Latest news with #hostels
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I've spent the last four months traveling the world full-time... it's not as glamorous as you'd think
A woman who has spent the last four months traveling the world full-time with just a backpack has shared the highs and lows of her lifestyle. Talia Schreiber, 21, from Belmont, California, has had the travel bug since she went on her first solo trip at age 18. All throughout college, she would jet off on vacations whenever she had a break from her classes. So when she graduated from University of California Santa Barbara, instead of entering the workforce, she decided to get out and see the world more. She left home in February with just one bag and has yet to return, spending the last four months moving from country to country, living out of hostels, sleeping in vans, and documenting it all on her Instagram account, where she's gained over 214,000 followers. And while her lifestyle looks quite glamorous on her Instagram - where photos show her watching the sunset in Morocco, soaking up the sun on the beach in Portugal, and splashing in a river in Colombia - she confessed to the Daily Mail during an exclusive chat that it's not always as nice as it seems. She explained that having no steady job means she has to travel very cheaply, which means she's sometimes forced to sleep outside on the beach, in an airport, or on strangers' floors. 'I travel super budget-friendly - hitchhiking, camping, staying in hostels, and volunteering,' she explained. 'I also collaborate with brands and hostels to cut costs. But I've slept on beaches, in airport corners, on stranger's floors.' Talia added that 'constant goodbyes' are emotionally draining and that she misses having a 'consistent, in-person support system.' She also said it's sometimes hard not having a 'routine' and pointed out that she can never go on 'autopilot' because has 'always has to be alert' as a solo female traveler. Thankfully, Talia said she has never found herself in an unsafe situation, and stressed the importance of trusting your gut and asking for help when you need it. 'Travel has shown me over and over that 99 percent of people are kind and willing to help if you give them the chance,' she explained. Her advice to other solo travelers is to walk with confidence, learn a few local phrases - 'it helps so much' - and stay sober in unfamiliar environments. 'Being assertive is never rude - it's a form of safety,' she added. 'If something feels off, leave. No explanation needed. Trust your instincts, even if they don't make sense.' She estimated that she spends about $942 on average per month on food, flights, and accommodation. But she confessed to the Daily Mail during an exclusive chat that it's not always as nice as it seems She makes money from her social media partnerships, as well as travel company Go Granola, in which she takes strangers with her on vacation. 'I take groups of strangers on off-the-grid adventures around the world - from remote treks in Guatemala to the Sahara desert in Morocco,' she dished. 'Watching people connect, open up, and grow together is what keeps me on the road. It's the most fulfilling thing I've ever done and my greatest passion. Being able to influence others to travel is incredible.' Since leaving home in February, she's lived in Brazil, Colombia, England, Morocco, and Portugal. She's been to a whopping 31 countries in total, and she usually stays in one place for about a week. And while her lifestyle is 'exhausting' and somewhat chaotic, she said the positives far outweigh the negatives. 'I feel like I've lived 71 different lives in the last four months. It's incredible and exhausting,' she joked. 'Eventually I want to slow down and find a home base somewhere that feels right. But I honestly love this style of travel - it's cheap and spontaneous. I've met the best people who have given me faith in humanity. She's been to a whopping 31 countries in total, and she usually stays in one place for about a week 'The trade-off is Incredible. I've made the deepest friendships, lived out my wildest bucket-list dreams, and grown more than I ever could've staying still. 'I've learned to love and trust myself , ask for help, and create a life for myself that feels intentional and meaningful. I figure I can always settle later - but now is for exploring.' She also said living on the road has forced her to become 'detached from material things,' which she described as 'so freeing.' As for her tips to others who want to cut down costs when traveling, she recommended volunteering at hostels or small hotels for free accommodation or food, travel during the off-season, avoid taxis and rideshares and take public transportation instead, cook your own meals instead of eating out, and most importantly - don't over-plan. 'Spontaneous plans are often the best and the cheapest,' she gushed. She added, 'And talk to locals: waiters, bus drivers, hostel staff - I've been offered places to stay, home-cooked meals, and local tips just by being friendly. 'And hitchhike if you feel safe! I've met the kindest people this way.' Her favorite destinations so far have been Albania and Morocco, which she described as 'magical.' 'Albania has these stunning hikes and the warmest people, and Morocco feels like a dream - I did van life, surf towns, and summited the tallest mountain in North Africa,' she told the Daily Mail. Her least favorite? London. 'It's beautiful, but a little too fast-paced and disconnected for me,' Talia said. 'I'm used to the hospitality and warmth of Latin America and Africa.' In the end, she hopes by sharing her journey it will encourage others to take the plunge and travel full-time like her. 'Life isn't guaranteed, and I want to experience as much of it as I can while I'm young and healthy,' she concluded. 'I learn so much while traveling - about people, cultures, language, and life itself. 'There's never going to be a perfect time to start. Just go. Book the one-way flight. There's always a flight back home.
Wall Street Journal
02-07-2025
- Wall Street Journal
Four Friends, Five States, One RV. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
I like to think of myself as low-maintenance. I've spent much more time in Greyhounds than limousines and once crisscrossed South India by train. I could write a book on European hostels. But lately I've wondered if I've gone a bit soft. A few trips with friends who would sooner give up their gallbladders than their airline status has given me a taste for the finer things in life, like room service and heated pools. So when a different friend called me up and proposed a two-week tour of the South in a rented RV, it seemed an ideal way to see just how low-maintenance I really was.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Up 79% in 5 years, this UK travel stock is still a Strong Buy, according to brokers
Hostelworld (LSE: HSW) is a small-cap UK stock that suffered during the pandemic five years ago. As global travel came to a standstill, the hostel-booking platform's revenue fell off a cliff, driving the firm into the red. However, with those dark Covid days thankfully in the rear-view mirror, the share price has been steadily regaining lost ground. It's gone from 77p back then to 136p, representing a gain of roughly 79%. Yet City brokers see further potential gains ahead, and have a consensus price target of 192p. That's 40% higher than the current level, though there's no guarantee it will reach that price within the next 12 months. Interestingly though, all seven analysts covering this small-cap stock are very bullish, rating it as a Strong Buy. What do they see in Hostelworld? Let's check out some details. For those unfamiliar, Hostelworld is basically the Airbnb of hostels. It acts as a marketplace, taking commission when travellers book accommodation via its website or app. The company has hostel partners in over 180 countries, and younger travellers make up the majority of bookings. In 2019, Hostelworld generated €80.7m in revenue and a net profit of €8.4m. Then it endured three years of losses before returning to profitability in 2023 as global travel rebounded after the pandemic. In 2025, it's expected to report €97.5m in revenue and a net profit of €13.9m. So it's managed to weather the Covid storm, and is growing once again. Building on this momentum, management recently set out a growth plan. The target is for low double-digit revenue growth in 2026 and 2027, with an adjusted EBITDA margin above 20%, and adjusted free cash flow conversion of about 70%. The company has a strong balance sheet, with no debt, and an €8m net cash position at the end of 2024. The dividend has been reinstated, with a progressive policy of 20%-40% of adjusted post-tax profit, starting in the second half of this year. It has also just commenced a £5m share buyback programme. One area the firm is seeing success in is its social network. This allows members to message, connect, and meet up with like-minded travellers. Launched in Q2 of 2022, the network had 2.6m members by Q1 2025. These social members are booking 2.2 times more than non-members over the first 91 days after signing up. So there is evidence of strong network effects emerging here. Hostelworld will also start including more budget hotels and other accommodation options on its platform. While that might spur growth, it also takes it further into competition with Airbnb, and others. Also, global travel demand could always be impacted by another pandemic or some sort of global conflict. So these are risks to bear in mind. That said, I like the social network angle, as it's likely to keep users loyal to the platform. I see a lot of monetisation potential. More repeat bookings should also reduce marketing spend, which has already fallen from 58% as a percentage of revenue in 2022 to 46%. Finally, the stock is trading at just 11 times next year's forecast earnings. Weighing things up, I think Hostelworld is worth considering for investors looking for a cheap small-cap stock. The post Up 79% in 5 years, this UK travel stock is still a Strong Buy, according to brokers appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool Ben McPoland has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Airbnb. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
23-06-2025
- The Independent
The best affordable hotels in Dublin, from dorm rooms to boutique stays on a budget
There's no denying that Dublin can be an expensive city to visit. And finding a hotel that fits comfortably within a budget can be a challenge, particularly in high season or at peak times. But don't be discouraged – if you know where to look, you can often snag a (relative) bargain. There are slick hostels that have private rooms, if you're not a fan of sharing, and peaceful townhouses just outside the city that offer a great deal, compared to the more central properties. A word of warning, though – to say that Dublin hotel prices fluctuate is an understatement. When there's a big gig taking place, or demand is simply high, the prices for even the basic hostels can skyrocket. The properties below are usually at the lower end of the scale, but that can't be guaranteed – be prepared to shop around a little, and see who is offering the best price. At a glance 1. The Hendrick hotel In the middle of the hipster neighbourhood of Smithfield, The Hendrick has the best of both worlds – local bars, street art and bistros on its doorstep, but the rest of the city is barely a 20-minute walk away. The rooms are designed in the compact, pod hotel style, but there's plenty of storage under the beds and a decent bathroom. The open-plan bar area is a great hangout spot, and there's loads of cool art throughout the hotel – scan the QR codes to get an audio guide to the pieces. 2. Latroupe Jacobs Inn hotel This hostel has just been taken over from the boutique Latroupe brand, and has all the hallmarks of a cool city crash pad. The restaurant serves creative dishes like crispy chickpea salads and grilled haloumi burgers, and there's often a live DJ in the bar in the evenings, which creates a party atmosphere. The dorm rooms have a unique layout, in that the beds are all in a self-contained pod style, but the private rooms offer great value for money, and have en-suite bathrooms, as well as a boutique design with navy, wood panelled walls, tobacco leather headboards and exposed piping from which you can hang your clothes. Address: 21-28 Talbot Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 W5P8, Ireland 3. Generator Dublin hotel Located next door to the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, the Generator has a mix of both dorm rooms and privates, the latter being fairly spacious. Some of those private rooms have little balconies overlooking Smithfield Square, too. Downstairs, there's a huge bar and a cool reading nook for a coffee during the day, and they have pool tables and shuffleboard, too. There's often a DJ at night or screenings in their cinema room, and they also own the Skyview Tower, which, for a nominal fee, gets you a fantastic panoramic view of the city and beyond – you just need to climb the 259 steps first. 4. The Marlin hotel Located by the Stephen's Green shops and buzzy bars around Drury and William Street South, The Marlin has 300 cool, compact rooms that are on the smaller side, but a huge groundfloor space that blends a bar, restaurant and cosy hangout nooks. Considering the size of the bar, it never feels jammed, and the menu of pub grub is great if you don't fancy venturing far for dinner. Much of the city centre is right on your doorstep, so you won't need to bother with public transport or taxis, which always makes a difference to a budget stay. Address: 11 Bow Ln E, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 AY81, Ireland 5. Stauntons on the Green hotel Their prices aren't always rock bottom, but when they're at the lower end of the scale, this period property offers fantastic value, particularly for solo travellers, as there's a single room with a twin bed. This Georgian townhouse has a great location on the southern edge of Stephen's Green, but it backs onto the Iveagh Gardens – there's even a secret gate that residents can use, through the pretty hotel garden, which is a lovely spot for a glass of wine in the evenings. If your stay includes breakfast, you'll be in for a treat, with classic Irish dishes served up on pretty crockery in the drawing room. 6. Pembroke Townhouse hotel You wouldn't expect a period property in the bougie neighbourhood of Ballsbridge to have good prices, but you can often find a decent rate in the Pembroke Townhouse. The rooms vary in size, with the Snug a good space for solo travellers, and the common areas downstairs are a nice place to sit with a book. In the shared pantry, there's free tea and Nespresso coffee and a platter of pastries you can help yourself to as well, and there's reasonably priced wine on offer. The city centre is a pleasant 15-minute stroll away. 7. Clink i Lár hotel Right in the middle of the shopping district in the Northside, Clink i Lár is a relatively new and upscale hostel, which has a mixture of dorms (including female-only) and private rooms. The rooms themselves aren't particularly exciting, unless you're on the 10th floor, where you'll be met with some cool city views. But plenty is going on downstairs, particularly for solo travellers – there are social events, movie screenings and karaoke, as well as a fairly lively bar. There's also a kitchen where you can prepare a meal, which helps save the pennies. 8. Ariel House hotel Now, there won't be any bargains found when there's a match on in the Aviva Stadium (which is just a few doors down), but this charming, recently refurbished guesthouse is a great place to stay otherwise. With the bones of an old-fashioned B&B but the style of a boutique hotel, Ariel House is a characterful space in leafy Ballsbridge. Their cosy doubles and single rooms offer the best value, but their family rooms are great if you're bringing kids. Their breakfast is one of the best in the city, with a generous buffet of homemade baked goods and an à la carte menu of exceptional Irish produce. 9. Zanzibar Locke hotel There are often good rates to be found in this aparthotel right on the River Liffey – plus, the rooms are stylish and come fitted out with well-equipped kitchens, so you can eat some meals here to save on cash. There's a cool open-plan space on the ground floor that's a popular co-working spot, but they also offer yoga classes in the courtyard and other events. It's in a great location for exploring the city, with some rooms overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge, and both sides of town are a quick walk away. 10. Trinity College Dublin accommodation Now, these rooms may only be available in the summer holidays, but considering that's when Dublin hotel prices skyrocket, that can only be a good thing. This university student accommodation is turned over to tourists when everyone leaves for their holidays, which means you get to relive your college days and score a bargain to boot. The quality varies, from heritage style with views of the historic courtyard to the more modern setups, but there's a good variety on offer. There are also apartments that can be rented to groups. You're in a prime position to explore the city, and the Book of Kells Experience is right on your doorstep. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the cheapest time to visit Dublin? Like the rest of Ireland, the best time to visit Dublin for warmer weather, less rainfall, and sunnier days is in the summer months, between June and August. For a trip to the city without the crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn, when hotel prices are also likely cheaper. Dublin comes alive on one of Ireland's biggest national holidays, St Patrick's Day in March, when parades with colourful floats are held in the streets and arts and culture events are put on in the city to celebrate the annual saint day. Is Dublin expensive? Dublin is considered an expensive city break for tourists, but there are ways of keeping the costs down, such as opting for dorm room accommodation, making use of the fact it is a walkable city and seeking out the budget bars and eateries. What are the best free things to do? There are plenty of free museums to visit in Dublin, such as the Collins Barracks, Chester Beatty, the National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland. Seek out Dublin's talking statues from James Joyce to Oscar Wilde to delve deeper into their role in Ireland's history, or head to the Dublin Portal to wave at people in New York City through a livestream. Areas such as St Stephen's Green, Phoenix Park and the National Botanic Garden offer a free area to chill for an hour or so away from the city centre, or head to the nearby coastline, such as Dollymount Strand or Forty Foot, for a breath of sea air. How much spending money do I need? This depends on how much drinking, eating and shopping you plan to do. The average price of a Guinness is €5.77 (£4.93) in Ireland, but this can cost you much more in popular tourist spots like Temple Bar, so prepare accordingly for how many pints of stout you want to sink.
Skift
19-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Room00 Raises $450 Million to Expand Its Urban Hotels and Hostels Across Europe
With new funding secured, Room00 plans to expand quickly, but it says it won't forget its niche. Madrid-based Room00, known for its hostels and compact hotels, has secured €400 million (about $450 million) to accelerate its European expansion and buy properties outright for the first time. "This capital changes our business model a little bit," founder and CEO Ignacio Requena told Skift. 'At the beginning, we were an asset-light company. With this capital, we have the opportunity to buy properties.' Room00 has relied on leases and hotel management agreements to expand across Southern Europe. Requena said the company can now acquire 30 to 40 properties with the new funding and potentially more from banks. Room00 operates several brands aimed at urban travelers, including Room00 Hostels, TOC Hostels, Room Select Hostels, and Letoh Letoh, ranging from budget-friendly design hostels to boutique hotels. London Expansion London will be Room00's first expansion beyond Southern Europe, with a goal of year-end for its first property in the city. "Our goal is to reach 20 assets and around 1,000 rooms in London in the next three years," said Requena. Despite London's crowded hospitality scene of global brands, hybrids, and independents, Requena sees an opportunity to target millennials and Gen Z travelers, a demographic he believes is underserved. Growing from 50 properties to over 200 in four years will require more than capital. Requena said the challenge is maintaining consistency while adjusting to each market. Requena said the company has no plans to broaden its appeal or reinvent itself. Instead, it wants to replicate its early success across new locations. "We don't want to change a lot," Requena said. "When you check our customer, they are growing the demand for authentic, design-oriented experiences that larger hostel chains, independents, and hybrid operators like us are better suited to meet." In Italy, Room00 is working with local real estate firm Kryalos SGR to launch a property investment vehicle, a model it could replicate in other markets as it grows. The company will continue expanding through selective acquisitions. "Our segment is really fragmented," he said. That includes Room00's 2024 acquisition of TOC Hostels for €20 million (about $22 million), a move that added 30 properties and another 20 under development across Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The fresh capital comes from U.S. investment firm King Street Capital Management.
