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Mindy Shumin Han

  1. Current Age?
    23

  2. Nationality
    Singapore

  3. Where do you live now?
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 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?
    Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America, USA

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

  8. Why or why not?
    They're cheap and clean, and always seem to have the best location for their price. Plus the people there are really helpful, especially in non-English speaking countries.

  9. Out of all your experiences hosteling, what was your:
    • Best Moment
       Meeting the hostel mascot - a dog named Blinky - in Sydney.

    • Worst Moment
       Rude reception staff in Madrid (but they warmed up later).

    • Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
       Trying to communicate with the owner, who only spoke Spanish, in Granada.

    • Biggest surprise?
       When I got a double room for less than the price of a single in Santiago.

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

  11. Why or why not?
    I try to book at least the first day so I'll know I have someplace to go when I'm still unfamiliar, then later it's cheaper just to walk in.

  12. Who is the most memorable person you met in a hostel and why?
    A Dutch guy who reminded me of all the good things I liked about my ex-boyfriend, but had none of the bad things (yet). We spent the night in the Atacama desert under a full moon.

  13. Why do you stay in hostels, as opposed to other types of accommodation?
    They're clean, friendly, well-located and great value for money - which means more to spend on other things.

  14. Is there a hostel you'd recommend to other travelers? If so, what is it and where?
    Pension Ferri, Segovia, Spain

  15. What is the biggest myth people have about hostels and hosteling?
    They're dirty and dingy, full of noisy party people who never shut up.

  16. Why do you like to travel?
    To get away from it all - temporarily.

  17. What is your advice for other travelers wanting to stay in hostels?
    Go for it!

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