To help you plan your next adventure, we couldn’t think of anyone better than you – the globetrotters – to call the shots. We’ve taken some key info from our international travel community on insight into ideal destinations, and the best hostels chosen by you based on why you love to travel.
If you’re from EUROPE…
You’ll probably want to escape bad weather for sun, sea and exotic locations. More than lounging on a beach, though, you seek an authentic experience: planning your next trip might involve closeness to locals, eco-tourism and the ability to travel green.
In summer: head for the Med
The countries hugging the stretch of Mediterranean coastline offer all the goods, from sun-kissed beaches to ancient culture and traditions – with excellent cuisines to boot.
In winter: stay cool in the Nordics
Scandinavia’s Denmark, Sweden and Norway along with Nordic Iceland and Finland offer ideal city breaks, combining unique culture, style and eco-savviness (one in ten cars sold in Norway in 2014 was electric).
Hostels voted by you:
Spain
Seville: Albergue Inturjoven Sevilla
Menorca: Menorca – Alberg Juvenil Sa Vinyeta
Best for: unique atmosphere
Nordics
Iceland: Reykjavik Loft
Norway: Oslo Central
Best for: eco tourism/ social
If you’re from… NORTH AMERICA
Travellers from Canada and the USA seek stress relief and escapism, but many of you like to stay close to home: last year only 16% of the population took an overnight trip outside North America, and 51% don’t like going somewhere unless they can reach it by car.
In summer: pick the perfect US road-trip
Why not break away and get active closer to home by cycling or surfing the US west coast and staying at our route of hostels along the way.
In winter: branch out for a European city break
Re-attune your work life balance with a trip across the pond. A city break will give you a fresh perspective and allow your mind to unwind.
Hostels voted by you:
USA/ Canada
Cape Cod: HI – Martha’s Vineyard
Best for: unique atmosphere/ nature lovers
HI – Toronto
Best for: partying/ social
Europe city break
London: YHA London Oxford Street
Best for: shopping/ culture
Paris – Yves Robert
Best for: sightseeing/ eco-tourism
If you’re from AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND…
You’re consistently looking for adventure, and one of your main travel motivations is finding beauty in nature: if you can combine this with an outdoor activity like hiking or swimming, then all the better.
In summer: cool off and party in Northern Europe
It’s getting hot down under, so dip into Northern Europe’s distinctive and often crazy social scene and jet over to Germany’s Munich for Oktoberfest, or Scotland’s Edinburgh for end of year Hogmanay celebrations to make new friends, learn and party.
In winter: fly over to a Canadian summer
It’s no secret that Canada is bursting at the seams with natural beauty, whether you migrate to Banff for its breath taking hiking opportunities, or Vancouver for city, mountains and sea. Adventure guaranteed.
Germany
Munich: München – City
Best for: culture
Canada
Banff: HI – Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel
Best for: sports & activities/ nature-lovers
If you’re from ASIA… (Korea, China & Japan)
Affordable luxury and boutique, unique accommodation, sightseeing and sampling local cuisine all compete for the top spot for travellers from Korea, China and Japan – with a love for making memories and documenting the journey.
In summer: choose a culture capital of the world
In winter: pick a slice of affordable luxury or a centrally located shopping haven
Hostels voted by you:
Summer: USA/ Italy
San Francisco: HI – San Francisco – Downtown
Rome: Roma – Downtown Hostel
Best for: culture/ sightseeing
Winter: Switzerland/ Belgium
Zurich: Zürich Youth Hostel
Brussels: Brussels – Bruegel
Best for: shopping/ relaxing
If you’re from SOUTH AMERICA…
Studies show that you South Americans will ditch the beach for art, culture, history and heritage. Maybe there’s an emotional tug that travelling has for you; you want to feel something different, chase new sensations and be affected by the learning and cultural findings you stumble across. After all, that’s what travel is all about.
In summer: heritage and history in Europe
In winter: stay on the continent for social volunteering
Heading to Brazil, Argentina or Bolivia will offer you the chance to give something back through the many social volunteering programs held through our hostels. Get involved in social engagement projects in the Andes, support eco-initiatives in Cochabamba or mingle with locals in Buenos Aires.
Hostels voted by you:
Summer
Amsterdam: Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark
Barcelona: Barcelona – Pere Tarrés
Best for: culture/ sightseeing
Winter
El Villar: HI Hostel El Villar
Cochabamba: Eco Hostel Planeta de Luz
Patagonia: El Chaltén – Patagonia Hostel
Best for: eco-tourism/ nature lovers
Does our research reflect your travel habits? Tell us about your perfect trip in the comments below.