Congratulations to Ulla Mueller! Ulla has won the round the world flights worth £3,000 (courtesy of Round the World Experts) plus £1,000 spending money from HostelBookers.
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who completed our survey! A whopping 20,000 of you had a few minutes to spare – that’s double the number of responses we received last year! Your answers reveal what you really want to get out of your travels and how we can help you on and along your way…
So Ulla is off around the world. We are green! Now, if it were me, what round the world route would I take? I like to shake things up on my travels starting with a bit of cultureshock, a spot of shopping, taking in some spectacular scenery and rounding the trip off with some quality beach time…
Cultureshock: New Delhi, India
Traffic like you’ve never seen it before, curry as you’ve never felt the heat before; New Delhi has plenty of shock injections to deliver. But balance can be restored. Friendly staff at New Delhi hostels can point you in the direction of magnificent cultural institutions and colourful bazaars. You’ll experience an all-round invigorating lift of the senses – and that’s what travelling is all about right?
Shopping: New York City, USA
There’s a reason NYC is one of the top fashion capitals of the world. There’s something for everyone; the twinkling window displays along Fifth Avenue, vintage treats in the Lower East Side and bargain faux designer bling around Chinatown. Staying in New York City hostels = more spending money!
Nature: Cape Town, South Africa
This is a city which occupies one of the most spectacular geographical locations in the world; with Table Mountain slap-bang in the middle and the ocean on nearly all sides. First, you’ll be needing accommodation with a fantastic view, so try hostels in Cape Town with a roof terrace and soak up the scenery.
Beach: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Don’t follow the sheep to Cancun, 50 miles south is the beautiful 10-mile stretch of easy-going Playa del Carmen. It’s not a desert island destination, but if you’re looking for a hippie beach culture with snorkelling and fishing by day and BBQs and dancing by night at a hostel Playa del Carmen is the perfect place to unwind.
Cultureshock: Tokyo, Japan
Tall, fast and busy this city may be, but Tokyo is such a well-oiled operation, streamline and polite, that the delicate precision will make your jaw drop. They are tech and gadget addicts and you can’t help but join in the fun of sleeping pods, boozy karaoke and the colourful Japanese pop culture. No doubt your Tokyo hostel will be just as cute and welcoming as the rest of the city.
Shopping: Bangkok, Thailand
The fabulous Skytrain is the best way to travel to the glitzy malls for the big designer names but there’s nothing quite like Chatuchak market. Covering an incredible 35 acres, this weekend market is a sprawl of over 8000 stalls selling everything from pets to trinkets, knock off fashions to customised ‘I never knew I needed that’ type items. If you stay in a city centre hostel Bangkok is doable in a few days but there’s plenty more to explore in Thailand.
Nature: Auckland, New Zealand
Situated over a geothermal system, New Zealand North Island has active volcanoes and hot springs to marvel at. Don’t forget to hunt out a few of those Lord of the Rings’ film locations. If you’re trying to decide on budget accommodation or a hostel Auckland airport is the main hub for international flights so this city makes a good base.
Beach: Whitsundays, Australia
It doesn’t get more picture perfect than at the Whitsunday Islands, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. National park forest fringes amid turquoise water filled with kissable fish – that’s right, they’re so close they will give you a quick peck on the cheek! If you decide to stay at the Whitsundays hostels can help you plan your trips to the reef.
Cultureshock: Beijing, China
As a recent Olympic host, the city has scrubbed up very nicely. To begin with, you’re visiting a communist political power but there is a pleasing mix of Soviet-style architecture and vestiges of an older China in the Hutong alleyways. You’ll find plenty of our top-rated hostels in Beijing offering traditional lodgings.
Shopping: London, UK
Browse the elegant Liberty department store, revisit the swinging 60s along Carnaby Street or spend a Sunday admiring the colourful displays at Columbia Road Flower Market. There really is something to suit every budget. You can even find some great gifts in the museum shops. As for the hostels London has budget accommodation right in the centre.
Nature: Interlaken, Switzerland
As the name suggests, Interlaken is sandwiched between two lakes. It’s an idyllic spot, popular in both winter and summer for skiing and snowboarding or hiking, boating and swimming. Most Interlaken hostels will be able to help you plan your excursions and extreme sports.
Beach: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
For locals, the beach is the pumping heart. To swim, to exercise, to people-watch; the likes of Ipanema and Copacabana are a required daily dose and a constant source happiness for tourists and locals alike. But to escape the crowds don’t forget to visit Joatinga, Grumari and, if you like surfing, Prainha. You’ll find plenty of hostels in Rio de Janeiro just a short walk from the beach.
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