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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.<\/p>\n
In our Sustainability Stories series, we show you how hostels go above and beyond for the environment, culture and their communities. Today we\u2019ll share two stories about how Hostelling International USA makes cross-cultural connections easy and accessible for everyone.<\/p>\n
HI USA has over 10 hostels across the United States<\/a>: you can stay at a lighthouse near tide pools and redwood forests close to San Francisco<\/a>, just a few blocks away from Santa Monica pier in LA<\/a>, or Central Park in New York City<\/a>. But they’re far more than wish list-worthy locations \u2013 they\u2019re also on a mission to give back to their communities \ud83e\udde1<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Each recipient plans their own solo adventure to a city of their choice. \u201cI 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,\u201d says Joely from New York City, who spent time in Chicago last summer.<\/p>\nSolo adventures for new travellers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Watch Joely and other participants share their experiences below<\/strong> \u2b07\ufe0f<\/h2>\n