PAUL THEROUX is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"Travel is glamorous only in retrospect."

-Paul Theroux

MOTHER TERESA is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"By blood, I am Albanian. By citizenship, an Indian. By faith, I am a Catholic nun. As to my calling, I belong to the world."

- Mother Teresa

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Mysore, India. Photo by: Alex Mason

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Rimini, Italy. Photo Courtesy: Sunflower Beach Hostel

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Travel News

FLIGHT SEARCH ENGINES

Meet ITASoftware.com. If you can remember the clunky URL, you will be happy. ITA Software, which was recently acquired by Google for a cool $700 million in cash, is a travel data clearinghouse that supplies everyone from Bing to Orbitz to Kayak with all of their flight info. That's right. Most search engines pull the same information; they just slice it and deliver it in different ways.

ITA Software isn't new; it was founded in 1996 by MIT computer scientists. But the owners have given it a face lift that makes it more palatable for public consumption. While it used to look like it was built, in fact, in 1996, the site has been upgraded and streamlined, with one of those handy matrices that lays out all the options. They've even created something I've never seen before: a sideways chart detailing flight options by time, using color-coded time bars. Their new free, 4-star app, "OntheFly" makes detailed search totally doable via an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

Neither the site nor the app allows for booking. It just gives you all the tools at your fingertips, and lets you customize search as you see fit, and you can be sure you're seeing everything that exists. Where you choose to book your preferred flight combo—via the airline directly or an OTA (Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia, Kayak)—is entirely up to you.

Article from budgettravel.com

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Naan Ku Se, Namibia. Photo by: Josh Corbin

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Saint Julian, Malta. Photo by: Chris Nunley

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Milhintale, Sri Lanka. Photo by: Jill Patterson

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OSCAR WILDE is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train."

Oscar Wilde

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Petra, Jordan. Photo by: Mark Bornstein

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Rotorua, New Zealand. Photo by: Tanya Banks

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Gear Reviews

Attention ankle rollers: You can now get big-boot joint protection without big-boot bulk. “I have glass ankles, and the Quests were like a brace,” says one tester who wore them out of the box on a 30-mile, rim-to-river circuit that was both on- and off-trail. Several features enhance stability. A band of rubber wraps around the tall, padded ankle shaft, and the sole features a rigid rubber cup that cradles the heel for lateral stability and ensures rock-solid heel plants on perilous terrain.

But all of that support comes with surprising agility—a result of the relatively low weight and the partial plastic midsole plate that supports the heel and arch without interfering with forefoot flex. It’s not the lightest boot in the test or the most supportive, but “it has the happiest marriage of the two qualities,” says one tester. Designers saved ounces with a nylon/split suede upper; the only drawback is that it doesn’t stand up to cactus spines as well as leather—several testers got poked. The toe area, however, is fortified with a rubber cap. A Gore-Tex liner provides waterproofing. Best for medium- to high-volume feet.

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Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo by: Crissy Daniels

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Suiox Falls, USA. Photo by: Cristina King

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Gibraitar, UK. Photo by: Sherrie Morgan

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Forks, USA. Photo by: John McLean

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San Pedro Del Pintar, Spain. Photo by: Rianna Loman

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BRITNEY SPEARS is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"The cool thing about being famous is traveling. I have always wanted to travel across seas, like to Canada and stuff."

-Britney Spears

Hostel of the Week...

BUENOS AIRES HI HOSTEL SUITES FLORIDA is a backpackers delight in one of the best locations in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hostel Suites Florida just opened its doors a few years ago, and has quickly become well know throughout all of South America as the place to stay. Hostel Suites Florida is budget accommodation, affordably priced. There are over one hundred rooms in the hostel, all with private bathrooms, making it the largest hostel in South America. There is a huge common room with free Wi-Fi, rows of new computers for guests, a pool table, bar, kitchen, comfortable couches, and a flat screen television. To get the days started off right, each morning starts with a great breakfast. During the day, the hostel offers numerous activities such as AFL Football games, bike tours, tango lessons, and much more. If you like to party, Hostel Suites organizes outings to some of the best nightspots Buenos Aires has to offer. All in all, there are several hostels to choose from in Buenos Aires, but Hostel Suites Florida is the best one, by far.

Three Reasons to stay at BUENOS AIRES HI HOSTEL SUITES FLORIDA:

1. The rooms. The dorms are clean and the private rooms make you feel like you're in a hotel.

2. The location. Florida Suites is located in the heart of the city, with subway and bus stops just a short walk from the hostel.

3. The wide variety of activities. There are so many things to do through the hostel. We highly recommend the football games, preferably Boca vs. Riverplate!

florida@hostelsuites.com

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La Paz, Bolivia. Photo by: Alberto Lara

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Irkutsk, Russia. Photo by: Kim Briggs

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Lom, Norway. Photo by: Aaron Skelkin

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Destination of the Week...

Situated at 1579m (4736ft) above sea level, in a mountain ridge on the Southern Highlands of Sri Lanka, Haputale offers glorious 360° views, a cool climate, and a serene atmosphere to relax in. Its high elevation allows a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. In one direction you will see plains run into the coast and in the other direction, misty clouds sitting in the rolling hills that run into more hills, next to more hills. Sights and nearby attractions include, of course, the Haputale Gap, the purple cone of Namunukul, Horton Plains National Park, Diyaluma Falls, Tangamalai bird sanctuary, and the nearby Benedictine monastery of Adhisham. When the veil of fog lifts from the mountains you can look out at the bright blue waters of the Indian Ocean, and on a rare cloudless night, you’ll see the rays of the little lighthouse of Hambantot stabbing through the dark sky. Take a leisurely walk or a tiresome trek to the famous Dambatenne tea factory, or up to Lipton’s Seat, where the panoramic views will sweep you off your feet. “Lipton” may not sound like a name that fits into this Sri Lankan mountain scene, but the name pays homage to Sir Thomas Lipton, as Haputale is where he bought his first tea plantation, to supply his great Lipton empire, back in the 1890’s. Experienced hikers will enjoy the 14km stretch from Haputale to Pattipola, where it’s unusual to see anyone else. Instead, you’ll be kept company by blue and red gum trees and winding vines. Haputale offers cheap accommodation too. You can arrange for a home stay or camp out in the Haputale Forest Reserve. Or, if you wish to experience life at the Adhisham monastery for a few strict days, you can try writing to Father Bernard to see if he’ll grant your request.

Haputale is 193km (119 miles) east of Colombo and there are several ways to get this mountain town. The train ride to Haputale is often regarded as one of the best experiences in Sri Lanka, but the drives are no less exciting. When descending upon Haputale from the main road, the incline is so severe, it seems as if your vehicle will become airborne. You can catch a bus to Haputale from Wellawaya, Bandarawela, and other cities. Or take a train on the Colombo–Badulla line. No matter how you end up in the mountains of Haputale, you’ll come away feeling relaxed and refreshed, with a whole new take on Sri Lanka.

Click here for Sri Lanka visitor information!

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Sydney, Australia. Photo by: Nick Hayes

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Dirty Little Secrets...

MUSIC FIND

The Whitest Boy Alive are a German-based quartet with singer/guitarist Erlend Øye, from the band Kings of Convenience. Their sophomore disc "Rules" is a calm breezy Folk/Pop/Jazz affair, remniscent in places of Øye's alumnus, Michael Franks, or even long forgotten eighties Swiss Pop duo, Double.

Much of the album comprises laid back grooves with jamming instrumental breaks, like opening cut "Keep a secret", the groovy "Intentions", the stunning ballad "Rollercoaster ride", and the similar "Gravity". "Dead end" is a bouncy Pop affair. The other songs are upbeat, funky, disco-tinged songs, similar to what Jamiroquai does: the piano sprinkled "Courage", "High on the heels", "1517", "Promise less or do more", and "Island" (with a light Latin feel and a lengthy instrumental break). The songs are so simple, yet grow maddeningly addictive each time you listen to them. Incredibly groovy and hugely enjoyable!

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La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Photo: James Kirkland

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Rio de Janiero, Brazil. Photo by: Kelly Ledger

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Written for the Road...

THE LOST CONTINENT by Bill Bryson is an autobiographical story about Bryson's return to the United States after he spent nearly two decades abroad. The tale begins in Byrson's home town of Des Moines, Iowa, and then continues to it weaves its way through 38 states; all along Bill Bryson uses his keen sense of humor often reflecting on similar trips led by his directionally challenged father a generation before. The Lost Continent has a serious tone too, for it is also a hard look into the decline of rural America. Bryson offers harsh criticism for the friendly small towns that are being paved over with carparks and fast food joints. The towns that Bryson loved as a kid have become in his eyes, "Junksville." What makes Bill Bryson such a great travel writer is his use of research. The anecdotes from state to state are intriguing as they are comical; the research is the road map of the story. While there are many great parts in the book, The Lost Continent is by no means perfect. Bryson can be heavy handed and patronising at times. But in my humble opinion Bryson's tale, which is part travelogue, part social commentary, and part mid-life crisis on paper, is a read that all travelers will appreciate.

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Beijing, China. Photo by: Stuart Smart

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ERNEST HEMINGWAY is a DIRTY HIPPIE

"Writing and travel broaden your ass if not your mind and I like to write standing up."

-Ernest Hemingway

Hostel of the Week...

ERRIGAL HOSTEL in Donegal, Ireland is a great place for the outdoorsy backpacker, budget traveler, and overall Dirty Hippie. This charming hostel was built on the same grounds where the old Errigal Hostel had stood since the 1950's. Situated in the misty hills of Dunlewey, the state-of-the-art hostel features an all purpose drying room for hikers, a self-catering kitchen with every kind of appliance available, and a large common room with a TV and DVD player. For those who want to sit back and reflect on the amazing experience of Ireland, there is a "Quiet Room" for travelers to read and write postcards or journal entries. In addition to the in-house facilities, there is plenty for guests to do in and around the hostel. In Donegal, you have a hikers paradise, a beautiful beach nearby, places to cycle, craft shops, and great music festivals in the summer months. If swimming is your pleasure, ask the front desk for the secret swimming locations. Simply put, if you like the outdoors and find yourself in Ireland, then the Errigal Hostel is the place for you.

Three reasons to stay at ERRIGAL HOSTEL:

1. Hikers paradise. Right out the back door are the famous Errigal Mountains.

2. Facilities. The Errigal Hostel was built with the traveler in mind. The common room with the view of the Errigal Mountains, the drying room for hikers, and the Quiet Room, are all amenities sure to please the guests.

3. Lots to do. Especially in the summer months.

www.errigalhostel.com

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Damascus, Syria. Photo by: Parnaz Fountain

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Washington D.C., USA. Photo: Jean Kennedy

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