My Top 10 Hostels in Sydney

Posted: 12/24/2018 | December 24th, 2018

Hostels in Sydney are expensive.

Since I started visiting the city, I’ve seen hostel prices skyrocket as just the cost of living in Australia has gone up. Even when you factor in the favorable exchange rate right now, it’s just expensive to get a bed here, especially at some of the larger, more upscale hostels.

However, with a little planning, you can make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

The cheapest hostels in Sydney are found in the King’s Cross area. An eight-bed dorm starts around AU$26, while a four-bed dorm starts around AU$33. Private rooms range between AU$80-120 per night, depending on things such as location and whether the bathroom is shared or private.

(Pro Tip: Avoid the Jolly Swagman! It’s a horrible place to stay.)

Below is a list of my favorite hostels in Sydney so you can navigate the hundreds that come up when you search Hostelworld:

The 10 Best Hostels in Sydney

1. Hump Backpackers

I ike this hostel because it’s social. The staff hosts plenty of activities (beer pong, BBQs, pancake breakfasts). There’s free breakfast, all-day coffee and tea, and different activities every night. The beds are comfy and soft, showers are kept clean, and the room lockers are huge. Hump Backpackers is in the Kings Cross area, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bars so there’s a bunch of things to do in the area. Heads up: you have to be 18-35 years old to stay here.

Beds from 27 AUD/19 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hump Backpackers!

2. Lord Wolseley

This hostel is located on the upper floors of a historic bar and restaurant that has been around since 1881 (which, for Australia, is damn old!). There’s no real common space, and the kitchen is basically a toaster but you’re very near Chinatown so there are cheap eats nearby. The downstairs bar is always lively and they play incredible blues music on Saturday nights. The rooms themselves are pretty small with simple finishings. Its location near Chinatown and Central Station makes it one of the cheaper places to stay in town. Darling Harbour is just a five minute walk.

Beds from 32 AUD/23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Lord Wolseley!

3. Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel

The staff at this hostel are the absolute best! They are always the most friendly and helpful I encounter in the city. Asylum is close to Kings Cross station, and it’s just a 30-minute walk to the Opera House and the Botanic Gardens. Security is first rate, with two locked front doors and security cameras. The dorms are huge (but they fit maximum eight people) and all have their own ensuite bathroom. There are common areas inside and outside and free breakfast each day. Look for the hostel’s rescue dog, Bella. She’s a cutie.

Beds from 33 AUD/24 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel!

4. Kings Cross Backpackers

This is another fun hostel, with a very lively social scene! There’s a party every night, a movie room, yoga classes, and a rooftop BBQ. Take the spiral staircase to the basement, and you’ll find a fully-equipped chill out zone with pool tables and even a Playstation center. You get a free hot breakfast at the Mad Monkey Restaurant (which is delicious) each morning. Honestly, there’s so much to do at this hostel you might find it difficult to leave – but just beyond the front door is some of Sydney’s best bars, clubs, and restaurants. (The hostel itself is on a quiet street, though.) You have to be 18 to 35 to stay here.

Beds from 35 AUD/25 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Kings Cross Backpackers!

5. Sydney Harbor YHA – The Rocks

This is the only hostel in city’s historic harbourside area (The Rocks), and it has unreal rooftop panoramic views over the city and the famous Opera House. Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney Harbor, and Luna Park are also within walking distance. The rooms are incredibly spacious, and each bed comes with its own reading light. There’s also a large kitchen, several communal areas (including the excellent rooftop terrace), and even a grocery store on-site. To me, this is the best hostel in Sydney!

—-> Click here to book your stay at Sydney Harbor YHA!

6. Big Hostel

A budget, “boutique” spot in Surry Hills, Big Hostel attracts is centrally located and I love the roof terrace with its super views over the city. They also have sundeck with a beautiful garden. You can BBQ up there as well. There’s 24/7 free coffee and tea, and breakfast is included. The kitchen has lots of space for your groceries. The rooms are are huge and the pillows are super cozy but there’s no lockers and metal frames creak a bit.

Beds from 35 AUD/25 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Big Hostel!

7. Blue Parrot Backpackers

This hostel in Potts Point (a happening neighborhood) is run by two sisters, Effie and Sasha. The rooms are pretty standard without a lot of ammenities but the hostel is super homey and feels like you’re staying with family. The hostel has a trivia and pancake night too. Potts Point is one of the most cosmopolitan parts of Sydney. I really dig staying here. It’s a lot more relaxed than most of the other hostels in the city.

Beds from 35 AUD/25 AUD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Blue Parrot Backpackers!

8. Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway

Soft beds, clean showers with great water pressure, and free breakfasts make Mad Monkey Backpackers awesome. I also like the yoga classes on Wednesdays and access to a local gym you get. The staff organizes activities and nights out (including a traditional Australian BBQ). One of the downsides is that the common areas and kitchen are small. It’s nearly impossible to cook while others are around. But the central location, friendly staff, and awesome ammentities make this one of my favorite places to stay.

Beds from 37 AUD/26 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway!

9. Wake Up! Sydney

Wake Up! is, in many ways, like a backpacker hotel. With its eight floors, hyper-trendy and clean look, and small common areas, you might think it would be hard to meet people. The large size does make it sort of hard to meet people outside the common areas or your room, but the big bar downstairs (biggest night is Monday) lets you meet all the people you see coming and going. I really liked my time there, and I especially enjoyed the high water pressure in the showers and un-creaky beds. The hostel is located just next to the Central Station so it’s easy to get to and from the airport. Book on their directly to save some money as they often have deals.

Beds from 40 AUD/28 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Wake Up! Sydney!

10. Bondi Backpackers

If you love the beach, you can’t beat this place – it is just seconds from the sand! There’s an awesome rooftop space overlooking Bondi Beach. The hostel offers free surfboards. There are also free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. If you’re there Friday night, don’t miss the BBQ party on the rooftop! The rooms are comfy and the showers just fine.

Beds from 44 AUD/31 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Bondi Backpackers!

***

There are a lot of amazing hostels in Sydney, but to me, these places above are the best hostels in the city. They offer all the things that I think are important when picking a great hostel. If you stay in any of these hostels while in Sydney, you won’t go wrong!

If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments!

Book Your Trip to Sydney: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use it all the time. It’s my favorite website!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Sydney?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Sydney with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The post My Top 10 Hostels in Sydney appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/best-hostels-sydney/

Understanding Contrast in Photography

What is contrast? How can you get high-contrast images? It’s a sought-after concept in photography, but also one of the most confusing, as there are a wide number of ways to bring it about. To start, let us get to answer the first question. Instead of putting up grey-scale maps, let me explain it with pictures. I will start with monochrome images, as they are easier to explain than their coloured counterparts.

from Photography Life https://photographylife.com/understanding-contrast-in-photography#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=understanding-contrast-in-photography

DSLR vs Mirrorless Cameras

When compared to mirrorless cameras, DSLRs by design have some inherent limitations. Part of it has to do with the fact that SLR cameras were initially developed for film. When digital evolved, it was treated just like film and was housed in the same mechanical body. Aside from the circuitry required for a digital sensor and other electronics, new digital film media and the back LCD, the rest of the components pretty much stayed the same. The same mechanical mirror, the same pentaprism / optical viewfinder, the same phase detection system for autofocus operation.

from Photography Life https://photographylife.com/mirrorless-vs-dslr#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mirrorless-vs-dslr

Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS Review

A traditional weakness of Sony’s FE lens lineup has been the number of options available at the telephoto end of the range. The issue has been somewhat rectified in recent years with the release of the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS, Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS and Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS lenses, with the latter two options commanding hefty price tags of $2,499 and $12,999 respectively. Of these three options, only the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS comes in at a more accessible price range of $1,198. Accessible is a relative term, and this price tag places the FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS same realm as Canon’s premium EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L USM IS lens for the EF lens mount.

from Photography Life https://photographylife.com/reviews/sony-fe-70-300mm-f-4-5-5-6-g-oss#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sony-fe-70-300mm-f-4-5-5-6-g-oss

My Worst Travel Moments of 2018

The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Updated: 12/20/2018 | December 20th, 2018

Costa Rica is one of the most visited countries in Central America. American tourists have been flocking to the country for years, and it’s become a hot spot for retirees and expats due to its cheap living, great weather, amazing beaches, and friendly locals.

I love Costa Rica. It was the first place that inspired me to travel.

It holds a special place in my heart.

I’ve been back to visit Costa Rica many times since then, falling in love with it over and over again.

But, because it’s not as cheap to visit as its neighbors, many budget travelers skip over Costa Rica.

And, while that’s true (but there are many ways to save money in Costa Rica), in my opinion, the beauty of the destinations below is worth the extra price.

Here are some of my favorite destinations in Costa Rica:

1. Puerto Viejo

Located on the Caribbean coast near Panama, Puerto Viejo is popular with young people and backpackers because of its great beaches, surfing, and party atmosphere. The town is very lively and you’ll find something going on every night. It’s probably the most popular destination on the Caribbean coast. There are also many quiet beach hotels around for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. There is also a jaguar rescue center nearby that rehabilitates all sorts of local wildlife and releases them back into the wild.

READ MORE: How to explore Costa Rica’s beautiful Caribbean coast

2. Cahuita

Cahuita, a tiny town situated right next to a stunning national park with the same name, is about an hour north of Puerto Viejo. Cahuita is a place to relax. There’s one bar in town that gets lively (sometimes it’s half full!), but for the most part, after a day of hiking, animal spotting, swimming, or surfing, most people just sit around and read. The region is known for its Afro-Caribbean influences, which you might notice in the food and local culture as you chill out with some dessert crepes or grilled chicken.

3. Tortuguero

Tortuguero (which means ‘Land of Turtles’) is the Costa Rican version of the Amazon rainforest. It dominates the northern coast, with Tortuguero National Park spanning over 77,000 acres. This massive area is a series of rivers and canals that crisscross the jungle. The biggest draws to this area are the large numbers of turtles (hence the name) that come to nest along the shoreline. The best time to see them nesting is in April and May, but if you’re visiting during the off-season, you’ll still be able to go hiking and participate in canal cruises. However, there’s lots of wildlife to see year-round.

4. Corcovado

Corcovado National Park is on the remote Osa Peninsula in southwestern Costa Rica. Established in 1975, the park covers an area of 424 square kilometers, making it the largest park in the country. Though more popular than it used to be, it’s still a very rugged, quiet, and off-the-beaten-path destination in a country where almost everything is on the beaten path. The peninsula is not easy to get to (which helps keep tourists away), but your efforts will be greatly rewarded with deserted beaches, tons of wildlife, great hiking, camping, and lots of marine life. It’s one of the best places in the country. To me, this is probably one of the best places in the entire country. Try not to miss it!

5. Arenal

Sitting at an elevation of 1,670m, Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s many volcanoes. It still erupts from time to time, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see lava flowing down the volcano. (Though, it’s less likely to happen as the volcano has been dormant for the last seven years). Fun fact: I got lost in the jungle around here.

The area has tons of wonderful activities: there’s awesome waterfall (La Fortuna), the national park with great hiking, sunset views over the lake, caving, rafting options, and famous hot springs. With so much to do, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most visited places in the country.

READ MORE: How to visit and explore Arenal

6. Manuel Antonio

A popular beach destination on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio’s wide, white-sand beaches and warm blue waters aren’t the only attractions people come for. The nearby national park, which opened in 1972, sees over 150,000 visitors annually and is home to great hiking trails, a number of secluded beaches, and offers up the chance to view three different kinds of native monkeys. It’s become a lot more crowded and developed over the years. It’s definitely not the park I first visited in 2006. That said, you’ll still see a lot of wildlife and the beaches in the area have been kept surprisingly pristine! Admission to the park is $16 USD per person, though kids under 12 enter for free.

READ MORE: What to see and do in Manuel Antonio

7. Monteverde

The nation’s premier cloud forest is the home to the elusive quetzal birds. Most people come to Monteverde for a glimpse of this rare bird. The area is one of the largest eco-tourism hubs in the country, and over 250,000 people visit every year. Monteverde, which rests right on the continental divide, experiences high winds and unusual weather patterns. The entire area is very green and wet. Witness it all on a zip-line adventure through the tree canopy or explore some of the sky bridges in the area. Expect to pay around $50 USD per person for zip-lining.

READ MORE: What to see and do in Monteverde

8. Poas Volcano

A great day trip from San José, Poas Volcano is an active stratovolcano with twin calderas filled with sulfur lakes. The lakes are so still, you’ll look at your picture and think you painted the color on. The volcanos last erupted in 2017, and have actually erupted 40 times since 1828! There are some small trails around the area too. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the clouds closing in and ruining the view.

9. Santa Teresa

At the bottom of the Nicoya coast is the hippie backpacker town of Santa Teresa. This “town” is really nothing more than a beach with a road lined with eateries, yoga centers, surf shops, and hostels. Everyone gets up early to hit the waves, so the overall atmosphere in town is pretty relaxed. You won’t find a lot of crazy parties here. Santa Teresa is a good place to lie on the beach, hang out with people, and relax. Because of the “chill” vibe, many people end up staying in Santa Teresa for weeks, and even months, on end.

***

While everything in Costa Rica is a bit touristy and a wee bit crowded, I think the diversity of wildlife, natural beauty, white-sand beaches, amazing sunsets, and warm, clear water make it worth the price. There’s still so many unexplored and unvisted part of the country. Plus, the locals here are super nice and welcoming.

Be sure to visit Costa Rica – and use this list to start your planning!

Pura Vida!

Book Your Trip to Costa Rica: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. Some ofm favorite places to stay in Costa Rica:

• Arenal Backpackers Resort – This is a luxurious, laid-back hsotel with a pool that’s great for hanging out and meeting people.
• Rocking J’s (Puerto Viejo) – The coolest hostel in all the country. This hostel located on the beach is the prime spot to meet other backpackers.
• Hostel Vista Serena (Manuel Antonio) – With great ammenities, staff, and a pime location, it’s the best place in the area.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Costa Rica?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Costa Rica for even more planning tips!

The post The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Nomadic Matt's Travel Site https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/my-favorite-destinations-in-costa-rica/

Lightroom vs Capture One: Should You Switch?

There is always a second fiddle – a silver medalist who chases after gold, a challenger just half a step behind the leader. In the world of RAW post-processing software, the undisputed champion is Adobe Lightroom; competing products enjoy nowhere near its popularity. But that alone doesn’t make Lightroom the best. Arguably its biggest rival, Capture One, includes several features that Lightroom lacks (and vice versa). Below, I’ve tested both side-by-side to see which comes out ahead.

from Photography Life https://photographylife.com/lightroom-vs-capture-one#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lightroom-vs-capture-one