For many people, journey is about self-discovery. Probably the most rewarding moments usually come when you end up crossing paths with and studying from individuals from all walks of life and totally different backgrounds.
In our Sustainability Tales sequence, we present you ways hostels go above and past for the atmosphere, tradition and their communities. At this time we’ll share two tales about how Hostelling Worldwide USA makes cross-cultural connections straightforward and accessible for everybody.
HI USA has over 10 hostels across the United States: you may keep at a lighthouse close to tide swimming pools and redwood forests near San Francisco, just some blocks away from Santa Monica pier in LA, or Central Park in New York City. However they’re excess of want list-worthy areas – they’re additionally on a mission to provide again to their communities 🧡
Solo adventures for brand spanking new travellers
HI USA offers scholarships to younger Individuals with restricted assets and little journey expertise. Their objective? To provide these new adventurers the possibility to study and develop by way of solo hostel journey.
Every recipient plans their very own solo journey to a metropolis of their alternative. “I wished to go to Chicago to go to this nonprofit organisation that does analysis and homes totally different artists doing unimaginable work for the black and brown communities in Chicago,” says Joely from New York Metropolis, who frolicked in Chicago final summer season.
Watch Joely and different individuals share their experiences under ⬇️
“I used to be in a position to have an immersive expertise alone,” Joely explains. “It was my first time travelling on my own. I used to be most nervous about exploring a metropolis I knew nothing about alone. I really feel very happy with the best way that I navigated having an expertise of travelling alone.”
Justin from Maryland used his grant to journey to Los Angeles on the opposite aspect of the nation. “I gained a way of self, I gained a way of group and an general higher perspective of what the world is exterior the world I do know,” he says. “I bought to satisfy different people from different nations that associated to me and had been in a position to see me.”
Travelling solo – particularly for the primary time – can really feel a bit daunting, however the rewards are SO value it! If you happen to’re nervous about going solo 1) go anyway – you’ll have a blast and uncover what you’re able to (trace: something!) 2) make use of the Hostelworld app. With Chats and hostel occasions, it’s designed that will help you meet travellers and make buddies 🙌
Download the Hostelworld app
Taking the scenic path to cultural understanding
There are a number of issues we love about journey, and one is them is that it helps break down limitations and strengthen worldwide relationships, particularly when instances get robust. Within the aftermath of 9/11, Hostelling Worldwide launched the IOU Respect challenge advocating for peace by bringing individuals collectively from everywhere in the world.
They arrange a two-week cultural trade programme giving younger individuals from the US, Egypt, France, Germany, Lebanon and Tunisia the chance to remain in hostels overseas to find out about cultural variations and respect how comparable all of us are 🤝
“This programme modified so much about how I see the world proper now and the way I see the individuals round me,” says Malak from Egypt. She participated within the trade final yr in Germany, visiting Berlin and the beachside city of Warnemünde.
And let’s be actual – there’s no higher place for cross-cultural trade than a hostel! They’re the right settings for open conversations, difficult misconceptions, and constructing understanding between individuals who would possibly by no means have crossed paths in any other case 👣
See what previous individuals should say in regards to the IOU Respect challenge
“I consider myself as being somebody who desires to see equality and fairness throughout races, and I really like that this chance is giving me the possibility to do this with individuals of my time versus having to review a guide,” says Rudy from USA.
The expertise goes method past group discussions, digging into topical themes corresponding to identification, faith, human rights and lively citizenship. The group will get to find distinctive cultural variations and learns respect the similarities all of us undeniably have. Everybody will get to additionally share their very own tradition and tales and discover their environment with new buddies from throughout the globe.
“It actually was superb. I discovered much more self-confidence, extra social and cultural information and the chance to construct long-lasting friendships with individuals from all all over the world,” says Sarah from France.
How will you participate?
Feeling impressed? Right here’s the way to weave cross-cultural experiences into your subsequent journey 🤩
💌 Keep at a hostel that offers again
The simplest method is to remain at hostels that assist the local people and tradition. See how our 2025 HOSCAR winners do it: from seashore cleanups and cultural actions in Brazil all the best way to a hostel that doubles as an academic hub in Thailand which has geared up over 300 college students with important abilities.
😎 Select a social hostel
Social hostels are full to the brim with actions, occasions and shared areas that carry travellers collectively. It doesn’t get simpler to get to know new individuals. You too can be a part of the Chat within the Hostelworld app to satisfy individuals staying in your hostel and in the identical metropolis!
🌞 Wherever you’re, maintain an open thoughts
Say hey, plonk your self down at a desk with fellow travellers, share tales, and take heed to what others should say – that’s the beginning for the journey tales you’ll be telling for years.
