Online Information for Backpackers about Great Britain!

SIMPSONS: OVERSEES BAGGAGE SHIPMENT

Simpsons are a family owned business who have been market leaders in the 
overseas removals arena for the last 30 years. Fully bonded, they are also audited and regulated by professional bodies. Simpsons were winners of an excellence award in 2007. In other words, you can trust these guys with your goods!

Whether you have bags, rucksacks, surfboards, bikes or other bits and bobs to send home by air or sea, look no further than Simpsons Removals. Their 
website - www.simpsons-excess-baggage.com - has a simple and easy to use 4 step baggage quotation system and once you have your quote, there is a fully integrated online booking system along with an online payment system for baggage shipments.

Once you’ve booked you receive a confirmation email with your booking reference and the various documents required to get the shipment safely to your overseas destination. Simpsons can supply you with the boxes and packaging materials free of charge if you need them. All of this can usually be arranged with just 1-2 days notice.

If you just want to store your shipment while you’re away, their student and backpacker storage charges are affordable. If you would like to talk to someone about your needs, call Simpsons free on 0800 515930. They look forward to hearing from you.

THE TOUR WITH A CRAZY TWIST!

ROLL UP ROLL UP ladies and gentlemen... this Autumn, Smashed Travel's inaugural free tour of Europe, SiroWak, explodes into action. It’s a rolling circus, a month of madness, a freaky tour of nine cities and two of the world's biggest festivals, a menagerie of backpackers, freaks, geeks, gorillas and clowns! As well as being a tour its a blatant excuse to indulge in absolute hedonism.

Either take your Wicked van (www.wickedcampers.com) and follow the procession, join them in any city for the parties or go and stay at the Smashed Travel camp for either La Tomatina or Oktoberfest – in any case, this Autumn, Europe is your big top. So strap on your helmet and climb in the cannon with Smashed Travel. They're starting from the 20th of August beginning in Biarritz and rolling through insane San Sebastian, Madrid, La Tomatina, Barcelona, Paris, Bruges, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague and the grand finale in Munich for Oktoberfest.

Check out www.smashedtravel.com for all the dates and details or email them directly on festivals@smashedtravel.com and get ready for the show. SiroWak, the Rolling Circus, for backpackers by backpackers. Europe isn’t going to know what hit it!

LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH LIFTSHARE

If the joys of public transport are wearing thin - or just wearing out your hard-earned travel funds - you could do yourself a big favour by checking out www.liftshare.com.

Car-sharing is becoming big in the UK. In the last two months alone, the liftshare network had 25,000 new members sign up to it. It’s much better for the environment, is a great way to meet new people and see more of the country, and it saves you money. The site itself is completely free to join; you would just be expected to contribute to the driver’s fuel costs. (Or if you’ve got a car yourself, you can offer a lift and get some help with the travel expenses.)

The system is dead easy to use - just register the journey(s) you want to make, then do a search for other members going the same way. Why not do it now and see who you can team up with as you continue your travels round the UK?

GET SMART IN LONDON

London's newest backpacker’s hostel, the 'Smart Russell Square' is located in the most convenient and fun areas of London. Minutes from King’s Cross, Oxford Street and right in the heart of London you will be ready to go anywhere in the city in only minutes!

Smart's simple philosophy is to provide quality accommodation in stylish rooms at prices that can’t be beaten. Combined with their large games room, comfortable TV room, kitchen facilities and the private gym, you won’t even have to leave to be entertained!

A state of the art key system works with their doors and lockers to give you a sense of peace and security for all your valuables. And with 24 hour reception, you won’t have to worry about getting home early!

With the smart backpacker in mind, they’ve built custom “pad” beds, giving you an unbelievable feeling of privacy. Surrounded on three sides by partitions and with light dampening 
curtains, you can close yourself in for a great night’s sleep. They’ve thought of it all!

Opening September 15, book now and be the first to experience the best in hostel life! Check out www.smartbackpackers.com for further details.

WORK AND PLAY WITH CAIRNGORM

CairnGorm Mountain is a year-round visitor attraction near Aviemore in the Highlands of Scotland; a two-and-a-half hour drive or train ride north of Edinburgh.

In winter, weather permitting, from the beginning of December until the end of April, it is Scotland’s best known and most popular ski resort. Winter seasonal staff are recruited for all areas of work from Lifts and Tows to Ski Hire, Catering and Retail. As well as being able to ski or board for free on the mountain, staff benefit from additional discounts both on the mountain and locally.

When the snow melts, non-skiing visitors from family groups to less mobile seniors, travel on the funicular railway. Ride from the base station at 634m to the Top Station at 1097m, just below the summit of Cairn Gorm. Enjoy fantastic mountain views from the viewing platform in the Ptarmigan restaurant and to visit the exhibition and shop there.

Throughout autumn and winter CairnGorm Mountain are always on the lookout for seasonal staff to work full or part time in their two busy restaurants and gift shops and on the ski tows in the winter. Go to www.cairngormmountain.org for full information.

OLD MEETS NEW: ACE YORK HOTEL

Ace Hotel London (www.ace-hotel.co.uk) has a perfect partner opening in historical York. A £2 million refurbishment programme has recently undergone on this newly acquired building. Ace has kept it in line with the location's traditional Georgian Heritage but they have also added in a fantastic modern edge.

Conveniently located near York railway Station and situated in ‘Micklegate’ the oldest part of York, this grand Georgian 1772 residence has many impressive features. These include a stone-flagged 
entrance hall, grand carved sweeping staircase, panelled rooms, vaulted cellar and a fabulous Rococo ceiling featuring Shakespeare’s head. With its own oak-beamed basement games room, tv lounge, hot tub, sauna, and outside seating area, this hotel is the top end of the budget sector.

Ace Hotel York is situated within the City of York walls and has great views of York including York Minster and the York Eye. This unique budget hotel offers a number of rooms and beds all with exquisite views. All rooms are ensuite and suit everyone's budget.

So, if you want to do budget grand style, choose Ace Hotel York!