Visit Vancouver Island On Your Next Vacation

Vacations are just about my favorite thing in the whole world. I look forward to them all year long. But I'm not one of those people that goes on the same boring vacations that every one else goes on. No, I like to spice things up with a little excitement and variety.

Sure Disney World is ok, and who doesn't like a good cruise, or trip to Europe?  But anyone can do that!  I want something that's going to be unique. I want to see something that none of my friends have seen.

If you're like me, then I have a suggestion for you for your next vacation.  Check out Vancouver Island.

If you're like most people, chances are you've heard of Vancouver Canada, but probably haven't heard of Vancouver Island.  That's ok, that's one of the reasons why it's so great; because not a whole lot of people have heard about it!

First of all, where is it?  As you might expect, it's near Vancouver.  Actually its about 90 miles from the city across the strait of Georgia off British Colombia.

This isn't an island in the sense that you're probably thinking.  When most people think of an island off the coast of something, they tend to think of a small place.  Maybe a beach, some trees, a couple square miles...you get the drift.  Vancouver Island is nothing like that!

For one thing, it's huge!  For another thing, there's tons to do there.

There are amazing beaches, awesome rain forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, golf courses, towns, it has something for everyone.

This is very much an "outdoors" type of vacation. Sure there are luxury resorts on the island, but it's a spectacular place to hike and camp.

There's plenty of wilderness, but there's also plenty of what you might call the "modern world". That means there's something for just about anyone; and it's a great place for both adults and children - depending on what you're interested in.

Vancouver Island is far enough away from most places in America that it's a great vacation destination, but at the same time it's close enough that you can get there from just about anywhere without spending a whole day on a plane!

Canada is often overlooked as a tourist destination. We tend to make fun of our brothers and sisters in the Great North, but it's well worth a second or third look when determining where to go on your next vacation. Don't let this place pass you by!

Cheap Accommodation in Santiago Chile

Santiago de Chile is the capital and economic centre of Chile. With its many museums, events, theaters, restaurants, bars and other entertainment and cultural opportunities, it is also the political and cultural center of the country. Its central location in the country makes it a great base for visiting other areas, and it is possible to ski in the nearby Andes and later be on the beach, all in the same day. Finding an accommodation in Chile to meet your needs should be easy and affordable as there is a nice variaty to choose from. Budget Accommodation In Santiago Chile Andes Hostel & Apartments, Monjitas 506 (In front of the Bellas Artes metro station), Dorms (4-6 bed) mixed and women only, private rooms and apartments. Price includes breakfast, Wi-Fi and daily cleaning service. Great staff and fun weekly events. Hostal Romandia Román Díaz 1403, Located in a quiet residential district, the Hostal Romandia is a central Santiago de Chile bed and breakfast style accommodation perfect for business travelers, students, or guests who want to get a good night's sleep in order to discover the fascinating city of Santiago's attractions during their stay. Footsteps Backpackers, Almirante Simpson 50, Santiago, Chile. checkin: 1PM; checkout: 12noon. A nice little hostel not too far from the trendy area of Bellavista . Close to the station Baquedano on the main red line of the metro. Breakfast and Wi-Fi included. Good staff C$6,000, 8 dorm mixed. Atacama Hostel Roman Diaz 130, Hostel is close to bars, restaurants, clubs and both the bus and subway station. Newly remodeled rooms are cozy and colorful, large common room with lots of places to hang out and TV and DVDs, the terrace is a great place for a BBQ and views of the city. The water temperature in the showers here can be a bit temperamental. Hostal Santa Lucia 168, Santa Lucia 168,. Looks toward the Santa Lucia hill and just blocks away from the centre. Great personal staff and good breakfast with fresh fruits. Hostal del Barrio General Ekdhal 159, Barrio Bellavista. Hostel in a quiet area but nonetheless quite near to the hotspots of Barrio Bellavista. The rooms are not huge but very clean, including the bathroom. The German owner cares very well about his clients. C$15,000 for a single with own bathroom. Breakfast is included and is rather big for Chilean hostels. Hostal de la Barra, José Miguel de la Barra 451 (near to Museum Bellas Artes and Parque Forestal) This hostel is run directly in a old building in the middle of Neighborhood Bellas Artes, it has high quality infrastructure and also has a very nice coffee shop next door where the breakfast is served: The drawback is the 6 lane road outside which is rarely quiet and the early morning revellers returning home. Sleep is at a premium here. Good points are the staff, the location and the nearby park areas. casAltura Hostel, San Antonio 811 (near Parque Forestal, Santiago Centro), Spacious hostel in a beautiful old building with a roof terrace. The interior is modern, comfortable, and always clean. It opened just a few months ago so it can be a little quiet at times, but if you're not looking for a party hostel you're sure to enjoy the laid back atmosphere. Very friendly and helpful staff. Free internet and Wi-Fi. Dorms from Ch$10,800. Dominica Hostel Dominica 24, Bellavista +5627327196 This newly restored old house was especially design to receive travelers. Full of common spaces and with a practical design of the dorms rooms. Located close to Cerro San Cristobal. Hostel Bellavista, Dardignac 0184, Barrio Bellavista, Hostel located in a great area for dining out and nightlife but can be loud on the weekends. The staff is friendly with some glaring exceptions. There are several computers and free Wi-Fi, large common room equipped with a TV, DVD player, plenty of seating, pool table and a guitar. Very popular with young international backpackers and independent travelers. Hostal Providencia Vicuña Mackenna 92-A, Providencia +562 6352536 Rooms with private & shared bathrooms a house with an antique Chilean style with a modern twist. Staff is very helpful. Breakfast, BBQ, common areas with free internet and Wi-Fi, cableTV, books and DVD library. Located only 3 min walking from Metro Baquedano, Plaza Italia and walking distance to Bellavista neighborhood. Hotel Angamos, Angamos 367, . Small hotel with clean and tidy rooms, double beds and hot water on demand. If there is none, you simply ask the owners to turn it on. Family run business and you can turn up to at any time of day/night. Close to the centre and safe. There is no hotel sign, just ring the bell. C$10,000 per double room, includes breakfast. La Casa Roja, Av Agustinas 2113, , Hostel located in an old renovated mansion. The shared kitchen is huge and excellent. Its a party place, so it can get a bit noisy. Run-down area. Pool. Dorm rooms Ch$7,000. One night free every six nights if paid beforehand.

    La Chimba Hostel, Ernesto Pinto Lagarrigue 262, Barrio Bellavista, . Small award-winning budget hostel in Santiago's trendiest barrio. Friendly staff and great facilities. Near metro station, La Chascona Cerro San Cristobal and the city's best bars and restaurants. C$70. 

    Plaza de Armas Hostel, Compania 960, dpt 607 (South side of the Plaza de Armas, Santiago Centro),  . checkin: 13:00; checkout: 11:00. On the central square with a great view out over the plaza near the subway and museums. Small (located on an upper floor of a building) but lively place with good staff. Free internet with 3 computers, Wi-Fi throughout the establishment, common room equipped with a two TVs and a DVD player. US$12-16 dormitory, US$34-38 double with shared bathroom, US$48-50 double with private bathroom.

    Pure Lounge, Ernesto Pino Lagarrigue 160, . A cozy hostel, very nicely decorated. Clean and quiet. US$16 for a bed in a 8 bed dorm.

    Residencia Tabita, Príncipe de gales 81 (off Moneda between San Martin and Amunategui), . Cosy, friendly and quiet, but right in the middle of town. C$2,000 for unlimited internet access during your stay using Tabita's computer or Wi-Fi. Singles from 8000 pesos, 15000 for doubles.

    Ventana Sur Hostel, Claudio Arrau 0340, Providencia (Close to Santa Isabel Metro station), . Chilled out hostel but there's always something going on. Good location with friendly staff who always go the extra mile and are great fun to hang out with. Pool, free internet and WiFi, continental breakfast included, Friday night BBQs, Wednesday free wine nights. Duvets in the dorms. US$11-12 Dorms, US$21 Single with shared bathroom, US$36-44 Double with private bathroom.

Marijuana Culture in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, a.k.a. Vansterdam, is known as the "Amsterdam of the Americas" for it's liberal attitude towards marijuana use. Although marijuana is still technically illegal inVancouver, and all of Canada for that matter, police in Vancouver generally turn a blind eye towards marijuana use, even in public. Visitors to Vancouver looking for a truly "green" experience are usually referred to the city's "pot block" - the 300 block of West Hastings street in downtown Vancouver. Here, you will find several seed banks, vapor lounges (where customers bring their own marijuana and rent a smoking device known as a vaporizer) and the BC Marijuana Party (BCMP) headquarters. At the center of it all is Cannabis Culture - the store owned by famous Canadian marijuana activist Marc Emery who is currently in jail in Seattle for selling marijuana seeds to Americans. Cannabis Culture sells everything from weed t-shirts to marijuana-inspired games, smoking accessories and marijuana magazines.

Marijuana has become such a large part of Vancouver's culture that the annual 420

celebration (April 20th is the international pot smoking day) at the Vancouver Art Gallery

has seen over 10,000 visitors in recent years. Marijuana t-shirts can be seen in the

display windows of many stores throughout Vancouver, and it's not uncommon to

smell marijuana smoke wafting through the air when walking through the city.

July 1, Canada's birthday, doubles as Cannabis Day in Vancouver where a crowd

congregates at the Vancouver Art Gallery to protest against the continued

criminalization of the drug. Vendors sell everything from weed t-shirts to

to smoking devices to marijuana itself with police standing a few

meters away.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

The entire centre of Saint Petersburg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, covering 31 different areas and sections within the city centre.  Saint Petersburg is one of the most recognisable European cities, thanks largely to its baroque and neo-classical architecture. With statues, monuments and museums in abundance, it is buildings such as the Church of the Savior on Blood that really makes Saint Petersburg beautiful.

Killarney, Ireland

The town of Killarney in County Kerry is one of those that mixes traditional Irish charm with fantastic historical views and amazing scenery. Being home to an official National Park, an array of wonderful lakes and many quaint, beautiful viewpoints, Killarney is a must for anyone visiting Ireland.

Oludeniz, Turkey

Widely regarded as being home to the most photographed beaches anywhere in the Mediterranean, Olu Deniz is located on the cost of the Aegean Sea in south west Turkey. Masses of crystal clear, stunning blue sea and white sandy beaches can be seen from almost any point in the town, but if you’re wanting to see the beauty from above, take off from Babadag Mountain, one of the most popular places in the world to paraglide from.