to take us to war” and quickly went on to another subject, as if he was saying “Bush lied to us in his budget.”

Senator Edward Kennedy, condemning Bush, said that “Bush’s distortions misled Congress in its war vote” and “No President of the United States should employ distortion of truth to take the nation to war.” But, Senator Kennedy, if a president does this, as you believe Bush did, then what? Remember, Clinton was impeached for allegedly trying to cover up a consensual sexual affair. What do you recommend for Bush for being responsible for more than 100,000 deaths? Nothing? He shouldn’t be held accountable for his actions? If one were to listen to you talk, that is the only conclusion one could come to. But why, Senator Kennedy, do you, like everyone else, want to give Bush this complete free ride?

The New York Times, in a June 17, 2004, editorial, said that in selling this nation on the war in Iraq, “the Bush administration convinced a substantial majority of Americans before the war that Saddam Hussein was somehow linked to 9/ 11, . . . inexcusably selling the false Iraq-Al Qaeda claim to Americans.” But gentlemen, if this is so, then what? The New York Times didn’t say, just going on, like everyone else, to the next paragraph, talking about something else.

In a November 15, 2005, editorial, the New York Times said that “the president and his top advisers . . . did not allow the American people, or even Congress, to have the information necessary to make reasoned judgments of their own. It’s obvious that the Bush administration misled Americans about Mr. Hussein’s weapons and his terrorist connections.” But if it’s “obvious that the Bush administration misled Americans” in taking them to a war that tens of thousands of people have paid for with their lives, now what? No punishment? If not, under what theory? Again, you’re just going to go on to the next paragraph?

I’m not going to go on to the next unrelated paragraph.

In early December of 2005, a New York Times-CBS nationwide poll showed that the majority of Americans believed Bush “intentionally misled” the nation to promote a war in Iraq. A December 11, 2005, article in the Los Angeles Times, after citing this national poll, went on to say that because so many Americans believed this, it might be difficult for Bush to get the continuing support of Americans for the war. In other words, the fact that most Americans believed Bush had deliberately misled them into war was of no consequence in and of itself. Its only consequence was that it might hurt his efforts to get support for the war thereafter. So the article was reporting on the effect of the poll findings as if it was reporting on the popularity, or lack thereof, of Bush’s position on global warming or immigration. Didn’t the author of the article know that Bush taking the nation to war on a lie (if such be the case) is the equivalent of saying he is responsible for well over 100,000 deaths? One would never know this by reading the article.

If Bush, in fact, intentionally misled this nation into war, what is the proper punishment for him? Since many Americans routinely want criminal defendants to be executed for murdering only one person, if we weren’t speaking of the president of the United States as the defendant here, to discuss anything less than the death penalty for someone responsible for over 100,000 deaths would on its face seem ludicrous.** But we are dealing with the president of the United States here.

On the other hand, the intensity of rage against Bush in America has been such (it never came remotely this close with Clinton because, at bottom, there was nothing of any real substance to have any serious rage against him for) that if I heard it once I heard it ten times that “someone should put a bullet in his head.” That, fortunately, is just loose talk, and even more fortunately not the way we do things in America. In any event, if an American jury were to find Bush guilty of first degree murder, it would be up to them to decide what the appropriate punishment should be, one of their options being the imposition of the death penalty.

Although I have never heard before what I am suggesting — that Bush be prosecuted for murder in an American courtroom — many have argued that “Bush should be prosecuted for war crimes” (mostly for the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo) at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands. But for all intents and purposes this cannot be done. 

*Even assuming, at this point, that Bush is criminally responsible for the deaths of over 100,000 people in the Iraq war, under federal law he could only be prosecuted for the deaths of the 4,000 American soldiers killed in the war. No American court would have jurisdiction to prosecute him for the one hundred and some thousand Iraqi deaths since these victims not only were not Americans, but they were killed in a foreign nation, Iraq. Despite their nationality, if they had been killed here in the States, there would of course be jurisdiction.

**Indeed, Bush himself, ironically, would be the last person who would quarrel with the proposition that being guilty of mass murder (even one murder, by his lights) calls for the death penalty as opposed to life imprisonment. As governor of Texas, Bush had the highest execution rate of any governor in American history: He was a very strong proponent of the death penalty who even laughingly mocked a condemned young woman who begged him to spare her life (”Please don’t kill me,” Bush mimicked her in a magazine interview with journalist Tucker Carlson), and even refused to commute the sentence of death down to life imprisonment for a young man who was mentally retarded (although as president he set aside the entire prison sentence of his friend Lewis “Scooter” Libby), and had a broad smile on his face when he announced in his second presidential debate with Al Gore that his state, Texas, was about to execute three convicted murderers.

In Bush’s two terms as Texas governor, he signed death warrants for an incredible 152 out of 153 executions against convicted murderers, the majority of whom only killed one single person. The only death sentence Bush commuted was for one of the many murders that mass murderer Henry Lucas had been convicted of. Bush was informed that Lucas had falsely confessed to this particular murder and was innocent, his conviction being improper. So in 152 out of 152 cases, Bush refused to show mercy even once, finding that not one of the 152 convicted killers should receive life imprisonment instead of the death penalty. Bush’s perfect 100 percent execution rate is highly uncommon even for the most conservative law-and-order governors.

The above is an excerpt from the book The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder by Vincent Bugliosi Published by Vanguard Press;  May 2008;$26.95US/$28.95CAN; 978-159315-481-3

Copyright © 2008 Vincent Bugliosi

For more information visit www.prosecutionofbush.com

 

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country in South East Asia with a population of more than fifteen million people. The kingdom’s capital and largest city is Phnom Penh. Cambodia is the successor state of the once powerful Hindu and Buddhist Khmer Empire, which ruled most of the Indochinese Peninsula between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. A citizen of Cambodia is usually identified as "Cambodian" or "Khmer," though the latter strictly refers to ethnic Khmers. Most Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists of Khmer extraction, but the country also has a substantial number of predominantly Muslim Cham, as well as ethnic Chinese, Vietnamese and small animist hill tribes. The country borders Thailand to its west and northwest, Laos to its northeast, and Vietnam to its east and southeast. In the south it faces the Gulf of Thailand. The geography of Cambodia is dominated by the Mekong river (colloquial Khmer: Tonle Thom or "the great river") and the Tonlé Sap ("the fresh water lake"), an important source of fish.

Cambodia’s main industries are garments, tourism, and construction. In 2007, foreign visitors to Angkor Wat numbered more than 4 million. Any list of Cambodia’s tourist attractions should have the following in them:

The Virachey National Park in Cambodia – It lies along the boundaries of Vietnam and Laos. This national park was set up to counter the avoidable abuse and ruin of natural biodiversity.

Yeak Laom Volcanic Lake – One of the well -known Cambodia tourist attractions, it was formed due to volcanic eruption. This lake and its forested surroundings is one of the most scenic spots in the Cambodian region of Ratanakiri.

Bokor National Park – Another one of the well-known tourist destinations in Cambodia, this national park is the last refuge to many rare species like the tiger and the elephant. The breathtaking beauty of Vietnamese and Cambodian coastal line can be admired from its lofty heights.

Kompong Luong – Among the other Cambodia tourist attractions, this floating village is worth viewing. Popular for its scenic setup with its vivid shops, restaurants, and petrol stations- all floating on the Great Lake, Kompong Luong is indeed a great experience in itself. The Tonle Sap Lake, the gigantic dumbbell shaped fresh water lake forms a picturesque background to it.

Kampong Cham – One of the top tourist destinations in Cambodia, it is one of those sites, which reflects the real charm of this nation’s cultural heritage along with Preah Vihear, Cambodia ‘s ancient temple site.

Angkor Archaeological Park – The jewel in the crown of all tourist attractions in Cambodia is this international landmark. Placed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, this archeological spot has immense historical and archeological significance. The Angkor Wat Temple, the Bayon Temple and the Angkor Thom are the main attractions of Angkor Archeological Park.

Cambodia offers not only such breathtaking sights but also ultra comfortable accommodation to the all that flock to it to behold its majestic beauty. Although the price range of the hotels in Cambodia is pretty large yet the comfort found even in the budget hotels are quite endearing. Some of the luxury hotels known for their services and amenities are Borei Bokor Hotel Kampot, Prince D’Angkor hotel Siem Reap, Cambodiana hotel Phnom Penh. While Steung Siem Reap hotel and Goldiana hotel Phnom Penh are for those who are more budget conscious.

 

The Queensland Blue Heeler was the original name of the Australian Cattle Dog. In 1813 in Australia, when the crossing of the Great Dividing Range had been accomplished and the vast ranges of Queensland were settled, thousands of small ranchers had a great need for a cattle drover that could withstand the punishing temperatures extremes of weather.

Without fencing it was vital to have a dog that could keep the cattle rounded up. Writings are sketchy but it appears that the Blue Heeler was developed from crosses of the Smooth Collie, the kelpie and the wild dingos with a bit of dalmatian thrown into the mix also.

The result was a dog with great agility at the turn bred to bite at the heels of the cattle to move them, a dog that was quiet as a ghost and could contain the herd without “spooking” it.

This original dog was the animal that had these necessary traits. A man by the name of Robert Kaleski developed this original strain and in 1902 drew up the first breed standard. The Kennel club of New South Wales accepted the standard in 1903, when it was officially named the Australian Cattle dog. The term “Blue Heeler” is still often used to denote this breed.

The Cattle dog is a non compromising dog that sets its mind to the task. It is wary of strangers but is absolutely loyal to its master. This is a highly intelligent dog with easy trainability and a strong desire to please.

The dog was purposely bred to have a heavy mouth and punishing jaws, for the purpose of biting and nipping at the heels of the cattle when moving the herds. Any display of bad temperament was discouraged early on in the breeding of these dogs and it is essential that this remain a practice of the responsible breeders, since this dog has great power and strength in his bite.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a hardy and tough dog with few genetic problems. Few cases of hip dysplasia have been reported. It is not a large dog, standing 18-20 inches at the withers. The skull is broad to accommodate the bite, with a deep muzzle and no sign of looseness of flews. The body is balanced and sturdy, the coat being of moderate length with weather resistant harsh outer guard hairs which lie flat.

All the puppies are born white and the coat later develops into the “coat of many colors” that typifies the breed. The Cattle Dog is a merle dog with blue mottles or speckles or red with red mottling. Usually there is a lighter “brush” of white on the tail. Cattle drivers have a preference for the darker coloring since the dog is less easily seen at night by the cattle and can move among them without “spooking” the herd.

The Blue Heeler is a friendly and lovable dog and they are gaining popularity as pets and companion dogs. However they can be strong willed and should be trained early. They make good watch dogs and guard dogs. Anyone who has a cattle dog as a pet needs to understand that this is a dog bred to work and it will always need plenty of exercise. They make a great joggers companion!

Gold Coast Accomodation: Make Your Gold Coast Stay Even More Pl

Are you planning on fulfilling that long-time dream of having a long vacation in some areas that spell paradise? A visit to Gold Coast can help you achieve that.

 

Gold Coast is a beautiful town in Australia, just around 80 kilometers from Brisbane. Surfers and regular tourists find this place the ultimate beach paradise, perfect for a summer holiday. Gold Coast is most popular for its beaches, which are, well, golden. Surfers will love the long stretch of beach shoreline. They would also learn to the appreciate the waves that are suitable for both surfing beginners and experts. The novice can try the quieter beaches, though, when practicing before heading for the more adventurous try-outs at the advanced surfing districts.

 

Of course, those who want to get in touch with their childhood side can go and visit the numerous theme parks in the area. Fun passes can be obtained to give the family the maximum value for their money. Sea World and the Warner Brothers Movie World theme parks can be visited by the fun pass holder for one day each. Wet ’n’ Wild Water World visits are also covered by the pass.

 

Finding the Best Accomodations in Gold Coast

 

Because of the popularity of its beaches, Gold Coast accomodation is arranged in such a way that it would encompass all aspects of the tourist’s needs to be near the water. Therefore, you may easily find a hotel very near the most popular beaches. These hotels may be part of a beach resort. Also, the resorts offer various types of Gold Coast accomodation, including camp grounds and trail parks.

 

Beach cottages in resorts have also gained popularity. This is perhaps because of tourists want something that would help them forget about city life for a while. Nevertheless, these cottages are well-known of offering the same kind of service offered in high-end hotels.

 

Gold Coast apartments near the coast line are also gaining attention from most tourists. Various amenities are provided for all tourists, allowing them to achieve the most out of their vacation. Heated indoor swimming pools and saunas are usually open 24 hours a day. Spas or massage centers are also easily accessible for their guests.

 

More adventurous families can try their hand at fishing and boating in the house boats located in some of the quieter beaches. These boats are large enough for the average-sized family and are nautically safe, complete with the latest communication and navigation gadgets.

 

Finding a Gold Coast accomodation near the theme parks may prove to be difficult, though, during peak season since most families come for them.

 

Online reservations make it easier to obtain a Gold Coast accomodation although some may require advance bookings of some weeks or even months before the actual date of visit. Gold Coast apartments are preferable as they more plenty in number and can offer facilities at par with the hotels. They are also a lot cheaper, which would definitely appeal to those who are travelling to Australia on a tight budget.

 

 

 

Wonderful pictures of the Great Barrier Reef!

Filmed by Anna Kozlova, reproduced with permission. For higher quality video see her website at www.dahabvideo.com

There is no puzzle as to why Surfers Paradise, which is part of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia is such a popular holiday destination. After all, it is the entertainment and glam capital of the island that is ‘Down Under’, and epitomizes that perfect marriage of city and beach lifestyle.

But it’s the eclecticism of Surfers (as it is affectionately referred to in Australian vernacular) that attracts people from all walks of life. There are activities and events to cater and appease everyone, from families to backpackers, schoolies (young adults who have just finished high school), singles, surfers, honeymooners and retirees. It is home to a host of theme parks and national parks including, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild Water World, Warner Bros Movie World, Adrenalin Park, the Australian Outback Spectacular and Fleays Wildlife Park. There are about 53 different tours to choose from, ranging from whale watching to scenic hinterland day tours.

Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. Since there’s so much to do within a limited amount of time, choosing the right location will help. For example, the A1 Crown Towers is located right in the heart of Surfers Paradise and within walking distance to the city center and beaches.

Like most tourist destinations, Surfers Paradise offers a vibrant and varied nightlife that caters to all crowds. To start, Melba’s Restaurant and Nightclub is a great place to dine and dance, with a clientele of all ages. The Rose & Crown, Cocktails & Dreams and The Drink are recommended places for people who love to dance, and for those who prefer to lounge out and chit-chat with a cocktail in hand, My Bar is just that type of place.

And gourmands should be impressed by the variety of cuisines to choose from. Cafes and restaurants line the streets and hotels, offering world class dining experiences. One restaurant currently making waves is Absynthe, where 2-star Michelin Chef Meyjitte Boughenout plates up exciting contemporary French and Australian creations to complement a 600+ wine list.

Shoppers will also be in paradise. Believe it or not, Surfers is the only 7-day, late night shopping district in Queensland, with 14 shopping centers and arcades, offering both retail and duty free shopping. Those keen on a more local experience, should head over to the Beachfront Markets which open every Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-10:00pm.

Indeed, there is something for everyone that visits the paradise that is known as Surfers on Australia’s Gold Coast. The weather is subtropical year-round, it is within close proximity to Brisbane airport (just one hour’s drive) and is about as tourist-friendly as an Australian city can be. For more information about this bronzed Queensland town, go to the official Surfers Paradise website.

Are you on a shoestring budget but still have the travel bug? Or would you really want to experience the day-to-day life of a community, its people and the sights of a certain country that you feel you might not see with a guide. Then, you could enjoy travelling and staying at a backpacker. These are also known as hostels, and are reasonably priced and efficient accommodations that are available worldwide, allowing backpackers a chance to experience the world on a tight budget.

If so, you might enjoy traveling and staying at a backpacker. Also called a hostel, these low-cost and efficient accommodations are available all over the world, giving backpackers a way to see experience the world on a tight budget.

1) Expect To Save Money!

The greatest advantage to staying at a backpackers is the price. These little gems offer clean, safe accommodations at a fraction of the price of a hotel, allowing you to do more or stay longer in the country you wish to visit. If you are going on an extended trip around Europe, or visiting a part of Australia you’ve always wanted to visit, there is a hostel waiting for you.

For example, if you’ve always wanted to see Venice, Italy, you can stay at a hostel for as little as $21 per person for a shared room, or $46 for a private room.

Want to see Paris? You can, for as little as $26 for a shared room or $55 for a private.

Want to bask on a Brazilian beach in Rio de Janeiro? You can, for the cheap rate of $14 for a shared room!

When you consider that the cheapest hotel rate for a single person for Venice runs around $91, Paris at $126, and Rio de Janeiro at $80, you can get a sense of the savings you’ll reap by going the backpackers route.

2) Be Prepared To Be Friendly.

Besides being low cost, backpackers tend to be a great place to meet other travelers. In fact the layout of the hostel encourages getting to know other visitors more so than a hotel or motel. Unless you request a private room you’ll stay in a dormitory-style bedroom, often co-ed. Most have a common area to gather and socialize, as well as a kitchen and an area to do laundry. It’s a great way to get to know people, but if you’re shy or value your privacy, you might want to think twice about staying at a hostel.

3) Carry Proper ID.

If you’re traveling in your own country, you’ll still want to carry proper identification, such as a photo driver’s license, passport or state/country ID. Most backpackers ask for more information than a hotel or motel would when staying with them because they want to ensure the safety of their guests.

Also, because of their cheap prices, hostels want to make sure that locals aren’t taking advantage of their hospitality, thus taking space away from an international traveler who really needs the cheaper accommodations. If you don’t have a passport, you might want to invest the time to get one, even while traveling your own country, just to give yourself one more ID choice.

4) Pack Lightly!

If you’re a true backpacker, you’re going to travel from hostel to hostel with your clothes on your back. You’re probably going to use local transportation, such as the bus or subway system, or your own two feet. Even if you’re not packing your way from hostel to hostel, keep in mind you’re not going to have a ton of space to toss open countless pieces of luggage. In either case, you don’t want to carry a ton of clothing and valuables to weigh you down and keep you from enjoying your trip.

What will you need?

- A sleep sheet: two sheets sewn together to put on your mattress so you can sleep in your own, clean bed. Some hostels rent them. Most hostels don’t allow sleeping bags because they offer ample places for bedbugs, fleas and ticks to hide in. Most hostels offer clean blankets.

- Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo and toothbrush

- Your own towel

5) Lock Up Valuables.

Although backpackers offer a secure and safe environment, you don’t want to take a chance of losing your more expensive personal goods by leaving them about. Just as you would in a hotel, you want to keep your valuables safe when staying in a backpacker. Most hostels offer a locker or safe of some sort to store valuable items while you’re out. You could also invest in a lock and key before starting your trip to keep handy in case it’s needed.

6) Check for bedbugs!

Unfortunately, bedbugs happen everywhere, be it a five-star hotel or a backpacker. These little pests do suck blood but don’t transmit any diseases, and aren’t any more pesky than a flea bite in most cases.

However, they do carry the stigma of a place being ‘dirty’ if you discover them. This just isn’t so. The cleanest, most expensive accommodations can have them. It’s important to know what they look like so you can tell the backpacker host/hostess. They will take the proper steps to clean the room and get rid of the little pests, since no one wants bedbugs around.

Bedbug signs:

- Most people think they’re so tiny you can’t see them, but this isn’t so. Bedbugs are about 5mm long, oval in shape and brown in colour.

- Check for flecks of blood on the sheets, mattress seams and bed slats

- A large bedbug infestation has an almond-like smell that’s very unpleasant

Bedbugs like to sneak into clothing and gear to travel to the next location with you, so if you think you’ve been infested with bedbugs, you should:

- Wash everything you own in the hottest washer setting and then dry on hot for at least 20 minutes-this includes your backpack!

- Wash yourself in a hot shower

- If something can’t be washed, check it carefully for signs of bedbugs

- Tell the backpacker hostess/host or staff so they can clean the room thoroughly

7) Learn the Etiquette.

When traveling in a different country or even in your own it’s important to know the proper etiquette and rules for that area to enjoy your backpacker stay. For example, some countries don’t allow smoking in public areas and others may have stipulations about drinking alcohol, such as age. You don’t want to end up breaking the rules and find yourself without a place to stay, or worse, locked up in a foreign jail cell.

You’ll also want to check if your backpacker observes a curfew or lockout times. A curfew means that unless you want to find yourself sleeping outside, you’ll be in the hostel at that time. You’ll also want to learn if there’s a lockout time, meaning the backpackers is closed for cleaning or to give the hosts time to run errands, so you can plan accordingly.

Book Online.

To ensure you have someplace to stay when traveling, you’ll want to book your stay in advance. The easiest way is to book your backpacker stay online. BUG (http://www.bugeurope.com) and Hostels.com offer accommodations worldwide as well as online booking. You can also see how others rated their stay and compare between other backpacker locations in the same city.

In Conclusion:

Going round the world or even travelling through your own country can be exciting and fun when staying at backpackers hostels. Providing you don’t forget to take proper ID, stick to the rules, check for bedbugs and pack suitably, you will be able to mix with the locals and save money while you travel. You may make a few new friends along the way!