Author Archives: ashleighthewanderlust

To Hostel or Not to Hostel

authenb

So what are hostels anyway? A brilliant way to save $ while exploring another country? Or are they frightening like the horrific thrilling franchise?

Well, if you take the word of movie posters and previews then absolutely stay away. But even director/ producer Eli Roth questions the validity.

I decided to experience hostel life for myself. Now before going into where I stayed, I will tell you that I did my homework. I use tripadvisor.com and hostelworld.com for both reviews and prices. Even after deciding on a hostel, I recheck the reviews as my trip nears.

The first hostel I visited in Thailand was Lupta Hostel Patong in Phuket. A spotless and modern hostel, steps from Patong Beach as well as Bangla Road. Walking in I relaxed instantly, which was welcomed after 21 hours of air travel (no, that’s not including layovers). Reception was quick, painless and in no time I was consumed by jet lag. 5 nights, daily breakfast, fresh towels and a locker was included in the $70 price tag. I can’t tell you about breakfast because I was unable to peel my face off my pillow in time to partake.  Being friendly must be a requirement for lodging there. Soon after checking in, I was invited to dinner. I declined due to heavy eyelids, but took them up on their offer the following night. Group dinners were a nightly occurrence, welcomed to all. No one gave me a serial killer or psychopathic vibe. The bed was comfortable, and the blackout privacy curtain was heaven sent. It encased me in a cocoon to call my own. There are shelves and lockable storage inside of your private space. The restrooms were 5star spotless and the water pressure was glorious. The common area was tidy at all times and usually buzzing with quiet conversations. Again you are invited to join in or you can peacefully sit alone.  I think I covered all bases of Lupta Hostel.


  
  
  

 Not once during my three weeks of travel did I feel as though my life was in danger. Okay that’s a lie, but it had nothing to do with hostel life. Hostel life was mostly enjoyable hahahaha. Well there was this one hostel that had glowing reviews but also had bed bugs. I woke up to an undesirable visitor on my pillow. I checked out that morning.

Will I allow that to tarnish my view on hostels? Not at all, I booked a hostel in Cartagena, Colombia last night. I am more excited than ever to be a wanderlust. Hostels open the door to met people from every corner of the world.

Find Mischief,

Chris Signature

 

Resfeber

authenb

 It takes ages for me to decide on a destination. I do extensive research, scouring blogs and reviews for tips. For months I’m consumed, absorbing as much as possible. I make an itinerary for the must sees. I find accommodations and even mentally pack my bag. There’s a list for everything. While all these things are tedious, I do them for every trip.

However, nothing prepares me for what follows as the date nears. Anticipation. Anxiety. Nerves. Time ticks away, similar to the ascend of a climbing rollercoaster. As months turn into weeks, and weeks into days, I exhibit the same manifestation of waiting in line for a thrill ride. With one misplaced thought, I find myself a few clicks away from reaching the summit. Symptoms include: Sweating palms, accelerated heart beat, shallow and irregular breathing. My stomach does somersaults, because we all know what happens when the clicking stops. Once we have made the daunting journey to the top. When it’s eerily silent, as you take in the surroundings beneath your feet; Before you plummet into the unknown.

For me, preparing to travel gives the identical sensation of an amusement ride. Yes I have an idea. I’ve studied  the bends, loops and sharp turns as I stood in line. But that doesn’t prepare me for the actual ride. All of my lists, research, blog discoveries and travel tips neglect to prepare me. As I sit on the floor of JFK International Airport, waiting to board my flight to China. My minds began to scream “Whoa whoa whoa, wth, we’re going too far out of our comfort zone! Are you sure we are ready?” But now it’s too late, for it is disturbingly quiet. And we all know what happens next.