Sustainability Stories: cross-cultural experiences by HI USA
For many of us, travel is about self-discovery. The most rewarding moments often come when you find yourself crossing paths with and learning from people from all walks of life and different backgrounds.
In our Sustainability Stories series, we show you how hostels go above and beyond for the environment, culture and their communities. Today we’ll share two stories about how Hostelling International USA makes cross-cultural connections easy and accessible for everyone.
HI USA has over 10 hostels across the United States: you can stay at a lighthouse near tide pools and redwood forests close to San Francisco, just a few blocks away from Santa Monica pier in LA, or Central Park in New York City. But they’re far more than wish list-worthy locations – they’re also on a mission to give back to their communities 🧡
Solo adventures for new travellers
HI USA provides scholarships to young Americans with limited resources and little travel experience. Their goal? To give these new adventurers the chance to learn and grow through solo hostel travel.
Each recipient plans their own solo adventure to a city of their choice. “I wanted to go to Chicago to visit this nonprofit organisation that does research and houses different artists doing incredible work for the black and brown communities in Chicago,” says Joely from New York City, who spent time in Chicago last summer.
Watch Joely and other participants share their experiences below ⬇️
“I was able to have an immersive experience on my own,” Joely explains. “It was my first time travelling by myself. I was most nervous about exploring a city I knew nothing about on my own. I feel very proud of the way that I navigated having an experience of travelling alone.”
Justin from Maryland used his grant to travel to Los Angeles on the other side of the country. “I gained a sense of self, I gained a sense of community and an overall better perspective of what the world is outside the world I know,” he says. “I got to meet other individuals from other countries that related to me and were able to see me.”
Travelling solo – especially for the first time – can feel a little daunting, but the rewards are SO worth it! If you’re nervous about going solo 1) go anyway – you’ll have a blast and discover what you’re capable of (hint: anything!) 2) make use of the Hostelworld app. With Chats and hostel events, it’s designed to help you meet travellers and make friends 🙌
Taking the scenic route to cultural understanding
There are a lot of things we love about travel, and one is them is that it helps break down barriers and strengthen international relationships, especially when times get tough. In the aftermath of 9/11, Hostelling International launched the IOU Respect project advocating for peace by bringing people together from all over the world.
They set up a two-week cultural exchange programme giving young people from the US, Egypt, France, Germany, Lebanon and Tunisia the opportunity to stay in hostels abroad to learn about cultural differences and appreciate how similar we all are 🤝
“This programme changed a lot about how I see the world right now and how I see the people around me,” says Malak from Egypt. She participated in the exchange last year in Germany, visiting Berlin and the beachside town of Warnemünde.
And let’s be real – there’s no better place for cross-cultural exchange than a hostel! They’re the perfect settings for open conversations, challenging misconceptions, and building understanding between people who might never have crossed paths otherwise 👣
See what past participants have to say about the IOU Respect project
“I think of myself as being someone who wants to see equality and equity across races, and I love that this opportunity is giving me the chance to do that with people of my time versus having to study a book,” says Rudy from USA.
The experience goes way beyond group discussions, digging into topical themes such as identity, religion, human rights and active citizenship. The group gets to discover unique cultural differences and learns appreciate the similarities we all undeniably have. Everyone gets to also share their own culture and stories and explore their surroundings with new friends from across the globe.
“It really was amazing. I learned a lot more self-confidence, more social and cultural knowledge and the opportunity to build long-lasting friendships with people from all around the world,” says Sarah from France.
How can you take part?
Feeling inspired? Here’s how to weave cross-cultural experiences into your next trip 🤩
💌 Stay at a hostel that gives back
The easiest way is to stay at hostels that support the local community and culture. See how our 2025 HOSCAR winners do it: from beach cleanups and cultural activities in Brazil all the way to a hostel that doubles as an educational hub in Thailand which has equipped over 300 students with essential skills.
😎 Choose a social hostel
Social hostels are full to the brim with activities, events and shared spaces that bring travellers together. It doesn’t get easier to get to know new people. You can also join the Chat in the Hostelworld app to meet people staying in your hostel and in the same city!
🌞 Wherever you are, keep an open mind
Say hey, plonk yourself down at a table with fellow travellers, share stories, and listen to what others have to say – that’s the start for the travel stories you’ll be telling for years.
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