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Lisa Hajek

  1. Current Age?
    39

  2. Nationality
    USA

  3. Where do you live now?
    La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA

  4. Occupation
    Student

  5. When it comes to travel accommodation (but leaving out crashing with friends, family or people you meet on the road), how often do you stay in hostels?
    pretty much all the time

  6. Where have you hosteled?
    Central America, Europe, Mexico, USA

  7. Would you stay in a hostel again on future trips?
    Yes

  8. Why or why not?
    I like the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of hostels. Hostelling is a great way to meet other travellers and to make friends. It is always nice to have a kitchen to cook food and to share stories in.

  9. Out of all your experiences hosteling, what was your:
    • Best Moment
       Villas Ixchel, Cozumel, the place was magical and the accommodations the best I have ever experienced in a hostel.

    • Worst Moment
       Arriving at Urban Hostel, Playa del Carmen on New Year's Day, my room was given away and the manager was on a 3-day drinking binge.

    • Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
       Getting to the destinations early enough to sign in.

    • Biggest surprise?
       Roswitha, the owner of Villas Ixchel, Cozumel called, as I rang the doorbell, "Lisa, that must be you!" It was like coming home!

  10. Do you ever book any of your hostel accommodation in advance?
    Sometimes

  11. Why or why not?
    If the accommodation is always booked in advance, there is no room for spontaneity or in change of plans.

  12. Who is the most memorable person you met in a hostel and why?
    Roswitha, the owner of Villas Ixchel. She was more like a sister. She is a hostess supreme and a loving spirit.

  13. Why do you stay in hostels, as opposed to other types of accommodation?
    The price, the experience of meeting other travellers, and the worldly mentality of those who stay in hostels.

  14. Is there a hostel you'd recommend to other travelers? If so, what is it and where?
    Villas Ixchel, Cozumel, Mexico

  15. What is the biggest myth people have about hostels and hosteling?
    That there are thieves in hostels. I have found more often that hostellers are most honest and are willing to look out for others in their "BootsnAll."

  16. Why do you like to travel?
    For the adventure of meeting new people with unique perspectives. To be able to learn new languages and to witness diversity first-hand.

  17. What is your advice for other travelers wanting to stay in hostels?
    Pack light.

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