Travel is, and I say this with confidence after trying to find love multiple times, the love of my life. It’s the exotic destinations, the thrilling adventures, the amazing food! But most of all, it’s the people you meet. Before I became a travel-addicted girlie living out of her backpack, I was shy. Travel gave me the confidence to meet new people, and since i started globe-trotting, I have made countless amazing friendships from all around the globe. Which brings me to the Hostelworld Group Chat function. As someone who was relied on forced socialisation to emerge from her shell, I was reluctant to use the Hostelworld Group Chat function. Alas, I used the chat and I made some of the best friends in the world and had some of my favourite travel weeks of all time. And now I want to share the perks so that you can too!
1. Instant Travel Community:
- Beyond Accommodation: The Hostelworld Group Chat transforms the travel experience by offering an instant community of like-minded individuals. Sometimes when you arrive in a hostel, you find that the vibe just isn’t there. I’ve been to hostels that were full of digital nomads, or simply completely empty. This makes things a bit difficult when you are planning on making friends to share experiences with for your stay. Fortunately, the Hostelworld group chat function has a chat for both your hostel and the city in which you’re staying! This way even when your hostel isn’t providing the goods, you can still find like-minded travellers in your city.
2. Real-Time Advice and Recommendations:
- Local Insights: Not sure where to eat, where to go, or need help figuring out an itinerary of muset-sees and hidden gems? The Group Chat serves as a real-time hub for travellers to share their firsthand experiences and recommendations, ensuring you make the most of your time in a new destination. Several times I turned to the Hostelworld group chat to find out the best places to go for entertainment and attractions.
3. Meeting Travel Buddies:
- Spontaneous Connections: Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for companions on a city tour or a group seeking fellow adventurers for a day trip, the Group Chat facilitates spontaneous meet-ups. I found myself in Budapest during their city-wide celebrations. I’d made some of my closest friends in my first three days in the city, but unfortunately, they had both left a day before me and suddenly I was alone. Fortunately, there were many other travellers in the same boat, and after I sent a plea out to the Hostelworld group chat, I found a group of (predominately) Aussies to watch the fireworks with. And you know what? I didn’t stay in contact with any of them. But for one night we all had each other’s backs and we all got to watch one of the most spectacular displays of fireworks we had ever seen.
4. Event Coordination and Group Activities:
- Creating Memories Together: When I was in Romania, I had a dream to attend Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle) for the annual Halloween party. My hostel was extremely cute and the staff were so friendly, but the Hostelworld group chat was quiet and I hadn’t met anyone else in the hostel, nor anyone else attending the party. I once again sent a plea out to the group chat and throughout the day I created a wholesome girl gang of fellow solo female travellers all attending the party. And thanks to the group chat, we managed to find my friend a spare ticket to attend! So, if you’re planning a group hike, a beach day, or a group excursion to Dracula’s Castle for Halloween, don’t discredit the Group Chat function. You might just create some of the most unforgettable memories with your newfound friends.
5. Cultural Exchange:
- Global Dialogue: The Group Chat is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and perspectives. Engage in discussions with travellers from diverse backgrounds, learn about their journeys, and share insights about your own. Sometimes you’ll get a hit, sometimes you’ll get a miss. But isn’t that all part of the fun? It’s a virtual travel experience even before you hit the road.
6. Safety and Community Support:
- Supporting one Another: Safety is a top priority for solo travellers. The Group Chat provides a sense of community support, allowing members to check in on each other, share safety tips, and provide reassurance, especially for those exploring unfamiliar territories. More than once I read about people seeking medical attention or seeking fellow travellers’ help because they felt unsafe. Every single time the community banded together to ensure the safety and health of each other. The community support is unmatched.
Conclusion:
I am a long-time user of Hostelworld and I can say, the Hostelworld Group Chat isn’t just a feature; it’s a testament to the power of community in the world of travel. From real-time advice and spontaneous meet-ups to cultural exchange and safety support, the perks of this dynamic platform go beyond accommodation bookings. It’s a celebration of the shared passion for exploration, the joy of meeting new people, and the belief that the beauty of travel lies not just in the destinations we visit but in the connections we make along the way. So, join the Hostelworld Group Chat, make amazing connections, and embark on a journey where every conversation is a step closer to a richer, more connected travel experience.