Raise a Smile

A children's charity has come up with one of the more unusual ways of raising funds as well as smiles - by opening a hostel in Berlin. All of the profits of the Raise a Smile charity's hostel go directly towards their projects, which benefit youngsters in Zambia. It's for backpackers and travelers who want to spend their time in Germany's capital in a fun and friendly family environment, while doing their bit for those less fortunate. They have given the whole place an African feel, right down to the names of the elephant, giraffe, big cat and zebra dorms and rooms, which sleep up to eight. The hostel is in a quiet neighbourhood, so it's not 24-hour party central, which disqualifies stag and hen groups and parties of more than three. However, it's worth a look for the traveler with a wider consciousness of world issues.