“Our dream is for sustainable travel to be the norm, not the exception”, says the director, Josep Aguilar, from Twentytu Hostel in Barcelona’s busy and modern 22nd district. Twentytu is the perfect base for any curious traveller looking to explore Barcelona and stay in one of their private or shared dorm rooms. Beyond the best spot for watching a sunset from their rooftop terrace, Twentytu is surrounded by emblematic monuments such as…
Author: Annika Sipila
Sustainability Stories: JO&JOE Rio – discover this eco-warrior hostel in the urban jungle
At the foot of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Corcovado mountain, where monkeys swing through palm trees and samba drifts through the air, you’ll find JO&JOE Rio – a hostel that proves that big-city energy and sustainability get along just fine. Built along six restored colonial buildings in the historic Largo do Boticario, this open house…
Sustainability Stories: Villa Viva Cape Town – clean water for all
See how Viva con Agua started in South Africa Cape Town, South Africa. Sunshine, murals, and a deep blue building shouting from the hillside. That’s Villa Viva Cape Town, a hostel, a creative hub and a social movement rolled into one. The best part? Every night’s sleep helps someone else get access to clean water….
How to travel responsibly: 42 real tips for sustainable adventures
It’s no news that tourism changes everything from the planet to the people who call it home. But the good news is: You’ve got power. Responsible travel means being aware of your impact and doing something about it. It’s not about perfection. It’s about better choices, trip by trip. Here’s your ultimate, no-fluff guide to…
Sustainability Stories: Green Haven Ilha Anchieta – protecting a paradise
Some places you stay for the bed. Some for the party. Then there’s Green Haven Ilha Anchieta in Brazil – a hostel that changes how you see travel itself. This spot isn’t just by nature – it’s in it. This hostel sits inside Ilha Anchieta State Park, a fully protected island off the coast of…
Sustainability Stories: “It changed the way I travel” – going solo through Colombia
If you’ve ever side-eyed the idea of travelling solo in Colombia, meet Amy Phung. Londoner. Asian woman. Backpacker. “There’s so much noise about Colombia,” she told me. “But I wanted to see it with my own eyes, not through someone else’s lens.” As the winner of Hostelworld’s yearly staff travel competition, Amy spent several weeks…
Sustainability Stories: Hostal del Cielo empowers the local community
High up on the busy mountains of Medellin, Colombia, Hostal del Cielo is a place where your stay helps to rewrite the story of a community once overlooked. Today, the neighbourhood of Comuna 13 is alive with culture, art and entrepreneurship. We sat down with Thomas Quintreau-Musci, the founder of Hostal del Cielo, to hear…
Sustainability Stories: opening Africa’s first LGBTQ+ inclusive hostel – Soul Fam Hostel
In a city known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, a new hostel will open its doors in a few weeks – one that’s designed around belonging. When Chase King landed in Cape Town as a student back in 2007, he could’ve not imagined that one day he’d open a hostel there. But after…
Sustainability Stories: how a&o hostels cut their carbon footprint – and why that matters to you
Daydreaming of unforgettable experiences, new friends and seriously good food. Planning a trip is pure joy, but emissions stats don’t exactly make the vision board 📉 We get it. But here’s why you should care 💚 The dilemma: how to travel AND care for the planet? Hostels use energy and water, waste builds up, and…
Sustainability Stories: changing lives through education at Wonderland Jungle Hostel
A social eco-hostel tucked in Koh Tao’s hillside jungle paradise with a big heart and an even bigger mission? Yes please 💚 We sat down with one of founders of Wonderland Jungle Hostel, Valeri Johnstone, who shared how they built a space where travellers and the local community could connect, learn, and grow together. Located…
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