The backpackers you choose to stay at in Australia will have a big effect on the amount of partying and surfing you manage to fit in.

The surfer’s choice hostel in Brisbane is Sleeping Inn Surfers Paradise. There’s always something happening at Sleeping Inn Surfers Paradise, with a range of seasonal activities catering to all tastes and skill sets. The hostel is located just minutes walk from the Surfers Paradise famous beaches, and offers free boogie board hire for aspiring surfers looking to hit those summer waves. Make the most of free activities including dive-in movies, BBQ and limousine pick-up. Private and dorm rooms from €19.50pppn.

Backpackers in Sydney should head down to the Cronulla Beach YHA. Home to famous reef breaks such as Cronulla Point and Shark Island, Cronulla Beach is the perennial surfing locale south of Sydney city. Cronulla Beach YHA is a modern budget backpackers’ accommodation located only a few minutes’ walk from the sandy shore. Grab one of the hostels free bodyboards and attempt to catch a wave! Surfing lessons are available from local companies and can be booked through the hotel reception. Shared rooms are available from €24.20pppn.

Far from your typical Byron Bay backpackers hostel, Evans Head Surf Shack is the perfect mix of budget accommodation and adventure experience. A hidden treasure, the hostel offers 3-day package deals consisting of transport to Byron, meals, surf equipment, daily surf lessons, surfboard factory tours, sea kayaking, dolphin watching, yoga sessions and more. Package prices are from €72.74pppn.

Finally, San Simeon Beachfront Apartments is the ideal place for backpackers in the Gold Coast to those looking to ride some waves. Right on the surf beach at Tugun you’ll find the San Simeon Beachfront Apartments with superb 1 and 2 bedroom accommodation. Every apartment has a balcony with Pacific views as well as a full kitchen and laundry facilities. There’s also a swimming pool on site and a rooftop spa and steamy sauna, for adults only. You can also enjoy Wi-Fi, tennis courts and a games room with video games and a pool table. Prices start from €9.53pppn

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About The Author:  Shing Mon Chung | Online Marketing Executive | HostelBookers.com Ltd  e: ShingMon.Chung@Hostelbookers.com | t:+44 (0)20 7406 1800 | f:+44 (0)20 7406 1801
a: 52-54 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6RL
Registered Number: 2841908 England
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Aulani Resort, Oahu, Hawaii
Disney Does Hawaii – The much anticipated Aulani Resort on the island of Oahu opened this past fall.  The expansive resort executed in subtle earth tones (not the usual Disney primary colors) takes center stage along a calm half-moon bay in Ko Olina, a quiet community approximately 1/2 hour from Waikiki. Highrise towers offering impressive views and comfortable accommodations sit on either side of Waikolohe Valley, the heart of the resort.

Waikolohe Valley has a rambling water park with pools, shallows, and water slides. Float through the resort in the Waikolohe Stream, and snorkel in Rainbow Reef a mini aquarium filled with tropical fish.  Keep a keen eye open for Aunty and Uncle, Disney characters that have been developed exclusively for this resort.  Aunty’s Beach House is where kids gather to learn Hawaiian culture, hear stories of the islands and learn local crafts.  This is a five-star resort designed for adults with children in mind.

Inn At The Presidio, San Francisco, California
It’s not often that a US National Park gets a new hotel, but 2012 will see Inn At The Presidio in San Francisco become the first and only hotel within the Presidio, an urban National Park at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.  The 1,492 acres that make up the Presidio were established in 1776 by Spain as their furthest outpost in North America.  The Presidio is the site of the oldest military post in the United States.   Pershing Hall, the former officer’s quarters, are being converted to a grand inn set to open on April 1, 2012.

The 22 room inn will feature historic memorabilia and amenities appropriate for “top brass”.  The grounds within the national park will serve as a hidden getaway for guests with miles of walking trails and magnificent views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.  Sit for a bit in a front porch rocking chair, enjoy a blazing fire by the fire pit, or play a round of golf.  Inn At The Presidio is within walking distance of the San Francisco marina district and other popular downtown attractions.

The Fishing Lodge, Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
While most Dominican Republic resorts vie for plane-loads of mid-market vacationers,  The Fishing Lodge, at Cap Cana attracts guests seeking a more secluded and pampered vacation experience.  The recently opened ultra-luxe 5 star resort features 298 Mediterranean-styled villas circling the largest inland marina in the Caribbean.  Low-rise docks and private infinity swimming pools are unique highlights to many of the villas, as well as beautifully crafted Dominican inspired furnishings.

Villas at The Fishing Lodge can be reserved on an a la carte or all-inclusive basis and vary in size from executive to 3 bedroom.  The resort which enjoys a dramatic waterfront setting, has amenities including a rustic Dominican stone chapel, secluded beach reached by water craft, boutique shopping along Maine Street and nearby famed Jack Nichlaus Punta Espada Golf Club.   Spring and summer brings a number of celebrated sports fishing tournaments attracted by the local world renowned Billfishing waters.  This is a resort where bathing beauties and sportsmen will feel right at home.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago
The island of Tobago located deep in the Caribbean is emerging as a destination to be discovered by adventurous tropical vacationers.  Recently the island saw the opening its first new hotel project in a decade.  The colonial style Magdalena Grand Beach Resort boasting 178 all ocean-front rooms and suites, is set on a sprawling former sugar plantation. Large terraces and balconies overlook a secluded  beach 2 1/2 mile beach.  The resort features 3 pools, 5 dining options, an English pub and piano bar, dive center and acres of nature trails.  Tobago itself has the oldest forest preserve in the Hemisphere, and is lush with virgin rain forests, waterfalls, pristine beaches, picturesque boating grounds and offers many opportunities for eco-adventuring.

Emakoko Lodge, Nairobi
Africa luxury camps and lodge specialists, Bush and Beyond, are introducing a new Safari Lodge that sits at the border of Nairobi National Park in Kenya.  The Emakoko Lodge sits on the banks of the picturesque Mbagathi River amidst 15 acres at the edge of Nairobi National park.  It has long been a problem for vacationers arriving by plane in Kenya to access prime safari territory without enduring harrowing transfers through Nairobi.  Emakoko Lodge solves the problem with it’s location just 20 minutes from the Nairobi airport, with the river creating a natural divide between city and park. Visitors to the Nairobi National Park can expect to see lions, zebra, hippos, rhinos, and giraffe, as the region has become home to a huge number of wildlife species.

Photo Credits: #1-TheDisneyBlog.com, #2- Artwork by Art Zendarski, #3 – Grand Resorts at Cap Cana, #4 – Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, #5 – Emakoko Lodge

There’s a new hotel booking site that’s worth your attention.   The next time you’re looking for a good hotel rate, give GetARoom.com a try. 

GetARoom.com delivers room rates with a three pronged approach.
#1  Each day flash sales are displayed on the homepage offering deeply discounted room rates in major cities.  These sales are available for a limited time booking window.  Today for instance, the luxury Henry VIII hotel in London can be booked for as low as $64.28 per night!

#2  Search for hotel rooms by specific city and dates.  The rates you will see displayed are extremely competitive and on average are discounted 10-20% off standard room rates.

#3 This is the real winner!  Find the hotel you wish to stay at and then phone GetARoom to book your reservation (800-468-3578 <800-hotels-8>).  The reservation agent will make your reservation and will then query the hotel for an even better (unpublished) rate.  These ‘phone only’ rates often reflect a further discount of 10-20% off published room rates – and at times can reach discounts up to 50% off.  So unlike Priceline and Hotwire where you don’t know the name or exact location of the hotel,  with GetARoom you select the exact hotel you wish to stay in and then get the deeply discounted unpublished room rate!  Pretty great stuff.

I also appreciate being able to speak with a human being (refreshing change) and having someone to pose my questions to.  Also refreshing is the fact that you don’t have to sign up for anything or register to receive rate quotes.

Reservations can be cancelled or changed with no penalty fee for published room rates.  For unpublished rates there is a $25 administrative cancellation fee, unless the rate has otherwise been identified as a non-refundable rate.  Generally speaking, the best room rates can be obtained by calling 14 to 21 days in advance of your stay.  In most cases hotel points programs are honored for your stay.  And GetARoom employes a number of unique accommodations including condos, managed apartment buildings and luxury suites in addition to standard hotels.

All in all, this is a great leap forward in the hotel reservation game.  Give them a try the next time you’re in the market for a great room rate.

Try bunking down in a cave as the Turkish nomads once did, get out on the water with a floating hotel or climb to the forest canopy to sleep in a treehouse. Now where is that adventurous spirit of yours? For your next vacation try staying…

In a treehouse…Turkey

Every kid dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse and in the enchanting valley of Olympos in Turkey, such dreams can come true! Kadir’s Tree House has something for everyone. Thrill seekers can enjoy a host of watersports and hiking, others might prefer lounging on the stunning beach complete with turquoise and clear water, also a spot where the loggerhead turtles come to breed so it is also fantastic for nature lovers. There is an onsite bar and pizza restaurant and breakfast is included in the price.

On a jumbo jet…Sweden

No chance of travel sickness on this one. Jumbo Stay STF/HI is a converted Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jet parked at Arlanda Airport outside Stockholm. So, if you have an early flight to catch in the morning, this hotel is ideally situated just 10 minutes ‘walk from the airport check-in .You can even stay in the exclusive cockpit suite, the most luxurious space to be converted in to sleeping quarters.

On a river…Serbia

Floating idly on the river Danube Arkabarka Floating Hotel is a multi-storey houseboat accessible from a small jetty. Out on the water it offers spectacular views across to the Kalemegdan fortress and Ratno Ostrvo (War Island) which you can enjoy from many of the bedrooms as well as the bar and communal balcony. It is moored at the edge of Usce Park, a charming leafy location for your stay in Belgrade and guests can make the most of the free cycle hire.

In a castle…Italy

Now, everyone want to feel like the bees knees by staying in a castle at least one in their life. And the 14th century Castello di Galeazza in Bologna will help you with that fantasy. Only 45 minutes from the city centre, the castle is something of a rural retreat, the perfect place to catch up on some reading – there are plenty of nooks and crannies where you can disappear with a good book or lounge in a hammock in the surrounding

In circles…China

You won’t have seen anything like them before in your life. The Yude-style building, which is the Zhangzhou Wei Qun Lou Inn, was built in 1802 in the Fujian province of China. It suffered fire damage started by a warlord and in 1972 was rebuilt to house six families. The complex of round houses can be seen from the hills and some say they appear to represent a ‘beautiful apron of girls’. The architectural space is particularly stunning at night in the glow of red Chinese lanterns which hang from every floor. The building is now listed as World Cultural Heritage for its representation of Hakka culture.

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About the Author:  This article was contributed by HostelBookers.com, a terrific site for finding budget lodging across the globe.
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1. Errante Guest House, Chile
Despite looking like a mixture between a semi-squashed cereal box and a painting by Salvador Dali, this strange structure is a fully functioning guest house. Easily the most bizarre building you’ll ever see, Errante Guest House is a treat for the traveller who’s tired of the ordinary.
Freak factor: 7/10

2. The Dog Park Inn, Idaho
Ever wished you could live inside a giant dog? Probably not, unless you’re barking mad. Whether you’re into Beagles or Schnauzers, if canines are your calling then look no further than the quirky Dog Park Inn. Plush pooch furnishings adorn the walls, and there’s even a Portaloo that’s cleverly disguised as a giant fire hydrant.
Freak factor: 9/10

3. Kokopelli’s Cave Bed and Breakfast, New Mexico
Nestled deep underground, this bed and breakfast is the ultimate in secluded coastal getaways. Originally created as an inspiring workplace for resident geologist Bruce Black, Kokopelli’s has now been transformed into a bed and breakfast. Despite being carved from sandstone that’s a whopping 65 million years old, the caves look surprisingly cosy and comfortable. Claustrophobic sorts might disagree, though.
Freak factor: 8/10

4. The Hang Nga Guest House, Vietnam
Fondly referred to as The Crazy House, this quirky guest house consists of three free-form buildings that look as if they’ve effortlessly grown from the ground. The brainchild of former Vietnamese prime minister’s daughter, Hang Nga, the guest house is truly a sight to behold. Take a cup of tea in a huge giraffe before settling down under the watchful eye of a massive bird statue in the Eagle Room. Oh, and there are a few human sized make-shift spider webs hanging about, so watch where you walk.
Freak factor: 10/10

5. The Utter Inn, Sweden
Sea-faring sorts will love this delightful underwater abode, which comes complete with twin beds and panoramic views of your fishy neighbours. Sitting solemnly in the middle of Lake Mälaren, the Utter Inn is the embodiment of the term ‘total isolation.’ There’s not a soul in sight for miles around, but if you fancy a spot of exploring you can paddle to a nearby uninhabited island with the canoe provided.
Freak factor: 9/10

6. Out ‘n’ About Treesort, Oregon
Relive your childhood in Out ‘n’ About’s impressive array of sturdy Tree houses. Stay at the Swiss Family Complex to yodel at your kids from across the swinging bridge, or make like Tarzan and fly through the forest on one of the countless zip wires available. Be warned that some of the trees have platforms reaching 40 foot off the ground, so if you’re not a fan of heights you best give this one a miss.
Freak factor: 8/10

7. The Boot Bed and Breakfast, New Zealand
You don’t have to be pint-sized to live in this shoe, nor do you have to be an old lady with hundreds of children. Made for two, the Boot Bed and Breakfast may be cosy but it certainly doesn’t scrimp on the luxuries. Relax by the cosy fireplace while tossing back the champagne and wondering why on earth you’ve never thought of staying in a boot before.
Freak factor: 7/10

8. Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast
Travellers with a penchant for the macabre can test their mettle at this spooky bed and breakfast. The story goes that Lizzie Borden went at her dear step-mother and father with a hatchet, and although she was acquitted for the murders she has remained a notorious figure in American folklore. Take a peek at the scene of the crime and, if you’re feeling brave enough, spend the night in one of the Borden’s former rooms.
Freak factor: 10/10

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This article was produced on behalf of EnjoyBedandBreakfast.com – for a bed and breakfast in Blackpool, Brighton, London or any other UK city, check out EnjoyBedandBreakfast’s online marketplace for B+B’s.
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Images thanks to Flickr users ciudad abierta, dbking, cogdogblog,
nicolas.boullosa and Tom Ravenscroft. Please note all images were
suitable for use at time of publication according to the
Creative Commons License.

Bermuda – Hotels and Resorts that belong to the Bermuda Hotel Association all offer a Hurricane Guarantee Program that will allow travelers to cancel their vacation without penalty if a hurricane is predicted to pass within 200 miles of Bermuda within three days of your vacation.  The Bermuda Weather Service will make the storm determination.  Travelers can apply for a refund or a credit applied to a future vacation.  If the island is affected by a hurricane during your stay which disrupts normal service, hotels will offer rooms at no charge along with food and beverages.  Find all the hurricane policy details at GoToBermuda.com

Cayman Islands – 25 properties on the islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac offer a Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee that allows travelers to cancel their vacation in the event of an impending hurricane or in case of vacation disruption.  Exact policies vary, so check with Cayman Islands.ky for all the details.

SuperClubs- have TWO guarantees.  Supe Clubs offer Guaranteed Getaways during hurricane season at their Breezes and Hedonism resorts in Jamaica, Curacao, Brazil, and Bahamas.  Travelers receive a refund of any disrupted night’s stay and a voucher for a future stay during the same season the following year.  SuperClubs also offer a “Sunshine Guarantee” which offers a voucher of a free night’s stay for any day the sun doesn’t shine.  The Sunshine Guarantee is offered at the resorts year-round.

Club Med – Club Med Resorts offer a Hurricane Protection Program that provides future travel certificates in the event your vacation is disrupted or prevented by a hurricane.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts – The Starwood Brand of hotels and resorts including Sheraton, W, Westin, Le Meridien, St. Regis, etc offer a Travel Interruption Policy that protects vacationers in the event of airport closure.  Each property may have slightly differing policies, so your best bet is to check directly with the resort you will be staying at.

Couples Resorts -  Couples Resorts offer a comprehensive Hurricane Policy which offers vouchers for future stays (typically within 30 days of original dates) to guests who encounter airport closures due to a hurricane.

These individual Caribbean Resorts also offer Hurricane Cancellation Policies:
Grand Case St. Martin
Bolongo Bay St.Thomas
Nisbet Plantation Nevis
Holiday Inn Sunspree Montego Bay

All properties and destinations will have somewhat differing terms and conditions to their Hurricane Policies.  Be certain to check with the property directly to confirm their policies.

Rick Steves’ Audio Europe App – A legend in his own time, Rick Steves has been guiding travelers through Europe for decades.  No one does a better job helping travelers find unique and interesting places.   Now Rick brings a free travel app to the iPhone and Android markets.  This app includes 29 audio guided walking tours of popular European destinations including all the prominent historic sites. You’ll also find over 200 travel tips and cultural insights from Rick’s radio shows and PDF maps that can be printed out to accompany your tour.  The app can be downloaded and used at home or on the road.  Running the app does not require WiFi access – so you won’t need to worry about European data charges building up.

RailEurope App – Take the stress out of finding rail schedules on 35 European rail systems and book your tickets with a few clicks on your mobile phone. The free RailEurope app connects you with rail services in 32 countries; giving you digital schedules, pricing, alerts, seamless ticket purchasing, seat selection and even suggests side trips based on your geolocation.  So as their slogan says, “Don’t stand in line – Go Online!”

Viator – Member-Only Tour Discounts via iPhone App Viator is the web’s leading resource for local sightseeing tours and destination experiences.  I always visit Viator when pulling together an itinerary to see what kind of tours are available in the city I’ll be visiting.  They have now launched Member-Only Deals that offer exclusive discounts of 20 – 75% off their regular prices. Unlike the “Groupon” model, Viator members can search for activity deals by destination and specific dates. Discounts are offered from 60 days to just hours in advance and change quickly as tours are filled.  If you’re a traveler who likes to wait until the last minute to see what the weather will be like before booking an outdoor activity – this app is for you.  Member-Only Deals are being introduced in 25 major tourist destinations and can be accessed by registering and downloading Viator’s free iPhone App.

HotelTonight Same-Day Hotel Booking App.  This free app, now available for both iPhone and Android users, delivers up to 70% savings on last minute hotel rooms in 18 major US cities.  All hotels have been personally vetted and photographed by the folks at HotelTonight, and only those fitting their criteria are listed.  Users can book rooms until 2:00 a.m. and can select from elegant to basic properties.  This is an incredibly great app for anyone who travels frequently and has ever found themselves stranded at an airport looking for a last minute room! Take $25 off your first booking by entering promo code FREE25 when registering and booking a room within the app.

Medjet Assist Free First-Aid App Every traveler whether venturing near or far,  should download this free app for medical emergencies – it is available for both iPhone and Android use.  Medjet Assist is the nation’s leader in offering  medical evacuation membership programs, and has developed a comprehensive first-aid guide with categories such as Life Threatening Emergencies, Chest & Back, Allergic Emergencies, Insect, Snake & Marine, Fractures & Dislocations and more.  The app also stores your medical information.  The entire app can be accessed offline and does not require a cellphone signal or connection to the internet.  This app is a must for every prudent traveler.

St Vincent and The Grenadines may be an exotic island nation in the deep Caribbean, but they are right on top of the Travel App scene! SVG has recently introduced a great new app packed with information on their 32 island region that can be accessed at the iPhone Store, Android Marketplace, and on the Web at DiscoverSVG, as well as via QR Code (two dimensional bar code) – Everybody’s covered!  Islands of SVG that you may be familiar with include St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Tobago (among many others).  SVG is known worldwide as a yachting paradise and secluded paradise that attracts A-listers seeking privacy and exceptional natural beauty.  They’re now building the first international airport and welcoming a number of luxury resorts and boutique properties to already famous properties like Raffles and private islands of Palm Island and Petit St. Vincents.  A destination definitely worth getting to know!

ROME – Hotel Dama  This property was renovated in 2011 and is located 10 minutes from Termini station with restaurants and shops close by.  Ensuite rooms are nicely furnished with every modern comfort and are now 40% off.

LISBON – Lisbon Calling  This new hostel is located in the heart of the historic city center, close to major tourist attractions, shops and nightlife and has been fully renovated.  This is one of HostelBooker’s top selling properties at regular prices and now they are offering 40% discounts.

DUBLIN – The Jacobs Inn  A short stroll from Trinity College, Temple Bar and located in the city center, this inn features free events like dance parties, movie nights, salsas nights, and walking tours, as well as free Wi-Fi, Playstation, pool table and more.  It’s definitely a place to make friends.  Discounts for the summer sale are 20% off.

PRAGUE – Plus Prague Hotel  This is the choice when you want ALL the amenities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, late night bar and family Italian restaurant.  There’s even a girls only area featuring oversized bathrooms with cosmetic tables, huge mirrors and ample hairdryers.  The summer sale discount is 30% off.

BARCELONA – Be Hostels Mar  Located in the heart of the trendy Raval neighborhood, this hostel is close to art galleries and an easy 10 minutes away from famous Las Ramblas.  Top attractions like the Picasso Museum, the Gaudi cathedral, beaches and the harbor are all within walking distance.  Rooms during the sale at 20% off.

Summer brings lots of great family friendly promotions at the Royal Sonesta, including the Summerfest Promotion which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and includes:

• Complimentary use of Bicylcles to meander along the dramatic Esplande Bike Paths that run in back of the hotel
• Free scenic Boat Rides that depart from the canal beside the hotel on riverboats run by the Charles River Boat Company
• Free Courtesy Van Service to shuttle you to historic sightseeing and shopping areas in Boston and Cambridge
• Two children under 18 may stay free in same room as their parents
• Kids Eat Free! A complimentary children’s meal is offered for up to four children under the age of 12 when traveling with two adults
• Free Ice Cream every afternoon from the courtyard ice cream cart
• A fun indoor/outdoor atrium style swimming complex
• The hotel is located across the street from the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall (120 shops) and next door to the always entertaining, Museum of Science.

The entire Sonesta Collection of hotels worldwide is offering a special summer promotion for AAA & CAA members.  From now until September 15th, AAA/CAA members can save 50% off the best available rate on Sunday nights, plus kids eat free.  A minimum 2 night stay is required.

Details on both of these special packages are available at Sonesta.com