Online Information for Backpackers about Great Britain!

iTunes For Travellers
“I am SO bored of everything on my iPod!” Who has never thought that while travelling? Playtripper.com think they have the solution...

In a nutshell, Playtripper is “iTunes for Travellers”. It offers simple drag-and-drop of MP3 files straight to your iPod, using a small program called “Sherpa”. It also has a very cool feature that finds travel podcasts relevant to your trip. And if you need MP3s, they work with several online stores so you can buy the latest music and audiobooks while on the road.

Sherpa installs onto your iPod itself, so you only have to download it once, and then you can use it in any internet cafe that lets you use a USB port. Playtripper also have an extensive podcast directory, with thousands of radio shows from the likes of the BBC and Triple J - perfect for breaking up those long bus journeys!

One very unique feature of Playtripper is the way it finds travel podcasts for you. You create a list of the destinations on your route, and it will automatically find and recommend podcasts related to those places. For example, if you add “London” to your list, you might find anything from museum guides and walking tours, to soccer news or the latest set from a celebrity DJ. It’s great fun trying out different locations and just seeing what you get back!

Playtripper is free to join, so go check it out at www.playtripper.com.

One World 365
One World 365 operate a range of websites for people seeking a work, volunteer and travel experience. They provide details of companies and organisations which offer global work and volunteer opportunities.

Specifically they concentrate on the following areas ­ work and seasonal jobs, summer camps, teaching and volunteering. Each of their sites feature a company directory, searchable placements, information and advice, a message forum and community space.

If you are looking for a specific work or volunteer experience you can log onto one of their websites and search for your perfect placement. From teaching English in Europe or working at summer camps in North America, to volunteering with elephants in Asia!

Browse work, volunteer and travel opportunities in the UK, Europe and worldwide at www.oneworld365.org. Also check out www.summercampworldwide.com, www.tefl365.com and www.gapyearworldwide.com. They have hundreds of great opportunities, so what are you waiting for?

Pillow Adventure Tours
Pillow Adventure Travel company is a London based tour company which offer tours to the major festivals and quirky events in the UK and Ireland. Their philosophy is simple; have fun whilst visiting some beautiful parts of the country and experiencing some crazy local events and culture!

Tours include a visit to the World Nettle eating contest where you can watch people eat as many stinging nettles as possible in one hour (do not try this at home!). Set in stunning countryside, it involves a local beer festival, live bands and hopefully lots of sunshine!

Another option is the running of the Tar Barrels in Devon! This 400 year old festival involves the local villagers setting light to barrels and running around the local village. Locals and tourists have to jump out the way to avoid the 10ft flames!

Whether it be participating in the World Nettle Eating Contest in Devon, running around with flaming barrels, or chasing a cheese down a Cotswold hill, Pillow aims to give you a unique travel experience that you’ll remember forever. See www.pillow.co.uk for details.

DEEPDALE FARM GOES GOLD
Deepdale Backpackers, on the beautiful north Norfolk coast, has been described as ‘the most stylish hostel you’ll ever see’, but now it’s also one of the greenest hostels you’ll ever stay in.

Since Deepdale opened five years ago, they’ve been keen to reduce their impact on the environment, mainly because of the natural beauty of the area. Earlier this year the title of 'eco-friendly' became official, when the Green Tourism Business Scheme awarded Deepdale a Gold Award.

Don’t worry, you can still relax in the converted 17th Century barns surrounding a BBQ courtyard, or be as active as you like with watersports, surfing, kiting, kayaking, canoeing, cycling, walking or bird watching. However, now you don’t need to worry about the impact you are making while you stay.

For more information on the facilities at Deepdale, including the private ensuite rooms, dorm accommodation, camping for tents and campervans or the tipis, please visit: www.deepdalebackpackers.co.uk.

GET IT ALL AT EXETER PHOENIX
Looking for a place in the Westcountry where you can sit back and relax for as long as you like? Well, no need to look any further! Exeter Phoenix allows you to get away from the tourists but still get a suntan! Here you can sip some of the best locally roasted coffees around, nibble on some fresh pastries or choose from the most varied lunch menus in Devon. Enjoy some cutting edge contemporary visual art and round your day off with an excellent and very affordable locally produced meal. Follow this up with a few drinks and a fantastic concert or live art performance!

Exeter Phoenix has got it all and is now also open on Sundays with free live entertainment from different emerging artists in the Café Bar each week. And watch out for this August’s Big Screen In The Park; Exeter Phoenix’s annual large screen open air cinema extravaganza. For more information, visit www.exeterphoenix.org.uk or phone 01392667080.

BIRMINGHAM CENTRAL BACKPACKERS
Ever wondered what's in Birmingham? There's a lot more going on than you might think; and Birmingham Central Backpackers is ideally located for guests seeking to explore this up and coming world class city. After millions of pounds spent in regeneration to the city centre and the Bull Ring, Birmingham has become a premier destination for its shopping, canals and lively nightlife.

Besides all the great sights in Birmingham, it also provides a wonderful base for West Midlands exploration to nearby places like Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, and historic Gloucester.

Birmingham Central Backpackers is located in the city centre and run by international staff who hail from three continents. Created by backpackers with backpackers needs in mind, they offer friendly budget accommodation at a place that feels more like a home away from home than just a hostel.

With facilities geared for travellers; movie cinema, free wi-fi, guests only bar and snack shop, pool table, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, outdoor patio and garden and much more, Birmingham Central Backpackers is THE place to stay while travelling in the West Midlands. Check them out at www.birminghamcentralbackpackers.com for more information!