People tend to fear the unknown. And for many unseasoned travelers the unknown is the hostel.
The hotel. The motel. Even the campground. These are familiar.
But the hostel? What’s a hostel? Is that, like, European?

People tend to resort to popular culture for life’s answers. Apparently the 2005 horror film Hostel has the final say in the matter. Hostels are where you go to die. There you have it. Hostels are the devil.

I may be the first to say this, wink wink, but kids, you can’t believe everything you see on TV.

Hostels aren’t actually hostile afterall. In fact they are typically quite friendly. These lodgings welcome backpackers and tourists from all over the globe. For a fraction of the cost of a hotel, hostels make travel affordable. Longer stays. Further travel. Or just a thicker wallet.

But hostels are more than just a cheap room. Rather, they are an experience.

Its the people you meet. Eating breakfast. Sleeping on the bunk below you. Renting bikes. Mapping out your day. Borrowing toilet paper. Even if it’s just smiling at the same people, you feel part of something larger than yourself. You may even find yourself enjoying a lazy day lounging around to catch up with some of your new friends. Or maybe you’ve made plans to further your travel together.

The impact of a hostel-stay can be life-changing. Inspiring. Adventuresome. Emotional. Unforgettable.

It is important to understand, however, that not all hostels are created equally. Are you staying in the heart of Paris or on the outskirts of a village in China? Is your hostel widely popular with party-goers or do quiet hours apply? What kind of accomodations are available? Rooms can be same-sex or co-ed, and have as few as one or two beds and upwards of 24. In some instances bedding and towels may not be included in the cost. Expect a very modest bunk and be prepared to share a bathroom whether it be with your roommates or the entire floor.

Not to panic. You can find out most everything you need to know about your hostel in advance including the atmosphere and the type of traveler it attracts. Hostelworld.com, hostels.com and hostelbooking.com are great options for finding and booking your hostel. Read the reviews. Email the hostel. Ask questions.

For good measure, Part II includes a check-list! Plus you have my segments on pre-booking your hostel and personal hostel recommendations coming up!

Little things take me across the world. Hand soap for instance.

The other day I was washing my hands in my friend’s bathroom. The soap was Japanese Cherry blossom. Quite honestly before venturing abroad maybe I knew cherry trees had blossoms and maybe I didn’t. I just knew George Washington wasn’t Japanese.

In any case, my mind was tranported to springtime in Korea – you just can’t miss the cherry blossoms. They are gorgeous. There are festivals and whatnot. In fact people travel from all over to Korea, and likewise to Japan, just to see these beauties.

Then there are the little Japanese restaurants I run into whether it be on the streets of NYC or the strip malls of Jersey. “Osaka” and “Kyoto” are popular.

The first couple times my heart leaps with excitement at the sight of one of these establishments. The excitement has since subdued into a smug smile.

How many people getting take-out or sitting down for sushi know that Osaka is a Japanese city located right next to preserved Kyoto. That Kyoto is the only Japanese city not destoyed in World War II, boasting thousands of temples and examples of authentic Japanese architecture. 900 photos in four days gives you an idea of its magnificence. And my love for photography I guess. 😉

I may not have eaten at Osaka or Kyoto, but I’ve eaten IN Osaka and Kyoto. And that is quite satisfactory for me.

Moving on. Pandas. Do ya like pandas? You’ve seen them in the zoo or on Animal Planet? Maybe you’ve slapped a bumper sticker on your car?

The famed Panda reserve is located in Chengdu, China, where my South African travel companion Justine and I spent an interesting morning.

Back home I see signs for Chengdu eateries all the time, in much the same spots as Kyoto and Osaka establishments.

In reality, these cities are anything but close in proximity. Japan is an island for those of you in remedial geography whilst China is a giant chunk of mainland Asia. But Asian food is Asian food over here.

Chengdu is part of the Szechuan region of China, renowned for it spicy cuisine. But do American copies do the region justice?

Just how spicy is the real deal?

Justine and I experienced szechuan hot pot once upon a cold March night in 2010. It was a must on our CHinese bucket list.

We immediately lost all of our layers, sleeves rolled up, tissues a plenty. Our noses were running, and we were sweating, perspiration everywhere. My ear was hurting which is a strange reaction I must tolerate. I ordered an entire bottle of walnut milk. Maybe two. The milk was essentially the only substance that coated our mouths to stop the burning.

Had you observed the tables sat with native Chinese, you’d not think much of the experience as they did not bat an eye.

An experience as fiery in my mind as in my mouth, Szechuan hot pot is not to be forgotten.

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