Heading to Europe soon? You need to see this.


One of the best things about backpacking is the people you meet along the way.

And there is no better meeting place of backpacker characters than the one found in common areas at a hostel!

So today we're gonna point you in the right direction and show you all the best places to find all the best people.

Because there is no denying it: Europe is hostel central.

And we're all here for it.

The good thing about you being here is that we know this stuff inside out.

The Broke Backpacker team has been pretty much everywhere and then some more.

And because a lot of our team members hail from the European continent, I'd say European travel is kind of one of our specialities 😉

So, without further ado...


The Spirit of Hostelling

The feeling of family, having a home away from home... there's something truly special about what goes on in hostels.

And even though going into a place full of strangers can quickly fill one with anxious thoughts, there is usually not much to worry about.

From the incredible receptionist to the dude who's been there for far too long, a good hostel will quickly replace unease with exceptional warmth and good vibes.

And while reminiscing about some of my favourite hostel experiences in Europe, I was reminded of just that: the true spirit of hostelling.

This is a bit of a trip down memory lane, but it illustrates my feelings perfectly.

Get ready to be catapulted into what was by far one of the most memorable Christmases of my life.

We start in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria...


Me? Podcasting? Again?

Yes! Heck yes!

Don't lie — did you not miss hearing the sound of my sweet voice in your ear? 😏

This time I joined James Hammond on the Winging it Travel Podcast for a very heartfelt conversation on the past, present and future of myself and The Broke Backpacker :)

If you've got a podcast connection, reply to this email and let's chat.

If you don't, reply to this email anyway! Tell me a joke. Or don't.

(please do, I need a laugh)

K bye <3
- Will

The Broke Backpacker

Unlock the world without breaking the bank. Join 20,000+ adventurers every Monday, uncovering the best budget travel hacks and sauciest travel tales.

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