Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking

• Arriving at Jolly Swagman Kings Cross Backpackers by Chris
  in Backpackers Sydney Tourist Attractions, Backpacker Hostel Facilities, Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking, Hostel Life, Kings Cross, Staying at a backpackers hostel, Sydney Backpackers Expo
  24 Feb 2012  | 0 Comments

  Arriving at Jolly Swagman Kings Cross Backpackers

   

  After staying in numerous Kings Cross Backpackers during my 4 weeks in Sydney, I made a reservation at the Jolly Swagman after hearing great things from fellow travellers and backpackers. I arrived at 12 pm and was happy to be told I could check in immediately, as other hostels had made me wait until 2pm in the afternoon. I was greeted with a smile by Nicole on the hostels reception, who gave me my key, sheets, discount voucher booklet and free internet usage card. The hostel looked cheerful and fun, with its signature yellow paintjob continuing inside.

   

  I headed up to my room and was delighted to be in a room with only 3 beds. This is something that is a big plus for me, as after being in hostels for a month you can grow tired of the 12 or 8 bed rooms, where late night revellers’ and early bird day trippers frequently disrupt your sleep. As Kings Cross Backpackers go, the rooms at the Jolly Swagman are certainly near the top. My room has its own fridge and cupboards for storing my food and drinks, something which is another big plus, as in other hostels with communal fridges and cupboards your stuff can often go walk-abouts!

   

  I unpacked and headed for a shower. The hot water never ran out, something which other hostels in Kings Cross cannot offer. It was time for lunch so I nipped to Woolworths which was a 4 minute walk away from the hostel. I grabbed some backpacker basics (spaghetti, pasta sauce) and headed back to cook. I swapped my key for a saucepan at reception, something I was told ensures the pans get cleaned after use! After eating I was ready to start my day, but so far the Jolly Swagman had offered all I wanted from a Kings Cross Backpackers.
• 
  Sydney Backpackers Can Help Sydney Hostels in Caring for the Environment by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Sydney Travel, Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking, Staying at a backpackers hostel
  5 Dec 2011  | 0 Comments

  Everyone has a responsibility to keep our environment clean and green.  At Jolly Swagman, we also stand by this advocate.  We know that by helping to save our planet, we are giving back what Mother Nature has been providing us for some many years.  Australia is blessed by its abundance of pristine nature and we don’t want to take this for granted.  So, we strive to reduce our impact on the environment by being ecologically conscious.  This is a message that we work hard to bring to all our guests.  We have also joined the other hostels in Sydney in encouraging Sydney backpackers to be as environmentally concerned as we are.

   

  We are driven to keep our environment natural and beautiful.  Through these efforts, we will be able to continue offering all our visitors the natural beauty of Australia.  So, we appeal to all backpackers to be with us in protecting our environment. 

   

  How Sydney Backpackers can travel “Green” while in Australia

   

  All staff at Jolly Swagman work hard to do our part in conversation and preservation our surrounding environment.  We also do our best to convey this message to all our guests staying with us.  Here are some simple ways you can pitch in:

   

  • Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
    • You’re probably sick of hearing it but it’s true!
  • No to plastic bags and packages
    • Use refillable drink containers instead.
  • Don’t litter.
    • Throw your garbage, especially cigarette butts, into the trash bin.
  • Save water.
    • Turn off showers and faucets when not in use while bathing, washing or brushing your teeth.
  • Save energy.
    • Turn off lights when not in use.
    • Turn off power points or unplug electrical appliances and electronic devices before leaving the room.
    • Don’t overcharge electronic gadgets.
    • Share washing machines with others to only do full loads and use only cold water.
    • Avoid using dryers and hang washed clothes outside.  The Aussie sun will dry them in no time.
    • Reduce heater consumption by wearing warm clothes when you’re cold rather than overusing heater.
    • Use public transport or car pool when possible.  We have a great train & ferry system that goes to all the sights.
  • Use biodegradable and recyclable products.
    • Toiletries, batteries, etc.
  • Choose Eco-Certified tourism products. 
    • Look for ECO logo.
  • Make your own food.
    • Avoid fast food and take-out packaging.
    • Buy local produce.

   

  Transportation: Huge Impact to the Environment

   

  As a backpacker, it is important that you get to visit as many exciting destinations you can as possible.  In Australia, we have a range of transportation services offered for travellers who want to take a look around the city, certain regions or even the rest of the country.  Our continuing drive to reduce our impact on the environment has led us to plan affordable tour packages that encourage backpackers to travel through the use of public transportation or car pools. 

   

  Throughout Sydney, the best way to get around would be through the train/subway system called CityRail.  If you’re venturing outside Sydney there are a host of transportation options that we have listed below to choose from.  We encourage our guests at Jolly Swagman to choose the affordable transportation option that has the least environmental impact.

   

  • Coach
    • Cheapest and most affordable option
    • Goes through major regional routes
  • Backpacker Tour
    • Growing in popularity among travellers
    • “Jump-on, Jump-off” style tour
    • Point-to-point trips to and from popular destinations
  • Train
  • Air
    • Cheap deals during promotional periods
    • Faster travel when jumping from one city to another farther section of the country
  • Self Drive
    • Backpacker groups that prefer to travel more extensively

   

  You can also ask our travel specialist at the Reception to help you find special transport passes and fare schemes or flexible tour packages inclusive of transfers.

   

  Contact us today and we will help you travel around Sydney and beyond with your comfort and the environment in mind.
• 
  Hostels, Youth Hostels and Backpackers what are they? by Jolly Backpackers Sydney
  in Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking
  19 Mar 2009  | 1 Comment

  Hostels, Youth Hostels and Backpacker Hostels

  One and the same - but what are exactly are they??

  Hostels provide budget accommodation where guests can rent a bed, and sometimes a bunk bed in a dormitory and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available. Hostels are generally cheaper for both the operator and the occupants.

  HOSTEL DO'S

  Some "Dos" before starting your backpacking adventure are to pick some nice hostels to stay in. Remember your budget, as this will have a bearing on where you rest your head at night. Also it is recommended to pack an open mind and a good sense of humour when you are starting your backpacking adventure.

  HOSTEL DONT'S

  A "Don't" is, don't expect a hotel when you book into a hostel. If you shop around you will undoubtedly get high quality accommodation but what you will not get is room service and some of the facilities that you might normally expect from a hotel such as a restaurant, bar, and a gym. The good news however is that for most of the budget accommodation in Kings Cross, these facilities are right on your door step.
• 
  Backpacker Hostels Vs Hotels by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking
  19 Mar 2009  | 1 Comment

  There are several differences between Backapckers Hostels (or Youth hostels) and hotels. Some major advantages of hostels include:

  1. Hostels tend to be budget-oriented; rates are considerably lower, and many hostels have facilities to share books, DVDs and other items.
  2. For those who prefer a less formal environment, hostels do not usually have the same level of formality as hotels. They are usually more relaxed and easy going.
  3. For those who prefer to socialize with their fellow guests, hostels usually have more common areas and opportunities to mix with others. This makes them ideal for making new acquaintances and forming new friends.

  A perfect example of a Sydney hostel can be seen at the Famous Jolly Swagman backpackers Sydney.

  People

  You are guaranteed to meet a lot of like-minded people in your Sydney hostel. People from all over the world arrive in Australia and you are likely to meet people who are also from your home country. The great thing about staying in a hostel is that it provides you with the opportunity to socialise with others. If you are travelling on your own, this can be invaluable as you will make friends or maybe meet people who you would like to travel with. Costs of travelling such as fuel or renting a vehicle can be shared amongst the contacts you make at your hostel.

  Security

  Most budget accommodation in Sydney is very secure. Sometimes privacy can be an issue in hostels but this can be overcome by securing your possessions. You are likely to find lockers in your dorm room where your belongings can be stored. It is therefore recommended that you invest in a pad lock as you can safely keep your prized possessions while you travel through Australia.

  BBQ

  Aussies love BBQ's so soak up the sun and the culture from your Kings Cross hostel by having a barbie with your friends at the hostel. It will be an inexpensive meal and perfect to go along with a few beers. Most good hostels will have a BBQ facility on site so guests can cook up a feast.

  Fridges

  In a hostel, you will either have a communal fridge or a fridge in your room. If it is a shared fridge, it is recommended that you label and date your food to keep it secure. The higher quality hostels in Sydney will have fridges in each room. Due to the high temperatures here in Australia, it is important that when you are acclimatising to the heat that you seek a room that at least has a fan in it as this will help you sleep. It will also mean that you wont have to leave the fridge door open all night to keep the room cool!!

  Tours

  From your Sydney hostel, you will find that there are many tours available to explore the area. If you ask at your hostel, you will be given information about trips to the Blue Mountains and also trips to the Hunter Valley. Both are very popular amongst backpackers. Hostels therefore can be a fabulous source of information on activities to do while you are in the area.

  Employment

  Most travellers who are coming to Australia are looking for some form of employment while they are staying here. The budget accommodation in Sydney makes great locations for sourcing work. It is through the contacts you make in the communal areas of your Kings Cross backpackers that you are likely to find out about employment vacancies and where backpackers are being employed. Hostels such as the Famous Jolly Swagman will also put you in contact with employment agencies so if you are looking for work the hostel will strive to find a position for you.
• 
  I'm backpacking what should i pack? by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  At Jolly Swagman Hostel in Sydney we have a fair idea of what you should and shouldn't bring - check this out:

  Clothes and Packs

  • ·                   A good size backpack to hold your belongings and make sure it is waterproof.
  • Runners / Trainers
  • Flip Flops
  • Shorts
  • Bathing suit
  • 2 T-shirts
  • 3 pairs of socks
  • 3 boxers
  • Baseball cap
  • Sunglasses / Prescription glasses
  • Wallet / Money Pouch

  Toiletries

  • Small towel
  • Toiletry bag - toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, nail clippers, razors, shaving cream, roll of toilet paper.
  • Sun tan lotion  

  Electronic Gear

  • Camera (don’t forget battery and charger)
  • Ipod or other mp3. (not vital but will help you keep your sanity if waiting for long periods)
  • Cheap headset/mic for Skype, usb memory stick.

  Documents and Money

  • Passport & Photocopy of passport info page
  • Printout of Australian electronic Visa
  • Extra photos (for Visas)
  • Driver’s License
  • Health Insurance documentation
  • WHO Immunization card
  • Flight tickets
  • Travel Guides
  • Valid Credit Card
  • Approximately $300 cash

  Miscellaneous

  • Notebook and pen
  • Gum
  • Scissors
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Pillow

  If there is anything else that you think is important to bring, make sure you let us know.
• 
  Backpacker Travel Tips in Backpackers Hostels and Backpacking
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney has produced 10 top tips before your backpacking adventure.

  1. Positive Attitude - No matter what happens on your trip, it is your story to tell. Don’t let bad incidents ruin your whole experience. Don’t let others bring you down. You worked hard to get to this point, and you deserve to enjoy it.
  2. Patience - You will not make every train, bus, ferry, and airplane. Instead of getting angry, take the time to explore your surroundings, get a schooner of Tooheys. You will have to wait, but at least you are waiting in an amazing country.
  3. Pack Light - Make sure your pack can fit on the plane as carry on luggage. If it is too big, take things out. Remember, it is warm in Australia so you won’t need all those coats and you’re the one that will have to be carrying that bag around.
  4. Talk to People - Start talking to strangers on your travels and don’t stop till you are home again. You will be very lonely if you do not allow yourself the chance to meet new people. You especially need to do this if you are travelling with a friend.
  5. Keep a Journal - You will learn a lot about yourself on this journey. Document what you see and who you meet. Make writing in it a habit from the first day, and don’t be lazy. You will appreciate your efforts in ten or twenty years.
  6. Take Pictures - Bring home the proof that you went to the Blue Mountains. You do not have to be a great photographer but pictures you take mean a lot more than postcards and books. The best advice you can get is to take more pictures of people rather than objects.
  7. Be Easy Going - No matter how long you are gone, and what you see, there will always be new places to go. Allow room to be open with your schedule as you will find out about new places to see and do as you travel and you won’t want to be constrained by dates.
  8. Be Independent - If you think you are unable to go to Australia on your own, just go anyway. If you are traveling with a friend, do things by yourself too. Time apart will help you get along better and it will allow you to open up to other people around you.
  9. Be Confident - Always maintain confidence in your ability to get from one place to another, whether across the continent or the city. Even if you don’t know what you are doing, confidence can cover this up.
  10. Be Yourself - You will meet a lot of people while you are backpacking. It is important to be yourself, and you will get on like a house on fire with the other travellers.

  If you have any other top tips please post them for our future fellow backpackers to benefit from.