Travel Questions?

Planning your next trip is more than just fantasizing, organizing, making, lists, and acting crazy. Sometime you really need the know what the plan for the budget, how much remote buses costs or potentially existent boats charge, or are confused by which visa you need or whether you need a return ticket or not. In that case...

The travel forum at http://www.minihostels.com has a plethora of knowledgeable people behind it. Experienced travelers, backpackers and budget conscious people can give you advice and tips.

The travel forum at Lonely Planet is a great place to ask questions, get advice, and talk to people who live where you want to travel and really know what's up.

The travel forum at minihostels page on Facebook is to backpackers, from backpackers, by backpackers, and will get you trip on track!

Argentina-Brazil World Cup Match!

ARGENTINA is playing BRAZIL in the World Cup Qualifier Match in ROSARIO tomorrow, September 5 2009!!! Ok, so tickets were insanely expensive, and I can't go, so I'll be watching it on the big screen of my local bar here in Buenos Aires, but for those of you lucky enough to have managed to snatch up a ticket, you may want to consider staying overnight in Rosario!! Traffic will be backed up all day getting there, and then after the game, I'm sure the streets won't clear till the early morning...and if we WIN, who knows when you'll be able to get back on the road? Your best bet is to drop off your stuff at a hostel in the afternoon, chill until the game, HAVE A BLAST while the rest of us grumble and watch on TV, and then party the night away! You can take a bus to and from the stadium so you aren't stuck in your car when it starts. Then go home to your hostel, get a good night's sleep, and make the trek back to good ol' BA on Sunday. Cool Raul Hostel is a super awesome, fun, hip hostel in Rosario with really cool, young staff and guests. No WAY are you NOT going to have the time of your life if you stay here!! If you want something a little more calm, check out the two really cool, great location hostels in Rosario at Minihostels.com Have fun, and make sure to wear your country colors!!!!!!

Facebook

Hey all you hostel-lovers! minihostels has a facebook fan page where you can learn about new hostels, deals, get cool travel tips, chat with fellow travelers and ask questions, and share your hostel stories! Come check us out--see our fan box on the right hand side of our blog here, and become a fan!

Costa Rica Baby!

Cost Rica is a lush paradise of jungle, gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, cool animals and birds, amazing sunsets, and relaxed, fun people. A full quarter of it is protected land and the country is one of the greenest countries in the world! It's a rare privilege to hike through virgin jungle and watch the monkeys play. The people are well known for being friendly and helpful, and the surfing is great! Minihostels has just added over twenty new hostels all over Costa Rica, and is adding more as our scout there finds more cool, unique hostels for the savvy budget traveler like yourself. Check out our awesome new hostels and travel guides to Costa Rica on the Minihostel site!

Planning Your Next Trip

There are a lot of great resources on the web for planning your next vacation. Take advantage of the online forums where you can post questions that other travellers who have been there done that can answer also check out MINIHOSTELS, you can book your hostels and find out info about all the destinations! They're also hooked up with language schools, shops, restaurants etc. that will give you discounts with the MiniHostels card!

Those Random Moments that Make Traveling What it Is

We all know that we love travelling when we are standing in front of some sort of natural wonder or historical monument, but I feel like some of the most powerful moments for me are in the transit. So many times I have been on buses or trains or even planes and all of a sudden I get this exhuberant moment (usually accompanied by a great song on my Ipod) where it all makes sense and being on the bus with my head pressed against the window heading into the unknown feels right.
Need a hostel? Check out MiniHostels.com!

Why we LOVE Staying in Hostels

Hostels are definitely cheap, and that is a lot of peoples main reasons for crashing in them, but even if I had a million dollars I would still reside in a hostel. Why? The atmosphere of course. In a 5 star resort you´re not going to sit around, share a beer and swap stories with your travelling companions or meet some people and cook up a big meal for everyone in the shared kitchen. Also, usually hostel owners are locals or there are at least some locals hanging around that can give you insider tips to the area. I also feel like hostels understand what every backpacker is pursuing, that slightly mystical essence of travel that the standardized bigger hotels just don´t get. Minihostels gets it to, we´re hooked up with hostels that are all about the travel philosophy and are run by travellers. Make your next reservation with our site MiniHostels.com!

THE NEW SITE IS UP

The new MiniHostels site is up. Free reservations, shuttles, travel information - the WORKS. Go check it out!!!!

Thanks to everyone who helped us in the upcoming weeks get the site up and running.

Make your reservations now!!!

Abroad

One of our contributing writers, Evan is now touring Bolivia and other countries in South America. Having a good ole time! Take a tour of the Bolivian mines, toss dynomite with the mine workers and learn more about Bolivian travel. For more information contact: info@minihostels.com

Recession Proof Travel

You know you'll find it with MiniHostels, but what does the rest of the world think?

Check out this article about how hostels are flourishing due to the recession. We loves it!

Follow Us On Twitter

MiniHostels is on Twitter. Follow us now!

Keep an Eye Out!

MiniHostels is preparing for some big changes. A new site, new reservations and new features. This includes offers like MiniShuttle, which we told you about earlier in the week. This means as a member you will enjoy help with travel reservations, transportation and more! Our new site launches soon - so Keep an Eye Out!

Travel News and Blogology

For some great travel info and news, check out one of our other blogs on the BootsnAll Network. Great info and travel friendly advice.

If Your Compass Could Talk

New from MiniHostels

Get used to it, we're going to be offering a lot in the next few months. But take a look at this!

MiniShuttle is the latest feature from MiniHostels. Just email or call and we'll hook you up with airport shuttles and transport to and from your hostel. Of course, members get 10% off special services!

Take the guess work out of confusing airport trips in crazy South American countries and let us do the work. For more information see our site, or email us for full details.

Buen Viaje! Well, now it can be!

Green Travel

Our South American home is gorgeous, and we want it to stay that way. Do your best to travel with sustainable and responsible tourism ideals. It does a lot for the environment and makes your traveling a positive force, rather than a negative one.

Find out more about Green Travel, here!

Book With MiniHostels!

Free Reservations

Amazing Discounts

The BEST Hostels

For Low Prices!

Call or email us anytime!

MiniHostels

European Travel

Ready for some Brats, Beers, Castles, Museums and Galleries? Are you ready for European Travel? Well prepare yourself because MiniHostels is gearing up to launch our new site with European travel information. Taking over the travel world has never been so fun!

Low Season Makes Travel More Affordable

Right now is the perfect time to take a vacation with MiniHostels. This time of year low season travel means you can even enjoy some of South America's favorite winter vacations at extremely low prices. For example, city travel is cheap because the weather isn't as warm but skiing and winter locations are still on the cusp of high season prices! This means now is a great time to take advantage of cheap travel to South America!

As a MiniHostels member, you will get 10% off each nights stay in any of our affiliated hostels AND you get to enjoy free member reservations! Become a memeber now - it's free too!

A Feature Hostel

El Tesoro de Elqui is one of our favorite hostels and it's easy to see why. And no, it's not just because they have amazing accommodations, which includes a pool. But this desert getaway in the Elqui Valley of Chile gets 320 days of sunshine a year and they have an incredible restaurant, friendly staff and offer excursions into the nearby Valley. It is an amazing travel destination for all South American backpackers and a MiniHostel favorite. Check them out!

Why They Love Us

El Corre Caminos Hostel in Salta just shared with us a little why they like being a part of MiniHostels and we thought we'd share.

The woman we spoke to said, "She liked how much we were based in Argentina and not just some big international company. " She´s also mentioned how there has been a noticeable increase in the amount of MH members coming to her hostel in the past two months.

Thanks El Corre Caminos for the love! And thank you all for making MiniHostels the best travel network in South America.

Traveling to South America?

Well look no further than MiniHostels. Our hosteling network is the best in South America and we're expanding it soon into Central America and Europe. You can make reservations online for free and our members enjoy 10% each nights stay in one of our affiliated hostels.

We hand pick each of our hostels so that you know when you see the MiniHostels brand, you're in for a good nights stay. Enjoy your traveling experience that much more with MiniHostels.

Look for us on...

You can now follow MiniHostels on Twitter, Facebook and Myspace. Join our network and welcome to the MiniHostels family!

Sustainable Tourism

MiniHostels wants to shoot over a reminder to think about the traveler's footprint you are leaving when you visit remote or eco-sensitive locations. Being a responsible traveler and following eco-friendly ideals does a lot to maintain all the places in the world we love to visit.

MiniHostels News!

The staff at MiniHostels is getting excited because our new website will be up in a matter of weeks! This means reservation systems online, new content and a whole new look. It will be more user friendly and informative than our existing site which is saying a lot since our current site offers so much. Get excited - we are!

Cinco de Mayo

Even though it's a Mexican holiday, Bueno Aires celebrates cinco de Mayo in style. What will you be doing? Email us and share your cinco de Mayo or travel experiences on this favorite latin Holiday!

We want to know. Besoooooos!

Travel with MiniHostels

and see cool stuff like this! But only... WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH MINIHOSTELS.

BOOK NOW!

Swine Flu

As travel professionals we think its important to keep you all abreast on the safety issues surrounding travel. While public health warnings have been issued regarding the safety of traveling to Mexico and the United States because of the recent outbreak of swine flu, we feel that healthy individuals can travel at a very low risk. Argentina is a region of the world that still remains untouched so you can still enjoy your South American playground!

Check back here for more information regarding the safety of travel. In the meantime, check out this interesting article about Dengue in Argentina.

Need Some Info?

If you need some more information regarding MiniHostels, becoming a member or traveling South America - check out www.minihostels.com, or email us at: info@minihostels.com

WATCH OUT!

We thought we'd spread the word on a nasty little update regarding fees and fines. Previously, when you would leave the country it would only cost you AR 50 if you over-stayed your visa. Now however, it is AR 300 for an overstayed visa. Not exactly breaking the bank but still, a marketable increase.

Just thought we'd let you know!

Why We Are So Much Fun

Even though Carnival has passed, we wanted to remind all you members out there what makes us so much fun. In February we were running a promotion offering a free 7-night stay in Salvador Bahia for Carnival! Three lucky MH members traveled to Carnival and enjoyed the biggest festival in the world! Our memberships include 10% off each night's stay sure, but they include oh, so much more.

We'd also like to thank Open House Barra for being particularly amazing during this promotion!

Gracias!

Where We're Going

MiniHostels is moving into 2009 full steam ahead! Keep an eye out for our amazing new web page and reservation system as well as a MiniHostels presence in Europe. Only the best for our members which means access and reservations all over the world.

Yes, We Love It That Much Too

South America is a blast for all ages. Especially when you're saving money and prolonging all the happiness. That is a huge part of what MiniHostels is all about for backpackers. But, if you need to find a restaurant, futbol ticket, article on teaching English or need some general traveler savvy, check out our site. Not only do we offer the best hostels in South America, but we offer the best info for travelers in South America. You can thank us later :)

Who Are We?

MiniHostels is a premier hosteling network dedicated to bringing backpackers in South America the very best in hostel experiences. Our site, which includes restaurant reviews, language school and volunteer information for every South American city including backpacker articles from travelers is much more than just a way to find a hostel. Except when you do book a hostel with MiniHostels you'll find that our hostels are they types of places you book two nights in, but stay in for two weeks. If you're traveling South America - check out MiniHostels.

We're also super cool.

Find us on

Twitter, Myspace, Facebook and on Lonely Planet!

If you're a backpacker traveling in South America, check us out on these other social networks and venues for updates, information and everything you need to find your next hostel. All of this of course, after visiting MiniHostels!

Ecotourism

MiniHostels promotes sustainable tourism and responsible travel. Check out these five eco-friendly vacations!

An MH update

MiniHostels will be making a lot of changes in the upcoming months. Our new site (including reservation system) will be up and running. This means that you will continue to get all the best travel information and hostel reservations on the web BUT you can also reserve on the site directly.

If you weren't aware of this you might be interested to know that MiniHostels does allow you to make free reservations through the site, RIGHT NOW. Also, contacting hostels has never been easier than through our hostel-search pages. Just go to www.minihostels.com and we'll walk you through your reservation.

Help us out!

If you know of a hostel that you particularly like, please let us know! We want to make as many partnerships as possible and grow our network through our members that we love. You all know MiniHostels best - so let us know if your favorite hostel belongs in the network.

Travel Safe!

MH

Easter!

Easter is next weekend and as you might have guessed, it's a great time to travel. Be sure and pick somewhere with a beach or plenty to do, this Sunday is likely to be especially quiet around Buenos Aires. MiniHostels has a lot of information regarding travel locations, travel advice and of course, all the best hostels to choose from. Start making your Easter weekend travel plans now, and book with MiniHostels!

Picture: Elephants from the Buenos Aires zoo, playing around with Easter eggs.

What Does The Economy Mean For Budget Travel?

Most of MiniHostel's travelers are young backpackers looking for world experiences on a year off, Gap year or extended vacation. They are hardly the young, rich and affluent crowd with thousands to spend on high end accommodations. That's part of the reason MiniHostels is so special. Because our travelers appreciate the best accommodations they can get on budget prices.

However, during a time where high end travel is lulling, budget travel seems to be getting more affordable. Flights are cheaper, accommodations can be found at better prices and our amazing travel-loving demographic can enjoy what makes them happiest in the world - traveling the world!

Check out this article we found on how budget travel is fairing during these economically difficult times.

Welcoming some new faces!

MiniHostels is happy to announce a few new people to our team! We will be employing a few new interns and study abroad students for our office administration and writers. We are happy to be working with our enthusiastic group of new people. They have writing skills, travel experience and will bring some great things to the network.

Events!

BAFICI, the international film festival that takes over Buenos Aires is now in full force. You can take in all the film you can muster over the next two weeks until the festival comes to an end on April. 5th. Check out day passes, student discounts and film explanations.

Don't forget the outdoors activities too! La Rural is showing a design exhibition as well as a gaucho-themed horse show for the next five days. Enjoy!

A little about us...

We wanted to take this minute to share what is going on with MiniHostels. We are excited to be working with some of the best programmers in Isreal. Our new site is scheduled to go up before June, if not sooner, which means there will simply be more to enjoy when you visit our site.

As you may know we are now offering reservations made online which means you can book with MiniHostels free of charge.

We also want to be available to all the people who choose MiniHostels over other hostel booking companies. If you have any questions or comments, please let us know! Email us at: info@minihostels.com and we will get back to you promptly.

Thank you for chosing MiniHostels. We love you for it!

Here To Help

Are you looking for work in South America, specifically Buenos Aires? Check out the MiniHostels webpage and take a look at our work and travel section. We want to help connect you with that job that will help you stay and work in South America so you can stay long and enjoy the experience. Finding the right job can mean the difference between a year in South America or only six months.

MiniHostels connecting travelers to jobs and lifelong experiences in South America. Take a look and ask us about volunteering too!

Woof woof. Meow.

We want to eat them up too. They're just so cute. But in all seriousness, here at MiniHostels we not only address travel realted issues but issues surrounding the things that go on in our city. So, in Buenos Aires there is a serious stray problem with dogs and cats that are in desparate need of a good home. If you're an expatraite looking for a new best friend to call your own, check out the facebook group Adopciones Buenos Aires (Animales abandonados). They have amazing updates and links to those little furry creatures that you know are meant to be yours. Enjoy!

When The Amazing Happens

MiniHostels has just been published in Lonely Planet Buenos Aires. It's probably because of our incredible hostel choices, free reservations, great locations and amazing accessiblity. Whatever the reason, we're stoked and want to thank all of you for making us what we are. Gracias!

Backpakcer Articles

Trying to figure out where to go and what to do? Need help with an itinerary for your South American trip? Well, MiniHostels not only provides you with some of the best hostel discounts and places to stay but we also have backpacker articles, itineraries and a helpful travel forum. For all of your backpacker questions or concerns, check out MiniHostels.

New Features For Backpackers

Not only can you enjoy travel itineraries, travel info and an interactive forum but now our backpackers can book online. This is HUGE for our travel community and an even bigger deal for MiniHostels. Make your reservation online for FREE and as a member, save 10% each night in one of our affiliated hostels. Enjoy, from MiniHostels!

Studying Abroad?

Are you in Buenos Aires studying abroad? Do you want to earn college credit while gaining work experience with an International company that is growing each day? If you're interested in doing office administration work, or writing check out our craigslist ad and apply now.

Click Here for more information.

South American Airlines

Are you planning a trip within South America? Well you'll need to know which airlines to take in order to make your flights as cheap as possible. Some of the major carriers are LAN, Aeroleanias Argentina, TAM, COPA Airlines and Air Chile. You'll be best off finding the cheapest flights with these carriers! Buen Viaje.

Oh, The Places You'll Go

... with MiniHostels. MiniHostels has the most South American locations for travelers and some of the best deals. We don't charge for reservations, we're here to answer any and all questions and we offer and promote only the best hostels. Be sure to travel South America with MiniHostels.

Looking for staff, or students!

MiniHostels now can offer you internship or college credit if you'd like to expand your horizons, work with an International company and improve your Spanish. We are currently looking for interns and study abroad students who want to earn college credit in exchange for work hours. If you're interested in an internship or earning credit in any of the following areas, send us an email now.

Marketing, sales, social networking, blogging, writing and office management.

All inquiries to kim@minihostels.com, please.

Good luck!

Reciprocity Fee Update

Argentina had reported that they were going to charge Americans entering Argentina a reciprocity fee of US$130 upon entering the country. This fee, was supposed to be enacted beginning Jan 1, 2009. However, to date, no reciprocity fee has been enacted meaning that Americans are still entering the country free of charge.

Enjoy customs while its still cheap!

Looking For a Hostel?

Remember, that along with amazing travel information for backpackers, students and members, MiniHostels offers travelers the best hostel accommodations in South America. Our hostels will provide you with the type of place you book for three nights and end up staying three weeks. Cool staff, amazing amenities, the most popular locations and 10% off each nights stay for members. Check out MiniHostels today, for all the best in hosteling and South American travel.

Travel Itineraries

In addition to new services, MiniHostels is adding travel itineraries to our website. That means if you're looking to travel anywhere in South America, then you plan your trip by simply checking out the info we provide online. Flight costs, time, bus routes and advice are all included. Check it out!

New Services!

MiniHostels is now offering new services for travelers in South America. If you want to book your hostel stay then do it through MiniHostels. Once you book, you will receive a confirmation from our staff and then simply just confirm your reservation and you've booked through MiniHostels for free! No other hosteling network provides this service free of charge. Its what we like to think sets us apart from the competition. Customer care and providing good hostels.

Study Abroad

Are you looking for an Internship or Study Abroad opportunity while you're living in South America? Well, consider studying abroad and earning college credits with MiniHostels. If you want to earn real life experience, earn college credits and enjoy learning from one of the leaders in the hosteling business then contact us today to learn about what's available.

Contact kim@minihostels.com for more information.

Looking For Travel Plans For Spring Break?

Then, consider traveling to South America! Take advantage of super cheap flights and super cheap stays when you book with MiniHostels. Plus, since you're staying with us you know you'll have a great time and a great nights sleep. Who knows, you might end up staying...

Come Visit Us In Buenos Aires

Or, well come to Buenos Aires and stay with MiniHostels. We wanted to pass on some words of advice pertaining to South American travel. Right now, flights into South America are astronomially cheap. For example a round trip flight from New York into Buenos Aires won't cost you more than US$500. You'll never see prices this cheap again, so get online and book your vacation.

We can't wait to have you :)

Locate Your Next Hostel

...and receive discounts with MiniHostels! For the lowest hostel prices at the best locations, visit MiniHostels.

Did you know?

Did you know that MiniHostels is located in Buenos Aires? If you're traveling to the city our staff knows all the ins and outs to BA travel and is eager to help. We also have members of the team living in Isreal, Ecuador and previously Peru. One thing we pride ourselves on at MiniHostels is being helpful to members. So, if you have a question regarding South American travel, especially travel in Buenos Aires - don't hesistate to ask. Its just another thing that sets us apart from the rest.

Changes to Flying

Here at MiniHostels we're dedicated to bringing you the latest in travel news. Besides, our demographic is full of travelers who need to know whats going on and what will be going on in the upcoming year.

Yahoo travel just posted this article about 5 changes that will be coming in 2009 for airport travelers. Check it out here.

Our New Rating System

MiniHostels is implimenting a new rating system which will be awesome for all you travelers. You'll love how easy it is to select how you feel about a hostel and our new graphics will allow you to decide whether you think the hostel is a party hostel, social hostel, a good hostel for couples and other cool designations like that. Its a non-biased way for you to feel good about the future of your hosteling decisions and will help hostels know which things you want changed. Give a review! It helps!

Travel Discounts

Whereas before you had to be all concerned about flight prices and stuff, it seems like now you've got the pick of the litter. MiniHostels is reeling over how cheap flight prices have become in recent months. You've simply got to check out the travel auction sites for good flight deals and then check out MiniHostels for the greatest hostel stays.

We know during these hard times you might be worried about a job to come back to, but if you're a footloose and fancy free traveler then take advantage of the silver lining.

Travel! And do so, with MiniHostels.

Feedback

Hostels are able to meet the needs of travelers by making adjustments based on feedback they receive. MiniHostels' feedback system is one of a kind and not biased in anyway, so you can leave real feedback that will help fellow travelers and hostels make the necessary adjustments to meet all of your needs. Please take the time to leave feedback on any of the MiniHostels' hostels you have stayed at in recent months. It helps us all out!

Cheap Travel

MiniHostels wants to draw your attention to this amazing Times article we read about some of the cheapest places to travel. Click here to check it out.

For cheap travel deals in South America, check out MiniHostels.

More than Columbia

But when you're traveling you get a chance to see all that a country has to offer. Artists, history and culture. Take a deeper look. Fernando Botero is one of our favorite artists and we can't wait to go to Colubmia to check it out. Let us know if you have!

Travel well and travel right with MiniHostels.