Sign language is your secret weapon

@melisaozerska

Sign language is a visual language that transcends spoken word and is great for making new friends. When I meet people in hostels or on the road, I immediately tell them that I’m Deaf and I communicate using sign language. This encourages people to find alternative means of communication. I’ve been surprised by how many travellers already know some sign language or express a genuine interest in learning the basics. Sign language has been a powerful tool for me to break down barriers and create connections with people from all over the world.  

Technology is your best friend

@melisaozerska

Technology has become a vital companion of any backpacker – but it is especially helpful to me as a Deaf solo traveller looking to make friends with new people from diverse nationalities and cultures. My phone has become my trusted ally for improving communication and creating more meaningful interactions. 

When I meet someone who’s unfamiliar with sign language, I can quickly write down messages in my notes app and instantly bridge the communication gap. This has proven particularly valuable in situations where the spoken language is limited, enabling me to express myself, share experiences, and connect on a more profound level. 

Having said that, don’t underestimate the power of simply writing things down on paper. Keeping a notepad and pen handy in my backpack helps me interact with travellers or locals without relying on my phone’s battery! 

Starting conversations and joining in activities 

@melisaozerska

More often than not, I initiate conversations in hostels because I’m eager to learn about other people, where they’re from or where they’re heading to. This goes like any typical travel icebreaker, asking their names, where they’ve travelled, etc.  

When I’m dining alone, I often spot others in the same situation and invite them to join me, saying, “Hey, I’m eating alone. Do you wanna eat together? No worries if not.” This simple invitation has led to some incredible conversations and friendships. Likewise, at the hostel, I ask about people’s plans for the day, suggesting activities we could do together. Being Deaf hasn’t stopped me from starting new conversations and sharing experiences with others, and I’ve a lot of new travel friends simply by approaching them first.  

When joining guided tours or group activities, I always inform the guide of my Deafness, which allows them to relay that information to other participants. This way, other travellers can take turns typing messages on their phones to ensure I’m included in the conversation or to translate to me what the guide is saying. 

Bridging language barriers

@melisaozerska

Travelling to non-English speaking places, like my 3-month trip to South-East Asia, presented added communication challenges. However, I quickly discovered that body language can overcome language barriers. Using gestures and hand signs, I was able to convey simple phrases like “Where is this place?” and “Thank you.” This not only made me more approachable but helped me have more authentic interactions, unencumbered by language barriers. 

Sharing experiences and activities

@melisaozerska

Shared experiences are powerful catalysts for friendship. Even though Deaf travellers may not fully hear the sound of music, dancing is a universal language that anyone can appreciate. I find that joining in and dancing with others creates a sense of camaraderie and joy. 

 I believe that travel is not only about exploring new places but also about exchanging knowledge and breaking down barriers between different cultures. That’s why whenever I meet new people, I share insights about Deaf culture, sign language, and the challenges the Deaf community may face in various societies. Through open conversations and educational exchanges, I hope to create a space for genuine curiosity and to inspire other travellers to be more inclusive and compassionate in their interactions with Deaf people and other diverse communities. 

 Navigating misunderstandings

@melisaozerska

While most encounters I have are positive, I’ve experienced moments when some people were less open to communicating with a Deaf traveller. In such instances, I remain patient and understanding, recognising that misunderstandings can happen. Rather than dwelling on these isolated incidents, I focus on connecting with all the great people who genuinely appreciate our shared experiences and are eager to build meaningful friendships.

As a Deaf solo traveller, making friends in hostels around the world has been an enlightening and fulfilling journey. Embracing sign language, body language, and a proactive approach to initiating conversations have all played a crucial role in helping me connect with others. From exploring foreign lands to dancing with newfound friends, my travels have been enriched by the connections I’ve made along the way.  

 To my fellow Deaf travellers, remember that the world is full of friendly faces and exciting encounters just waiting to happen. To all the hearing ones, be patient and don’t be shy in using body language to communicate, a smile can travel for miles! Embrace alternative ways of communication, be open, and let the magic of connection guide you through your adventures.  

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post How to make friends while travelling as a Deaf solo traveller appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

We know that hostels are more environmentally friendly than other types of accommodation and that they produce 75% less carbon emissions than hotels. But what are they actually doing to get there? How can you sleep well in your dorm at night knowing you’re contributing to the greater good? 

Well, as DMZ once said, we’re gon’ give it to ya! In our new series, Hostelworld’s Sustainability Stories, we’ll be sharing exactly how hostels go above and beyond for the environment and their communities, straight from the horse’s hostels’ mouth! 

Meet El Rio (Rio Hostel Buritaca)

To kick off the series, we’re jetting to the Colombian Caribbean coast to hear about a hostel that hosts more than just holidaymakers and goes the extra mile (into the mountains) to improve life for local people. 

Tucked away in the jungle, near the tropical beaches of Tayrona National Park, sits El Rio Hostel (or Rio Hostel Buritaca). Known as a fun and sociable stop on the backpacker trail, complete with a riverside bar, private beach, and tipsy tubing, El Rio isn’t just a pretty face. Through educational, environmental and sporting programs, bolstered by volunteering visitors, the hostel helps hundreds of local people everyday. We sat down with the hostel’s Co-Founder, Ben Davies, and the El Rio Foundation’s Co-Director, Felix Sullivan, to learn about their journey and find out how you can get involved!  

Empowering a local workforce 

Before they even opened, El Rio made it their mission to employ a local workforce, not only of Colombians, but of Colombians from nearby towns and villages. But they didn’t just want to provide jobs, they wanted to help families ensure their own future. 

The area is well known because of the famous Tayrona Park beaches and historic jungle hike to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City). Jobs in hospitality and tourism are like gold dust, but with one caveat, you must speak English. With a lack of English teaching in the area, a lot of companies look to bigger cities to employ people who speak the lingo of the gringos.  

El Rio wanted to give back to the community that they built their business on. Before opening, Ben began to teach English, starting with moto taxi drivers who ferry guests through the jungle, and moving to the rest of their team. Teaching English to staff turned into such a big job that the hostel employed a full-time teacher. Staff get to learn a language that may help them secure future jobs, and they can better engage with most hostel guests – it’s a win, win.  

El Rio now employ a team of 80 people, mostly from local villages. Roughly 12 full time hostel volunteers work alongside their team at any given time. One staff member has even moved from being a cleaner, to their Finance department and is now studying for a degree. What a character arc!  

The journey to volunteering 

Teaching English made El Rio want to give back to the community in other ways. They took a football down to the nearby village and invited local kids to a game, the kids jumped at the chance. This sparked their volunteering and charity plans.  

What started off as a football game, turned into a football club, then other sports activities based on the kid’s requests. Now, they run clubs everyday with the help of travelling volunteers. From theatre, to dance, and even circus skills, the list goes on. All clubs are free and running on donations. 

Helping their community became bigger than they ever expected, so to support the activities they created the El Rio Foundation, where they now fund and resource their charitable efforts. 

Education and childcare volunteering 

The more time they spent with people from the villages, the more they heard their needs. They discovered that during COVID-19 kids’ education was put on pause, as schools struggled to stay afloat. Children were out of school for 21 months, and many had huge gaps in their education. El Rio decided to do something about it. Now, they fund full time teachers and volunteers that educate children and teach adults English. Volunteers teach a whopping 60+ hours in the community every week! 

A key takeaway from the conversation with El Rio was how important it is to listen to the local community in order to support it. Instead of deciding how to best help, they hear about their struggles and find solutions. One example of this is when they learnt that there was no childcare available in the area, and that parents were struggling to work without anyone to take care of their little ones. El Rio quickly responded by setting up child minding facilities and hiring qualified volunteers to provide that much needed facility.   

Impacting the Indigenous community 

Thought it stopped there? Think again! If you haven’t been to the Colombian Caribbean coast then first off, add it to your future travel plans now. And secondly, while you’re there you need to book onto the Lost City trek, a gruelling 65km hike through the clay-filled Sierra Nevada jungle, where you learn about the tumultuous history of the spot. From Tayrona people hiding from Spanish conquest to paramilitary groups and cocaine factories. The stories are wild!  

On the trek, one of the highlights is learning about and meeting people from the two indigenous groups that still live in the mountains, the Koguis and the Wiwas. You’ll pass many people from the tribes as they glide up the mountain trails in traditional white clothes, unbothered by the incline and chewing on coca leaves.  

What does this have to do with El Rio? Well, even up in the mountains word spread fast about the awesome work they’re doing, and indigenous group leaders asked El Rio to help their children too. Volunteers embark on a trek of their own to teach English, other classes and run activities with children from indigenous groups.  As a traveller, I can’t think of a better way to become immersed in local culture! 

How travellers can get stuck in 

We know our travellers want to support hostels that strive to make positive change, and El Rio have hit the right balance of helping the community, whilst being mindful of maintaining culture. This is reflected in responses from local children. During a ‘Gratitude Week’ at the foundation, when the kids were asked what they were grateful for, their response was “thank you for bringing the gringos”, which says it all!  

El Rio is a hostel that truly helps travellers give back and there are loads of opportunities for you to get involved. Here’s how:  

Stay there 

A donation of $1.30 (COP 5,000) is added to every guest’s bill (you can opt out if you want to), but this means that by simply staying there, you’re already helping fund foundation activities.  

Order a Rum & Coke on a Wednesday 

Rum and Coke drinker? You will be now. If you order a rum and Coke at the bar on a Wednesday, you’ll fund 45 minutes of education for 20 children. You hear that right. Whose joining us at the bar?! On Wednesdays we no longer wear pink, we buy rum from El Rio! 

Volunteer for a day or two, or three… 

If you read this and thought “where do I sign up?!”, just ask at reception. The foundation is always looking for guests to volunteer and bring positivity to a child’s day. Especially if you’re a dab hand at circus tricks.  

Got a niche skill? Make it known! Felix recalled a time a dentist visited the hostel and offered their exper-teeth to local mouths. You don’t have to be a dentist, but if you have an idea of how you can make a difference, let them know.  

Become a long-term volunteer 

Travellers can apply to volunteer at the hostel with activities like yoga, social events and day trips with guests. Tipsy tubing with travellers and 3 free meals a day? Run, don’t walk to their DMs!  

In the foundation, they welcome long-term volunteers who are available for 4+ weeks to teach English, environmental education, sports and arts coaching and more!  

In exchange they offer free accommodation, 3 meals a day, your laundry done for you and discounted drinks. One way ticket to Colombia, por favor! 

🏠 To book your stay at El Rio, click here.  

💚 To find out more about the foundation or donate online, click here.

💃 Fancy yourself their next volunteer? Email them on: foundation@elriohostel.com 

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post Sustainability Stories: Volunteering at Rio Hostel Buritaca appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Nepal  

First up, we’re headed to the Himalayas, where most Nepalese people are Hindu. In Hinduism, dogs are sacred as they’re believed to be messengers of Yama, the God of death. Nepalese Hindus believe they must keep dogs happy to avoid going to hell. As part of the five-day-long festival of light, Diwali, a whole day is dedicated to worshipping doggos! On Kukur Tihar (“day of the dogs”), those with and without owners are paraded around the streets donning vibrant flower garlands and blessed with a Tika (the red dot on their forehead). Pooches are given heaps of high-quality food and it’s considered a sin to disrespect a dog on this day.  

Outside of the festival, most Nepalese people like dogs. A trip there will find you meeting pups of all shapes and sizes, from mountain mutts built for the outdoors to free-roaming floofs searching for their next feed.  

Pompeii, Italy 

Southeast of Naples, travellers and history buffs flock to Pompeii to see the remains of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Preserved under the volcanic ash are people, villages and life frozen in time. While the tragedy killed over 16,000 people, it also killed other residents, like the pups. The people of Pompeii valued their canine companions, treating them as pets and guard dogs, with one of the most famous bodies found in the excavation being a cast of a guard dog with a collar around its neck.  

“That doesn’t sound like a fun trip for dog lovers, a dead dog stuck in time”, I hear you think. But, interestingly since, the world heritage site has become occupied by packs of woofers. Well-cared for by local people and receiving regular treats from travellers, groups of dogs have made the Pompeii ruins their home. Pompeii pooches enjoy a pet from passers-by and to people-watch while they laze in the sun.  

Indonesia – parts of!  

By now you’ve probably seen pics of Balinese people zipping around on scooters, surrounded by dogs balancing on makeshift seats. In parts of Indonesia, including the island of Bali, dogs are part of the community. And there are lots of them. Not quite street dogs but not pets either, Balinese dogs roam busy scooter-filled streets and relax on black sand beaches, snacking on offerings meant for the Gods.  

On Indonesian islands like Bali, Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida you’ll find a lot of free-roaming rovers. But a quick boat ride to nearby islands like Gili T, where Islam is the main religion, and you’ll find copious amounts of cats, but no dog in sight. 

San Diego, California  

Helen Woodward Animal Center @hwac

When you think of California you might think of glorious blue skies, long white sand beaches and surfing. Everybody’s gone surfinnn’… Literally, even the dogs are hanging loose.  

The US is considered the biggest country of dog lovers in the world. And like most of the States, Californian pups are part of the family. Sadly, this isn’t the case for all of our canine friends, with many left without homes and taken in by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego. To raise funds to help more hounds find a home, the non-profit hosts its annual Surf-A-Thon, where locals and past residents take to the seas to shred it up! 

To prep contenders for the big day, the centre runs regular doggy surf lessons. Primed and ready, competitors don their gnarliest fit (for the costume contest) and side-eye their rivals as they paddle out into the line-up. Travellers and locals gather to watch the heats, enjoy live music and try out other activities while soaking up the sun.  

The Bahamas 

If you know Caribbean food, you’ll be familiar with pigeon peas and rice, a staple side dish served up with most meals, particularly in The Bahamas. Don’t worry, no pigeons are harmed in the making, but another animal is synonymous with the recipe. The Potcake is a breed of street dog found roaming the beachy islands. The name was given to woofers by the locals who fed them the cakey remains of their burnt rice pots.  

While the local community do their bit to keep the mutts fed, not everyone’s having a ball, with many residents agreeing that the Potcake population is getting out of hand (or paw). Volunteer groups like the Abaco Shelter are working to control the situation and help as many hounds as they can through neutering, rescue and adoption. If you needed any more excuses for a trip to The Bahamas, the shelter is always looking for volunteers to help where they can. 

Finland 

For dog lovers who prefer a colder climate and dream of seeing the Northern Lights, a visit to Finland won’t disappoint, and neither will the dogs you’ll meet. Traditionally used to transport across snowy landscapes, floofers from the arctic circle have always served as important members of society. Nowadays, some rural communities and indigenous groups still use dog sledding in their daily lives. After years of relying on snowmobiles, the effects of climate change and carbon emissions are encouraging them to move back to their fluffs on wheels. Turns out, dog sledding is more sustainable for locals and visitors! 

These doggos are built different; they’re strong, full of energy and extra furry to make life in the bitter North less ruff. Their metabolism even regulates their body heat to stop ice from attaching to their paws!  

A trip to Finnish Lapland isn’t complete without seeing a dog or two.  To meet huskies in their natural habitat, a dog sledding experience is as much fun for you as it is for them, as long as it’s ethical. There are stories of mushers who wear their dogs out and make them work all day, but there are also sustainable dog sledders out there who work in harmony with their hounds.  

La Paz, Bolivia 

The national animal of Bolivia might be a llama but a few moments wandering around and you’ll think it’s a dog. La Paz is so densely populated that they use cable cars like buses. With so many homes balancing on top of each other on windy streets, it’s quicker to commute over the city than through it. Like in a lot of heavily populated places, packs of street dogs line the pavements. Bolivians love their canine neighbours and despite being one of the poorest countries in South America, La Paz locals scatter homemade doghouses along the pavements of the city.  

Some Bolivians like to worship dogs too. Every year, Catholic Bolivians celebrate the Feast of Saint Roch, the patron saint of dogs, who is honoured for caring for victims of the plague. Alongside him was a dog that is said to have saved his life when he contracted the disease. These days, people in El Alto take their dogs to mass to mark the occasion. Dogs receive blessings from the Priest, free vaccinations and plenty of love and treats.  

Switzerland 

(Credit: instagram.com/fondationbarry)

Nestled in the Swiss Alps sits a hiker’s paradise, The Great St Bernard Pass, and you guessed it, a whole pack of St Bernard dogs. These chunks have lived here for decades, introduced by monks from The Great St Bernard Hospice in the 1700s.  

The pass has been used since the Bronze Age and is one of the highest in Switzerland, taking travellers through jagged mountains and icy lakes across the border into Italy. The hike isn’t for the faint-hearted and before a recent road was built it was extremely dangerous for those who attempted it. As a result, the hospice was formed to save injured travellers and keep the pass clear of bandits. But with freezing winters and snow as deep as 18 meters, monks had to get a helping hand from four-legged mountaineers large enough to traverse deep snow and sniff the scents of people lost in avalanches.  

Their working days are behind them, and they no longer carry kegs of brandy around their necks, but hikers who embark on the steep scale these days are still likely to cross paths with the droopy mutts. In the hospice’s place, you’ll find the Barry Foundation which breeds and homes the dogs while sharing their heroic history. Passable only between June and September, visitors of the foundation can join group walks through the pass accompanied by man’s best friend.  

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post Like dogs? Then you’ll love these places appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Diverse, hip, and a playground for creativity and multiculturalism, Bristol has everything a solo traveller could want in an English city. Located in southwest England, Bristol has a history rooted in engineering and was once an important trading port thanks to its harbour. Nowadays, Bristol balances modern and historic architecture, while being renowned for its street art and the location of Banksy’s earliest works. It is also considered to be highly sustainable and was the UK’s first cycling city.

I visited Bristol on a whim after staying in the Cotswolds and was impressed by how much character the city had- it is laidback but far from dull! With the amenities of a large city but minus the crowds and high price tags, Bristol will appeal to all with an open mind.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to learn about solo travelling in Bristol, England.

How to get to Bristol

The Bristol Airport is a quick 20-minute bus ride from the city center and only costs 9 pounds one-way. The city can also be easily reached from other towns and cities in the country by bus or train. There are several direct buses that are cheap and frequent from major cities like London and Birmingham.

Getting around Bristol

Public transportation in the city is plentiful with many bus routes. It’s also easy to access Bristol on foot if you are primarily in the city centre. Another option is to rent an e-scooter or bicycle for an environmentally friendly and quick way to get around.

Where to stay in Bristol for solo travellers

Bristol doesn’t have the largest selection of hostels, but there are a few options. If you’re looking to meet other travellers in a lively environment, I recommend booking a dorm at the Full Moon Backpackers. It is in the Stokes Croft neighbourhood, an edgy area known for being a hub for art and a counter-cultural lifestyle.

Stokes Croft is a bit sketchy and not an area you want to walk alone at night, but I felt very safe at Full Moon Backpackers as there was security onsite. I loved staying at this hostel and to give you an idea of just how social this place is, it is literally in the same building as a bar and nightclub. With that being said, it’s not a quiet hostel, and music can be heard playing until the early morning, but it makes for an opportunity to meet other travellers. The Full Moon Backpackers is very clean with a homey feeling, however, this is a no-frills place, but its quirky murals and maze-like halls make it charming.

Activities in Bristol for solo travellers

It’s easy to stay busy in Bristol but I appreciated that it wasn’t overwhelming. To understand the history and culture of the city, take a guided tour. There are several available such as cycling tours, ghost tours, and street art tours all at reasonable prices, allowing you the chance to meet other people solo travelling in Bristol with similar interests. If you don’t want to spend money on a tour, try a free self-guided tour instead. I did one of the free “Banksy in Bristol” walking tours that are available on the Wanderers of the World blog and it was great. There are three to choose from depending on how far you want to walk and how much time you have. And if any kind of tour just isn’t your thing, walking around Stokes Croft (during the day!) is enjoyable with tons of street art, cool vintage shops, and little cafes and bars.

The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is worth stopping into and has an assortment of exhibits from Renaissance paintings to dinosaur skeletons, and mummies. I really liked that this museum wasn’t overly large so you didn’t have to spend hours there, and the entry fee is by donation.

If you enjoy being on the water, there are several companies with boat cruises along the River Avon. Relax and take in the beautiful views while you socialize with other travellers, sip on drinks, or on some cruises you can have afternoon tea! You will also be able to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a tourist hotspot and icon of the city. Built in 1864, this impressive suspension bridge was designed by the famous engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who also designed the SS Great Britain (another popular tourist attraction in Bristol).

Those who are working while on the move should consider booking a hot desk in the Bar Space at Distil Co-Working. With reasonable rates available for half or full-day bookings, Distil Co-working is a comfortable space to work from with reliable Wi-Fi. Although there are other places to work from that are free of charge, such as the Bristol Central Library, Distil-Coworking allows for a collaborative space where you are likely to connect with other travelling workers.

Where to eat in Bristol for solo travellers

You’ll find more than English pubs in Bristol as a variety of cuisines are available. To avoid the costs that come with table service, consider checking out St. Nicholas Markets where there are food stalls surrounded by beautiful buildings. Portuguese, Caribbean, and Mediterranean flavours are just a few of the yummy items served here.

For a group culinary experience, sign up for a food tour! This is an excellent way to meet other solo travellers and there are different types of tours to choose from such as street food and a cheese and cider crawl. The tours typically last a few hours allowing lots of time to chat with the group.

If you want to treat yourself to a nice dinner (or have a craving for good Italian food) visit MOLTO BUONO. The pizza and fresh pasta at this restaurant are top-notch and I can confidently say, is the best cacio e pepe I’ve ever had (sorry Italy). The atmosphere is tiny yet adorable with twinkle lights and dried flowers. There are also tons of supermarkets throughout Bristol that offer grab-and-go options to save money, or to purchase ingredients to cook in a hostel.

Nightlife in Bristol for solo travellers

I didn’t have any expectations for nightlife in Bristol but quickly realized it’s home to unique bars. You’ll find a bit of everything in the city from pubs and cocktail bars to clubs and patios (depending on the season). Partying in Bristol doesn’t have to be expensive, if you stick to the smaller and less flashy bars, you’ll find drinks for reasonable prices. The Full Moon and Attic Bar (located on the property at The Full Moon Backpackers hostel) is a multi-venue complex complete with a pub, nightclub, large courtyard, and food options. You’ll find weekly events here such as Tuesday trivia nights and Wednesday student nights that make it easy to connect with other solo travellers and locals. This place gets busy and is the best nightlife option if you are staying at the hostel, as it eliminates the need to walk or take a cab late at night.

The cocktail bars in Bristol are impressive and it’s worth splurging on a drink or two to experience them. The Cocktail Club Bristol Triangle was my favourite bar with décor inspired by the Peter Pan novel- think Lost Boys meets bougie jungle vibes. The drinks not only were delicious but also had clever names that tied into the bar’s theme. I was there on a weekday night and even though there were only a handful of people in the bar, the bartenders were lively and made it a memorable time.

The Cocktail Club also has another location on Corn Street where they host a weekly Dirty Disco Saturday brunch. This bottomless cocktails and prosecco brunch features loads of live entertainment and is an easy way to mingle with others looking for fun. To ensure your spot at the brunch book your tickets in advance as it tends to sell out!

We hope this guide will help you plan the ultimate trip for solo travelling in Bristol. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you have any tips for visiting Bristol and if there are other spots in the area that travellers shouldn’t miss! Cheers!

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post Your guide to solo travelling in Bristol, UK appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

While solo travel can be challenging, a bad sense of direction (or anything else) shouldn’t hold you back. From apps to mindset tips, here are some ideas about how to solo travel with a bad sense of direction.

Prepare before your trip

Before your big trip, boost your confidence! Try going out in your hometown or a neighbourhood you know well. Walk around while paying attention to your surroundings, rehearse every turn, and check the names of supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. Then, learn how to read maps if you don’t know already, ask a friend with a good sense of direction if they have tips, and make sure that you’re ready for your solo trip.

Download some useful travel apps

Navigation apps, translation apps, and offline apps are some of the most useful travel apps for people with a bad sense of direction. 

• Google Maps: An indispensable travel app, Google Maps lets you save places you want to go, pin where your accommodation is, and search for directions. You can also use it offline if you download maps in advance. Pinning the places you’ve been on Google Maps can strengthen your sense of place and give you a solid idea of where you are.
• Google Translate: Many Google Translate languages have downloadable language files that can be used offline. Especially if you’re in a foreign country where there is a language barrier, Google Translate can be used as a communication tool. It also allows you to take photos to translate images or pictures.
• Maps.me: An offline map app, Maps.me features hundreds of cities and countries worldwide. 
• GAIA GPS: For adventurous travellers like Claire, GAIA GPS is a must. With detailed trail guides, topography features, and forecasts, GAIA is one of the best options in remote areas when there’s no cell service. It also comes in handy in big cities in case skyscrapers block signals.
• Avenza: Available for both iOS and Android, Avenza provides offline mobile maps for a wide range of activities, including cycling, hiking, paddling, and walking around the city.
• Waze (needs internet): If you’re driving, Waze’s real-time directions and traffic updates will help you find the fastest way to your destination. The app also shows road closures so that you know which road to avoid. 
• Uber or Bolt (needs internet): Depending on the country you’re in, Uber or Bolt are great options to go back to your hostel at night or find transport urgently if you’re lost. If you’re using taxis instead, make sure to carry cash. 
• Local public transportation apps: While Google Maps is mostly accurate, downloading local apps is always a good idea. For example, in Prague, the PID Lítačka app shows ticket-selling points, public transport departures, and accessibility facilities. You can also buy your ticket online from the app. 
• Hostelworld: Book hostels, connect with travellers, and join chats on Hostelworld’s travel app.  

Buy a local SIM card or an eSIM while travelling abroad

If you’re travelling abroad, a local SIM card will allow you to make calls and access the internet without depending on WiFi. A more hassle-free option is using an eSIM through a provider like Airalo. This way, you can call an Uber if needed, use any app at any time, and make urgent calls. 

Take photos and note addresses

Take photos of important landmarks to guide you, screenshot practical information to refer back to, and note the address of your hostel or the places you want to go to. Even when you don’t have an internet connection, you can show locals your photos and ask for help. Another good idea would be to learn a few words in the local language if you’re abroad, especially direction-related ones such as where, straight, left, right, etc.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

“Solo travelling has taught me to assume the best before the worst when trusting people,” says Christina Jane. Indeed, we are inclined to get scared before getting excited when it comes to solo travel. In Christina’s experience, people were always willing to help. Everybody can get lost, no matter how good or bad their sense of direction is. Whether it is fellow travellers in your hostel or locals, ask for help, and in most cases, people will help you.  

A bad sense of direction is not always a bad thing

When I got lost in my new neighbourhood in Prague, I found a darts bar that I still go to sometimes. Just like I did, Christina and Claire also found cool places after getting lost or simply going with the flow. These include crawfish boils, marketplaces, ghost towns, roadside attractions, random night-outs with new friends, and beach-side camp parks! 

Always use your common sense to stay safe and have your travel apps at the ready but don’t go too hard on yourself if you can’t find a place on the first try. Sometimes, getting lost is the passage to a new adventure.

Practice makes perfect

As you gain experience as a solo traveller, you will build your confidence, find out about your travel style, and see which apps work best for you. Although it might sound impossible right now, you will get better at navigation, improve your sense of direction, and hopefully tell your stories to your family, friends, and the travellers you will meet on the road.

Believe in yourself

Since she likes being spontaneous at a new destination, Claire makes sure that she has thoroughly prepared for her trip, done her research, and has all the apps she needs. This helps her feel more confident about the upcoming trip so that she can focus on having fun. 

“Confidence and self-belief make a bigger difference than all of the apps combined,” she says. And she’s right — there’s no reason why anything should stop you from going on that trip you’ve been dreaming about.

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post How to solo travel with a bad sense of direction appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

From streetside vendors selling flavourful 50p noodle soups to chic rooftop restaurants, there’s no shortage of amazing places to grab a bite in Vietnam. Everywhere is cheap, so you’ll be able to fill your belly with yumminess – even if you’re young, broke and backpacking.

Planning to journey from south to north? Or maybe your route is the other way around? Here are a few absolutely unmissable Vietnamese dishes to add to your dining bucket list. And they’ll ALL cost you less than a few pounds.

Get stuck into a banh mi in Ho Chi Minh

Sandwich lovers, rejoice! The humble banh mi is hands-down one of Vietnam’s most iconic eats. It translates to ‘Vietnamese bread’ – but it’s so, so much more than that.

Banh mi features a mash-up of French and Vietnamese flavours. At its core, it’s a white baguette-style roll that’s stuffed with a combo of sliced meat (usually pork), pate, pickled veg and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. While the original version is pretty meat heavy, you’ll find many veggie and vegan variations featuring things like tofu and avocado.

It’s a fantastic lunchtime treat, no matter where you are in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh is widely regarded as the banh mi’s birthplace and I’d highly recommend popping into My Banh Mi (not far from Ben Nghe Market, another foodie hotspot) for their classic version washed down with freshly squeezed lemonade.

Savour some white roses in Hoi An

No, I’m not talking about flowers. White rose (or banh bao vac) is actually a dish that’s unique to Hoi An. Simple yet oh-so-tasty, it’s essentially a rice paper dumpling that’s stuffed with prawns, shaped into a rose and then topped with crispy onions.

You can dunk your white rose in the accompanying sweet fish sauce or enjoy them without. And the best bit? They’re usually one of the cheapest things on the menu, so you can scoff down as many as you physically can – all without breaking the bank.

Or keep cool with an iced coconut coffee

Coconut coffee (coffee infused with coconut ice cream) is a staple throughout Vietnam but it’s particularly popular in Hoi An – arguably the country’s prettiest town that’s famed for its UNESCO World Heritage buildings and colourful lanterns.

The surrounding region is dotted with dozens of palm trees, so it stands to reason that coconut coffee is a popular drink. It’s often topped with toasted coconut chips and served with crunchy coconut biscuits which are incredibly moreish. Sample it at a Hoi An café like the appropriately named Coconut Coffee or the gorgeously decorated Lanterns Cafe.

Alternatively, take a leisurely bike ride around the picturesque Cẩm Thanh rice fields and cool off with a coconut coffee at Góc Hồ Coffee: a charming local café with a huge fishpond at its heart.

Crunch down into Hue’s version of banh xeo

Banh xeo – a crispy rice pancake stuffed with meat or prawns, bean sprouts and onion – can be found throughout Vietnam. Nevertheless, Hue (Vietnam’s impressive ancient former capital) easily serves up some of the best. There, the pancakes are called banh khoai and they come stuffed with prawns, egg, pork and beansprouts (although you’ll find vegetarian versions, too).

The key difference between Hue pancakes and those found in other cities is how you eat them. Instead of tucking in straight away, rip a bit off and roll it in rice paper along with some grilled meat and/or veg. Dip it in some peanut sauce and get ready for a taste explosion like no other.

Head to Hanoi for bun cha

If there’s one dish Hanoi can claim as its own, it’s bun cha. It’s essentially Vietnam’s answer to meatballs and you’ll find it on every local restaurant menu.

To make it, pork mince, spring onion and a blend of seasonings are shaped into meatballs and grilled to perfection. They’re then served with fresh rice noodles, succulent pork belly slices and fragrant herbs. A meaty broth usually sits on the side which you can either drizzle over the entire dish or use as a dipping sauce for your meatballs.

Slurp on some pho… Everywhere

You can’t visit Vietnam without trying its most famous dish. Pho (pronounced ‘fuh’ not ‘faux’) may seem like a simple noodle soup on the surface – but there are lots of complex flavours and a lengthy cooking process behind its mouthwatering taste.

Traditionally, pho’s base is a chicken or beef broth infused with cinnamon, star anise and other fragrant spices. It’s prepared over several hours (sometimes overnight!) to really maximise its final taste. Thinly sliced meat (often beef), rice noodles, beansprouts and herbs are then added to the mix before serving.

You’ll find pho differs depending on which end of the country you’re visiting. In southern cities like Ho Chi Minh, pho features chilli and fresh coriander. In the north though, you’ll find it’s much milder and has a savoury rather than spicy flavour.

One thing is for sure: pho is a must-try dish, no matter if you’re slurping it on a street corner (one of the tastiest I tried was from a tiny street cart) or in a fancy restaurant. You could even have a go at making your own, which leads me to…

Vietnamese cooking classes

One of the best ways to really get to grips with Vietnamese food is to book a cooking class.

Hanoi had no shortage of options when I was there. I opted for the Apron Up course (the school isn’t far from Hoàn Kiem Lake) where we created a feast of five different dishes over a few hours. In fact, the pho we made was the best I tried (although maybe I’m biased)! There’s plenty of other class options too – no matter which cities you add to your itinerary.

Most Vietnamese recipes are simple, so the wannabe chefs among you will have no trouble recreating them once you’re back home. And if cooking isn’t your strong suit? You’ll just have to plan another trip to Vietnam to try its mouthwatering dishes all over again!

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post From South to North: the best cheap eats in Vietnam appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Cyprus (everywhere)

There are 1.5 million reasons to go to Cyprus, each one with an uncanny knack for entwining around your feet and mewing pitifully for your leftover souvlakia. Floofs of all shapes and sizes linger hopefully around harbours or laze on their neighbourhood balconies in the Mediterranean sun with a can of kindly gifted tuna at their paws. Cypriot cats actually outnumber the island’s human population, by at least 300,000 felines. They’re a historical breed.  The earliest record of cat domestication was found in a 9,500-year-old burial site in Cyprus; a loyal wildcat buried alongside its prehistoric hoomans. By 400 AD, legend tells how Helen of Constantinople sent Egyptian ships full of cats to hunt an infestation of snakes on the island.

These days, local attitude varies. Some adore these pest control professionals working hard while being oh-so-soft-and-fluffy; others consider them as pests themselves. With an ever-climbing population and a lack of governmental sterilization programs, volunteers scour the streets in vans full of food while feral cats follow in Pied Piper-induced trances. While overpopulation is undoubtedly a problem, cats have, and always will be an indispensable part of Cypriot culture.

Ainoshima, Japan

Those looking for fluff therapy in Japan might think first of the many Instagrammable cat cafes in Tokyo’s side streets. But why sip a mere matcha latte when you could venture to an island? Ainoshima is one of Japan’s self-proclaimed ‘Cat Islands’. This feline paradise off the coast of Kyushu is perhaps more humble than the Kawaii-overloaded capital. But for three decades it has been a haven for stray cats to leisurely wash their paws on concrete jetties as they watch fishing boats return with their personal supply of fresh sashimi. Cats here are well looked after by the residents, for this reason, feeding by tourists is forbidden (so hold that kibble.) I said humble, and I meant it. You won’t find neon signs and cat-shaped mochi here. Instead, stroke some kitties, hire a bicycle, and explore this tiny island firsthand before boarding the ferry back.

Greece (everywhere)

You don’t have to walk down too many cobbled streets in Greece before finding a stand of postcards with an endless array of curious yellow eyes staring back at you. Greece without cats is like hostels without bunkbeds: it just doesn’t work.  99.9% of travellers to Greece are struck by the site of brawny toms stretched out across the crumbling steps of an ancient Greek amphitheatre, or a gang of boisterous kittens brawling in the alleys of Athens.

While most cats you see are feral, communities knit together to ‘adopt’ their local neighbourhood residents. You’ll often see bowls of food and water left outside houses and even the odd stray lounging smugly in a makeshift bed on the terrace. Alongside this united local effort, cat shelters are a common occurrence all over the country. A necessary response to the lack of governmental control.

Koshlandia, Siberia

At first glance, you might mistake this farm to be like any other in western Siberia. But Alla Lebedeva’s property in Prigorodny sets itself apart with every fluffy resident leaving its’ pawprints on the snow-covered rooftops. It all started in 2003, when the 59-year-old farm owner and her husband Sergey got their first Siberian feline, Babushka (cue my awful Kate Bush rendition.) Her legacy begins here. Today, you can find the trademark shaggy fur and bushy tails poking out of hay bales or huddling together atop wooden fences. Domestic? Not quite. Many of the cats here are prone to month-long hunting exhibitions in the harsh Siberian wilderness. But rest assured, they almost always return to this frozen feline paradise so many of them now call home.

Istanbul, Turkey

A leisurely stroll in the colourful markets of Balat or the maze-like streets of Karaköy reveals the four-legged attitude behind this cosmopolitan city. It’s hard to picture Istanbul without the odd paw or pair of torn ears creeping into view. And several hundred thousand cats proudly roam the streets of Istanbul with as much bushy-tailed confidence as their human counterparts. The unspoken rule here is that cats = family. These felines are as much of a part of the community as the local kebab shop owner feeding them scraps of doner meat. Citizens provide strays with basic necessities, and you’ll see evidence of this throughout the city. Public parks lay out food and water dishes for ever-peckish visitors, and makeshift shelters are built outside homes to accommodate pitstops on long nights hunting mice (or raiding dustbins.)

Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan

In Taiwanese, ‘Houtong’ = ‘Monkey Cave’. 100 years ago, this riverside town in the Ruifang Valley was famous for having a cave full of monkeys. Now, a very different mammal rules the roost. It’s quite an experience to walk off the train and onto a giant metal cat-shaped footbridge. But hey, what do you expect from a town whose feline residents outnumber its humans? The strays here are unsurprisingly well-fed, plump balls of glossy fur block your path on every hillside walkway you turn down. Wandering around, you’ll see painfully cutesy cat signs and statues (even the train ticket is adorned with printed kitties.) There are cat-themed shops; cat-themed cafes; cat-themed restaurants… If you were looking for a new cat plushie – I wouldn’t judge – here’s the place to buy one (or twenty.) These days, the town is looking decidedly rough around the edges. But despite the fading shopfronts and peeling statues, you can rest assured that the living, breathing four-legged residents remain the real stars of the show.

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post Like cats? Then you’ll love these places appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Everything began with a restless spirit yearning for something different, for a life that snapped, crackled and popped with more… More energy, more risk, more reward, more raw experiences. Ultimately, I was looking upon the open road for more experiences, more connections, and more meaning.

This is the story of how a penniless backpacker transitioned from living rough in the Asian subcontinent into becoming a full-on digital nomad serial entrepreneur. A journey that ultimately led to fulfilling a lifelong dream…

The dream of building a kickass hostel in the island paradise of Bali.

So strap on in amigos and join me as we dive into the whirlwind of a decade filled with wins, losses, and lessons learned along the way. We’ll traverse the globe, climb perilous peaks, explore ancient ruins, make romantic connections in far flung lands, take risk after risk, battle bankruptcy, sleep rough, nearly die (a few times), get inspired and surf the waves of the digital realm.

All of which will lead us to the moment when Tribal finally gained form, Bali’s only custom-built co-working hostel for aspiring entrepreneurs and remote workers who need kick ass facilities but want to remain within the backpacker vibe, the backpacker tribe, the backpacker realm… 

So, fasten your seatbelts, fellow adventurers, as we embark on an exhilarating voyage through time and continents. This is not just a story; it’s an invitation to dream big, to push your own boundaries, and ditch your desk to create a life that intertwines passion, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

Ready? 😉

I. The Journey Begins

I was once just a shy and awkward kid, like many of us have been at some point in life. My plan was to join the Royal Marines, as I felt like only that could turn me into an actual capable and confident human being with skills. It seemed like a smart investment of my time. 

Unfortunately, a serious injury at the age of nineteen crushed my dreams into teeny-tiny grains of sand. I found myself depressed, bedridden, overweight, and severely anxious.

But deep within my restless soul, there was a little spark craving for something else. Something greater than the ordinary. I decided to take big risks, to journey far, to be brave, to put myself so fucking far out of my comfort zone and to either evolve or die upon the road. 

Finding just enough motivation to listen to this calling, I was quickly propelled into the world of adventure travel. I had $3000 to my name, spent $600 of those in flights, and set off on a 2-year adventure through India.

And I never stopped.

All it took was a single step—a leap of faith into the unknown. Armed with my trusty Osprey backpack and an insatiable curiosity, I ventured beyond the beaten path, immersing myself in the vibrant tapestry of the world.

I slept in ancient forts, temples, train stations. I surfed over fifty couches across India, meeting with and staying with amazing people, learning about new cultures and points of view. I haggled, I cooked my own food, I made terrible bracelets and sold them for tiny and terrible profits, I learned to talk to anybody… 

I frickin’ loved it. Every second of it.

It wasn’t about ticking off bucket list items, oh hell no; it was about embracing the experiences that would end up shaping me into who I am today. It was about challenging EVERYTHING I knew, embracing discomfort, and finding solace in the unfamiliar.

I hitchhiked, I slept in caves, I slept in train stations, I camped, I hiked, I walked for miles to save 50 cents on a tuk tuk ride, I worked in an organic garden project, I did everything I needed to to explore, to grow, to push beyond my comfort zone and grow as a person. 

Nothing could stop me—and I was just getting started. I didn’t have a plan… I simply wanted to FEEL something. I wanted to be more confident, more capable, I wanted to turn my anxious and honestly pretty sensitive soul into something that could endure. The road was my teacher, and I was eager, but how could I stay upon the road forever? 

II. From Backpacker to Digital Nomad: The Evolution Unfolds

Before my humble little travel blog came into existence, it started as a collection of handwritten notes I’d pass on to fellow travellers. Things evolved, and suddenly we had a small email list of around 40 people that passionately followed along.

People loved my tales of adventure and, as they evolved, I was encouraged to “go pro”. I entered a writing contest, won $100, and spent this mighty bounty to register the domain name.

And so The Broke Backpacker was born.

Initially, it was simply a platform where I shared my own travel stories and reflections on life’s most beautiful intricacies. But as time went on, it evolved into a powerhouse resource for aspiring backpackers, providing practical information on how to travel on a budget and embark on meaningful adventures.

As I delved into the world of online entrepreneurship and started figuring out the different option for how to be a digital nomad, I started sharing my experiments and insights with my readers as well. I always strived to be transparent, documenting not only wins, but also losses and lessons learned.

I wanted others to know all there was to know about building their own income streams to sustain long-term travel and ditch their desks once and for all.

My mission was to prove that almost anyone can travel if they are willing to step out of their comfort zone. I aimed to challenge the notion that travel was only for the privileged few by showcasing exactly HOW one can do it.

And I think I did a pretty good job at that.

III. Wins Along the Way: Milestones and Achievements

Looking back on it, my journey as a travel blogger has been an incredible rollercoaster. There were adventures (oh, so many), lotsa breakthroughs, and key moments that helped shape this path.

I’ll never forget the time I embarked on daring expeditions to countries like Venezuela, Iran, and Pakistan. These destinations not only provided me with unforgettable experiences but also became one of the reasons my blog started to get traction — people were really drawn by my raw accounts of those travel days.

I remember the excitement I felt when some of my stories found their way into renowned sites like the BBC and Daily Mail. Those early backlinks were pure gold, shining a spotlight on my work and attracting a wider audience. It was a clear affirmation that I was on the right track, and it motivated me to push even further.

When the time came that I decided to travel overland from England to Papua New Guinea, that’s when things really started to change. Even though I only made it about half of the way (I’ll be back…), it propelled me into some pretty wild adventures.

I hitchhiked all across Iran, married a Persian princess, discovered the wondrous lands of Pakistan, and decided to test new territories. I launched my own tour company, and took my audience on some exhilarating journeys through Pakistan’s most epic mountains and valleys. 

The success of the tour company provided me with the financial means to invest further into The Broke Backpacker. I expanded my team, hiring talented writers who shared my passion for travel and storytelling. Together, we focused on mastering the art of search engine optimization (SEO) and targeting untapped niches. It was a constant learning process, but the results were astounding.

Over time, my humble little travel blog started gaining traction. From a mere 14 users in September 2013, it grew into a thriving community with over a million monthly visitors within eight years. I couldn’t have imagined such tremendous growth when I first started this journey!

As it gained popularity, I quickly realized the importance of building strong content silos. I wanted to offer my readers more than just travel stories; I wanted to provide them with practical information that would help them plan their own adventures – Every. Fricking. Where.

Our backpacking guides, like the mega guide to backpacking Europe, became a cornerstone of our content and a much-loved format around the web. We delved into gear guides, advising our readers on how to choose the right equipment and save money along the way. We made sure to cover topics beyond the typical travel fare, from guides on avoiding travel burnout and strengthening mental health to being a responsible traveller and reducing plastic footprint.

Slowly, slowly, we built a reputation as a trusted source of information, and our audience recognized that our writers were true adventurers with actual on-the-ground experience. This authenticity resonated, and soon we had contributors from all corners of the world, living the broke backpacker lifestyle and sharing their stories with us.

Since then, I’ve expanded my knowledge into a couple other ventures, including a few more sites, and also a dropshipping business, selling backpacker gear basics like quick-dry travel towels and hammocks to our existing audience. Fun and interesting times!

That was, of course, until the biggest shift we’ve witnessed in our lives.

IV. Hard Lessons Learned: Failures and Setbacks

Should we even talk about Covid? Maybe briefly. It was rough in every sense and it was a very tough time to be running a travel blog.

I went from making great money every month to spending five figures a month of my savings (And I’d only HAD savings for about a year as the site had finally taken off in a big way) just to keep my team employed and the wheels rolling.

My gear company, Active Roots, had to be closed up as shipping costs rose by a crazy 400% globally and we had to abandon $20,000 worth of stock, that freaking sucked.

My relationship with my wife Nina, my Persian princess I met whilst hitchhiking in Iran, broke down during this time and I ended up drinking heavily for about a year. During this time, I made some major mistakes and experienced several huge setbacks.

The tour company I founded, leading expeditions to Pakistan, which had been an important step in my journey, struggled really hard during this time but I continued to prop it up financially, paying the wages of the local staff and the partner I had bought in after a couple of years of running it solo to help me grow it and lead the expeditions.

I learnt some big lessons here, I had major heeby-jeebys about the guy I bought in to help me with the project and he was the only person my dog ever tried to attack… I should have listened to my wise adventure doggo because this chap turned out to be extremely manipulative and dishonest. 

Long-story short, the business partnership went sour. This was a major lesson and taught me the value of slowing down and not making emotional decisions, taking time to seek outside counsel. Unfortunately, I rage-quit and gave up my share of the company and walked away from it as I had to get this toxic relationship out of my life and at the time, through a haze of poor decision making, it seemed like a good move. It was a terrible move, the worst mistake I have ever made, in fact. 

During the very challenging times of Covid I learned once more that success is not linear, there are ups and downs, setbacks, failures, lessons. I guess it’s only ever really a failure if you don’t learn a lesson but I certainly had some very expensive, both financial and emotional, lessons during this time. 

I doubled down, strapped myself in and worked hard to position The Broke Backpacker for a comeback… 

V. The Birth of a Vision: Tribal Takes Shape

After a good few years adventuring and building businesses on the road, it started to weigh on me the need of juggling all the fun & all the hustle. I still wanted to tap into the best of the backpacker lifestyle, but I was managing several different businesses at this point. And doing LONG hours to make it all work.

That’s when the idea of Tribal came to be. Bali’s first custom-built co-working hostel. My little baby. 🙂

I’ve always wanted to build a hostel — I believe a lot of travellers go through that thought process, it’s only natural. And after so many years experiencing the best and the worst, I knew exactly what I wanted to provide people with. 

I also spotted a gap in the market. As a working traveller, I faced numerous challenges in finding accommodations that offered reliable Wi-Fi, quiet zones, and ample charging points. You pair that with great coffee, delicious food, a swimming pool, and an almighty pool table… BOOM, you get a digital nomad hostel haven.

Tribal aimed to create a place where work and adventure seamlessly intertwined. The concept went beyond a mere hostel; it was a vision of a vibrant locale that nurtured both personal and professional growth. There were a lot of stepbacks along the way, so it really became a testament to the power of dreaming big and turning those dreams into tangible reality.

The goal was to design a space that not only provided the essential amenities for digital nomads but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration amongst guests. I truly believe we’ve created something special, and we’re also just getting started. 😉

VI. The Power of Community: Tribal’s Impact

Being a digital nomad in Bali can be a lonely experience. Here at Tribal, we strive to bring folks together and arm them with everything they need to do good quality work whilst also having access to a community…

We have big plans to expand our community offering with movie nights, entrepreneurship talks and perhaps even retreats in the near future. Ultimately, we plan to open several more game changing hostels across Indonesia and beyond. 

Tribal is very often fully booked and it’s been amazing to witness so many young entrepreneurs and digital nomads passing through the place, connecting and sharing ideas. We do a lot with the local community, and we have a great team of enthusiastic locals working with us.

We are still learning how best to serve our crowd and adding a whole array of extra goodies: more private rooms, AC meeting rooms to hire by the hour…

There is so much more we wish to do! But you’ll have to stay tuned and check back in, or even better – just follow us on Instagram. 😉

VII. Lessons from the Journey: Insights and Takeaways

Reflecting on a decade of adventure travel and entrepreneurship has yielded many insights and transformative lessons. These lessons have shaped not only my personal journey but I believe there is some gold in here that can serve as guiding principles for aspiring adventurers and digital nomads alike.

Embracing the unknown lies at the heart of every extraordinary experience. The magic unfolds when we step outside our comfort zones. It is through moments of extreme discomfort that we discover our true potential, unlock hidden talents, and unveil the beauty that exists beyond those borders.

The road is not always smooth; challenges arise, plans veer off course, and unforeseen circumstances test our resolve. It is in these moments that resilience and adaptability become our greatest assets, enabling us to pivot, find alternative solutions, and continue moving forward with unwavering determination.

Balancing passion and purpose, whilst remaining curious, positive, optimistic and humorous, is the key to finding fulfillment on this extraordinary journey. The intersection of personal growth and professional pursuits is where true glory is to be found!

My own journey has been a testament to the transformative power of adventure travel, online entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of dreams. From the humble beginnings of a wanderlust-driven journey to the creation of Tribal, this is a story that shows the limitless possibilities that lie before those who dare to chase their dreams. 

Final Words of Wisdom

So, my fellow adventurers, I hope my personal story inspires you to embark on your own extraordinary adventure.

I hope it helped nurture the fire within you—the fire that will propel you to seek out new horizons, embrace the unknown, and create a life that embodies the very essence of freedom.

Dream big. Chase your passions. And remember, the journey is not merely a destination but an ever-evolving, exhilarating dance between the wins, the losses, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Until we meet again 🙂

The post Beyond boundaries with The Broke Backpacker: Will Hatton’s inspiring business odyssey appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Welcome to another edition of Travel Unravelled! This time, we’re unpacking some tricky topics, including travelling to controversial places (and what even makes a place controversial to begin with!). We also dive into the ethics of “living like a local” when you travel and when it goes too far.

What are your thoughts on travelling to controversial places? Is it ethical? Where do you draw the line?

An interesting (and tricky) topic! There are many reasons why a place could be considered ‘controversial’ – ongoing conflict, extreme political regimes, human rights violations, strict laws – the list goes on. I’d also count safety as a major factor here, as it’s likely going to be the biggest cause for debate in conversations with family and friends.

It pays to do your research and there are plenty of questions to weigh up before you book a flight, including:

• Is it safe? Travel advisories can help here. It might be that some regions are safe while others are risk areas. You’ll also have your own definition of ‘safe’. Some people are fine visiting places known for petty theft, others are not – decide what feels right for you.
• Is it ethical? Again, you have to set your own criteria. What are your core values and beliefs? What would stop you from visiting a country – its laws, environmental footprint, political landscape, role in current conflicts?
• Is it stable? While nothing is ever truly stable, it’s good to consider whether a situation might change rapidly. Consider upcoming elections, protests, the economy – even things like hurricane season. I tend to keep countries on a ‘watchlist’ and make a call later as to whether it feels right or not.

These are all ways to rule out places to travel to, but it makes more sense to consider what you are looking for and go from there. Personally, I prioritise places that are affordable, warm and have beautiful natural scenery. I’m not so concerned about picking a place that is easy to get around, predominately English-speaking or catered to tourists. I’m willing to risk having my phone stolen or to try navigating unreliable bus networks if it means experiencing somewhere totally different to where I’ve been before. I tend to rule out destinations where I wouldn’t feel welcome as a solo female traveller or where I feel like the crime rate is too high for me to travel without stress. Basically, my measure is whether I would feel safe walking alone during the middle of the day.

From an ethical standpoint, I don’t feel comfortable travelling to a country where the laws conflict strongly with my values or to places with ongoing human rights abuses. At the end of the day, I’m a backpacker, not a humanitarian or a war reporter. My trip is for my own benefit and I shouldn’t be helping fund or support something I am ethically against for the sake of a cheap vacation or to tick somewhere new off the list. That said, I know that my perceptions of the world are built from deep-seated stereotypes, prejudices and assumptions I have from growing up in a Western country. Every country on Earth has its own dark history, questionable politics and ethical failings, and it’s unfair to judge an entire region on the actions or views of those in power.

One of the things I value most about travelling is the chance to learn more about the world around me. You can’t really understand a place or its people until you’ve been there yourself. I try to keep an open mind, which means that there are actually very few places I would cross off my list entirely. Nothing is ever set in stone. Countries go from being war zones to thriving tourism hubs in a matter of decades. A natural disaster can render any area too dangerous in a heartbeat. Elections and uprisings take place year after year. It’s the way of the world.

Should we really be striving to “live like a local” while we travel?

Another interesting question! On a surface level, I think it’s great to dive headfirst into your travels to make the most of what a destination has to offer. Try the local cuisine, visit the market, take time to learn about the history and join in the local festivities! The whole point of travel is to experience new things, meet people and see different corners of the world, so why not embrace it as much as you can?

Making an effort to understand local customs and culture is also important as a general show of respect for the place and people. This means learning some local words and phrases, dressing appropriately and understanding what is considered offensive or rude to locals (e.g. being loud and drunk in public, taking photos at sacred sites, etc.).

When people talk about living like a local, often what they really mean is trying to travel as cheaply as possible. There’s nothing wrong with travelling on a budget – that’s the life of a backpacker. While luxury travellers spend more money in general, it’s unlikely that money is ending up in the hands of local workers. More likely, they’re staying at an international hotel chain and eating at expensive restaurants or franchises, rather than a hole-in-the-wall place in the market. Travelling on a budget can actually help support local businesses and stop costs from skyrocketing up to “tourist prices” – which can force locals out of tourist hubs and gentrified neighbourhoods.

I think the line is crossed when travellers start to take advantage of locals. I’ve heard stories of people “begpacking” their way through Vietnam by asking for money and food to continue their travels. It’s entirely unethical – particularly in a low-income country where locals would never ask for anything themselves. If you do find yourself in a situation where you run out of money while travelling, stop and take stock. Is it time to go home? Can you volunteer in a hostel and stay put for the time being? Asking for money from locals isn’t the answer.

Travel is both a privilege and a choice. While you might decide to live cheaply to travel for longer or get more out of your trip, many locals live that way out of necessity. They may never get the chance to leave their country or even their region.

Take a moment to think about your intentions when you travel and what you’ll take away from your experience. Are you striving to live like a local to learn more about a place and its people, or are you just trying to find the cheapest option? Are you taking the time to speak to locals and support small businesses? What can you give back to a place in return, other than money?

There are plenty of ways to become a more ethical traveller. We hope this article helps you think deeper about your own travel choices and re-consider the stereotypes you’ve heard. If you have your own Travel Unravelled question, drop us a DM on Instagram @hostelworld. We’d love to hear from you!

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Rome, Venice, Florence, the Amalfi Coast – these are all incredible destinations that you need to see at some point in your Italy travels. But you’re truly missing out if you don’t dig a little deeper by going to Perugia, the capital of Umbria, the so-called green heart of Italy. To Italians, it’s hardly a hidden gem – but to foreigners, Perugia makes it on the itinerary on the second, maybe third Italy trip. I think this is a mistake.

I have traveled to all 20 Italian regions, having lived in both the province of Perugia as well as right in the city center, and I think that Perugia is not only an excellent place to live but also somewhere that all travelers should visit. Everything from the food, architecture, and the music & arts scene – there’s something for everyone.

Things to do in Perugia:

1. Explore the Historical Center
2. All the Eats of Perugia
3. Pubs, Live Music, and More

Explore the Historical Center

First a quick logistical note. The Perugia city center is at the top of a hill. If you arrive by train (the station is at the bottom of the hill), I suggest you take the convenient Minimetro up to the city center.

Maybe the locals don’t seek out the sights every day, but you should see at least some of them while in Perugia.

• Piazza IV Novembre is the main piazza at the end of Corso Pietro Vannucci, the main strip in the city center. Its centerpiece is Fontana Maggiore, and it’s bordered on two sides by Palazzo dei Priori and the Perugia Cathedral. Not only is it a beautiful piazza, it’s also a great place to grab a porchetta panino and sit on the stairs and chill out for a bit. You won’t be alone.
• Arco Etrusco is a perfect example of Etruscan architecture on display in this pre-Roman city. Built in the 3rd century BCE, It’s one of the eight gates in the Etruscan wall of Perugia.
• If you have time for a tour, Perugia Underground (Perugia Sotterranea) is absolutely worth doing. Tours are offered in both English and Italian. It’s a great way to see the Etruscan roots of the city and better understand the history. If you’re instead looking for an underground experience that doesn’t require a ticket, check out the Rocca Paolina Renaissance fortress.
• A little outside the busy city center, navigate to Abbazia di San Pietro, which will take you down the more quiet Corso Cavour. After a walk through the abbey, you can go right next door to the Gardini del Frontone. Corso Cavour is one of my favorite parts of the city because it’s quieter and has a more local feel than the main center.
• Take a walk down peaceful Via Della Viola to see the open air art gallery that’s become a unique staple of the city.
• From the main center, you can walk down Via dei Priori to Piazza San Francesco, out front of the Church of St. Francis. This greenspace is a popular lay-in-the-sun spot for locals, especially university students.

As is the case with most Italian cities, the best thing to see in Perugia is the city itself. Just walk around and take it slow.

Museums

This article is about seeing Perugia like a local, so I’m not listing a ton of museums. But when there’s a new exhibit to see, locals will often go see what’s new. Here’s two museums that are worth checking out:

• Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria is the most well-known museum in Perugia, with Umbrian art on display from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. Locals will often visit when there’s a new exhibit to see.
• Museo Archeologico Nazionale dell’ Umbria as the name suggests, is an archeological museum with a beautiful courtyard and beautiful skyline views.

All the Eats of Perugia

Every region of Italy has a culinary specialty. I always recommend when you go to Italy – eat the regional food. You’re not in Perugia for pizza (though if you’re having pizza withdrawals, good pizza can be found at Pizzeria Mediterranea Trearchi).

In Perugia, some of the specialties are porchetta, cinghiale (wild boar), chocolate, wine, and black truffle.

Some great restaurants where you can find traditional Perugian/Umbrian cuisine are Ristorante Il Cantinone Perugia, Locanda Del Bartoccio, and Osteria a Priori. I suggest making reservations ahead of time if you can. Some of my personal favorite Umbrian dishes are pappardelle with white wild boar ragù and stringozzi with ricotta, mushrooms, and sausage.

For more casual food options, you can try Testone or Caffè Dal Perugino. The latter is more of a pre-dinner spot for an aperitivo, but they also have great sandwich options.

If you’re looking for something different, Pinturicchio Cafe & Kitchen specializes in American breakfast and lunch, plus they have great coffee. It’s also a good place to study or work if needed.

Pubs, Live Music, & More

• Dempsey’s – A small yet hyper-local bar that’s adored by locals. The owner, Andreas, is from the USA and has become a fixture of Perugia, having lived there for over 15 years.
• Marla – also owned by Andreas of Dempsey’s, Marla is an awesome bar / night club that always has awesome live music and a cool vibe. Wednesday funk night is my personal favorite.
• Elfo Pub – An awesome tucked-away bar serving drinks of all kinds, but specializing in craft beer. The staff is always fun, and the owner, Natale, knows his beer. It’s also a good place to watch a football game or see a local Italian stand-up comedy act.
• Venti Vino is great you’re looking for a wine bar to try some local Umbrian wines.
• Caffè Fortebraccio is a popular local hang out spot, for everything from morning coffee to late night drinks.
• If open-mic events are your thing, Indigo Art Gallery & Cafe and Cafe Pinturicchio are both great spots.
• If you’re looking to see some live jazz, there’s of course the famous Umbria Jazz festival every July, though like most jazz festivals it’s more pop music than anything. Otherwise I suggest you check out a jazz jam session at Osteria Cardinali on Fridays.

We hope this guide helps you to discover things to do in Perugia. Let us know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these spots or if you’d like to share an activity that you think other travellers should experience. Buon viaggio!

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