Whether you know it as the French song “Le premier jour d’l’année, the Maori/New Zealand version, titled “A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree,” or the parady, The 12 Pains of Christmas performed by American presenter Bob River, the traditional English Christmas Carol, The 12 Days of Christmas has given us at HI another opportunity to tell the media about the wide range of quality hostels we offer globally. Here is the HI version to entertain you.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, HI showed to me…
12 Drummers Drumming: Experience the beat of the Southern African Jazz Drummers (often known as ‘cape jazz’) in Cape Town, South Africa. Our Ashanti Lodge in central Cape Town is in the prime location for experiencing the popular type of music in the city centre. Prices start from £11.29 per night.
11 Piper’s Piping: Bagpipers are on hand at Edinburgh Castle to provide visitors with a very authentic Scottish experience. Our Edinburgh Central Hostel is in the perfect spot to explore the famous castle, as well as the cities other fantastic amenities. Prices start from £24.50 per night.
10 Lords-a-leaping: Filmed at over 150 locations in New Zealand, the country is the perfect place for Lord Of The Rings Fans to explore and experience. Rural Town Matamata, also known as ‘Hobbiton’ is preparing for an influx of visitors who want to catch a glimpse of the world famous set which was rebuilt for the latest film ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’. Rest up like a hobbit and stay at our YHA Hamilton Hostel, located just on the outskirts of Matamata. Prices start from £14.32 per night.
9 Ladies Dancing: Visit Rio, the capital city of the social Samba dance and join in with the local ladies, who often dress up in elaborate costumes to perform the dance. Orientating in the 1940s, having derived from a form of ballroom dance, Samba is popular in nightclubs and street parties. Our Rio De Janeiro Spot Design Hostel was recently purpose built in the perfect location for enjoying all that the city has to offer, including Samba. Prices start from £16.47 per night.
8 Maids-a-milking: With its rural location, Malabar HI in Ohio is the perfect destination for a relaxing break, on a working farm. Situated within a state park, guests can enjoy the rolling hills and open countryside, and can even opt to muck in and help out on the farm if they wish! Prices start from £15.70.
6 Swans-a-Swimming: Swim like a swan (but in much warmer conditions) at our Bounty Island Resort Hostel, with its very own fresh water pool, surrounded by white sandy beaches. Other water based sports, such as snorkelling, diving and water-skiing can also be arranged by the hostel for guests to enjoy. Prices start at £42.25 per night.
6 Geese-a-Laying: Visit the birth place of the world famous Grey Goose Vodka by staying at our Amiens Hostel in the French region of Picardy. Created by Sidney Frank in 1997, the premium vodka is made from winter wheat found in Picardy, and spring water from the Cognac region of France. Prices start from £17.35 per night.
5 Gold Rings: Shop until you drop at the famous Gold Souks Markets, located in the heart of Dubai. The market presents an opportunity to haggle for gold rings, gold necklaces and other gold items, as well as to browse the hundreds of glistening window displays filled with fabulous jewellery. Our Dubai A Hostel is just a 20 minute drive from the traditional market, and has it’s very own pool, restaurant and bar. Prices start from £20.41 per night.
4 Colly Birds: Also known as ‘Calling Birds’, these dark, coal black birds are likely to be spotted in Northern Europe, which makes our Valga Hostel, in Estonia – the perfect location. Surrounded by dense forest, in a peaceful location, Valga is a hit with bird watchers from around the world who flock to the hostel to spot some of the rarest species in Europe. Prices start from £20.08 per night.
3 French Hens: Situated in a haven of nature, our Troyes-Rosieres Hostel is in the ideal area to spot some of the famous French wildlife (including some French hens). The refurbished abbey boasts modern décor, vast green space to relax and an in-house café. Prices start from £12.45 per night.
2 Turtle Doves: Situated in 6 and a half acres of quiet tropical surroundings, our Magnetic Island, Bungalow Bay resort in Australia is the perfect, peaceful (dove-like) place to escape to. With an open air bar, a pool and hammocks, where guests can relax with a book – there is no better place to feel at peace. Prices start from £19.54 per night.
And A Partridge In A Pear Tree: Take yourself to Partridges in Sloane Square, London for the ultimate Christmas food hamper or simply to browse the amazing array of delights on display. The brand new YHA London Central is the prime location for visiting the store, located just minutes away from the nearest tube station, and just a fifteen minute circle line train to Kensington (Partridges). Prices start from £34 per night.
Can you think of a hostel you would like to spend Christmas in?