Travel and Leisure Articles

Golf estates have become the leading real estate phenomenon of the 21st Century in South Africa. And there is good reason for their growing popularity - they offer peaceful, protected luxury living for you and your family, whether ardent golfer or not.

A safe haven in times of crime

Golf estate property is an investors dream as they not only offer safe havens in an turbulent ocean of crime but the maintenance and upkeep of the manicured gardens, fairways and greens are the responsibility of the Body Corporate of the estate.

This community involvement in the maintenance of the golf estate will generally mean that your golf property is likely to improve in value in leaps and bounds over time. There is little doubt that investing in one of the hundreds of golf estates that dot the South African landscape will be a shrewd and lucrative move on your part.

Possibly the pick of golf real estate lies in two distinct areas, both of which are attractive tourist destinations - the fabled Garden Route of the Cape and the mystical bushveld to the north of the country.

Versatile range of Garden Route golf real estate

The Garden Route has a versatile range of golf real estate to choose from, so whether Mossel Bay, George or Plettenberg Bay is your preferred choice of urban centre, rest assured there is a luxurious and tranquil golf estate close by.

The developers of golf estates are also particularly aware of their responsibility to the environment and design the golf course and adjoining homes in harmony with nature so as not to interfere too much with the sustainability of the region. This leaves bird and animal life to prosper, making golf estates a veritable paradise to live in.

Most leading golf estates are a fine blend of glorious green fairways, indigenous fynbos and magnificent ocean and mountain vistas along the Garden Route, or pristine bush, jam-packed with a vast selection of wild and woolly creatures in the case of the northern offerings.

No unauthorised access

Golf estates are generally fenced communities with 24 hour security limiting access to the entire property. Sadly, South Africans have been under the cosh of rampant crime, even since its emancipation, and we all have to think long and hard about our family’s security. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that golf real estate is one of the safest options for you and your kids.

So if you are keen to enjoy a life of tranquillity, added security and unlimited access to the great outdoors, consider purchasing golf real estate property today.

Recently I spent the night in the Atlanta airport. I’ve done this before. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, a major connecting hub, is considered one of the world’s busiest passenger airports. Therefore, when bad weather hits Atlanta, flights are grounded and hundreds of people end up stuck at the airport.

The plane I was to take from Wichita to Atlanta (at 11:30 a.m.) was delayed seven hours because of bad weather in Atlanta. By the time I got to Atlanta, there was bad weather in New York City, my final destination. Therefore, no planes were leaving for New York City that evening.

When it was finally my turn to ask the airline customer service agent how I would get home, I was told I had been booked on a flight that would leave the next morning at 6:45 a.m. for New York City. I was offered a discount coupon for a local hotel. I asked if I could get my checked bag back. I was told I could not.

I figured since I was going to have to spend the night in my clothes and without my toiletries anyway, why go to a hotel? It was about 9:30 p.m. I scouted the airport for what seemed like a reasonably comfortable chair. I figured out a way to keep my tote bag and computer bag straps wrapped around me while using both bags as a pillow.

After I closed my eyes, every ten minutes I heard a recorded announcement. I timed it. Every ten minutes a recorded voice would say, “The Homeland Security code is orange. We are on orange alert.” Then the recording would say something about being cautious about people and packages around you.

Now, I don’t watch television, especially late night news, because I don’t want to hear about negative and disturbing events that I cannot control. I had discovered this practice of avoiding hearing about negative events when I was recovering from many years of depression. Hearing that we were on orange alert and hearing that I had to be more cautious about people and packages around me was not what I wanted to hear as I tried to fall asleep that evening. Listening to podcasts and tunes on my iPod helped for a while, but soon the battery power was too low.

I’m sure that someone decided to play the orange alert tape every ten minutes out of genuine concern for our safety. However, hearing it repeatedly was not serving me well at this particular time.

So I thought to myself, how can I make this work for me?

I decided to play a game. Whenever I heard the announcer say “orange,” I would associate the color with something that I could relate to in a more pleasing and empowering way.

Therefore, I would substitute the word “love” for the word “orange.” However corny this may sound, it worked for me. All through the night, “we were on ‘love’ alert.” The mind is a powerful tool, and you can fool the psyche into believing anything you want it to believe. I decided that orange means love. Yes, we were on the security “love” level.

I figured that’s really the most important thing we can do when we hear orange alert. We need to love. Love ourselves. Love our neighbors. And yes, love those who might want to harm us. I don’t love what they do. However, I have learned that when I’m consumed with hate and fear I destroy myself-I give away my power-and I’m not going to do that anymore. When I hear the announcement about an orange alert, I think of love. I am alert, and I love. Orange is love.

I had a lot of time on my hands that evening. Except for Chick-fil-a, all the other food places, bookstores and magazine concessions were closed. Therefore, I gave new meaning to all of the colors in the Homeland Security Advisory System. I gave each color a word that meant something special to me.

For instance, red is faith. I figured that if we ever get to red, which is the highest and most severe security threat, we are going to need faith. We are going to have to remember everything we’ve ever been taught about belief in a higher power and belief in ourselves. We are going to have to remember everything we’ve ever been taught about our own strength and the power within us. From everything I’ve read, no one is really sure what will happen if that day ever comes. That is why faith is so important.

Red means go deep inside and remember that you’re not alone in this universe. Red means remember that you are loved. Remember that we are in this world, but not of it. Red means courage. Red means knowing that whatever happens, each of us has the ability to overcome it and to rise above. Level red to me is the level of faith.

That night in Atlanta, at about two o’clock in the morning, I went back down the scale, and I started with green. To me, green represents peace. Green represents new beginnings-the greatest joy. Green is happiness and an ideal state of being. At level green, we all understand that we are all one from one divine source.

The next level is blue. Blue is the color of the never-ending sky and the vast ocean. Blue is possibilities. Blue is amazing. Blue represents adventure and potential. Blue represents the everyday challenges that force us to grow and to learn lessons whether we are ready to learn them or not. Blue is travel and a new idea. Level blue is the level of possibilities.

Yellow is radiant energy. I think of the sun. Yellow is innovative. Yellow is “yes, I can.” Yellow is divine health and divine wealth. Yellow is laughter and smiles that can’t be hidden.

And that brings us back to orange-love-and red-faith . . . I finally felt secure with the Homeland Security color-coded advisory system.

And that is what I did the last time I spent the night in the Atlanta airport. What did you do?

Before telling you about my particular day out at Teguise Golf, the more avid golfers amongst you will probably want to know what views they can expect to see and the technical stuff that goes with playing golf. For me it was simply a great opportunity to spend a morning with a former work colleague (Colin) and his son (David) as they were staying in a neighbouring villa on La Goleta, part of the wider Faro Park Development.

The course runs along the side of an old volcano (no surprise there given Lanzarote’s landscape) and has inspirational views of volcanic lava, cacti and over includes over 3,000 palm trees and has superb views of the Atlantic Ocean throughout. A Golf course such as this one, is quite simply, in my opinion, nature at its best. César Manrique, the man who taught the people of Lanzarote to care for their natural habitat has clearly left his influence everywhere. If you are a Golf ‘anorak’, you might also want to read the next paragraph of technical data ? If you’re not, simply skip over it.

The course measures 6041m (White) ; 5582m (Yellow) ; 5289m (Blue) ; and 4938m (Red). Generally, visitors play off the blue tees. The Slope Rating of the course is 127 (White) ; 127 (Yellow) ; 130 (Blue) ; and 124 (Red)

We played off Blue Tees. The course measures 5289 Metres (5791 Yards for the non converts) and is a Par 72 course.

IÂ’ve since found out that the course was designed by British landscape architect John Harris and built in 1978. It is a truly a fantastic course, not only because of its design but also thanks to the excellent condition in which it is kept all year round and at Easter (April 2006), it was in superb condition. Given its location, it benefits from a warm and pleasant climate all year round, tempered only by sea breezes from the islandÂ’s almost constant trade winds. The course is designed to be smooth yet varied. It has more than your average number of doglegs, designed to test your ability (or lack of it) and allows you to bring all your clubs into play. It will test everyone from scratch players to those of us with more modest ability.

Address : Avenida del Golf, s/n. 35509 Costa Teguise (Lanzarote).

Telephone : (00 34) 928 59 05 12

Fax : (00 34) 928 59 23 37

Email info@lanzarote-golf.com

Webiste :www.lanzarote-golf.com

The Following services can be found at the Club - Club hire, trolleys, buggies, driving range, pro-shop and club storage. There are separate male and female changing rooms and you can hire lockers. There is a Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant offers a varied menu, based on Mediterranean cuisine.

The prices vary according to season. In the “Summer” months (1st June to 30th September) it costs 53 Euros (for 18 Holes) and 36 Euros (for 9 Holes after 4pm). In the “Winter” (we played in Winter and it was scorching !), it costs 65 Euros (18 Holes) and 52 Euros (9 Holes after 3pm). The Course has discount agreements with most of the hotels on the island, so check at your hotel, or check out a nearby hotel if you’re in private accommodation as you can often get a better deal than this by doing so.

And so, to our day out. We planned to set off at 7am from our ‘home’ in Playa Blanca (the idea being not to spoil the day for others and ‘Brownie Points’ for everyone !.

There was to be four of playing, but that quickly became three when Gary (“The Rainman”) decided he was on holiday and was not coming to Golf at 7am (given that he left the British Open on Faro Park at midnight the night before (to prepare for golf), I was very surprised to get the “Dear John“ text first thing in the morning. Gary’s nickname is a long story, but basically when its cold he wants it hot and when it’s hot he prays for rain (and usually gets it, so I’m not that keen on going on holiday with him !)The three of us (Colin, a work colleague, his son David and yours truly) set off around 7:30am and we drove along the LZ-2 and then headed towards San Bartholme and then into Costa Teguise (avoiding Arrecife !)

When we arrived we were told it was members day (Saturday !) and that they had no tee times for 3 hours. A quick bit of lateral thinking later, we asked if we could play 10-18 and then get a Tee time for 1-9 which they agreed to (something youÂ’d almost expect them to suggest in the UK, so ask if you need to).

We decided we’d have a ‘friendly’ game of singles (if there is such a thing) - Loser buys the beers at the 19th hole.

We played stableford, off full handicaps (you’ll need them). To cut along story short (ish), Colin was ‘flying’, I was struggling to even stay in touch and David, well David was having a bad day (it’s just as well he hired his clubs !). Colin was five points in front with five to play before he decided to show us his impression of “Devon Loch” (he’s the horse that collapsed of exhaustion 50 yards from the finishing line in the 1956 Grand National when leading by 20 lengths !)

Going up the 18th Colin was one behind (but I did not rub it in, honest) !

Colin tells me his wife Jackie really enjoyed her first trip to the island and that they may return. I’m sure if we ever go ‘into combat’ again, David will have been the range beforehand to shake off the cobwebs and Colin will make sure that he does not sprint when it’s a marathon.

Me, well I had my day !

Devon in the south west of England is a beautiful location to reside for a UK holiday this summer.

The Devon region of England has some of the most stunning beaches in the UK, fantastic scenery, beautiful beaches, the stunning landscapes of Exmoor is to be seen.

The area is host to an excellent caravan park which I’ve had the pleasure to visit in my caravan holidays destinations list.

Enjoy the quality coast awarded beach which is right by the caravan park and very accessible for the family to enjoy. In the surrounding areas of you can visit.

The great thing about caravan holidays in my opinion is all the onsite facilities and activities provided, the caravan park I have visited in Devon is well equipped with an onsite convenience store supplying everything from fresh food to pre packed food, sun cream and flip flops to non food essentials, for me having a shop selling nappies was ideal.

The leisure facilities are fantastic and cannot be faulted, one afternoon was a typical summers day in the UK, raining! So we decided to make use of the indoor pool with it’s flume to keep even the adults entertained. There is an outdoor pool weather permitting, with waterslides as well.

The park has great family friendly services available and if you have baby or toddler then you’ll need to make the most of this service. Including bottle warming, highchairs and even supplying bibs and baby wipes, as you know children can get very messy!

Evening entertainment is plentiful including stage shows, comedy acts and live bands, some of the entertainment is seasonal. Although the best time to visit is in the summer, July or August to take advantage of good weather, mother nature pending.

So to sum up, Devon is a wonderful location to visit for UK holidays and is perfect to take a caravan holiday especially in the summer time.

In 1996 me and 2 friends undertook our first backpacking experience. We traveled from Costa Rica to Guatemala in 6 months. Originally we had planned to travel for a year, but half way decided to do something more useful with our presence in Central America and applied for volunteer jobs in Honduras and Guatemala.

The travelers we met during our adventure travel from South to North Central America were very different from the travelers you would meet now on the same route. Most people were, just like we were, looking for a real escape. It would have been rare to find anyone traveling for less then 3 months. As a matter of fact, most people had started in the North of the continent, or often in Mexico and were planning to travel as far south as Peru or Patagonia. They would have 8 months or more to do so. The main reason for their trip was not so much traveling in itself; most backpackers were looking for a different lifestyle. Either that or they had already found the lifestyle they were looking for and had successfully made being an adventurer their way of living.

These adventurers had more time then money and were consciously escaping the first world. The idea was to make a statement against modern life and travel to third world countries was a way of expressing disagreement with the hectic first world.

Nowadays if you travel through Central America, you will find another type of backpacker. The adventurer needs to work harder now to find his escape. He will need to travel to even less accessible locations just to avoid the vacation atmosphere found in popular destinations throughout Central American countries nowadays. Backpacking and adventure tourism has grown more fashionable over the last 10 years. It is now most common to take a 3 or even 2 week holiday to an exotic place like Guatemala.

This new adventure tourist is a lot less adventurous as our explorers 10 years ago. He is not interested to leave regular day to day first world life. He is simply looking for a short break from it all. This adventurer has not got the time to really adjust to another lifestyle; he just wants a taste of it, a tiny bite.

The new adventure traveler is not genuinely interested to get to know a third world lifestyle, he is not willing to live like the locals surrounding him on his travels. As if the world was one big museum, he wants to be there and watch from a short distance. The consequence is that local hotels and restaurants need to adjust their services to this new demand, even if this means loosing their own culture. Although the current traveler claims to be interested in other cultures, he is really demanding it to change to his needs. A shift in backpacking culture is sadly leading to a shift in local third world culture.

A few years ago I was just an ordinary credit card user. I regularly paid my bills in full when they were due each month. On a trip to Florida I read in the airline magazine an offer for a major bank airlines credit card with an 8000 point gift for signing up. I was somewhat concerned because they imposed a $60 annual fee which I was not used to paying. In any case I decided to pay the fee in hopes of being able to earn enough points to make it worth my while.

My goal was to earn 120,000 points in one year to pay for three free tickets to the Caribbean. A strategy needed to be developed in order to accomplish this goal. On a piece of paper, I wrote down all of the things that I ordinarily pay for by cash and for which I could pay for with a credit card. I was able to group these expenses into categories. They included groceries, household expenses, college expenses for my children and transportation related costs.

What I found was that most grocery stores and restaurants will take credit cards. I was even surprised to see that you could buy a cup of coffee and a donut at Dunkin’ Donuts and pay for it is a credit card. You could use your credit card when you buy food for the week, make a short trip to a dollar store or go to the local McDonald’s and buy a couple of hamburgers.

I started to use the credit card whenever I went to Home Depot to buy hardware for the house or purchase appliances at Sam’s Club. I don’t think that there are many places that wonÂ’t take your credit card even for the small purchases.

One major area in which you can earn anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 air miles is through making your children’s college tuition payment through a credit card. One of my childrenÂ’s schools would allow payments to the made by credit card and the other one wouldnÂ’t. I also charged all of the books and school supplies incurred on campus.

Lastly, transportation and auto repair costs are another way of adding to your airlines credit card miles. Every time you go to the gas station, you should charge your fill up. Car repair will also give you many airline miles.

What’s most important here, is that you charge almost everything you buy which you would normally pay for in cash. This gives you many more airline credit card travel miles that you would normally not have. On the other hand, you will need to budget your money in order to pay the credit card off at the end of each month. It doesn’t make sense to have the airline travel credit card and hope to earn miles at the same time paying a tremendous amount of interest which offset those miles. So if you want to travel the world, like I do then sign up for one of those excellent airline credit card points deals and use the card responsibly and treat yourself to a nice trip. I do and working on getting points to go to Tahiti next year!

Curacao may be a small island, but there is certainly much to see. Fortunately for travelers, there are plenty of easy ways to navigate the island and experience an incredible array of activities. The local population and thrift-conscious travelers take advantage of the reliable public transportation system, supported by bus routes that visit all parts of the island. Mini buses also roam the streets of Curacao offering families a great way to see the island, while taxis take care of travelers exploring the island’s nightlife. Car and off-road vehicle rentals are easy to find for those that want to experience Curacao at their own pace. If you are staying in Willemstad, you will probably find that the city is comfortably walkable, but if you want to explore what the rest of Curacao has to offer, you have plenty of options for getting around.

If you are making a long journey within Willemstad or travelling outside of the capital city, the most affordable way to get around Curacao is the public bus system. All the bus routes in Curacao originate in the central Willemstad districts of Punda and Otrabanda. From these central locations, the buses traverse the city and depart for Curacao’s western shore, reaching as far as Westpunt at the island’s northwestern-most point. The buses run regularly throughout the day, especially within Willemstad. However, service is typically limited after 11 PM, meaning taxis must be relied upon for those exploring Curacao’s nightlife.

Curacao’s mini buses represent another good transportation option for travelling both within Willemstad and to destinations across the island. Able to carry up to nine passengers, the mini buses have long been the preferred mode of transportation for visiting families. Though the mini buses travel the same routes as the primary public buses, these comfy cruisers are able to pick up and drop off passengers at any point along the way. In fact, as mini buses are not allowed to use Curacao’s official bus stops, these rides can be hailed just like taxis throughout the island. The easiest way to find a mini bus is to look for “BUS” on both the license plate and top of the vehicle. While the mini buses do not run on strict schedules throughout the day, service typically stops at 11 PM like the public bus system.

If your resort is near Willemstad, taxis will be readily available around the clock. Though Curacao is a small island, taxi fares will generally be higher than you find at home. On average, taxi rides from the airport to Willemstad cost between $15-25. Furthermore, as public transportation runs sparingly after 11 PM, your taxi fare might be subject to a surcharge of up to 25% when travelling at night. Fortunately, drivers happily quote rates and agree on set prices before departing, allowing visitors to find the most affordable transportation. If you are unsure which taxis are officially recognized, look for the letters “TX” on the license plates.

Visitors planning on spending plenty of time exploring the island - or those hoping to do without public transportation - will have no trouble renting reliable vehicles in Curacao. Rental agencies are available at both the airport and many of Curacao’s best resorts. Additionally, as Curacao is home to numerous unpaved roads that traverse the unspoiled interior and coastlines, many rental agencies offer well-equipped off-road vehicles. Regardless of where you drive in Curacao, it is worth paying attention to local driving habits. Traffic in Willemstad can be difficult for visitors to navigate as the island’s relaxed Caribbean atmosphere often promotes a carefree driving style. However, resident drivers in Curacao rarely speed and are always very patient and gracious to visiting families. Hence, when practicing focused and responsible driving, visitors have no trouble navigating the island and enjoying the ride.

If you need help understanding bus routes, finding a taxi or renting a car, your concierge will be able to provide valuable assistance and help you make the most of your experience in Curacao. However you choose to travel in Curacao, once you get on the road, you will find Curacao is easy to get around and even easier to enjoy.

Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Curacao for the Marriott Resorts.

Are you afraid to achieve your dream to fly? Most of us are prevented of flying on their own for various reasons - lack of time, bad weather conditions etc or most often the reason is money. The financial problem is now solved to some extent by the ultralight airplanes, but a new concern might be stopping you from flying - their safety.

How safe are the ultralight airplanes? The short answer is safe enough. The long answer requires you to consider some important factors.

Nowadays the safety of the ultralight, microlight and homebuilt/experimental aircrafts really equals that of the certified light airplanes. Then why asking about safety at all?

Mostly people are afraid to fly ultralight aircrafts because in the past they used to have very poor reputation (which actually came mostly from rumor). The ultralight aviation was not regulated at all which was allowing many unexperienced pilots to fly on aircrafts with questionable safety.

Today most countries regulate the ultralight aircrafts to some extent and the pilots have either get a license or agree with some restrictions like avoiding populated urban areas, night or bad weather conditions. This really improved the safety of ultralight flying a lot.

Today only the Experimental Aircraft Association keeps some statistics on the ultralight accidents. It reports 101 accidents with 20 fatalities over a 3.5-year period - considering there are thousands of ultralight flights with thousands of planes, the figures are not so scary at all.

And most accidents are results of human mistakes. I know you don’t want to be one of them. There are many things that YOU can do if you want to fly safer:

Get better training. It makes sense to spend more money on instructed flights than risking your life. Don’t hurry to make your first solo flight and even on it, have your instructor presented in the airplane.

Ensure your aircraft is safe. This is a common sense, but still needs to be emphasized on. Check the wings, the propeller, the fuel, everything. Then double check.

Don’t fly in bad weather conditions. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Better to miss a planned fly rather than killing yourself or breaking your aircraft in the storm.

Get an emergency parashute system. It costs about $2,000 and I know sometimes that could be 50% of the price of your ultralight airplane. But these $2,000 are not even 1% of the cost of your life, so just spend them without postponing.

Use a helmet. You can get a motorcycle one, it won’t cost you a lot. The helmet saves you not only in case of accident, but also from hitting a bird or a bee in case you fly open-air vehicle.

Use common sense. Leave the great cascades to the professionals, don’t fly close to buildings or rocks… just don’t do anything that does not make sense.

The pilot is by far the most important factor in most ultralight aircraft accidents. Follow the steps above, fly reasonable and you’ll have no problems at all. Then you’ll be able stop reading articles like this one and enjoy your ultralight flights.

Many times people who backpack will do so close to home. Sometimes, though, more adventurous backpackers decide to explore the world. Backpacking can be a great way to travel and save some money. You will get to see new places and go through terrain you may not be exposed to at home. Since you will be camping instead of staying in hotels you will be able to travel on a nice budget.

Being away from home means if you forgot something then you have to buy new or go without. All you need to do to ensure that your trip is successful is to plan and be prepared.

When traveling you will need to pack light, but make sure you pack everything you need. This can be complicated, but is necessary.

Pack lightweight clothing that will dry quickly and pack sparingly. You will need only about 3 outfits no matter how long you are staying. You can wash them and dry them at night. Take a fleece jacket, boots, sandals and tennis shoes and some type of head covering. Depending on where you travel this may simply be a ball cap, but if you are female and going to the Middle East you will need a proper head garment. Also don’t forget to pack a clothesline.

You will also need a sleeping bag, first aid kit, plastic place setting with a plate, bowl, fork and spoon and two towels. It is also important to pack a water bottle and water purification kit.

Don’t bring guide books. Try to copy any information you need. Single pages weigh much less than a whole book. Also leave valuables at home. These will make you more prone to thieves.

Always keep in mind any airline policies as they tend to be rather strict these days. You can always buy something once you reach your destination if you can not take it on the plane.

The whole point is to pack light because you have to carry it all around with you. Only pack what you need and what would not make sense to buy once you get to your destination.

All too often, backpackers heading to the USA get blinded by the bright lights of New York or Los Angeles. Sure, these are top backpacking destinations, but budget travel in the USA doesn’t have to be all about city-slicking. America, after all, is a vast and varied place.

One great vacation option that isn’t urban-holidaymaking is beach going. The USA boasts some immensely beautiful stretches of coastline, and awesome weather to match. What’s more these sandy havens are often accompanied by beach hostels, which provide sociable and affordable accommodation.

Backpacking around the beaches of the USA is more than possible for the budget traveler, then. If the sound of a beach-vacation American-style tickles your fancy, it may be worth checking out some of the following great beach-and-hostel combinations…

Venice Beach, California

Venice Beach is the quintessential American beach. This is a place where you can not only sunbathe on the sand, but you can also rollerblade or skate along the parallel promenade, where you can play handball, paddle tennis, volleyball and (of course) basketball on the many playing surfaces provided, and where you can join hot-bods and body builders on the famous Muscle Beach workout. Quite simply, this is Baywatch incarnate.

Venice Beach Cotel has been a traveler’s favorite in this part of California for over 20 years now. It’s a straight-up and affordable place, with a multitude of backpackers milling about its social areas every morning before heading off to the delights of the beach.

South Beach, Miami

Miami is basically defined by the huge beach that stretches along its shore. South Beach (as the name suggests) is the southern part of that beach. It’s also the part that is famous for its rich and glitzy lifestyle, with the US’ most famous celebrities constantly clamoring to own a seafront property here. Needless to say, the sand is pristine, the water perfectly clear, and the general view simply breathtaking.

Miami Beach International Travelers Hostel is a top rated hostel in the area. It’s a boutique kind of place, which means you won’t feel at odds with all the glitz around you. And, what’s more, it’s outrageously affordable for accommodation of this sort and in this part of town. USA hostels rarely come better than this.

Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

It goes without saying that a beach-going backpacking trip around the States simply must take in the wonder that is Hawaii. There’s a slew of options here, from Maui to Kauai, but for good honest affordable fun, it’s hard to beat the great sand and awesome surf of Waikiki Beach.

Waikiki Beachside Hostel is only a five minute walk from the action. Clean, comfortable and game for a laugh, it’s the perfect beach-bum’s hangout.