Solo Travel, Remote Work and Hostel Life | September Community Call Recap

September’s Community Call with the Your Travel Friend Community was a lively discussion spanning continents, with participants joining from Canada, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

Natali shared their recent European summer, highlighting trips to Ireland, Germany (Hamburg), and Italy (Rome, a small rural village, Florence, and Venice), followed by Prague and a return to Germany. She recounted the challenges of managing finances while traveling and the initial culture shock of staying in hostels as a solo traveler. Despite some initial skepticism, the experience of meeting people and immersing oneself in local culture was invaluable. We discussed the stark differences in solo travel perceptions of how to respectfully enter a hostel room in the middle of the night.

I offered valuable insights into the Worldpackers program [ps. use my affiliate code ANNADUECK for $10 off], having completed six volunteer experiences in Canada, Montenegro (twice), Portugal and Bulgaria. I emphasized the importance of researching the work exchange, understanding said food arrangements, and setting clear boundaries for work hours which all should be discussed on a video call with your host.

It wouldn’t be a conversation about hostels without some "hostel horror stories," shared including dealing with noisy roommates, especially those with loud zippers or snoring issues. The sound of a zipper seems quiet but not when you just need that one last item out of your backpack and the rest of your hostel room is sleeping. I can’t help but emphasize the importance of ear plugs and eye masks in a dorm room.

Bringing to light the challenges and joys of remote work were a central theme. Victor shared their experience working remotely for a marketing company in Canada while also pursuing Italian language classes and taking on a second job for additional work and social interactions.

We dove into the difficulties of maintaining a consistent work structure when working remotely across different time zones, and the constant balancing act between work and saying yes to social opportunities. The appeal of living a life that is rich in experiences vs. materialistics possessions was a common value for folks joining the call, and reinforced one of the core values of the "Your Travel Friend" community.

We wrapped up the Community Call with camaraderie, offering support and advice for future travel endeavours, emphasizing the value of connections made within the travel community.