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Vikki Recktenwald
Vikki at Mt St. Michel in November 2002.
  1. Current Age?
    43

  2. Nationality
    USA

  3. Where do you live now?
    California, USA

  4. Occupation
    Apartment manager

  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?
    Sometimes a hostel, sometimes a hotel or B&B, etc

  6. Where have you hosteled?
    Europe, USA

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

  8. Out of all your experiences hosteling, what was your:
    • Best Moment
       Waking up outside of Fowey, England - in a mansion outside of a nature preserve!

    • Worst Moment
       Trying to shower fast so I do not hog the bathroom (very long hair!!)

    • Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
       Getting in a top bunk cause I didn't book early (I am short)

    • Biggest surprise?
       It is always a surprise!

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

  10. Why or why not?
    I like "dibs" on the bottom bunk and the less crowded rooms - and I like knowing I have a bed.

  11. Who is the most memorable person you met in a hostel and why?
    The German bicyclist who had not brought walking shoes and wore the exact size of the hiking boots I had been lugging around for 4 days because they were really uncomfortable. I had bought new boots but was not looking forward to carrying the old ones around for another 3 weeks. She forgot any shoes but her little biking shoes and was trying to walk in them. So, I got a lighter load and she got comfy feet!

  12. Why do you stay in hostels, as opposed to other types of accommodation?
    Cheap, fun, unusual, unique, meeting people from other places, etc....

  13. Is there a hostel you'd recommend to other travelers? If so, what is it and where?
    Penquite House, Golant, Fowey, Cornwall, England

  14. What is the biggest myth people have about hostels and hosteling?
    They are full of dirty, hairy, trashy loud drunk kids.

  15. Why do you like to travel?
    I love seeing new places & seeing how other people live. What is important to them and how they think and feel about things in general.

  16. What is your advice for other travelers wanting to stay in hostels?
    Look at reviews and find the type of hostel you are looking for. I NEVER book into a hostel that has a reputation for being a partying place. I do not drink, and like a clean, quiet, adult atmosphere. I like my sleep so I read the reviews and stay in the quieter ones.

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