We think backpacking is a brilliant experience, whether you’re with your partner, a group of friends or taking the world on solo. But what are the key differences and things to consider before deciding who (if anyone) you’d like to take along as your travel buddy? I’ve travelled long term solo and gone travelling in a couple and I’ve summed up my thoughts below.

Solo travel vs. travelling in a couple

1. Making memories
2. Safety
3. Cost
4. Socialising
5. Personal space
6. Decision making

Making memories

It’s probably fair to say that most of us travel in order to fill our lives with wonderful experiences and unforgettable memories. Whilst it’s amazing to travel solo, special memories of particular places or favourite days may be shared with people you don’t know that well. You might keep in touch with some travel friends but not all. So, in the future, you might not have anyone to discuss the memory with. There’s certainly something unique about creating memories solo and I encourage you all to step out of your comfort zone by yourself when you have the chance. But travelling as a couple wins a point from me on this one. Reaching a summit or laughing over terrible street food with someone by your side brings a different level of joy.

Safety 

I think this is the number one reason that people are hesitant to backpack solo so let’s delve a little deeper into this topic. 

When travelling in pretty much any country, most women who are with a male partner will feel safer than if they were solo. I love travelling solo and have done so in Latin America, Europe and Asia. But there’s no denying that when I went to the same places with my boyfriend, fewer men (if any) catcalled or tried to be pushy with me. 

However, if you’re travelling as a homosexual couple, this experience may be quite different. In certain countries where homosexuality is not widely accepted, or even illegal, you may compromise your safety by being open about the fact you’re travelling with a partner.  

Regardless of your gender and sexuality, it’s nice on long distance buses to be able to relax more freely as you know the person next to you is somebody familiar and there are two of you to keep an eye on bags etc. It just takes the pressure off a bit.

To conclude, this one is personal to you and the location. Research the place and the culture, use your common sense to stay safe and always trust your gut instinct.

Cost

There are two schools of thought on this one. I don’t think there’s a hard and fast rule for which is cheaper – it entirely depends on what you and your partner are like with budgeting. Splitting the cost of a private room can be the same or more expensive than the price of two dorm beds. If you’re on a budget, you may opt to stay in a dorm every now and again, but if a private room is a non-negotiable for you and your partner, that may sometimes mean spending more on accommodation. 

Any sort of private transport such as a taxi is obviously going to be cheaper when sharing. Plus when travelling with someone, you’re guaranteed to have a person to share with! However, if you mostly travel using public transport, this won’t be an area that saves you much as a couple.
On the flipside, if you’re both tired and not in the mood to cook, you’re more likely to bounce off each other’s energy and opt to eat out or get a takeaway. I definitely cooked more when solo as I found it easier to be disciplined with a routine. 

Socialising

It’s possible to meet just as many people when you’re a couple but you definitely have to put in more effort. As a result, I reckon most couples would agree they engaged with fewer people than if they’d been solo. My partner and I usually stayed in hostels so even if we had a private room, we still socialised with other travellers in communal spaces. We met people on tours, at restaurants and even at the airport! However it’s very easy to cut yourselves off. If you choose to chat with just your partner on a group tour, you’re not going to build a bond with other people there. This may be a positive or negative, depending on what you’re seeking. 

It can be exhausting constantly meeting new people and as a solo traveller, it’s sometimes hard to take a break from that. Whereas when you have another person, on days you’re both tired or overstimulated, you can decide just to have a night in together.

Personal space

I’m a firm believer that learning to spend and enjoy time alone is a vital life skill. When travelling solo, despite being surrounded by people in hostels, there is nobody you have to answer to. If you fancy going for a walk or sitting in a cafe reading a book, you can just go and do that. When travelling as a couple, you need to make a conscious effort to spend time apart. 

The same way back at home you both make sure to see your own friends and have separate social lives, you need to do the same abroad. You’re already spending more time together than you usually would!

If you’re a nervous traveller, use this as a great opportunity to become more comfortable by yourself. Go to a cafe near your hostel solo – you’ll be out of your comfort zone but within a few minutes of your partner if you really need them.

Decision making

Perhaps the most common cause of disagreements when backpacking: deciding what to do, when and where. If you’re a couple and have chosen to go on a trip together, it’s likely that you have similar interests and agree on a preferred style of travel. However it may also highlight flaws in your communication with each other! I think it’s far easier to make snap decisions when solo and allows more spontaneity if you prefer to go with the flow.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic! What do you think are the best and worst parts of backpacking solo vs. as a couple?

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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What once was a dream for many has become the new norm. Since the pandemic, many employers have allowed their staff to working remotely while backpacking, eliminating the need for daily commutes and long days in fluorescent-lit cubicles. While some enjoy the comforts of working from home, others likely have asked “what if” I didn’t have to work from my city, or even country.

This was my exact mindset in 2021. After working my new job remotely for months, and a year of no travel because of COVID restrictions, I was eager to leave Canada. Solo backpacking overseas had always been on my to-do list and since I was already working remotely, I figured it was worth asking my supervisor if I could continue doing so, but from Europe. Thankfully, she was incredibly supportive and within 3 weeks, I signed an international work agreement and flew to France to begin my travels.

Working while backpacking was an adjustment. Although I felt prepared, situations came up that were tricky to navigate, and over time, I learned what worked best for me so I could continue to be an effective employee and teammate. Here’s some insight I gained after spending 3 months working in 10 different countries.

Should you backpack while working remotely?

Before going all in there is a lot to consider. And be really honest with yourself. Are you the type of person that’s only productive in a consistent working space? Do you prefer silence or don’t adapt well to change? If so, working while backpacking might not be the right fit. The biggest thing to take into consideration is the constant change of environment. Despite, who or what may be around you, you need to make it work. Which can mean getting creative when life doesn’t go as planned. I’ve had virtual meetings everywhere from stairwells to public buses due to unforeseen circumstances. Is it ideal? No. However, it’s part of the experience.

If you work for a company, check with them regarding remote work policies. Even though they’re okay with you working from home, there could be rules surrounding working outside of your country. It’s not uncommon for companies to require employees to sign an agreement or to follow cyber security procedures before working abroad.

Creating an itinerary

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of planning ahead. I’m the type of traveler who prefers booking things last minute and quickly learned that doesn’t mix well with remote work. Know where you are going and how you are getting there, don’t wait to book a plane ticket. Country hopping every four days, in the beginning, was my biggest mistake and burnt me out. Try to stay in one destination per week and relocate on the weekends. This will save you from having to stress over delayed flights or other inconveniences that could interfere with your work week. Also, if you are country hopping, be aware of time zones as it can get confusing if you’re still following the work hours of your home time zone.

How to find the best hostels for remote work

Finding the right hostels to stay at is essential for success. Party hostels are fun but aren’t appropriate work environments. Trust me, you don’t want to be in a Zoom meeting with a beer pong tournament happening in the background. Look specifically for places that are tailored towards remote workers and that have designated workspaces. Always look at the reviews and make sure people have positive comments about WIFI access and workspaces, especially if you will be in a rural area. My go-to hostels for remote work are the Selina chain of hostels. These hostels are specially designed for remote workers and are incredibly reliable in terms of workspace and WIFI. Most locations have a mix of co-working and private spaces, which provides opportunities to network with fellow travelers while also being able to sneak away to a quiet meeting room.

The work and life balance

The main challenge of working remotely while backpacking is balancing work and your personal life. Naturally, there will be so much to see and do, yet depending on your work schedule, you will need to make sacrifices. This can be particularly difficult if you meet other travelers who aren’t tied to work. I remember being in Greece and missing out on a hostel cliff-jumping excursion because I had meetings –  disappointing to say the least. However, don’t worry about this too much, you will still get to sightsee and have the best experiences if you plan accordingly. Depending on your work schedule and the time zone you’re working in, there can be benefits. For example, if your workday doesn’t start until the afternoon, optimize your morning by waking up early and being the first in line at any attractions you want to visit.

Tips for success

1. ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN. This is so important! Do you want to work from a café? Great! Make sure you have additional options in case the first location doesn’t work out. I know it sounds cliché but expect the unexpected.
2. Bring the right equipment. NNoise-cancellingheadphones, portable chargers, extra electrical adapters, whatever you think you will need to work effectively, purchase it before your travels. This eliminates the panic of being in a foreign country and trying to track down an item that may not be easy to find, or compatible with your equipment.
3. Pay for data on your phone. Depending on the nature of your work, you should be easily accessible to co-workers, clients, etc. Yes, it’s tempting to rely solely on WIFI to save money, but it can be risky. For peace of mind, invest in a cheap pay-as-you-go eSIM (Airalo is my favourite.)

Working remotely while backpacking pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my problem-solving skills, and of course, allowed me to experience new cultures and meet some awesome people. If you have realistic expectations and are willing to put in the work, I promise you’ll love it just as much as I did.

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Planning for long trips and avoiding travel burnout

We’re back with more questions for Travel Unravelled! This week, we weigh up the pros and cons of planning trips thoroughly in advance – what you should book ahead of time and when to be spontaneous. We also provide tips on how to keep up your energy on long trips, so you don’t start to get sick of travelling as the months go on.

How much of your trip do you usually book in advance? Do you prefer to have a set itinerary or to plan as you go?

The absolute bare minimum! While I enjoy researching destinations and gathering tips from friends, I really prefer just booking a one-way flight and a couple of nights of accommodation and then going from there. I would find it exhausting trying to follow a strict schedule and I like the freedom of being able to change my plans at the drop of a hat.

Of course, this isn’t always possible. Some popular tourist sights need to be booked months in advance and it’s significantly cheaper to book a return trip rather than a one-way flight with a lot of airlines. When it comes to booking hostels, I love being able to decide each morning whether to extend my stay or move on, but again, this isn’t possible if you’re travelling somewhere in peak season (think Europe in the middle of summer or Thailand in winter). It’s also a lot easier to be flexible when time is on your side. If you’ve only got a couple of weeks off work, planning your trip carefully in advance will help you see as much as possible while you’re there.

All that said, when logistics allow, I love going with the flow and thinking only a few days ahead. It’s so much easier to get a vibe for a place when you’re actually there in person. If I’m really enjoying a certain place, hostel or group of people, I love having the option to stay a little longer. Same goes for the reverse – if I feel like I’ve seen all a place has to offer or don’t think it’s my vibe, then I’m happy to pack my bag and move on. When it comes to deciding where to head next, I simply rely on recommendations from fellow travellers. Where have you come from? Where are you heading? Where has been your favourite place so far? What hostel would you recommend? You’ll quickly realise that backpackers tend to follow the same trail, so it’s pretty easy to plot your journey as you go. It’s also likely that you’ll find someone from your current location heading in the same direction as you, if you want a buddy for the next leg of your travels.

There’s no right or wrong way to travel and there are definitely moments when being organised can save a lot of stress. I’ve certainly found myself stranded without a bed or bus seat on multiple occasions, but I count that as part of the fun. If you feel more comfortable having a plan or not having to make so many decisions while you’re on holiday, then by all means, book things well in advance!

I’ve found that the more I travel, the more comfortable I am with not having a plan – primarily because I also feel more equipped to problem-solve and adapt when things do go wrong. Staying flexible allows me to visit places I’d never even heard of before, buddy up with fellow travellers for a little while and join spontaneous adventures whenever I get the chance. Perks that are worth the occasional night in a hammock or ferry journey on the floor in my eyes!

Do you ever get sick of travelling? How do you keep up your stamina on long trips?

I’ve definitely had exhausting days during my travels, but I can’t say I’ve ever reached my limit entirely. For every delayed flight, bout of food poisoning or sleepless night in a 12-bed dorm, there’s a new adventure that makes it all worthwhile.

While it’s tempting to try and fit as much as possible into each day and say yes to every plan that emerges, you will run yourself into the ground eventually trying to keep up. And honestly, I let it happen. It’s exciting to be in a new place and natural to want to see everything as soon as possible. I channel that energy and excitement to go exploring right until my body tells me I need to slow down. Then I book myself into a private room to enjoy a decent night’s sleep, repack my bag, do my laundry and recharge my social battery before I go again.

After my initial burst of energy, I tend to travel a lot slower – spending longer in each location rather than bouncing around every two to three days, enjoying lazy days by the beach and meeting up with familiar faces when I get the chance. I stop feeling like I need to cram as much as possible into each day and start to settle into life on the road. I get better at sleeping through noise in the hostel, squeezing in a quick power nap on the bus and balancing work, socialising and sightseeing.

Just because you’re away from home, doesn’t mean you have to abandon all aspects of day-to-day life. If you feel like cooking something healthy, binge-watching something on Netflix or working out at the gym – do it! Even a small chunk of time to yourself can be a nice reset for the days ahead. Plus, going out partying every night gets exhausting pretty quickly.

Travelling is full of ups and downs, but I do count myself extremely lucky to have spent so much of my 20s exploring the world around me. It’s not something I ever want to take for granted. I know the day will come when I can no longer stand the thought of sharing a dorm room, when I decide to swap my backpack for a suitcase or when I have too many responsibilities on my plate to up and leave whenever I feel like it. Until that happens, I want to live the backpacker life to the fullest and travel for as long as I can.

We hope this has provided some useful insights and tips to help with your future travel plans. If you have your own Travel Unravelled question, drop us a DM on Instagram @hostelworld. We’d love to hear from you!

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These are the words of almost everyone that visited me on my little island, and I have to agree. While exploring Cyprus like a local might be trickier than most other places, this country offers something for everyone. Beach lovers will enjoy the island’s crystal-clear waters, foodies will get to taste its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-influenced cuisine, and history lovers will be surprised at the island’s past, unbeknown to many.  Here are some things to do in Cyprus from someone who actually lives there.

How to explore Cyprus like a local:

1. Learn about the island before you go.
2. Rent a car to make the most of Cyprus. 
3. Explore the beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
4. Visit Nicosia, the last divided capital city in the world. 
5. Go hiking in Trodos and stop by its villages.
6. Visit a vineyard.
7. Indulge in the delicious Cypriot food.
8. Do a turtle release.
9. Take a road trip to the northernmost point of the island.

1. Learn about the island before you go

Learning about the country before your trip is always useful, but in the case of Cyprus, it is critical. Cyprus is a divided island, with the Greek Cypriots mainly living in the southern part and the Turkish Cypriots in the north. As a traveller, you will most likely arrive in Larnaca or Paphos on the south side, since these are the major cities with airports. You can still cross to the north by showing your ID card or passport at the border. 

If you have a limited time, here is a quick overview of the most popular cities in Cyprus so that you can choose where to spend your time and plan things to do in Cyprus:

• Larnaca: Larnaca has a lively promenade right next to the beach, with many restaurants and bars lined up.
• Paphos: A coastal city, Paphos is known for its archaeological sites, rocky beaches, and charming harbour.
• Nicosia: Nicosia is the capital city where you can discover the rich history of many civilisations inside the well-preserved Venetian Walls.
• Limassol: Hosting the headquarters of many international companies, Limassol is another beautiful seaside town.
• Ayia Napa: A world-famous party destination, Ayia Napa’s beaches are some of the best on the island. 
• Kyrenia: Located in the north, Kyrenia’s picturesque harbour makes for a quintessential Cyprus photo. The city also has a beautiful mountain range.
• Famagusta: Also in the north, Famagusta offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, mediaeval walls, and sandy beaches.   

2. Rent a car to make the most of Cyprus

To explore different cities, do short road trips, and have more flexibility, renting a car is the best option. If you want to go to both parts of Cyprus and plan on renting a car in both, I recommend renting a different car on each side as your insurance in the south won’t cover you in the north and vice versa. 

3. Explore the beautiful Mediterranean beaches

No Cyprus trip is complete without a trip to the beach. In the party city of Ayia Napa, you will find the lively Nissi Beach, the famous sea caves of Capo Greco, and the calmer Konnos Beach. In Paphos, you can visit Aphrodite’s Rock, which is said to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. If you want to hit the beach as soon as you land, you can visit Mackenzie Beach which is only twenty minutes away from Larnaca Airport. More off-the-beaten-path, there is Golden Beach at a remote region of the island, which gets its name from its golden sand. Keep an eye out for the beaches as you drive, and you might discover some secret spots throughout the island. 

4. Visit Nicosia, the last divided capital city in the world

Known as the last divided capital city in the world, Nicosia’s streets are full of history, with traces of Venetian, Lusignan (an old French commune), Ottoman, and British architecture. 

Ledra Street Border or Ledra Palace Border are two places you can cross to the other side in the city centre. While you discover the historical landmarks, such as Büyük Han (The Great Inn), Selimiye Mosque, Eleftherias Square, and Famagusta Gate located across the divide, you will notice that the capital city is full of nice coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. And the best part? Most of these places offer the opportunity to enjoy your drink with historical views all around you. Check out the bar Swimming Birds, where you will be right next to Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, and the bars on Zahra Street, where you can have the unique experience of putting your drink on the Venetian Walls as you watch the Ledra Palace Hotel in the distance. 

5. Go hiking in Trodos and stop by its villages

Trodos is the tallest mountain in Cyprus, with many traditional villages at its base. In winter, you can go up to its highest point, Mount Olympus, where you can ski (yes, it does snow in Cyprus!) In summer, you can enjoy its hiking trails as you breathe the fresh mountain air. While you’re there, consider stopping by one of the villages such as Kakopetria or Omodos to grab a Cyprus coffee — a great way to get some more energy for your hike.

6. Visit a vineyard

Wine enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that Cyprus is home to the world’s oldest manufactured wine. This wine, which is called commandaria, is a dessert wine that is only produced in 14 villages. You can follow the commandaria wine route or visit other vineyards that also offer wine tours at affordable prices – a must do on any list of things to do in Cyprus. 

I’ve recently been to Tsiakkas Winery and had a tour and wine tasting which included red, white, and rose wine as well as commandaria and zivania (traditional Cypriot spirit). The whole experience was great and it cost €12. 

7. Indulge in the delicious Cypriot food

Meyhane in Turkish and taverna in Greek. These are the places where you can get the most of Cypriot food, including a wide range of mezzes, specialty kebabs, and traditional drinks such as rakı or ouzo. They mostly have a fixed menu that includes all these dishes for around €20. 

Other than these traditional restaurants, Büyük Han in Nicosia is a place where you can find a wide range of Cypriot food options. In this 16th-century Ottoman inn, you can also find independent shops selling handmade goods such as jewellery, soaps, souvenirs, and home decoration.

8. Do a turtle release

During the summer months, there are plenty of conservation activities that you can get involved in and protect these endangered species. These include watching adult turtles at night, nest excavation, and turtle release.

9. Take a road trip to the northernmost point of the island

The ultimate Cypriot road trip: head to the northernmost point of Cyprus, the Karpaz Peninsula. As you drive to the tip of the island, you’re sure to make some friends: the famous Karpaz donkeys! Roaming freely along the road, they will accompany you as you explore the natural beauty of this lesser-known Cypriot region. 

We hope this guide helps you to discover things to do in Cyprus. Let us know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these spots or if you’d like to share an activity that you think other backpackers shouldn’t miss. Enjoy Cyprus!

The post Explore like a local: things to do in Cyprus appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

This is where networks and social content geared towards solo female travellers come in. Travelling solo comes with a unique set of experiences, skills, and questions — especially for women. With the rise in women travelling solo, so has the number of resources and networks focused on them.

Social content and online networks have inadvertently created communities for women to easily share experiences and explore their curiosity without judgement. Having communities and support networks that capture the female experience is so important, especially when abroad. Sharing mutual experiences with others who can relate and support creates a sense of ease and comfort among solo female travellers.

How Social Media Creates an Inclusive Community

Social networks, like Facebook, have numerous groups for women travelling on their own. If you’re a woman about to embark on your first solo trip, Facebook will likely be one of your most-used apps. The Solo Female Traveler group and Solo Female Traveler Network have over 700,000 members between the two of them, where they share resources, tips, guidance, and experiences.

Posting in these groups doesn’t always have to be formal or about a huge topic — it can be about anything that pertains to the female experience while travelling abroad. Maybe you’ve had a bad airport experience, maybe you want to tell someone about a spontaneous date you went on in Lisbon, or maybe you’re curious about what luggage some travellers use and if that trendy new brand is really worth splurging on. It can be anything, and the women in these groups will be supportive.

For those who aren’t avid Facebook users, the community of solo female travellers exists in other social media apps. Instagram and TikTok are full of women travelling solo and sharing their resources and experiences online. While this type of content has a broader reach and isn’t posted exclusively in a group, it still allows for engagement among solo female travellers in the comment section. Let’s be real — if a creator shares a Reel about “going on a date as a solo female traveller,” it’s unlikely that any other type of traveller will comment or engage. Not only do other solo female travellers relate to this type of content, but they value it; it’s useful information.

The Importance of an Online Community for Solo Female Travellers

Creating an inclusive and positive community on social media for solo female travellers is essential. Women who travel on their own pride themselves on being solo — and for good reason! It’s a vast, daunting world, and travelling solo is intimidating, and in a way, it’s sometimes stigmatised.

Sharing experiences as a solo female traveller on social media for a general audience, through Reels or TikTok, completely normalises women travelling solo. Sharing these experiences is not only important for keeping the community alive and vibrant but also for making it bigger and continuing to normalise solo female travellers.

Creators and social networks have emphasised the importance of safety for solo female travellers. Some TikTok creators have been sharing content about places they’ve been and how they rate it based on how safe they felt walking alone at night. Or, some may share proactive safety tips, like taking pictures of a taxi licence plate. These are things that I, or others, may not think of but could make a world of difference. Something like this is so specific and unique to solo female travellers, and providing this information is integral in keeping the community alive and encouraging others to travel.

While most content from creators and in these groups is focused on safety tips, a lot of it also serves as an inspiration to travel. Many content creators have shared how they dealt with their first solo trip, such as how they overcame anxiety and what they did during the day. For instance, many creators share their experience about dining alone for the first time — how it’s fine in some places, but in some cities, it’s hard to find a table for one.

Others share how easy it is to find friends in hostels or packing essentials that first-time travellers might not think of. These groups and communities are meant to empower and inspire women to travel and to ease their anxieties about travelling solo, regardless of age, location, job, or interests.

Overall, solo female travellers emphasise the importance of being solo. But, with social media, they are never truly alone. It’s important not to underestimate the power of collective experiences. There are women out there who may have similar experiences — good or bad — and are willing to support others when necessary. Having a solid support system is essential when travelling solo.

With information being just a click away, not only does it improve the travel experience, but it also helps women be more in control of their surroundings. They know what areas to avoid, how to navigate different countries and cultures, and common scams to look out for. With these groups and creators sharing endless information, trip inspiration, and how-to’s, staying safe has never been more accessible.

Using Social Media to Your Advantage

For women who need a refresher on solo travel or for those who want to start, use social media to your advantage. If you aren’t sure where to start or want to inquire about a specific location, use social media. Join a Facebook group, follow a content creator, or engage in the comments.

While every experience is unique to our individual selves, solo female travellers have a lot in common, especially in regard to safety, dating, and the overall ‘feel’ of a place. These groups and creators also have amazing tips for what to look for in a hotel or hostel. For example, check if a hostel has a female-only dorm, ensuite bathrooms, and security levels. To go one step further, look up women-only hostels, like Arya Wellness in Bali, a hostel catered towards women and wellness.

Being involved in these vibrant communities for solo female travellers only comes with benefits. You’ll gain travel inspiration, meet new people, learn about budgeting, and realise that there are others with similar experiences out there. Bon voyage!

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The post How social media provides comfort for solo female travellers appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Spoiler: It’s more than just using an app before bed

The benefits and power of learning a second language while traveling can’t be overstated. But I’ll give it a shot.

In this post, I’ll share some insights I’ve learned from my own experiences, as well as some tips for others who plan on combining travel with language learning.

For context, I’m from the US and I spent a year in Italy to get my Italian citizenship recognized and to have a new experience (call it a one-third life crisis). One of my goals was to visit all 20 Italian regions. I started learning Italian about 5 months before moving to Italy, and prior to that had studied Spanish for about a year. In short, I was 29 with barely conversational Spanish and now was starting another romance language – what could go wrong?

Anyway, after traveling all around the boot and meeting everyone from dialect-speaking locals to fellow international travelers, I’ve picked up some insights along the way that I want to share.

Everything from talking to strangers, unique local experiences, making new friends, and more – these are all benefits that can come from learning a language while traveling.

Talking to Strangers

This isn’t easy for everyone. Take it from an engineer who is deep-down a socially awkward person – I’ve found that the hardest part of talking to a stranger is simply starting. If you can have something to grab onto (figuratively-speaking), it makes it easier. Language-learning is the perfect foothold. If you’re learning a language, even at the early stages, and you overhear a group of people talking in or even just about your target language you’ve got an in.

Just play a little dumb, approach the group, smile, and say “I overheard you guys doing an English-Spanish conversation exchange – mind if I join?” Even if they’re not doing a formal language exchange but just chatting about learning Spanish, they will invite you in. Especially if they’re from South America – they’re so friendly and almost always open to hang.

Beyond the Apps

I’m not anti-app. They’re great tools. But more on that later.

When I started learning Spanish, I was proud of how well I was doing on Duolingo. “Look at me. A 70 day streak. 8,000 XP. Send me to Sinaloa – I’m ready!”

Cut to me in a Mexican grocery store in my hometown asking the guy behind the counter in Spanish why there’s no Valentina’s hot sauce on the shelf. He gave me a very thorough response. I walked back to my car still not knowing why there was no Valentina’s hot sauce on the shelf, but with a new understanding that people in real life talk faster and differently than Duolingo led me to believe.

Like most topics, learning by the book and applying the lessons learned to real life can be challenging and seemingly impossible. Learning a language while traveling will accelerate the growth of your practical skill-set for your target language. This is because you will likely be encountering others who speak or are learning your target language. I can’t guarantee this if you’re traveling in Argentina and trying to learn Cantonese – but learning Spanish while traveling in Italy? Sure.

This applies to both learning for fun and learning for necessity. Either way – I quickly learned that real-time conversation uses a different part of your brain. The previous statement has not been evaluated by a neuroscientist. Luckily, traveling is the perfect opportunity to get exposed.

While living in a small village in Umbria, Italy, I had an Amazon delivery guy call me, unable to find my apartment, and his truck couldn’t drive down the narrow alleys. As if understanding

fast-spoken Italian in person wasn’t hard enough, now I had to be able to understand an irritated and impatient delivery guy over the phone – with no hand gestures or other body language to help me out. It’s just another level of difficulty on the phone. I felt so bad. I literally had to run down to the town square and find someone to talk to the guy on the phone and tell him where to meet me. In the end, I got my delivery, and made my first acquaintance in the town – turns out she also had family that lived in Connecticut – who knew?

Connecting with Locals

Talking with locals about their culture and their lives in their native language is the single best way to connect.

My first time to Italy was in September 2021 with my cousin Mike. We went to our ancestral town near Salerno, where our great-grandparents lived over 100 years ago. Not only did we want to explore our roots, but we also wanted to get some documents that we would need for our path to Italian citizenship. I’ll keep the story brief, but it was an incredible day of meeting distant relatives, the mayor, and other overwhelmingly-gracious people in the town. At this point in time, the extent of my Italian was “grazie” and “ciao”. We were lucky enough to have two English speakers in the town who could translate for us – without them, the whole day would not have happened.

Fast-forward about a year, and I went back to our ancestral town. This time with my dad and aunt, so they could see where their grandparents came from. At this point, I was the translator. I was able to converse and translate well enough with the locals. After they showed us the town

cemetery where our distant-distant relatives could be found and the house my great-grandfather grew up in, we were invited into their homes for coffee and gelato. Language-wise, it wasn’t seamless. I still struggled at times, and the thick regional accents made it more challenging – but compared to the year prior, I was satisfied.

Not only will locals appreciate that you have put forth the effort to learn their language, they will be more excited to share other parts of their culture with you.

Making New Friends

If you travel and put an honest effort into learning a language at the same time, you will make friends. I can guarantee this.

While on my gap year in Italy, I was at a train station in Pisa going back to Florence. I was one of a few people waiting on the platform and suspected I was about to get on the wrong train because the train tracking app and the train status board at the station disagreed (this happens, FYI). I asked a woman near me in Italian if this platform was for the train going back to Florence. She didn’t speak any Italian, or English, and it turns out she was from Argentina and spoke only Spanish. Being excited by the challenge and testing my limited Spanish, I got my train question resolved.

We chatted a bit on the train back to Florence. We connected over the fact that I speak Spanish with a slight Argentinian accent (because my Spanish teacher is Argentinian), and we were both traveling solo. She seemed cool, friendly, and normal, so I sheepishly asked if she wanted to get dinner back in Florence to which she agreed. There’s that lovely South American “open to hang” mentality again. We had a lot of fun conversing over dinner, despite me saying “can you say that again but a little slower?” more times than I would have liked, which ultimately added to the fun.

Anyway, dinner in Florence turned into a weekend in Venice with my new friend, Carolina, where we met up with another friend of mine, Sara, who lived on the island and gave us a tour around the canals on her boat. Sara speaks Italian and French natively, plus English and Spanish fluently – thank god (but also, you’re making us all look bad, Sara). That night, Sara was finishing up a jazz vocals course that she was teaching, and she invited me to bring my guitar and play some tunes with a piano player for her students to sing their “final project” songs.

So with Sara, Carolina, and a room full of strangers, we played some swing tunes in a beautiful apartment overlooking the canals. Then we all went to a great Venetian restaurant, and after more than enough squid-ink risotto we played music in the restaurant with a couple guitars until they kicked us out. While we were in the middle of a song, I had one of those moments – you know – when I looked around and thought, “what the hell am I doing?”

What should have been a dream was in fact a very real, incredible experience. This all happened because I was willing to test my far-from-perfect Spanish (and because I met awesome people). You can also meet new travellers from all over the world on the Hostelworld App while you travel.

Tips for Language Learning while Traveling

Language Learning Apps

I love language learning apps. They’re no magic bullet, and as mentioned before, you won’t become fluent relying on apps alone. But they are an excellent way to keep moving forward, even if only a little, every day.

I’ve used both Duolingo and Babbel. Duolingo gives you a more casual and gamified experience, while Babbel is a bit more structured, comprehensive, and academic. Duolingo is free with an optional paid premium plan, while Babbel only offers paid subscriptions. Both are worth trying.

It’s important to remember that the apps should be seen as just a supplement. These apps are all exercise-based which gives you time to think, which doesn’t happen in real-time conversation. So what else can you do?

Online Lessons and Conversations

Whether you’re in your home country or traveling, as long as you have a good internet connection there’s no excuse to not be able to practice with conversation. I’m a big fan of italki, an incredible online platform where you can find both amateur and professional teachers for one-on-one video lessons. This is a great place to start even for beginners, because you can filter by skill level. Prices vary depending on the teacher. I can’t recommend italki enough for people starting out – it did wonders for me.

If you are at least somewhat conversational in your target language, the next way you can keep the conversation practice going while traveling is with conversationexchange.com. This site helps people all over the world find a conversation exchange partner. Easily filter and find someone who’s a native speaker in your target language (even down to the country or city if you want to be specific), and see if they are learning your native language and write them a friendly message! I’ve done several of these while traveling – 30 minutes of Italian and 30 minutes of English.

Conversation Exchange Meetups

On sites like Meetup.com, you can find conversation exchange (sometimes referred to as tandem) events, where someone will host a get-together for people interested in speaking with others in their target language. Usually the organizer will greet everyone, give them a name tag, and everyone writes what languages they speak or are learning. Then find someone with a common target language and chat it up! These events are very informal and are more of a hang than anything. They will usually take place at a casual bar or restaurant. I’ve found them to be fun, casual, and great places to make friends while practicing a new language.

Practice with Locals

This is the most fun part! Once you get your chops up enough, you can try talking to locals. Personally, I love being in places where I’m the only English speaker. It’s kind of a weird language-learning adrenaline rush.

Want an easy talking point with the locals? Ask them how the accents spoken in their town/region may be different from other parts of the country. Ask for examples. In Italy especially (which is known for large regional language differences), the locals absolutely love talking about how they speak differently than in other parts of the country.

This can be intimidating, but this is when you’ll grow the most – both with your confidence in general but also with your language learning. I probably wouldn’t start with a group, but maybe an individual. It’s ok if you fall on your face a few times. That’s part of the process. Keep at it, and when you get that first “you speak [insert language here] well!” it will be very rewarding.

Look How Far You’ve Come

While traveling, you’ll meet some truly gifted people who know 8 languages and seem to have picked up a 9th since you met them 2 days ago. Admire, compliment, be impressed, ask questions, but don’t beat yourself for not being at their level.

I’ve accepted that I’m a slow learner with most things. I’ve learned to compare myself to my past self, not others, as much as possible. The “me” that went to my ancestral town in Italy in September 2021 couldn’t speak to anybody except two people who also spoke English. A year later, I could not only talk with the people in the town, but I could share and extend the moment to my dad and his sister so that they could experience long-lost familial connections in a way that none of us expected to ever happen.

So where are you going next? What language will you learn in the process? If I can create these language learning experiences, then anyone can.

You can find more of my work including Italian culture writing and travel recommendations at Quasltaliano.com. Additionally, find out more about getting Italian citizenship at becomeitaliani.com.

The post The power of learning a language while traveling appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Why go desert camping in Morocco?

Ever wanted to get off the beaten track? How about straying so far, you can’t even find one? Let me suggest a little Moroccan dream – desert camping in the Sahara!

Desert camping in Morocco is not only a great idea for your African travel adventure, but you’ll be also joining the ranks of generations of people before you who gazed upon the Sahara stars as they drifted to sleep.

Or maybe you just want to embody Zendaya in the movie Dune (very justified tbf).

Nevertheless, it will change your perspective on travel forever. I’ve compiled an itinerary that could assist you on your way, and sprinkled throughout are diary entries from my own travels.

Where can you desert camp in Morocco?

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, spreading at an impressive 9,200,000 square kilometres. It covers ground in ten countries: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia – and of course the magical Morocco. It’s a popular choice, and the location I opted for.

The Atlas Mountains spread throughout Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. In Morocco particularly you’ll find traditional Berber villages which you’ll pass on your way through to your desert camp in the Sahara.

The Agafay Desert is a great alternative if you’re short on time as it’s just outside Marrakech.

What to pack

1. Long sleeved, flowy t-shirts and long trousers – the local Berber people are very conservative and traditional, and it is important to be respectful of this. Also it helps protect your skin from the harsh weather of the blazing sun during the day and frequent sandstorms – long clothes just make sense!
2. Portable charger – you probably won’t come across many charging points, so best to carry one to make sure you have enough battery to take a library full of photos!
3. WATER WATER WATER! In the desert, bottled water is the liquor of the gods – for obvious reasons.
4. Headscarf and sunglasses – the perfect combo to protect yourself from sand.
5. Extra cash – to tip local guides and buy snacks along the way.
6. Hygiene products like soaps and wipes – no frills camps like the one I stayed in had holes in the ground for toilets!

Suggested Itinerary

I departed early in the morning, canalling through Marrakech’s normally busy medina streets, with a backpack in tow and accompanied by my dad (we were on a cute father-daughter backpacking trip through Morocco and Portugal). We were headed on a two-day journey into the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert in a small minibus alongside a handful of other travellers, all ready to disconnect…

Day 1:

Most tours will leave from Marrakech as it’s the least amount of driving time into the Sahara and Atlas Mountains compared to other cities. Even so, it’s still a multi-hour journey! Put in some headphones and take in the breath-taking scenery – because it WILL be a long (and very bumpy) ride!

Organised tours will go through Zagora and will stop through the famous landmarks of Ait-Ben-Haddou and the ancient city of Ouarzazate.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a UNESCO world heritage site that has literally stood since the 17^th century. More recently it’s been a frequent filming location à la Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia.

Then drive through the picturesque Drâa valley to reach the city of Zagora where your chariot to the desert camp awaits! And by chariot, I mean camel…

Trotting through the Sahara in a line of camels, all in complete silence, while I stared at a forever horizon. The sun was setting, leaving the desert in a warm yellow glow. A golden hour if there ever was one.

Camel riding is a popular activity to reach your desert camp. However, it is worth noting that ethical aspects need to be considered when doing it for tourism. Consider some ethical tour options or donations to charities like Spana who help these hardworking creatures.

Roughly two hours later, darkness surrounds and I make out a small group of white tents (or bivouac as they’re known). We had arrived.

Dancing, stargazing, tagine-eating and more awaits you at your camp. What happens in the desert stays in the desert of course. The night is yours.

I sat on a large Moroccan rug in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by strangers and a tummy full of tagine as I watched the stars appear one by one. A stillness in the breeze and an absence of city-life sounds – the silence was new to me, but readily embraced.

Day 2:

Brush off the sand and gather yourself to take some photos of you + the sunrise + the dunes. Take some time to bathe in the rare silence before preparing to head back to civilisation.

On the way back, consider stopping at the Atlas Film studio in Ouarzazate, where you can see film sets for blockbusters like The Gladiator and Prince of Persia.

Another spot worthy of your time is the ancient Kasbah in the city of Agdz.

Make sure to grab some traditional Tagine (spiced Chicken or lamb stew) and some mint tea at one of the many charming roadside restaurants for local cuisine and views of the Atlas Mountains to finish off your one-of-a-kind experience.

Where to stay

After being huddled in my stuffy tent, a sandstorm passed and I grabbed my blanket and sat on a swing outside my tent. The cool, largely sandless breeze was a welcome addition. Accompanied by the locals’ drums, I gazed at the stars while I drifted off to sleep.

If you’re on an organised tour, they’ll usually opt for traditional and basic bivouac tents. My experience was great but note they can be quite stuffy if unventilated. They also don’t have electricity – it’s purely about the remote vibes!

If you’re daring to organise your own desert camping experience, there are plenty of options in Zagora that are perfect.

Bivouac of Sahara Peace is a great option as you get both Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains, as well as traditional bivouacs and camel rides.

If you fancy extending your trip, the Atlas Mountains has some charming choices, such as the Riad Jnane el Karma.

If you’ve got a tighter schedule and are close to Marrakech, stay at Selina Agafay for the full desert experience. As well as stylish tents and an onsite pool, it turns into one big desert rave once the sun sets!

If you’re extending your stay in the country (because why wouldn’t you), there are many truly incredible hostels in Morocco that you should add to your list.

How much will it cost?

Depending on the kind of trip you want, there will be a desert camping trip that should fit your budget but not waiver on experiences.

My tour that I booked directly through The Central House Marrakech Medina (formerly Rodamon) was 725 DHs (around 65 euros). This included transport, dinner, breakfast, accommodation, and a return camel ride. And you should be able to sign up from a lot of hostels in Marrakech. If you’re feeling extra glamourous there are SO many glamping options available too.

Take an extra amount of spending money depending on your budget for food/souvenirs, tipping and entry into certain sites, such as Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou museum, which is 20 DHs (1.80 euros). Other than that, an organised tour means it’s basically all inclusive baby!

Now it’s time for a (temporary) break-up with the outside world, while you opt for a desert-dream of a retreat that you can hear calling your name. Get going!

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post Off the track altogether – desert camping in Morocco appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Cycling tours

We all love a free walking tour. It’s a solid start to your time in a city; having someone that knows their way around the winding alleys, the best hidden food spots and can give information on local customs. The downside to travelling by foot is the distance you’re able to cover! So next time you’re exploring somewhere new, consider joining a bike tour – or just hiring one yourself. It’s a zero-waste, easy way to get around and it even helps you stay fit whilst on the road. 

I’ll be honest, cycling isn’t an activity in my comfort zone, having done very little of it in my adult life. However the group cycling tour run by a hostel in Vietnam, and hiring a bicycle with some fellow backpackers to explore Isabela Island in the Galapagos, are two of my favourite memories. If you’re nervous, let the people you’re with know and I guarantee they’ll be kind and give you a hand! Usually the pace is slow as you’re taking in your surroundings and making stops along the way. Hiring a bicycle is possible in a ton of places and needless to say, that includes the top five sustainable countries. 

Coral reef restoration

If you’re anything like me, the documentary Chasing Coral made you sob. Our planet’s coral reefs play a key role in climate regulation and they’re disappearing at a rapid rate. As well as donning your reef-safe suncream this summer, why not be a supreme sustainable traveller and get involved with restoring some reefs? 

You may be surprised to hear you don’t need a diving qualification for all of these projects; both Roatan Marine Park and the Coral Restoration Foundation accept volunteers to assist with land-based activities too. Caribbean Reef Buddy even offers programs that include dive training to bump up your skills! Anse le Raie Lagoon Ecological Restoration project in Mauritius is a community based initiative that involves multiple NGOs and tourism operators so simply opting to stay at one of the participating properties, such as Attitude Lagoon Hotel, makes it easy to get involved with reef monitoring. 

Community volunteering

Donating your time is a brilliant way to give back whilst you’re backpacking. When we hear about conservation volunteering, wildlife and rainforests often spring to mind, but there are a huge variety of ways you can support sustainability abroad. First up, where to find free or low-cost volunteering? Volunteer South America has a comprehensive list of programmes throughout Central and South America. Getting in touch with a grassroots organisation instead of going through a large third party company generally gives you more flexibility – and is better for your wallet too!

You can get involved with all sorts of sustainable activities; natural disaster relief, permaculture farming, environmental education and development of sustainable communities.

Stay at an eco lodge

You know that we think hostels rock and we know that most of you choose to stay at them. They’re better for your budget and the ultimate place to meet fellow travellers. Hostels are a more sustainable travel accommodation option than hotels so you’re already doing your bit. But if you fancy switching things up for a few nights, or are in a remote spot that isn’t the most hostel friendly, consider checking out an eco lodge. 

The Chai Lai Orchid in Chiang Mai offers the opportunity to stay in a bamboo bungalow in a retreat shared by a herd of elephants. I think it’s safe to say waking up to an elephant at your window is an unrivalled backpacking experience?!

Lots of wildlife conservation projects offer accommodation as part of the deal too so that could be a cheeky way to get yourself into an eco lodge on a budget too. 

Beach litter picking

I realise the idea of picking up other people’s rubbish may not sound too appealing, but hear me out on this one. You get to spend a chunk of time on a beautiful beach, you get to feel good about the fact you’re helping creatures like turtles (who aren’t able to litter pick themselves) and a group activity with a bunch of like-minded people is always a laugh too. 

This sustainable activity can in theory be done anywhere – take a bag along to your next beach day and grab a few pieces of rubbish along the way. However Australia is our favourite spot for an organised version of this. Check out the event calendars on Tangaroa Blue and Sea Shepherd’s websites to find clean ups that line up with your Aussie travel itinerary.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of doing the same activities and seeing the same old sights in every country you visit. So whether you’re looking to be a more planet-friendly traveller, or just seeking inspiration for new activities, let us know if you try any of these out. Sustainable travel doesn’t have to be about sacrificing things you enjoy. It can also be about adding in fun things to do that just so happen to have a positive impact too!

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post Best sustainable activities to spice up your next trip appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

Welcome to the third edition of Travel Unravelled! We’re back giving travel advice to our community of global travellers. This time, we’re looking at dating while travelling – how to navigate hostel romances, saying goodbye, and stories from those who have made it work.

We also consider how travel preferences change as you travel more and get older, including tips for choosing a hostel that suits your vibe.

How do you navigate dating when you travel so much? Do you date people when you’re away?

I mean the short answer to this is not well, I’ve been single for most of the last seven years. But yes, I have dated people while travelling and have even had some of the best dates of my life along the way. I once went on a Hinge date in Kraków, meeting someone I’d matched with but failed to meet while they were in Berlin. We had the obligatory and awkward first-date beer then set out to explore the city together – joining a walking tour, sharing pierogi, bar hopping through the Jewish Quarter and ending the night by watching the trumpet player appear in the window of the main square. The date lasted 14 hours in total.

I also spent three weeks staying in what can only be described as the “Love Island villa” of Mexico. The hostel had a pool, inflatable pink flamingos, a bar and a roof terrace. Nearly everyone was “coupled up”, we’d head out partying each night and have a debrief the next morning to catch up on the latest gossip. The boy I “coupled up with” was Latino with limited English and thought my Spanish was a LOT better than it is. Despite the language barriers, we became close and spent our days at the beach before going out to clubs in the evening. Our brief romance ended when he abruptly left me to go surfing in another part of Mexico. I sobbed at the bus stop and threw away the necklace he made me… before questioning when I even became the type of person to wear shell necklaces to begin with.

Funnily enough, I later started dating another guy I had met at the same hostel back in Europe. We dated long-distance but struggled to make it work. A lot of couples put their relationship to the test by going on vacation together. For us, it was the other way around. We bonded while travelling and then had to work backwards to incorporate day-to-day life, friends and work into our relationship. In the end, our lifestyles didn’t match and we parted ways.

I think the trickiest thing about keeping travel romances alive – apart from the obvious logistical struggles – is that people tend to be the best version of themselves when they travel, without the pressures of work, family, friends and everyday life. It’s not uncommon to cross paths with someone you’ve met travelling and get a very different vibe when meeting them back home. Sometimes there’s hope a fling will turn into something more serious, other times it’s fun to just get close to someone, even for a day.

Do I still speak to any of the people above now? No. Have I cried a lot of tears over them? Most definitely. But I still look back fondly on the time we spent together and would do it again in a heartbeat. I should end by saying that just because my dating life is chaotic at best, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it work. I’m living proof of that. My parents met at a hostel in the Greek islands in the 80s, my dad working as a bartender and my mum a backpacker from America. Fast forward 34 years and they’re still married. Travel romances can be a whirlwind, highly emotional and very murky, but I still have faith I’ll meet my match someday soon. Until then, my DMs are open.

How has your travel experience changed over the years?

I think my travel experience has evolved in parallel to how my life in general has. Throughout my 20s, I’ve become way more in tune with what I like and don’t like, what I value, the people I like to surround myself with and what brings me joy. The same applies to my travels.

When I first started travelling in my early 20s, I was drawn to the big party hostels. I would happily join pub crawls each night, stay out till 4 am, knock back tequila shots and do it all again the next day. I also filtered my hostel searches to find the cheapest option and had no issue whatsoever picking the cheap 16-bed dorm. One of my first solo trips included a week in Budapest partying every night with the big group of party hostels in the city. I had the time of my life exploring the city’s eclectic ruin bars, meeting new people from all over the world, learning about the city’s history and getting my first tattoo on a whim. That trip was a defining moment in my life that really ignited my love for travel. I extended my stay day after day until I nearly missed the start date of my job in London, flying back the night before and starting work fairly hungover with no voice. I nearly took the hostel up on their offer of a volunteer position and abandoned my London job entirely, but felt my liver couldn’t take it after eight solid days of drinking.

Fast forward to now, as I near 30, and all that has changed considerably. I still like a good night out, but as most people in their late 20s can appreciate, my body is no longer capable of backing that up night after night – and I can’t even look at a shot of tequila without feeling ill (thanks Mexico). When it comes to choosing a hostel, I now filter by best-rated and try to stick to a much quieter 4-8 person dorm. All that said, I’ve now crafted a specific set of criteria to find hostels that I will hopefully love and make close friends in. All my favourite hostels tend to be small (20-30 people), with one central communal area. They have a bar or drinks fridge on site, or family dinner to encourage people to mingle and chat. I run the opposite way if I hear the words “party hostel”.

In terms of what I look for in travel in general, I now prefer getting away from the crowds, so I can meet seasoned travellers, enjoy being in nature, get a better picture of what a country is really about and push myself out of my comfort zone more and more. Finding somewhere with a big party scene or a place that caters to tourists is less important for me now. I feel more capable of solo travelling to places where they don’t speak a lot of English, where finding a bus feels impossible or where I’m better off leaving my phone or wallet at home. It keeps travel fresh and exciting and allows me to continue seeing new corners of the world. One thing that has stayed true throughout the last decade is how much I enjoy meeting new people. That is still the number one thing I still cherish about travelling.

We hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about the ups and downs of the travel dating world and feel excited about where your travel journey leads you. If you have your own Travel Unravelled question, drop us a DM on Instagram @hostelworld. We’d love to hear from you!

Download the Hostelworld app to start meeting people from the moment you book

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The post Travel Unravelled: Your questions answered appeared first on Hostelworld Travel Blog.

How to get to Ericeira

Ericeira is conveniently located near Lisbon and Porto and can be accessed easily by bus.

From Lisbon

You can catch a direct bus from Lisbon to Ericeira that takes around 1 hour and only costs 7 euros. Buses leave Lisbon frequently which allows for flexibility, especially if you want to spend time exploring the city. Once you arrive in Ericeira, the town centre is a 10-minute walk from the bus station.

From Porto

There are no direct connections from Porto to Ericeira, but you can take the bus or train to Lisbon and catch the bus from there. If you have a car, the easiest way to get to Ericeira from Porto is to drive which takes 3 hours.

Hostels in Ericeira

Ericeira is a backpacker’s dream when it comes to hostels. Unlike other small towns with limited hostel options, there are several hostels here for all budgets. Initially, I had a hard time choosing which hostel to stay at, but after reading many reviews went with Surfers Den Ericeira.

This hostel was AMAZING and felt like beach town summer camp. It’s steps from the town centre, has a large outdoor area with a BBQ (including a little pool), and a free breakfast. But what makes this hostel stand out is its social atmosphere. The staff makes it incredibly easy to meet other travelers and cultivates a community-like atmosphere. Every day, there is a whiteboard with the group activity for the evening written on it, which when I was there included sunset drinks and a pizza night at a restaurant. The hostel itself isn’t overly large which also helps with meeting people. Surfers Den Ericeira isn’t just for surfers, but it does offer surf lessons through its surf camp and board rentals.

If you’re the type of backpacker who prefers more of a boutique style-hostel or need an environment that is suitable for remote working, you may want to check out Selina Boavista Ericeira & Surf School which is a bit quieter and updated.

Getting Around Ericeira

Ericeira is small enough that you can navigate it on foot. Comfy walking shoes are essential in this town as you’ll mainly be walking on cobblestones and sometimes hilly terrain. Because the town is cliffside, you can also expect to be climbing lots of stairs if you go down to the beaches.

Activities in Ericeira

Without a doubt, surfing is the main activity in Ericeira, but in general, the town is the perfect place to just relax. Additional water activities in the area include kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and boat tours. If you’re a yogi, there are several yoga studios and even some hostels that offer classes. Those into skateboarding will want to check out Boardriders for its impressive skate park, and you can also watch from the terrace above if you don’t want to skate.

There are multiple beaches within the town centre, in addition to cute shops with well-known activewear brands and of course, locally made products. Despite its size, there are tons of narrow streets. I found myself coming across new streets every day so there was always something new to see.

While there is lots to do in the town centre, you don’t want to miss nearby sights. A car isn’t necessary to reach these places, you just need to be okay with longer walks. South of Ericeira is the beach, Praia da Foz do Lizandro, which has a lovely boardwalk lined with cafes and bars. It’s a 40-minute walk from Ericeira’s centre and is worth visiting for a beach day. North of Ericeira’s town is the beach, Ribeira d’Ilhas, that sits in a valley between high cliffs. This beach is beautiful and has the quintessential cliff views that everyone seeks when visiting Portugal. It is a popular beach for surfing that is appropriate for all skill levels, but if you don’t want to catch waves, it’s pretty cool to sit and watch the surfers – especially on days when the waves are huge.

Where to eat in Ericeira

One of my favourite parts about Ericeira was the food. There is no lack of small restaurants and cafes around that serve a variety of cuisines. This isn’t the type of place that is full of high-end restaurants, so eating out is reasonably affordable. It is also a vegetarian and vegan-friendly town with plenty of health food options.

Some of my favourite places to eat include:

Calavera- Mexican Food & Tequila Bar

1. dos Ferreiros 2

GiG- Green is Good

Tv. Misericórdia 16

Nalu Bowls

Quiosque do Sul – Praça dos Navegantes – 2655-320

If you prefer grab-and-go style meals or want to cook in your hostel, there are little supermarkets throughout town and a large grocery store within a ten-minute walk from the town’s centre.

Nightlife in Ericeira

The best way to describe the nightlife in Ericeira is chill and casual, but it’s by no means lacking fun. Little bars can be found throughout town that have everything from DJs to live bands, plus many bars have happy hour specials. Boardriders is a popular sunset spot where people of all ages go to hang out, skateboard, and enjoy the bar inside the shop – it’s also a great place to meet other backpackers. Ultimately, if you are staying at a social hostel, you’ll find yourself in a group being led by someone who knows the best (and cheapest) places to go out. And since the town is so small, you’ll constantly be running into people you’ve seen out and about.

We hope this guide will help you plan the ultimate backpacking trip to Ericeira. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you have any tips for visiting Ericeira and if there are other spots in the area that travellers shouldn’t miss! Cheers!

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