Hostels have evolved big time over the past couple of decades. The no-frills, rough-'n'-ready domain of the old-school backpacker is a dying breed and today hostels often rival, indeed, surpass in many instances, 'hotel-standard' quality in terms of facilities and style. With this evolution from the traditional hostel, different types of hostels have emerged – be it Eco/sustainable hostels, party hostels, homely hostels, activity hostels, boutique/design hostels and so on. There are a few important things within a hostel owner's control that define the tone and character of their hostel.
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Budapest is a happening city, full of activity and home to a vibrant social scene. It's a city waiting to be explored & embraced and there's no better way to do that than with like-minded people. Hostels are, by their very nature, social spaces but some have better managed to nurture a social atmosphere than others. Here's our list of Budapest hostels where meeting fellow backpackers is easily done, and done in style!
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Berlin. Two syllables which instantly paint a wonderful picture of bold, vibrant colours blending seamlessly with classic, harsh & gritty tones. It's a dramatic and mesmerising showpiece on a sprawling canvas, evoking intensity and calm in equal measure. This big picture of Berlin is indeed the sum of its parts; that is the numerous districts, each exuding their own individual character, style and appeal, which make the German capital a fascinating mix of trendy, classical, cultural, cool, alternative & atmospheric. Here's our intro to 5 of the most popular Berlin districts and, of course, our choice of the quality hostels you can call home in each.
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Isabel Leong is a young travel blogger who visited 55 cities in just under 6 months last year, an impressive feat for a young student. Isabel has garnered a lot of attention in media & the travel-blog sphere as well as amassing a significant number of budget-traveller followers to her insightful blog devoted to "the discovery of a world outside what you limit yourself to". Now in her final year of studies, we caught up with Isabel as she prepares for her next adventure to talk backpacking, beaches & nature, being bold and "unorthodox" money-saving techniques.
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I recently received a phone call here in Dublin from a mother in the United States who was trying to get in contact with her son. She sounded worried. She hadn't heard from him in five days. This wasn't like him and such a stint without contacting home was out of character.
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Packing for your next vacation can sometimes be a hassle. Everyone has their standard for essentials and bare minimums. Whether you're an active backpacker or on holidays to relax, it's always good to plan ahead and create a checklist of must-have items. Our suggestion would be to keep it light, but think of unforeseen circumstances no matter the budget. So here's a list of 7 essentials to pack on your next trip abroad:
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We love guiding people on walking tours all over Europe, helping them have the adventure of a lifetime. We also love reading about the exploits of our fellow friends and travelers online! It’s great for inspiration and it can make it even easier for you to have an awesomely memorable vacation no matter your destination. So, we’ve decided to share some of our favorites with you! If you're looking for a crowdsourced guide, TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet, Frommers and Fodors are our go-to travel-tip destinations. And if you're looking for insider tips from locals, check out our free walking tours around Europe and discover hidden treasures. But if you are looking for an “off the beaten path” journey, here are 7 websites and guides to get you started. We think you will love them:
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Backpacking is awesome - meeting people all the time, seeing unexplored places every day through free walking tours, constant new experiences - but there are definitely a few pain-in-the-aspects we wish we could do without.
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Backpacking is an experience everyone and anyone should try out once in their lifetime. Who wouldn't want to take time off to see the world, learn new things, meet great people, and open your eyes to new horizons? It does, however, require a lot of planning, research, and precaution (all in moderation, of course) to have a successful backpacking trip. Whether it will be your first time backpacking, or you're looking for some extra ideas for the road, we decided to help new and old backpackers alike with a list of a few basic things to consider when travelling abroad. We offer advice on how to simplify your packing plans, save money on accommodation, and learn about new cities by joining free walking tours! Without further ado, here's HostelCulture's essential basic guide to planning your backpacking trip:
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Sure, nothing beats the real thing, but we're all down for a fantasizing every once and a while. So break out the popcorn, get comfy in your PJs and get watching! Whether it's the thrill of a flight taking off or the excitement of a foreign place that gets you going, here's an essential list of wanderlust-inspiring movies that will get you in the mood to travel in no time.
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