Lauren Kuester
- Current Age?
24 - Nationality
USA - Where do you live now?
Chicago, USA - 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?
Sometimes a hostel, sometimes a hotel or B&B, etc - Where have you hosteled?
Canada, Europe, USA - Would you stay in a hostel again on future trips?
Yes - Why or why not?
Usually only if I'm travelling with one other friend and we are able to reserve a double room. - Out of all your experiences hosteling, what was your:
- Best Moment
- Worst Moment
- Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
- Biggest surprise?
- Best Moment
- Do you ever book any of your hostel accommodation in advance?
Always - Why or why not?
Been stranded without a room too many times. - Who is the most memorable person you met in a hostel and why?
When I was 16, I met a woman in the Seattle youth hostel who was from LA and had taken a few weeks off to travel on the west coast. She looked more high-maintenance than your average hosteller. We met up a bit later and she said that she was considering going to New Zealand for the apple-picking season. I later received postcards from her from Thailand, Australia, Alaska. I never would've guessed. - Why do you stay in hostels, as opposed to other types of accommodation?
When I'm broke, I stay in hostels. I think I would also stay in a hostel if travelling alone in a place I'd never been in order to meet people more easily. - Is there a hostel you'd recommend to other travelers? If so, what is it and where?
U Zeweckiego, Krakow, Poland - What is your advice for other travelers wanting to stay in hostels?
As with hotels, check very closely as to the location of the hostel. If it's located far from the center of town or from the area in which you are planning on spending most of your time, and if public transportation is inconvenient or shuts down early, you might want to consider other accomodations.
- Destinations by Region
- Hostel Resources
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Travelers on Hosteling
Why hostel? Hear it from fellow travelers.Hostels by Region
See what hostels there are where you want to go.What are Hostels?
A way to have a better trip and stretch your budget.Why Hostel?
Here's just a few reasons.Group Hostel Bookings
Going with all your friends? Book all at the same hostel at once.Why Not Hostel?
It's not for everybody, so read up first.Debunking the Myths of Hostels
Here's the scoop: They're a great way to stay.Submit a Hostel
Would you like your hostel to be part of our online reservation system? Read about the benefits and sign up here.Travel Insurance
Protect yourself and your trip with some travel insuranceFAQ Hostels
The skinny on hostels and booking your bed online.
