Earn your spot in Team Hostelling International's LA Marathon history by supporting the amazing cultural and travel education programs provided to the youth and adults of the Greater Los Angeles community. Claim your chance to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes -- including two adult, 1st class, 15-day Eurail Global Passes (courtesy of Rail Europe) -- by entering our annual Opportunity Drawing. Following 2011, which had over $9,000 in prizes, the 2012 Opportunity Drawing promises to be better than ever. Donors for this year already include Rail Europe, DIRECTV, HI-USA, the Geffen Playhouse, Universal Studios, the Laugh Factory, and many, MANY more.

All fundraising supports the HI-USA mission: To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.

Visit our website lahostels.org to download a fundraising form and learn more about how the Los Angeles Council of HI-USA pursues the mission locally.

On Wednesday, February 22nd, join Roadmonkey, Hostelling International, and We Said Go Travel to learn more about adventure philanthropy and traveling with a purpose. Hear Paul von Zielbauer share the stories of expeditions that combine physically challenging adventures with sustainable volunteer projects. The event will take place at HI-Santa Monica, beginning at 7:30 pm, followed by a Pub Crawl at 9:00 pm. Refreshments and wine will be provided. Limited space is available. Please RSVP to shanec@lahostels.org.

 

Have you jumped a freighter to South Korea? Perhaps you know someone who has explored over 50 countries, climbed the tallest mountains in the world, or had an adventure of a lifetime. If so, then you may know an ideal candidate for Hostelling International's annual Spirit of Adventure Award (SOAA).

The SOAA was established 17 years ago to recognize individuals, regardless of age, who have demonstrated outstanding enthusiasm and embraced their own sense of adventure while traveling abroad. The Award Committee will give primary consideration to the spirit and manner in which nominees undertook their travels, experienced hostels, and their ability to enthusiastically convey their adventure through a presentation.

The SOAA recipient will be honored with a special award and an HI-USA Lifetime Membership, presented at our HI Annual Members Meeting in the spring. The recipient will also be featured in the Wanderer, and must be able to attend the Annual Meeting to receive the award and make a presentation on his or her adventures and travel experiences.

Nominate yourself or someone else by sending the name and contact information for your nominee and any supporting info (story, photos, website, etc) to:

SOAA Committee, Los Angeles Council of HI-USA
1434 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Go to lahostels.org for more information and to read stories about the adventurous travelers we have honored in the past. Questions? Call 310-393-6263 x 25 or email programs@lahostels.org.

The Los Angeles Council of HI-USA presents an annual Travel Grant in the amount of $1,000 to an individual between the ages of 17 and 26 who is just beginning his or her travel experiences in life. It is the goal of the LA Council to encourage and promote the pursuit of world exploration and experiential learning through this grant. The applicant's abilities to learn from his or her unique real-world experiences and to share these experiences with HI members upon returning from the trip play a large part in the selection process. Check out past recipients and download an application at lahostels.org.