Monthly Archives: February 2010

NEW SWAPPER Video!

Posted on February 25, 2010 by SWAP

Have a video you would like to share? Send the link to swapinfo@swap.ca and we will share it with all of our readers!

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How To Travel Around The World By Bus

Posted on February 24, 2010 by SWAP

If your dream is to take time off and travel around the world, there is more than one way of doing it. Typically, people think of taking airplanes from point-to-point, but as we’ve recently seen with National Geographic‘s project to … Continue reading →

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The Top 10 Bars in Melbourne, Australia

Posted on February 23, 2010 by SWAP

It’s been voted the World’s Third Most Livable City and is as diverse with its sub-cultures as it is with different drinking establishments. With the competition between watering holes being so high, you’ll find it difficult to find a place … Continue reading →

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10 WWOOFing Opportunities in Ireland

Posted on February 22, 2010 by SWAP

Exposure to organic farming techniques, harvesting potatoes, fixing farm fences, milking goats, and feeding chickens were WWOOFing experiences we had mentally prepared for. The compost toilet, however, was not. Together we studied the Humanure Compost Toilet Manual. It read, “There are … Continue reading →

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10 Reasons the World Would be a Better Place if Japan Ruled the Earth

Posted on February 19, 2010 by SWAP

By: Tristan Cano Okay, so strictly speaking, Japan’s wartime aim was control of the Pacific and not world domination. However, if by some freak accident they had ended up inheriting the human race, things may not have been that bad. … Continue reading →

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How to Impress Guys from Around the World: Tips About Men from Six Different Countries

Posted on February 17, 2010 by SWAP

There are many things you’ll want to take as souvenirs from your time exploring the world – tie-dye clothing that looked cool in India, paintings created by talented elephants, novelty booze that tasted good in the right setting, or exquisite … Continue reading →

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Ancient Voyages (from the director of SWAP)

Posted on February 16, 2010 by SWAP

So, I’m the Director of SWAP and I have been for almost 30 years so I hope you don’t find it odd that we have a youth program here being run by some old fart. When such criticism arises, I … Continue reading →

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5 Worse Case Scenario Situations All Backpackers Face

Posted on February 12, 2010 by SWAP

Face it. All backpackers are likely to encounter situations that can really test you. They can send your plans into a whirlwind, cause arguments with other travelers or end your trip completely. In the face of adversity, it’s always best … Continue reading →

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10 Secret Places for Travelers to Stash Cash

Posted on February 11, 2010 by SWAP

Photo above by ndanger There’s the old adage about not putting all your eggs in one basket, and when you are on the road, your financial resources are your eggs. Hard won and filled with spending potential, your rupees – … Continue reading →

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How to Travel With Your Partner (& Still Come Home as a Couple)

Posted on February 10, 2010 by SWAP

Solo travel has so many bonuses – you can go where you want, when you want without worrying about asking or even informing anyone else. But it can also be hellishly lonely and while the transient travel companions you meet … Continue reading →

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10 Leading Causes of Travel Deaths (maybe)

Posted on February 9, 2010 by SWAP

There are lies, damn lies and statistics. Take your guess as to what kills the most backpackers each year. The number of ways that you can die are uncountable but not to great that you can’t bring a little imagination … Continue reading →

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Top Dublin hostels offer free Guinness to guests staying over Saint Patrick’s Day

Posted on February 8, 2010 by SWAP

Saint Patrick’s Day, the 17th March, is a date etched upon all Irishmen’s hearts. Originally a Catholic festival celebrating Ireland’s patron saint, it’s now a bank holiday in both Ireland and Northern Ireland and is the one day a year … Continue reading →

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TripAdvisor’s 2010 Dirtiest Hostels

Posted on February 5, 2010 by SWAP

1. Grosvenor Hotel, Blackpool, United Kingdom 2. Villaggio Club Porto Ainu, Budoni, Italy 3. Park Hotel, London, United Kingdom 4. Boston Court Hotel, London, United Kingdom 5. Cromwell Crown, London, United Kingdom 6. Dam Hotel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 7. Corbigoe … Continue reading →

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The Overstay – Bangkok’s Whore House Turned Guest House

Posted on February 3, 2010 by SWAP

photo by Greg Goodman A dorm bed at The Overstay in Bangkok currently racks at $0.62 a night on Hostelworld. How bad could it be? “Please Do Overstay!” exclaims the website for one of the cheapest guest houses we’ve seen … Continue reading →

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Shark Diving in South Africa

Posted on February 2, 2010 by SWAP

By Jennifer Green I was one of those kids who obsessively watched The Learning Channel, especially when they featured a program on sharks. I remember watching “Jaws” with my hands over my eyes one night with my parents when I … Continue reading →

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Top Gadgets To Travel With In 2010

Posted on February 1, 2010 by SWAP

With newer, ultralight, razor-thin, lightning-fast, advanced gadgets being released each month, figuring out which ones are worth traveling with remains a challenge. Travel gear and technology continue to evolve exponentially with vamped-up smartphones, faster digital cameras, enhanced fabric engineering for … Continue reading →

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