Online Information for Backpackers about Great Britain!

VIP DISCOUNT CARD

Is the history of Europe, or the mystery of South America calling? If so, get yourself a VIP Backpackers Discount Card; you’ll save heaps! The Kit comes complete with a handy Accommodation and Discount guide, VIP Discount Card and an E-kit phone card. Not only will you save a minimum of 5% off per night in Europe and the UK at any of the 1200 quality VIP hostels worldwide, but you will also save on travel and activities. Your discount card gives you access to discounts on thousands of tours, travel passes, sightseeing and adventure activities. Your VIP Backpackers Discount Card is also a rechargeable E-Kit phone card. You will receive free voice mail, travel assistance and information, discounted international calls & US$5-10 worth of call credit on your first recharge.

VIP HOSTELS

What’s great about travelling as a VIP Backpacker is that you’ll find every hostel is completely unique. We have over 1200 hostels in 80+ countries . The VIP logo is your guarantee that every hostel meets our high standards of quality, location and value. The VIP treatment you receive extends beyond the usual 24 hour access, kitchen, laundry, lounge rooms and TV’s.

CHANCES ARE YOU’LL FIND

A courtesy bus • Tour bookings • Job assistance • Bar + Restaurants. • Internet access

Check out www.vipbackpackers.com for further information.

ANYWORK ANYWHERE

Do you fancy working in a ski-resort this winter season? If so, head to www.anyworkanywhere.com for a wide range of choices.

They have a multitude of fabulous jobs... chalet hosts, nannies, chefs, hotel/ski/bar staff... the list is endless!

Log onto www.anyworkanywhere.com to look at all the options.

Most jobs are in the Alps - choose from France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria. One thing is for certain... wherever you end up, there will be a 'work hard, play hard' motto. By the end of the season, you'll have a suntanned face, a winter to remember and plenty of new friends.

TIME TO BE FESTIVE

Are you wondering what to do over the festive season? Options are endless for the footloose and family-free backpacker!

Most tour companies offer special Christmas and New Year breaks where you will be well looked after and guaranteed to be in the company of like-minded people. See Pg 10 for further details.

Alternatively, you could head to one of the backpacker hostels mentioned in Backpax. Either in Britain or the rest of Europe. Many hold parties or Christmas dinners and if not, fellow backpackers can always organise this themselves using the self-catering facilities.

Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, has become a massive ticketed street party in both Edinburgh and Glasgow. An experience not to be missed for those party animals out there.

Cornwall is one huge fancy dress party at New Year. The streets of Newquay and St. Ives are jammed with assorted revellers, all in imaginative attire.

Wherever you end up, enjoy your hassle-free festive season and welcome 2008 in with style.

CLINK HOSTEL

Clink Hostel, is the newest kid on the block. You can find it centrally located in King's Cross. To the North are Camden Market and Regent’s Park Zoo. To the South is the world famous British Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern. To the East is the trendy nightlife of Angel, Old Street and Farringdon. To the West are the shops of Covent Garden and Oxford Street. All are just a few minutes away! It also boasts direct links to all London’s major train stations, the Eurostar and most airports.

The Clink building, itself, is also of Historical interest. This backpackers hostel is unique due to it originally being a Victorian Courthouse. Charles Dickens worked here as a scribe in the early 19 century and the Clash band were put on trial here in the 70’s. The courthouse has been stylishly refurbished to create an utterly cool hostel with contemporary facilities. Clink offers pod beds in the dormitory rooms, which each have a personal light, safe locker and luggage box, combining comfort, privacy and safety.

Log onto www.clinkhostel.com for further information, as this is definitely a must see hostel. These days you can stay of your own free accord and you certainly won’t want to leave... oh, how things change!

SEADRAGON HOSTEL - BRIGHTON

Right in the heart of Brighton and Hove and seconds from the sea is the newly opened Seadragon Backpackers. Run by Karen and Glen, a local couple who have spent the best part of the last decade living and working in all 4 corners of the globe. They've brought the best ideas from their favourite hostels from around the world back to Brighton.

They’ve kept things simple ­ dorms with bunk beds. Some have great seating areas looking out to sea. The communal areas are funky, functional and clean. The stylish basement kitchen is equipped with everything you need to make anything from toast to teriyaki chicken! The tv lounge and chillout area is filled with bean bags and is a great place to unwind after a long day shopping and sightseeing or a long night clubbing!

All of this is topped off by Karen and Glen’s hospitality and unrivalled local knowledge and the icing on the cake is their two dogs, making the place really feel like a home from home. During the winter period you can stay for a week - or months at a time... perfect if you are looking to settle for a bit but don’t want to be tied to a 6 month contact. No bills, no hassle.

Seadragon Backpackers has a perfect location, a great atmosphere -it’s a place you just can’t help but stay one more night. Log onto www.seadragonbackpackers.co.uk for further information.

OFF-SEASON SURFING

Surfing in Cornwall during the Autumn is one of the best times to be on the waters. The swells become more consistent and powerful as we move towards the winter but we still

retain some of the warmth from the gulf stream. Due to the trade winds being south westerly, Newquay has more off-shore winds for those north-facing breaks.

Autumn is the time to enjoy Cornwall without the summer crowds but with top-rate waves. Pass the word around and why not head over and see for yourself?

Turn to Pg 29 for further details on BSA Surf School and The Escape Surf School.