Staying at a backpackers hostel

• 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.
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  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.
• 
  Backpacking by Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney
  in Staying at a backpackers hostel
  6 Mar 2009  | 0 Comments

  Probably the cheapest, easiest and definitely the most FUN was way to see a country and experience the culture is to go backpacking. It allows you to get down and dirty and you can immerse yourself in another way of life. You will make so many friends as you meet like-minded people who are carting their few precious belongings around with them.  You'll stay in shared cheap accommodation  and in bunk beds, you'll potentially be sharing with people from all around the world.  The stories you'll come back with just from the accommodation experiences alone will be worth the trip and keep you amusing your friends back home for years to come.  Then there will be the random adventures, the trials and tribulations, the good times, the challenges.

  The people you'll meet will cover a whole range - some you'll make life long friends with, others you'll stay with when you go to their country and there'll be the odd one or two you'll wish you never crossed paths with - all part of the backpackers adventure!!