- Current Age?
23
- Nationality
USA
- Where do you live now?
Japan
- When it comes to travel accommodation (but leaving out crashing with friends, family or people you meet on the road), how often do you stay in hostels?
pretty much all the time
- Where have you hosteled?
Asia, Europe
- Would you stay in a hostel again on future trips?
Yes
- Why or why not?
It's cheap, easy, and you tend to meet all types of people. What is sometimes traded in comfort is far made up in experiencing a destination.
- Out of all your experiences hosteling, what was your:
- Best Moment
Meeting and making a really good friend.
- Worst Moment
Cold shower.
- Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
Finding the places when I can neither speak nor read the language.
- Biggest surprise?
No flushing toilet paper in China.
- Do you ever book any of your hostel accommodation in advance?
Sometimes
- Why or why not?
Sometimes it's easier just to find out where the road takes you; other times, it's too difficult not to know where you're gonna sleep for the night.
- Who is the most memorable person you met in a hostel and why?
I met a girl from Australia who was incredibly knowledgeable about the culture I was visiting, could speak the language fluently, and we just clicked as travel buddies. I made a real friend in a matter of days.
- Why do you stay in hostels, as opposed to other types of accommodation?
People and money, generally. Traveling alone is enhanced immeasurably by staying in hostels, and you learn so much more.
- Is there a hostel you'd recommend to other travelers? If so, what is it and where?
A YHA-sponsored one, anywhere
- What is the biggest myth people have about hostels and hosteling?
That they're dirty, there are no private rooms, and they're unsafe. All are generally untrue.
- Why do you like to travel?
Adventure, culture, people, adventure!
- What is your advice for other travelers wanting to stay in hostels?
Why would you do anything else?
