One of the best parts about staying in a hostel isn’t just the budget-friendly beds or central locations, it’s the built-in social life. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, hostel activities are the ultimate icebreakers. From wild karaoke nights to laid-back yoga mornings, these experiences transform strangers into travel buddies and even lifelong friends….
Category: Travel Tips
How to Travel Alone for the First Time Without Feeling Lonely
Solo travel can be life-changing. You’ll grow, reflect, and discover parts of yourself that group trips just don’t unlock. But let’s be real, as exciting as it is, it’s normal to worry about feeling lonely. The good news? You don’t have to be lonely to be alone. Whether you’re headed to Lisbon’s winding alleys or…
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…
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…
9 essentials you probably shouldn’t travel without
Want to live your best – and easiest – travel life? Hostelworld’s emploee, Jenny, has been to 48 countries and is a self-proclaimed packing and trip prep pro🧳Here are the things she never travels without… Credit: Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash 1️⃣ An eSIM I’ve only recently started using eSIMs, but OMG are they…
20 Best Backpacking Destinations for 2026
📌 What’s the Best Backpacking Destination in 2026? Nusa Penida, Indonesia is one of the top backpacking hotspots for 2026, offering stunning beaches, diving with manta rays, and affordable hostels starting at $15-20 per night. With its dramatic cliffs, untouched landscapes, and budget-friendly accommodations, it’s a must-visit for adventurous travellers looking for paradise on a…
Sustainability Stories: Building a culture of connection at Lagarto na Banana
Every once in a while, you stumble upon a hostel where, the moment you walk through the door, it feels like you’ve already made friends 😙🤌 Before you know it, you’re swapping stories and planning adventures like old pals. At Lagarto na Banana, you’re not just booking a bed (or a tent!) in a Brazilian…
Sustainability Stories: Eco-ethnotourism at Casa en el Agua
With carbon emissions a massive 82% lower than hotels, hostels are already sustainability success stories 🤩 But what are they doing to get there? And, in many cases, how are they going above and beyond to help hostellers travel responsibly? In our Sustainability Stories series, we’re shining the spotlight on hostels that protect the environment,…