This past year I decided to start working in Hostels. I was inspired by a girl whom I met while in Costa Rica. I always thought about the idea but it wasn't until I heard about her experience that really inspired me. The following day I applied for a hostel in Rio and boom... I got the job. Three weeks later I was on a plane to what would open up a whole world of possibilities for me. All I can say is thank god for that conversation because my entire life has changed and I have met some of the most amazing people. I couldn't imagine what life would be like if the past few moments never happened... I don't want to image life without them.
The past two months I really stepped up my Tik Tok game and have gained quite the following with all types of people who share a common interest with me .. traveling!
I've gotten a ton of questions about hostels and what it's like working in them so I decided to answer a few in the blog. My format with this blog might be .. well not that professional but hey who needs to be formal here.
Let's get into it!
Q: How do you work in Hostels?
A: There are plenty of sites such as Worldpackers , Workaway, & Hostel jobs. I personally love worldpackers because the app is user friendly and most hostels use this one. I also have a promo code if you'd like to join (Tfutchh). If you find yourself staying at a hostel you really like, just go ask them if they're looking for workers. I've heard of this happening many times. You can also DM, Email, or call them. Thats the beauty of hostels they're super laid back and always hiring.
Q: What do you say when you apply for a position?
A: This is a great question and I feel confident I know what to say now. Firstly, keep it pretty short and sweet. If the message is too long the person looking over the application will get bored. Introduce yourself, explain why you would be a fit for the position, and why this particular position has caught your interest. (Example- could be to learn about culture, language, some connection to the country)
Q: How do I get started?
A: JUST DO IT. This goes with your first solo trip. Nothing I or anyone can say, can really make you ready. You are doing this alone, you have to push yourself. Book the flight and go for it. Think about the rest later. Just like when it comes to bungee jumping and you have to jump yourself. Nobody is going to push yourself, you jump and then have your "oh shit" moment but by then its too late and you just enjoy the ride. Dont think twice, just go for it. You got this!
Q: How long do you usually work in Hostels?
A: Usually the minimum is one month so you have time learning everything and get comfortable. I've seen some experiences only need you for two weeks so it really depends but I do mine a month at a time. I loved my job in Portugal so much I did two months. Some jobs you can even do up to 6 months it really depends what you and the hiring person are looking for. I'd say start off with one month and go from there.
Q: What are your favorite Hostel jobs?
A: My all time favorite jobs have been content creator for social media and pub crawl host. Every hostel I've been in, I've worked on their social media since I've always been trying to build my own portfolio.
Q: What are your least favorite Hostel jobs?
A: I reallyyyyyyyyy hate cleaning jobs and night reception. Hostels can be a bit yucky especially a party hostel (lol). Also night reception is just exhausting and ruins your sleep schedule but if I have to do it I would.
Q: What do you get working in Hostels?
A: All Hostels are different. Some are paying and some aren't. Some provide meals and some dont. They all provide free accommodations which saves you so much money. When applying for a hostels check out in the description what they offer.
Q: Why should you work in a Hostel?
A: Oh man, I could write a whole essay about this but I like to keep things short and sweet. Its such an amazing way to meet people and emerge yourself in another country. When you travel and only stay in cities maybe three days at a time you're rushed. However, when you stay a month in one place you really have time to explore the city and find awesome local gems and make local friends. You start a mini life and have a routine. At times your social battery can start to run low but it's so amazing being able to meet 10+ new people a day and each person has a story to share and can inspire you. My best conversations have been from people I've met in hostels.
Q: Where Have I worked?
A: Heres a list of places and jobs I've worked
Cabanacopa Hostel in Rio, Brazil - Social media
Rising Cock Party Hostel in Lagos, Portugal - Pub-crawl/Night reception/Social media
Meet Hostel in Lake Garda, Italy- Social media but left early
Boat party Split in Split, Croatia- Social media (too unorganized and didn't let me have creative freedom)
Q: Do you plan to continue working in Hostels?
A: Yes, I plan on doing some in South America next but mostly social media jobs. Next summer I'll be returning to Portugal to work again I think!
Q: What's next for me?
A: I've been traveling non stop the past 6 months. I really want to enjoy some family time and regroup to see how I can continue to travel and make more of an income. I'm not sure exactly where the future will take me but I have a good feeling im on the path I have always dreamed of.
If you've made it this far, thank you for reading everything! I hope you might've found some of these helpful and as always feel free to DM me on Instagram I love hearing from everyone!
Dont forget, go for the damn thing.
- T
Comments