Search Results

North India is a dream destination for backpackers, offering a rich blend of history, spirituality, adventure, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re trekking in the Himalayas, exploring the historical forts of Rajasthan, or immersing yourself in the bustling streets of Delhi, North India has something to offer every kind of traveler. With its affordability, excellent hostel network, and diverse experiences, it is an ideal region for budget-conscious backpackers looking for an adventure of a lifetime. Udaipur Palaces, Rajasthan Culture in North India North India is known for its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in history and tradition. The region is home to various ethnic groups, languages, and religious practices. From the spiritual city of Varanasi, where the Ganges flows, to the royal grandeur of Jaipur, North India has a mix of old and new, offering an experience that’s unlike any other. Expect vibrant festivals, mesmerizing classical music, intricate art, and warm hospitality that makes you feel at home. Must-Visit Places in North India Delhi  – The capital city offers a mix of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. Visit the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate. Jaipur  – The “Pink City” of Rajasthan is famous for its majestic forts and palaces like Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and City Palace. Varanasi  – One of the world’s oldest cities, Varanasi is known for its ghats along the Ganges, spiritual ceremonies, and mesmerizing aura. Rishikesh  – A haven for spiritual seekers and adventure lovers alike. Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world and also a great spot for river rafting. Manali  – Surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, Manali is perfect for trekkers, nature lovers, and party enthusiasts alike. Agra  – Home to the world-famous Taj Mahal, Agra is a must-visit for history buffs. Amritsar  – The Golden Temple is one of the most spiritually uplifting places in India, offering free food to thousands daily. Leh-Ladakh  – A paradise for adventure seekers, offering pristine lakes, high-altitude passes, and rugged landscapes. Leh, Ladakh, India Best Food Places to Explore Paranthe Wali Gali, Delhi  – Famous for its stuffed parathas, a must-try in Old Delhi. Tandoori chai in Varanasi  – Unique clay-baked tea that you can’t find anywhere else. Lassi in Amritsar  – Thick, creamy, and topped with fresh malai, it’s the perfect drink to refresh yourself. Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur  – Experience authentic Rajasthani cuisine in a cultural village setting. Café 1947, Manali  – A cozy riverside café with great music and delicious food. Sharma Ji Ki Chai, Varanasi  – A popular tea stall known for its strong tea and local vibes. Rajasthani Thali, India Getting Around North India North India is well-connected by various modes of transportation: Trains : The best and most budget-friendly way to travel between cities. Book tickets in advance via the IRCTC website. Buses : Both government and private buses run frequently between cities. Flights : If you’re short on time, domestic flights can be affordable if booked in advance. Rickshaws & Tuk-tuks : Ideal for short distances within cities. Bike Rentals : Available in places like Manali and Leh for adventure travelers. Metro : The Delhi Metro is cheap, efficient, and well-connected. Best Hostels to Stay In For budget travelers, hostels are the best way to stay affordably while meeting like-minded people. Hosteller Hostels, India The best way to book your hostel is through Hostelmatch.com , ensuring you find hostels that are not just affordable but also have a great vibe. Here are some top-rated hostels: Zostel, Jaipur  – A social hub with a Rajasthani theme. Moustache Hostel, Delhi  – A quirky hostel with great events and activities. The Hosteller, Rishikesh  – Overlooking the Ganges with a yoga-friendly atmosphere. Bunk Stay, Varanasi  – A rooftop hostel with stunning views of the Ganges. GoStops, Agra  – A vibrant space close to the Taj Mahal. Gypsy Child, Manali  – A peaceful retreat with incredible views. Budget and Expenses North India is one of the most budget-friendly regions for backpackers. Here’s an approximate daily budget: Accommodation : $5-$15 per night in hostels. Food : $3-$10 per day (street food is delicious and affordable!). Transport : $2-$10 per day, depending on the distance. Attractions & Activities : $5-$20 per day. A budget of $15-$30 per day  is sufficient for most backpackers. Best Activities to Do Trekking in Himachal & Uttarakhand  – Some great trails include Triund, Hampta Pass, and Kedarkantha. River Rafting in Rishikesh  – The Ganges offers world-class rafting experiences. Camping in Jaisalmer  – Enjoy a night under the stars in the Thar Desert. Wildlife Safari in Ranthambore  – Spot tigers and other wildlife in this famous national park. Ganga Aarti in Varanasi  – Witness the grand spiritual ceremony every evening. Motorbiking in Ladakh  – One of the most thrilling road trips in the world. Exploring Old Delhi’s Markets  – Chandni Chowk is a sensory overload you’ll love. Beutiful Mandir in India Connectivity and Nightlife Internet & WiFi : North India is well-connected, with most hostels and cafés offering free WiFi. Coworking Spaces : For digital nomads, here are some great coworking spots: WeWork, Delhi  – A popular global coworking brand. Rishikesh Workation Hub  – Perfect for remote workers looking for a serene vibe. Cafe Simla Times, Shimla  – Offers good WiFi and stunning mountain views. FabCafe, Jaipur  – A peaceful spot for work with delicious food. Nightlife : While North India isn’t known for crazy nightlife, you can still find great bars and clubs in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Manali. Hauz Khas Social, Delhi  – One of the best party spots in the capital. Tito’s, Manali  – A lively spot for music lovers. The Forresta, Jaipur  – A cozy open-air bar. Best Practices for Traveling in North India Dress Modestly : Respect the local culture, especially in religious places. Bargain Smartly : Street vendors often quote higher prices, so negotiate. Stay Alert : Be cautious in crowded places to avoid scams or pickpocketing. Use Hostelmatch.com : To book the best hostels at the cheapest prices. Stay Hydrated : Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid drinking tap water. Use Public Transport : It’s cheap and gives you an authentic experience. Conclusion North India is an absolute paradise for backpackers, offering an incredible mix of adventure, culture, history, and affordability. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, an adrenaline junkie, or a history lover, this region has something for everyone. Plan your trip smartly, book your hostels through Hostelmatch.com , and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Explore the beauty of India

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, is a dream destination for backpackers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, affordability, and connectivity. From its stunning skyline to the historic Casco Viejo, Panama City offers an ideal balance between modernity and tradition. This guide covers everything backpackers need to know, including places to visit, local cuisine, transportation, hostels, nightlife, and co-working spaces, making it the perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers. A Taste of Culture in Panama City Panama City is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by its Spanish colonial history, Afro-Caribbean heritage, and modern international communities. The city thrives with lively markets, street performers, and cultural festivals that showcase traditional Panamanian music and dance. Wander through the streets of Casco Viejo, where colonial architecture meets contemporary urban art, or visit the Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, which tells the story of Panama’s rich biodiversity. Must-See Attractions in Panama City 1. Casco Viejo Casco Viejo is the heart and soul of Panama City. This UNESCO-listed historic district is packed with colorful colonial buildings, boutique hotels, trendy cafés, and rooftop bars offering spectacular views of the skyline. Take a walking tour to learn about its history and hidden gems. 2. Panama Canal A trip to Panama City would be incomplete without witnessing one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels—the Panama Canal. Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to watch ships navigate the locks and learn about the canal’s importance in global trade. 3. Amador Causeway This scenic causeway connects four small islands and offers stunning views of the city. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk along the coastline, stopping at waterfront restaurants and duty-free shops. 4. Metropolitan Natural Park For those who love nature, this urban jungle provides a quick escape from city life. The park is home to sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys, offering a perfect mix of hiking and wildlife spotting. 5. San Blas Islands While not in Panama City itself, the San Blas Islands are a must-visit for any backpacker. Just a few hours from the city, these islands offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a chance to interact with the indigenous Guna Yala people. Best Food Places to Explore Panama City has a diverse food scene, offering everything from street food to fine dining. Backpackers should check out: Mercado de Mariscos  – The city’s famous seafood market, where you can grab fresh ceviche at affordable prices. Fonda Lo Que Hay  – A trendy spot serving creative takes on traditional Panamanian dishes. El Trapiche  – A great place to try local classics like sancocho (chicken soup) and carimañolas (stuffed yuca). Mahalo  – A chill café with delicious smoothie bowls, perfect for health-conscious travelers. Getting Around Panama City Panama City is well connected and easy to navigate. Here are the best ways to get around: Metro  – The most efficient and cheapest way to travel within the city. Fares are as low as $0.35. Uber  – Safer and more reliable than taxis. Buses  – Affordable but can be challenging for non-Spanish speakers. Walking  – Ideal for exploring Casco Viejo and the Amador Causeway. Biking  – The Cinta Costera and Amador Causeway are bike-friendly routes. Best Hostels for Backpackers in Panama City Panama City has some amazing hostels catering to all kinds of travelers. The best ones can be booked through Hostelmatch.com , which guarantees the lowest prices and the best backpacker vibes. Some top-rated hostels include: Selina Casco Viejo  – A lively hostel with a rooftop bar, coworking spaces, and social events. Luna’s Castle  – A historic mansion-turned-hostel known for its vibrant atmosphere and free pancake breakfast. El Machico Hostel  – A great option with a pool and friendly staff. Zebulo Hostel  – Perfect for a laid-back stay with a community feel. Who is Panama City Best Suited For? Panama City is perfect for: Adventure Seekers  – With nearby beaches, jungles, and islands, the city is a great base for outdoor exploration. Budget Travelers  – Affordable food, transport, and hostels make it easy to travel on a budget. Digital Nomads  – The city has great internet, coworking spaces, and a solid expat community. Party Lovers  – The nightlife scene is buzzing with clubs, rooftop bars, and beach parties. How Expensive is Panama City? Compared to other Central American capitals, Panama City is moderately priced. Budget travelers can expect to spend: $10–$15 per night  in a hostel dorm. $3–$7 per meal  at street vendors or budget restaurants. $0.35–$2  for local transportation. $5–$10  for drinks at bars. Best Activities for Backpackers Explore the street art in Casco Viejo. Join a Panama Canal boat tour. Party on a rooftop overlooking the skyline. Take a day trip to Taboga Island. Go surfing at Playa Venao or Santa Catalina. Learn Spanish in one of the local schools. Nightlife and Connectivity in Panama City Panama City has a dynamic nightlife scene, with something for everyone: Casco Viejo Rooftop Bars  – Places like Tantalo and CasaCasco offer great views and music. Calle Uruguay Clubs  – The city’s main party district, with clubs like Teatro Amador. Live Music Venues  – Check out El Sotano or Danilo’s Jazz Club for live performances. The city is also well-connected with international flights and has strong internet infrastructure, making it ideal for remote workers. Best Co-working Spaces for Digital Nomads For those working while traveling, Panama City has excellent coworking spaces: Selina Cowork Casco Viejo  – A trendy space with a mix of private offices and shared workspaces. Workings  – A professional co-working hub with multiple locations in the city. My Office Panama  – A quiet spot with strong Wi-Fi and comfortable workstations. Best Practices for Traveling to Panama City Book hostels in advance using Hostelmatch.com  to find the best deals. Carry cash , as some places don’t accept cards. Learn basic Spanish  for easier communication. Be mindful of safety  – Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid sketchy neighborhoods. Respect local customs  – Panamanians are friendly but value politeness and personal space. Conclusion Panama City is an amazing destination for backpackers looking for a mix of history, adventure, and nightlife. With affordable hostels available through Hostelmatch.com , budget-friendly food, great transportation, and a vibrant social scene, it’s the ultimate spot for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement. Whether you're a digital nomad, a party lover, or an explorer, Panama City has something for you.

India, a land of diverse cultures, rich traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a favourite destination for travellers seeking a unique experience. For solo travellers and backpackers, India offers an unparalleled mix of adventure, spirituality, and vibrant local life. From bustling metropolises to serene villages, there’s something for every traveler in this vast country. Here’s why you should pack your bags and explore India, along with tips to make your journey smooth and memorable. Taj Mahal, Agra The Cultural Kaleidoscope of India India’s culture is a tapestry woven with threads of history, religion, art, and traditions. Every region has its unique identity, offering a range of experiences for travellers. For instance: North India : Explore the majestic Himalayas, the iconic Taj Mahal, and the colourful festivals of Rajasthan. The cities of Delhi and Jaipur are rich with history and vibrant marketplaces. South India : Discover the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, and the tech-savvy vibe of Bengaluru. East India : Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Sundarbans, the tribal cultures of Odisha, and the artistic heritage of Kolkata. West India : Witness the beaches of Goa, the bustling streets of Mumbai, and the serene deserts of Gujarat. Hawa Mahal, Jaipur The diversity in cuisine, languages, attire, and traditions makes India a cultural wonderland for solo travellers who crave authentic experiences. Safety for Solo Travellers in India - How can backpackers explore India Safety is a common concern for solo travellers, especially those visiting India for the first time. While India is generally safe for tourists, staying informed and prepared can make a significant difference. Here are some tips: Research Your Destination : Learn about the areas you’re visiting, including local customs, safety levels, and transportation options. Stay Connected : Share your itinerary with friends or family and check in regularly. Use Trusted Platforms : Platforms like Hostelmatch  are invaluable for finding safe accommodations. Hostelmatch provides insights into the safety measures of hostels, ensuring solo travellers feel secure. Dress Appropriately : Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially in conservative areas. Be Cautious with Valuables : Use anti-theft backpacks and avoid displaying expensive items. Trust Your Instincts : If something feels off, don’t hesitate to change plans. India’s government and local authorities are also working to make the country more tourist-friendly, with initiatives like tourist police and helpline numbers for emergencies. The Rise of Hostel Culture in India India has embraced the hostel culture, making it an ideal destination for backpackers. Hostels in India cater to different budgets, vibes, and preferences, offering a welcoming space for travellers to connect. Affordable and Comfortable : Indian hostels provide budget-friendly accommodation without compromising on comfort. Many hostels include amenities like free Wi-Fi, community kitchens, and laundry services. Community Vibes : Hostels foster a sense of community. They organize activities like city tours, cooking classes, and cultural evenings, allowing travellers to bond over shared interests. Location-Specific Experiences : Whether you’re in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh or the beaches of Goa, hostels often offer tailored experiences that align with the local culture. Holi - Festival of Colours Hostelmatch  plays a pivotal role in enhancing the hostel experience. With its unique platform, you can filter hostels based on their vibe, such as party hostels, quiet retreats, or artist-friendly spaces. The reviews and ratings on Hostelmatch give travellers a clear picture of what to expect, helping them choose accommodations that align with their preferences. Food: A Culinary Adventure India’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture. From street food to traditional meals, every region has something unique to offer. Solo travelers and backpackers often find food to be one of the highlights of their journey. Street Food : Savour delicacies like chaat, samosas, and pav bhaji in bustling marketplaces. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are renowned for their street food scenes. Traditional Dishes : Experience regional specialties such as dosa and idli in the South, biryani in Hyderabad, and thalis in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Vegan and Vegetarian Options : India is a paradise for vegetarians and vegans, with a plethora of plant-based dishes. Cooking Classes : Many hostels and local organizations offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare Indian dishes. Indian Thali, Indian food Platforms like Hostelmatch  often highlight hostels that provide food tours or have in-house cafés serving authentic local cuisine, making it easier for travellers to explore India’s gastronomic wonders. Be Better Prepared for Your Journey Travelling in India is a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to be well-prepared. Backpackers can explore India in the following ways: Pack Smart : Carry essentials like a reusable water bottle, power bank, and a first-aid kit. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for India’s climate. Travel Insurance : Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and theft. Download Useful Apps : Apps like Google Maps, Uber, and Hostelmatch are indispensable for navigating India. Learn Basic Hindi Phrases : Knowing a few phrases can help you communicate with locals and enhance your experience. Stay Hydrated and Eat Wisely : Drink only bottled water and eat at clean establishments to avoid stomach issues. How Hostelmatch Enhances Backpacking in India Navigating India as a backpacker can be overwhelming, especially when choosing accommodations. This is where Hostelmatch  becomes your go-to travel companion. Here’s why: Safety First : Hostelmatch provides detailed safety information, including security measures and guest reviews. Cultural Insights : The platform highlights hostels offering cultural activities, giving you a deeper understanding of the local way of life. Vibe Matching : Whether you prefer social hostels or quiet retreats, Hostelmatch’s vibe-based filtering ensures you find the perfect stay. Verified Listings : All hostels listed on Hostelmatch are verified, ensuring quality and reliability. Real-Time Availability : Check availability and book instantly, making last-minute plans stress-free. Hostels in India India is a treasure trove of experiences for solo travellers and backpackers. Its rich culture, friendly people, and diverse landscapes make it a destination like no other. By embracing hostel culture and using platforms like Hostelmatch , you can make your journey safer, more enjoyable, and deeply enriching. So pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and let India’s magic captivate your soul.

Athens, Greece, is a dream destination for backpackers who crave a blend of history, culture, affordability, and vibrant city life. As one of the most iconic cities in the world, Athens offers ancient ruins, a buzzing nightlife, delectable Greek cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere that makes it ideal for solo travelers and digital nomads. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, thrilling activities, or a place to work remotely, Athens has it all. Who is Athens Best Suited For? Athens is an excellent destination for various types of backpackers: History Buffs : The city is packed with legendary ruins, museums, and historical landmarks. Budget Travelers : Athens is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. Digital Nomads : The city offers great coworking spaces and a strong expat community. Solo Travelers : The friendly locals and welcoming backpacker scene make it easy to meet people. Food Lovers : Greek cuisine is world-renowned, and Athens is full of amazing food spots. Nightlife Enthusiasts : Athens comes alive at night with vibrant bars, rooftop lounges, and underground clubs. The Culture in Athens Athens is a city where ancient history meets modern energy. The local culture is deeply rooted in Greek traditions, with a strong emphasis on hospitality, music, and cuisine. The city has a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, where you can spend afternoons sipping coffee at traditional kafeneia and evenings enjoying live music at a local taverna. Greeks are known for their warmth and friendliness, making it easy to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the culture. Best Places to Visit in Athens Athens is a treasure trove of historical and cultural sites. Some must-visit places include: Acropolis & Parthenon  – The crown jewel of Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Acropolis offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into Greek history. Ancient Agora  – Once the heart of political and social life in Athens, this area is a must-see for history lovers. Plaka & Anafiotika  – Charming, historic neighborhoods with picturesque streets, cafes, and local shops. Monastiraki Flea Market  – A great place to shop for souvenirs, antiques, and handmade goods. National Archaeological Museum  – Home to an impressive collection of Greek antiquities. Mount Lycabettus  – Hike up this hill for panoramic views of Athens, especially stunning at sunset. Psiri District  – Known for its vibrant street art, quirky cafes, and bohemian atmosphere. Food Places to Explore Greek food is a highlight of any trip to Athens. Some must-visit spots include: Kostas  – Famous for its traditional Greek souvlaki. Lefteris O Politis  – Offers some of the best gyros in the city. Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani  – A fantastic place for meze (small Greek dishes) and cured meats. Diporto  – A hidden, traditional Greek taverna known for its authentic dishes and rustic setting. Falafellas  – A top choice for budget travelers looking for delicious and affordable falafel wraps. Tzitzikas & Mermigas  – A modern take on classic Greek dishes, perfect for trying something different. How to Get Around Athens Getting around Athens is easy and affordable: Metro : The metro is the most efficient way to travel around Athens, with three lines connecting key areas. Buses & Trams : Affordable options that cover most of the city, though they can be slow. Taxis & Rideshares : Uber and local taxi apps like Beat are available, but they are pricier than public transport. Walking : Many of the city's attractions are within walking distance, especially in the historic center. Bicycle & E-Scooters : Available for rent and a fun way to explore the city. Best Hostels to Stay In Athens has a thriving backpacker scene with many great hostels. The best way to book your stay is through Hostelmatch.com , which helps you find hostels that match your vibe at the best prices. Some top-rated options include: City Circus Athens  – A stylish, social hostel with an excellent location in Psiri. Athens Backpackers  – A lively place known for its rooftop bar and fun atmosphere. Bedbox Hostel  – A budget-friendly hostel with a relaxed and social setting. Pella Inn Hostel  – Offers a rooftop terrace with incredible views of the Acropolis. Cocomat Hostel  – A unique eco-friendly hostel with a cozy, boutique feel. Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads Athens is becoming a digital nomad hotspot, with excellent coworking spaces that provide fast WiFi and a great work environment: The Cube Athens  – A modern coworking space with a friendly community. Impact Hub Athens  – Perfect for networking and working in a collaborative space. Stone Soup  – A cozy coworking space ideal for freelancers and entrepreneurs. Spaces Athens  – Offers stylish office setups with excellent facilities. Selina Theatrou  – A hostel with coworking options, great for digital nomads. Best Activities to Do Around Athens Take a Day Trip to Cape Sounion  – Visit the Temple of Poseidon and enjoy stunning seaside views. Explore the Athenian Riviera  – Relax on beautiful beaches just outside the city. Visit Delphi  – A historic UNESCO site that was once considered the center of the world. Join a Street Art Tour  – Athens has a vibrant graffiti and street art scene. Experience a Greek Night Out  – Enjoy live music, traditional dancing, and ouzo at a local taverna. Nightlife in Athens Athens has a diverse nightlife scene, ranging from rooftop bars with Acropolis views to underground techno clubs. Some of the best nightlife spots include: 360 Cocktail Bar  – Offers amazing Acropolis views. Six d.o.g.s  – A multi-space venue with live music and an outdoor garden. Brettos Bar  – One of the oldest bars in Athens, known for its colorful decor and homemade liqueurs. Boulevard 23  – A trendy nightclub playing house and electronic music. Gazi District  – The best area for clubbing and late-night parties. Connectivity in Athens Athens has solid internet connectivity, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free high-speed WiFi. The city also has affordable SIM card options for travelers, with providers like Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind offering good coverage. Best Practices for Traveling Athens Book Hostels Early : Use Hostelmatch.com  to find the best hostels at the lowest prices. Use Public Transport : It’s cheap, efficient, and well-connected. Learn Basic Greek Phrases : A few words like “Kalimera” (Good morning) and “Efharisto” (Thank you) go a long way. Stay Alert for Pickpockets : Keep your belongings secure, especially in busy tourist areas. Eat Like a Local : Avoid tourist traps and seek out local tavernas. Final Thoughts Athens is an extraordinary destination for backpackers seeking history, culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you’re here to explore ancient ruins, enjoy Greek cuisine, or work remotely as a digital nomad, Athens has something for everyone. Plan your trip, book your hostel through Hostelmatch.com , and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Greece’s vibrant capital!

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Globe & Grind Podcast where we dive into stories, insights, and inspirations from incredible individuals shaping the world around us. In today’s episode, we explore the vibrant world of solo travel in India —a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled adventures. Joining us is none other than Rishab Agarwal , the dynamic CEO of Polartern , a company redefining experiential travel. Rishab shares his personal experiences, the challenges and rewards of traveling solo across India, and his expert tips for making the most of your journey. Whether you're an avid traveler or someone looking to take that first step into the world of solo exploration, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable advice. So grab your headphones, and let’s journey together! Polartern is a platform that allows solo travellers to find travellers that would match their vibe and travel with them - similar to how Hostelmatch helps backpackers find hostels that match their vibe. If you want to travel in India or are an Indian solo traveller, give this episode a listen. Video Sponsor: Hostelmatch Hostelmatch is a hostel aggregator platform that helps backpackers with hostel search allowing them to find the best hostels around the world based on their specifications. #solotravel   #solotraveller    #nomad   #travel    #travelsolo    #explore   #hostellife    #exploretheworld   #backpackerlife   #travelsolo   #travelalone

The recent deaths of six foreign tourists in Laos, suspected to be caused by methanol poisoning from bootleg alcohol, have brought a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking for travellers in Southeast Asia. Among the victims were Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, two 19-year-old Australians, and Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer. Their tragic deaths have left a ripple of grief among families, friends, and the broader travel community. For backpackers exploring the Banana Pancake Trail—a popular route spanning Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia—the vibrant nightlife and local experiences often include trying traditional drinks. However, these activities come with risks, as incidents of methanol contamination in alcohol are alarmingly common in parts of Southeast Asia. What Is Methanol Poisoning? Methanol, or wood alcohol, is a toxic substance sometimes added to counterfeit or homemade alcoholic beverages as a cost-saving substitute for ethanol, the safe alcohol found in consumable drinks. Methanol is colorless and odorless, making it virtually indistinguishable from ethanol. When consumed, methanol is metabolized into formic acid, which can cause severe metabolic acidosis, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision. Even small quantities—just 25 milliliters—can be fatal, and the symptoms may take up to 24 hours to appear. The Vang Vieng Tragedy The popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng has long been a hotspot for travelers drawn by its scenic rivers, limestone karsts, and nightlife. However, recent reports reveal that some victims of the suspected methanol poisoning had consumed alcohol provided at local establishments. One hostel, Nana Backpacker Hostel, reportedly offered free shots to around 100 guests on the night of the incident. While no other guests reportedly fell ill, questions about alcohol safety and oversight in the region remain. How Backpackers Can Protect Themselves If you’re planning a trip to Laos or other regions with reported methanol poisoning risks, follow these precautions to ensure your safety: Find the safest hostels: Find hostels that are safe and have good reviews. THe process of finding hostels is tricky, so use platforms like Hostelmatch & Hostelworld to understand if a hostel is the right fit and how safe it is for you. Choose Alcohol from Licensed Vendors: Only purchase alcohol from reputable, licensed shops or bars. Avoid consuming beverages from unverified sources or homemade brews, as these are more likely to contain methanol. Avoid Free or Unlabeled Alcohol: Be wary of free shots or unsealed drinks, especially in hostels, parties, or bars. Opt for sealed cans, bottles, or branded beverages, which are less likely to be tampered with. Inspect the Alcohol: Look for signs of tampering, unusual smells, or strange colours. If in doubt, don’t drink it. Research Local Dangers: Before traveling, check travel advisories for warnings about methanol poisoning or counterfeit alcohol in your destination. Governments like the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) often update travel guidelines to reflect such risks. Know the Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning: Learn to recognize the symptoms, which include blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you suspect you or someone else may be poisoned, seek urgent medical attention. Carry a Portable Alcohol Testing Kit: Portable alcohol testing kits are available and can detect methanol contamination. Though not foolproof, they provide an added layer of safety. Stay Informed and Share Knowledge: Backpacker communities are tight-knit, and word spreads quickly. Share information about safe establishments and discuss any incidents or concerns with fellow travellers. A Call for Accountability While travellers can take precautions, local authorities and businesses must prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies. Governments in the region should enforce stricter regulations on alcohol production and distribution, conduct inspections, and penalize those producing counterfeit beverages. Travellers, too, can play a role by reporting suspicious establishments to local authorities or their home country's embassy. Organizations such as Hostelmatch , which promptly removed Nana Backpacker Hostel from its platform, demonstrate how third-party platforms can help hold businesses accountable. Conclusion The deaths of Holly Bowles, Bianca Jones, Simone White, and others serve as a sobering reminder of the risks of counterfeit alcohol. For many backpackers, traveling is about embracing freedom, adventure, and joy. However, safety must always remain a priority. By staying vigilant, making informed decisions, and advocating for accountability, we can honour the memories of those lost and work towards safer travel experiences for all. If you or someone you know plans to travel in Southeast Asia, share these tips and stay safe. Enjoy the journey, but drink responsibly and protect yourself from unseen dangers.

In this inspiring episode, we chat with Cia, a former digital nomad and Associate Director of Marketing & Communications at the Toronto Business Development Center. Cia shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to a life filled with travel, adventure, and creative freedom. She opens up about how she transitioned from aspiring doctor to marketing professional, content creator, and digital nomad. Discover how Cia built a successful blog and freelance career that supported her travels, with insights on content marketing, SEO strategies, and the challenges of freelancing on the road. Cia also provides valuable advice for those starting a blog, building community, and integrating travel into their professional lives. Whether you're a digital nomad or just curious about the lifestyle, Sia's story offers a wealth of knowledge on navigating the digital world with passion and purpose. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Sia and her digital nomad journey 1:35 - Becoming a digital nomad and exploring new career paths 3:20 - The small-town beginnings and stepping into content creation 5:45 - Transition from biomedicine to fashion marketing 8:10 - Building a freelancing career in content marketing 10:25 - Early blogging experiences and SEO strategies 13:00 - Challenges and successes as a digital nomad 15:40 - Cultural experiences in Prague, Mexico City, and more 18:20 - Balancing creativity and monetization in content creation 20:15 - Sia’s current projects and honouring family traditions 22:00 - Closing thoughts on building a digital nomad lifestyle #DigitalNomad #ContentMarketing #SEOtips #TravelBlogger #Freelancing #BloggingTips #RemoteWork #TorontoBusiness #ContentCreation #BackpackingLife #TravelCommunity #PersonalBrand Transcript: I'm very happy to introduce Sia on the podcast. I had the pleasure of meeting Sia here at the Toronto Business Development Center. She is the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications at TBDC, but also at Beehive. And one of the things that I didn't know much about her, but she was also a digital nomad for a couple of years. So I'm very excited to dive deeper into that side of your life as well. Traveled very heavily across Europe and Americas in general. And she started blogging and then transitioned into a freelancing website building. So really excited to dive deeper and learn more from. From her. So thank you so much for coming on the podcast. Of course. No problem. I'm so happy to be here. So happy about what you're building, you know, the community of digital nomads and, and world travelers, you know, there's always this kind of stigma that it's like people just picking up backpacking, they don't really know what they're doing. And there's such a good lifestyle and, and so many good opportunities that so many people can learn about out there. It changes your perspective and I'm happy to be here. No, absolutely. And as you mentioned, like at HostelMatch, our entire goal is to help backpackers and nomads find the best hostels across the world, but also provide them insights through blogs like these. You know, you've been someone who's been doing a lot of content for a while. You've kind of aced out how you go ahead and build SEO that really helps you get to the place that people want to get to in our lives. I know I'm struggling with it in some form or shape, so it's going to be a great conversation. Just picking your brain, learning more. From that aspect as well. But one of the things we'd love to start about is just like learning a little bit more about you in general. Uh, I know you told me about how you became a digital nomad, but I think what'd be really cool is to understand what led you to becoming a digital nomad. How was life that, how did he end up choosing that you wanted to be a digital nomad? Yeah, for sure. And so a little bit of background and context, uh, when I, I grew up in a really small town, the town that I was closest to. I grew up on 75 acres of farm. Yeah, so the, the town that was closest to me is only 650 people. Right. And the town that I went to school in is only 9, 000 people. So it is, everyone knows everyone. Uh, your world is really small. It's a great community, but you have to get used to. People being able to like identify where you've been because they know your truck and your license plate, you know, it's that level of everyone's and everyone's business. So I was on a path, I come from a background of, um, A family that has a, you know, their doctors, their lawyers, their engineers, their architects. And so science and math and working in an office was like really the only option that was pushed towards us as a child, unless we wanted to go into skilled trades, which is the other half of my family. So art, content creation, videography, advertising, this whole world was not something I was ever exposed to or like ever encouraged to really explore as a child. And so. I thought I was going to be a doctor. I had a full scholarship to go to University of Ottawa into biomed and I worked at a hospital for six months. I realized it just really wasn't for me. I didn't have the community, the support network. I was exhausted. The end of my days, it was a really hard experience to go through. I learned a lot. I worked with amazing people. I got to touch great lives, but. That's not all you need, right? And I had always had that kind of creative outlet. Like I would draw, I would paint, I would do that kind of stuff in my room. Photography was always something for me even in high school that I was interested in. So when I realized I didn't want to go into medicine, I was scrambling, trying to figure out what can I do for university? How can I apply to different places? Where are the places that I applied that still had programs open to me? And fashion marketing and merchandising was one of the few things I could get into. So I took it and I ran and that was exciting. And through that I was exposed to so much more of the business behind what it, it takes to really run a creative studio, to run creative hubs, to do content marketing, and even like video production design, magazine design. There's, there's so much other sense and skills that you need that aren't just, Hey, I'm creative. Hey, I have a good eye for things. And that really helped me develop that out. And I got to work with a lot of really great people. We were expected to have. Internships through the entirety of our school. So I got to work at a lot of really interesting places. And the first time that I really got to touch content marketing from a perspective of, You know, the power of it was working at a spinoff from Holt Renfrew Buyers where, uh, we were working at luxury e commerce and I got to explore email marketing and, and learning what really makes a brand tick, what makes a brand resonate, and how to build that from the ground up, like with a four person team in a little warehouse, you know, it was, it was exciting. I finished that degree. I was involved with somebody and they were originally from the States, so their company moved them back to the States. And I was going back and forth between Canada and the United States for about a period of six months. Like every two weeks to a month, I was on a plane in a, in a different location, trying to nail down what I'm going to do. What's my next step. And at the time I was also doing my second degree online virtually. So, um, that gave me a lot of flexibility, a lot of opportunity to work on my own thing and, you know, be in multiple countries in a, in a month span, which was exciting. That relationship didn't work out, which is. I look back at it and I'm thankful for that. But I was at a place where I wasn't ready to go back home yet. I knew there was a bigger world out there. I wanted to explore so much more of it. So I took a chance on myself. I, uh, found a really great flight to Cuba. And I went from there. I ended up, you know, backpacking through Cuba with a bunch of really great people that I met along the way in hostels, in Casa Particulars. We got to stay in together. That's exactly right. Yeah, it's phenomenal. And it's such a great community. And through that, I started, you know, gaining more freelance clients. Uh, you know, I took my content and was starting to monetize it a little bit, um, exploring that world, but really using it as a portfolio and a showcase of what you can achieve with proper content marketing so that I could sell myself to these brands as an expert who could come in, consult, work a few hours a month for them. And still get paid well because I'm driving results and I can prove those results for them. So that background in math, that background in organization, in data and analytics, it serves you. It's not something to look, turn your nose up at for sure. No, that completely makes sense. But one of the things I am curious to learn about was You know, you touched a little bit upon, um, your family was someone, or like your family was very heavily into the skilled trades and then you picking up an industry that's completely different in, in what like, you know, everyone in your family is kind of gone for. So what was that experience like? Because going through that journey, moving to the States away from family, like everything that you did. is something that's out of the norm if you think about it from a grown up. So how was that experience like for you? Um, it was really controversial in my family. I actually ended up getting kicked out of my house at 17 years old and I lived with another family that I was really close with to end up finishing high school that way. It takes some strength. It takes some knowing who you are and what you want with your life and really like believing and betting on yourself because I've always been 100 percent sure and I'm really opinionated. Everyone will tell you that and I'm willing to listen to other opinions. Don't Don't get me wrong there. It's It's great through traveling, through working with so many different types of businesses to see all the different perspectives out there. But if you are sure of yourself and you know that you work hard and you know what you can accomplish, that hard work and that, and that willing to pick anything up and try it will take you so much farther than you think it will. Agreed. Agreed. Fair enough. Completely get that. In terms of your digital nomad lifestyle, right? You said you started in Cuba and then you made your way. And then we also had a conversation where you ended up going to Prague and you kind of traveled Europe as well. So why did you pick digital nomading as, as a way of life? Cause a lot of people, when they're traveling and they want to experience something, they would go to a place, you know, be there for a week or two and then come back. But digital nomading is, is a concept in itself. It takes a lot of strength in itself. So why was that something? that you were fixated on? was a cost of living thin an apartment in downtown time, it was still 1, 000 the space to live. That d that doesn't include food about the opportunities o Where you work for four hours a day. Um, you get your room, you're bored. One of the workaways that I did in the Czech Republic, like, I got to live in a castle. I got three glasses of wine allocated for me to a day. And then I could still That's a lot of wine. Well, it depends on who you are, I guess. Um, but, it really got to, uh, See a lot of the world and like, I'll tell you my month living in Columbia, I spent 800 all included. Like that's my phone bill. That's internet. That's food. That's water. I didn't even pay rent when I was there. Whoa. Yeah. That is why that is. So, I, I actually made quite a bit of money that month and Right. You know, you get to save up and, and put away and put that towards your future travels, so. Right. There's lots of opportunity out there if you're willing to be scrappy, if you're willing to pick up a new experience. You know, growing up on a farm, I'm, I'm. No stranger to hard work. So whether I'm feeding 20 people, whether I'm helping build a restaurant, like pouring concrete, whether I'm, you know, working on another farm, teaching English, all of those are, are great opportunities out there. If you're looking to save a little money while you're traveling. That's fair. And what was your favorite destination out of all of the destinations you've kind of been to when you were a digital nomadic? That's such a hard question. I think that there are so many different great places for, for different things. The community of travelers that I met in Costa Rica was super warm and super welcoming. The international community that was already around in Prague and willing to, you know, meet up, uh, everyone's friendly. You go to a beer garden, you end up like meeting an American, a German, a Swiss person all at the same table and they're not afraid to invite you in and you make friends so quickly. It's such a welcoming community. Mexico City was really high on my list. The arts, the culture, the music, phenomenal. Paris is obviously like a city after my own heart. Arts, fashion, you know, you name it, it's there. It's a walkable city. Again, if you go to certain districts, like Bastille is really international. So you can still have that community, that friendly traveler community there to support you. Wow. So when you said Prague and Mexico City, because my brother lives in Mexico City, so I go to Mexico City twice a year. And the beer garden in Prague, I still remember Wisserhard was the name of the beer garden. Yeah, absolutely spectacular. But you've traveled so much and when you're a digital nomad, you also learn about different kinds of cultures and with the work that you were doing. How did you feel that traveling really inspired you in regards to bringing a different perspective in the work that you were doing at that time? For sure. That's a great question. I would say that the first thing that you're exposed to is not everyone thinks like you do. And I think that's a really valuable asset to remember that when you're trying to tackle a problem, that's one of 1000 ways to tackle a problem, really, you know? So, so being able to recognize that and, and adjust to it. Your strategy to that is one thing to understanding international markets. I've worked for everything from like makeup companies to cow comfort products. And so, you know, understanding where your customer is at, what language they speak in, understanding that the way that you phrase things isn't always common in other languages. Those are big eyeopening experiences that I got through traveling that helped me really improve my content strategy that I was selling to other brands quickly. Speaking of content strategy, you said that you started off with a blog and then you also mentioned that you work for a lot of different brands on their content. So talk us through how that transition came about. What was your thought process behind starting your own blog? Firstly, and secondly, when you were taking over other people's kind of content marketing strategy, what was the thought process behind each strategy that you're kind of going after? For sure. And I think there's a framework to to how I evaluate a customer's needs a client's needs so that I can develop a strategy that actually helps them achieve their business goals. But from a personal perspective, it was Just the need to experiment, the need to hone my own craft before I went out and really showed it to somebody else. And there's a lot of areas of content production that I'm excited about, you know, like food styling, food photography. I absolutely love it, but it's an extensive project and it's like a whole half day thing to shoot, like, you know, three items, you know, especially cause I'm cooking it all myself too. But when you get into the back end and you really understand the nitty gritty of how to build something from the ground up. You can cost your services appropriately, um, because you understand just how much time it takes to get something done. You know, a client Might not know that, you know, Oh, I just need a home page or I need a quick web page or I need a storefront up that you have to think about, okay, terms and conditions, privacy policy, cyber security, um, there's S. E. O. You know, um, even just your library and repository of images that you're going in. There's so much work to building that out and making that S. E. O. Friendly and accessibility friendly that when you can showcase all that work and also the data that proves on your own site, how doing this properly can improve your site traffic, organic visits, inquiries. It makes it a lot easier to prove your value to the client right out of the gate. So you spend less time negotiating, more time getting clients. That's, that's completely fair in terms of the SEO strategy, in terms of kind of, you know, making sure your content's visible in today's day and age. A lot of people have blogs, especially in the travel space. When you take a look at it, every second person who is going for longer periods of travel has a blog. So what was your thought process when you were kind of working on your blog to build out that SEO strategy and what advice would you kind of give, let's say someone like me who is still struggling with SEO on, on my website? For sure. I think that there's a few things to consider when you're, you're trying to determine where your content should come from, from for me, because I was building for myself and I wasn't really expecting to make money off of it for the first little while. It was a lot of trial and error, a lot of experimentation. What tactics work? How do I structure my paragraphs to make it both easy to read and so that there are enough keywords in it? Um, and how do I provide that variety to the customer that it feels fresh, right? But I'm still niching down on a specific industry. I think that's a big balance that a lot of, even brands and, and personal blogs have trouble, you know, generating new content idea after new content idea without, you know, reiterating some of the basics or the one on ones. Um, there's a lot of research involved, you know, I, I would say make use of the tools that are available online, Google trends, answer the public, you know, keyword searches and, and research your competitors. Not only your competitors, but people who are selling to your same target audience for the language, the vibe. Um, you can learn a lot of best practices that way. So those are great tips. I think like, uh, I've also been embarking on some of those journeys. One of the things that I've been noticing that's been a challenge is generally in today's day and age from a content perspective is the people consuming the content. They. Don't resonate as much with let's say businesses. They resonate more with people. Oh, so from that perspective When let's say you have clients who are other businesses. What strategies are you kind of? Adopting to make sure that they get the same sort of engagement. They get the same sort of reach that Let's say your independent content creator would get versus a business. For sure. I think that there's, there's a big balance there in, in expectations, knowing that brands are deprioritized. Um, but giving your brand its own personality, we've moved away from the time on social media when brands would comment like they're your friend on your post, which I think is a good move. But I think, you know, focusing on that knowledge, leadership, that providing that value and that service through every single interaction that you're developing for a customer, you need to keep that forefront of mind so that their journey on the customer site is super easy. They, they understand what you're selling. They resonate with who you are. If you have a really good understanding of the core values of the brand, you have limitless opportunities to create content from that. And in terms of. It's kind of niching down, right? Like everyone we speak to these days is like, Oh, you got to go super niche on, on what you are building from a blog perspective. But a lot of us, let's say, are building content just for fun. In your opinion, if we ever want to monetize, do you think it makes sense to start strategizing right away? I think you can play with it, especially when you're, when you're early on, you're trying to figure out what resonates with you. I understand like, you know, my personal blog is about everything from feminist literature to foods and recipes. Right? So not all your content will be hyper monetizable, which is fine. You know, there's, there's some industries that are way more commercial that give you opportunities for brand sponsorships or partnership deals or content reuse rights to go into those things. monetizable so that you can make those pitches early in advance, but don't lose your joy. You know, I w I would say, yes, everyone needs to niche down, but if you really enjoy writing about something and that's where your passion comes through, and you're going to be motivated to write every day because you're focusing on that passion, then don't give that up because it's not easily monetizable. Maybe you just haven't found your community yet. That's fair. And community is a big part of any sort of blog you build. Any sort of service you're trying to sell as well, right? Even with hostel match as a whole, our focus is very heavy on making sure that the community of travelers are getting the value they deserve, because when you're thinking of budget travelers, they're usually an underserved market because there's not as much like, let's say money involved with providing that personalized service. So I'm, I'm really happy that you touched upon the community side of it as well. In terms of kind of understanding more about how to integrate communities with the blogs that you have, what are some pieces of advice that you have for, let's say, people wanting to start that want to integrate a community but don't necessarily have like a massive following or a community at this moment? There are lots of online networks for content creators and, you know, find one that's local or, or even just in yourself in finding a can reach out and tap int that I joined really rece am blown away by is calle know, monday. Yeah. And yo so many warm welcomes and reach out and support you not your own community th Find people who are adjacent to that community. Don't be afraid to reach out, ask questions, even from a non sales perspective of, Hey, I just want to pick your brain. Hey, I just want to get some feedback. Hey, you're, you're an expert in this thing. You'd be surprised at how many doors people are willing to open for you. If you're open, honest, you show up genuinely and you follow up on what you say you're going to do. And talking about opening doors and what's next in your docket, like you mentioned, you have a personal blog as well. Uh, is there anything in specific that we should be looking out for that you might be coming up with? A project that I'm currently working on right now that I haven't really been releasing much on is I have all of my grandmother's old recipes. Yeah, like 40 years worth of recipes. And she's known for being a cook. She hosted like 50 person dinners all every Christmas, every holiday. Easter was a big thing for her as well. So I'm working on digitizing those recipes, really creating space for them. for, for that nostalgia of, um, she's Italian. So that Italian Canadian community there and, and diving into why those recipes develop the way they are. Cause if you think about here in Canada with such a multicultural experience, sometimes the ingredients you don't use it at home aren't available here. And so you look at that adaptation and that history of food. I'm, I'm really loving that sense of community that's built around bringing people to the table. Well, I absolutely love this thought process and idea because I don't know if I've told you, I used to sculpt for India back in the day and being an artist myself, I really love when you take parts of history and you kind of modernize it. So what you're doing with your grandmother's recipe, which is very traditional in its own way with her little twist on it, but then you're modernizing it and digitizing it for everyone else's. using for for people to know who she wasn't paying homage to. That is really sweet. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, I think that there's so much inspiration. Like it goes again back to that inspiration source. If you don't have a project that really like lights a fire in you, you're not going to be motivated to work on some of the like more menial tasks you need to do to just keep the income going. That's fair. And in terms of, uh, Next for TBDC or beehive, any special projects that you can talk about that is not confidential. Um, we're going through a big, big revamp on some of our programming. So stay tuned for that information. I can't say any more than that at the moment. That's fair. Yeah, no, that's right. But generally wanted to for your time, for giving us information about different aspects of blogging, of content creation, of standing, how So you can do things for fun because everything in today's day and age is turned into how do you monetize X? How do you monetize? What's your side hustle? People are like, Oh, I have 17 side hustles. I'm like, I didn't even know you could do 17 side hustles at this point, right? What happened to hobbies? Exactly. So it's, it's really nice to have someone like you just, you know, talking about doing it for fun as well. Also like making sure you monetize it, but like doing certain things for fun, paying homage to the people that really matter in your life. So. So thank you so much for sharing that story with us about how to build up your personal brand, the blog and carry forward as a digital nomad. Yeah, happy to be here. Thanks so much for having me. Thank you so much. We appreciate the time. Thank you.

Episode 3 of the Globe & Grind Podcast ! This week's episode has a very special guest - Nivit Kochhar or popularly known as @nivtravels on Instagram. Nivit started living as a Digital Nomad right after Covid and now runs a design agency as a Digital Nomad. He is living the life a lot of us aspire to live, creating content, moving countries and exploring the world. He is also one of the few people that I know that followed the  @RemoteYear    concept of 12 countries in 12 months on his own and continues to explore the world building his business. He truly exemplifies what the life of a Digital nomad is. If you are wanting to embark on this journey or are planning on living as a Nomad, give this episode a listen. Video Sponsor:  @hostelmatch    Hostelmatch is a hostel aggregator platform that helps backpackers with hostel search allowing them to find the best hostels around the world based on their specifications. #digitalnomad #nomad #remotework #remote #explore #canada #exploretheworld #backpackerlife #travelsolo #travelalone  Timestamps: Introduction: 0:00 - 1:00 Becoming a Digital Nomad & Travelling 12 countries in 12 months: 01:01 - 05:14 What made Nivit Solo Travel : 05:15 - 08:09 Solo Travel Experiences: 08:10 - 13:33 Stability while travelling: 13:34 - 15:32 Entrepreneur Lifestyle: 15:33 - 17:47 Underrated Countries: 17:48 - 18:58 Travel Decision making: 18:59 - 21:07 Panama: 21:08 - 22:53 Hostelmatch - Book the best hostels : 22:53 - 23: 33 Advice for first time Nomads: 23:34 - 26:37 Being out of your comfort Zone: 26:38 - 29:02 Conclusion: 29:03 - 30:19

In this episode, Mustafa Ansari speaks with ‪@AbhijitKejriwal‬ Founder of ‪@hostelmatch‬   regarding how he build his instagram channel - ‪@withextrafries9042‬   on instagram and his strategies for brand partnerships to get deals in Canada. He dives deeper into how he managed to convince some big players to give him brand deals and his first mover advantage in the market. Mustafa has built impressive brand partnerships for his social channels by implementing a blend of strategic approaches and a deep understanding of brand value alignment. His journey to successful collaborations has been defined by a clear strategy, including careful audience analysis, content quality emphasis, brand alignment, and consistent engagement. First, Mustafa emphasizes knowing his audience intimately. By understanding their interests, behaviors, and needs, he’s able to align with brands that resonate with his followers, which enhances trust and authenticity. This connection is critical as it ensures that any brand collaboration feels genuine and beneficial to his community, making his audience more receptive to sponsored content. To further attract brands, Mustafa invests in high-quality content. His visual appeal and storytelling skills are consistent across his channels, making his posts not only engaging but also professional. Brands appreciate creators who can produce high-quality, on-brand content that represents their values and messaging, so his commitment to quality has helped him stand out in a crowded field. An important part of his strategy is brand alignment. Mustafa only partners with brands that align with his personal values and those of his audience. This strategy strengthens his credibility, as his followers can see that he chooses partnerships selectively and doesn’t promote products indiscriminately. As a result, brands are drawn to him, knowing he has an authentic approach to brand collaborations. Mustafa also focuses on relationship building with brands rather than one-off deals. He engages with brands through personalized pitches, showcasing how their values align with his and proposing long-term collaborations. This approach not only helps him secure partnerships but also creates opportunities for lasting relationships that are mutually beneficial. Furthermore, Mustafa engages actively with his followers to maintain a strong, interactive community. He answers questions, engages in comments, and seeks feedback on his sponsored content. This engagement boosts his content’s reach, making it more attractive for brands looking to leverage influencer networks. To amplify his visibility, Mustafa leverages cross-platform strategies. By sharing content across multiple channels, he reaches a wider audience, which increases his attractiveness to brands looking for influencers with broad reach. His cross-platform presence also allows him to showcase various types of content—stories, posts, videos, and live streams—demonstrating versatility and expanding the range of potential brand collaborations. Finally, Mustafa’s success with brand partnerships comes from a data-driven approach. He regularly analyzes his engagement metrics, reach, and audience demographics to optimize his content and adjust his strategies. By providing brands with performance metrics, he demonstrates his value as a partner who can deliver results, making his collaborations more appealing to companies focused on measurable returns. In summary, Mustafa’s success in building brand partnerships comes down to knowing his audience, producing quality content, aligning with suitable brands, fostering long-term relationships, engaging with followers, leveraging multiple platforms, and being data-driven. This combination of strategies has allowed him to build a reputable, influential presence on social media, making him a sought-after partner for brands. His approach highlights the importance of authenticity, quality, and adaptability in creating a sustainable and impactful influencer career. It was a pleasure speaking with Mustafa. Hostelmatch is a hostel aggregator that helps backpackers find the best hostels based on their preferences at the cheapest prices by allowing backpackers to compare prices between different booking providers. https://www.hostelmatch.com/ #BrandPartnerships #ContentCreators #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorTips #MonetizeYourContent #SocialMediaGrowth #ContentStrategy #BrandDeals #MustafaAnsari #DigitalMarketing FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram: hostelmatch   Tik Tok: hostelmatch   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php ?... Twitter: https://x.com/hostelmatch

Episode 2 - Globe and Grind Podcast How to find your soulmate / partner when you are travelling? In this episode, Els Philipp - Remijnse - Founder of With Sam talks  @AbhijitKejriwal     - Founder of  @hostelmatch    through her company and how she went travelling across New Zealand living the van life. She dives deeper into her adventures and how she ended up meeting her husband / partner during her trip. If you are curious about whether or not you can find true love when you travel - the answer is YES! Hostelmatch is a hostel aggregator that helps backpackers find the best hostels based on their preferences at the cheapest prices by allowing backpackers to compare prices between different booking providers. #travel #travelpartner #coupletravellers #hostel #hostellife Give this podcast a listen: Transcript: It's really a pleasure to introduce Els to you uh I met Els through Linkedin and I thought she had a really cool travel background and story as well so um yeah I just wanted to welcome her onto the show she has uh a company called sam. we will dive a little bit deeper into it as well so um yeah thank you so much El for taking time to chat with us we really excited to have you on our on our podcast yeah welcome always to help early St startups let go no that that's awesome so uh just wanted to learn a little bit more about you because I was taking a look at your background as well you know you've uh had a very interesting transition into now currently helping startups so what does your professional Journey kind of looked like you know of transitioning from a corporate role to coming to the space right now yeah it's um I I came from a farm uh which was very Innovative so compared to other Farms they did everything new and that was something that I loved uh the ation and I always said I want to have my own company and that's what I always try to pursue somehow so it wasn't really an accident being a startup founder or being in stups but I learned a traditional way in my education and part by part I learned Parts about sales about it and then uh learned in the meantime a lot about that you can actually do it differently instead of writing business plans you can just bit by bit figuring things out until you're started works and that was for me like the light bulb moment where I was like wow why didn't I know this and I want to know everything about it so I got obsessed with that in 2016 and became a rabbit hole so instead of building a startup I just wanted to learn more and more so um yeah since then I did that and so I I ran into Consulting where I was more corporate um and for three years I ran some really cool projects and then I thought okay the only thing missing now is the environment impact or like doing good for the world basically because it was great what we were building just not that added value to the world I felt so uh that was for me okay with AI it's now finally possible to bring these best practices to people who are sitting on their attics with their best ideas ever trying to figure things out and meanwhile I'm for way too much money at other companies helping them doing those steps and I felt like okay I want to be at those like um at the ones who are really doing uh groundbreaking stuff so uh yeah I decided to figure out how I can help those early State startups and line up with with Sam oh that that's really cool honestly and I was taking a look at your platform right before this call as well and uh a lot of it is also personally helpful to me as well and I'm sure I'm going to interact with the platform more as well as we proceed further with it our video sponsor for today is hosle match hostle match is a hostel aggregator platform that helps Backpackers find the best hostels across the world based on the vibe of the hostel all you need to do is go to hostel match.com select the country you're going to and the city you want to travel to select the kind of traveler you are so if you're traveling alone select Solo Traveler and the vibe that you're going for and input the dates and their Matchmaker feature will match you to the hosts that match your preferences and then you can dive deeper into details about the hostel like the activities that are offered by the hostel get high res solution pictures and also compare prices between different booking providers uh so that's very interesting one of the areas that I wanted to talk about was you touched upon you know your husband and you were looking into kind of the research behind it and I know the story about how you met your husband as well but uh i' I'd love to jump a little bit deeper into U you know maybe some of your travel experiences of how you went out traveling you mentioned that you did a 40 day trip uh as as a solo travel trip or like I believe you went with a friend so would love to learn a little bit more about like what that experience was like how you kind of ventured into the traveling side of things as well uh that was really my first trip so I feel really old because this is more than 11 years ago so uh yeah so that was a moment that uh I thought like I never did this and I feel like it's an opportunity I live on my own and so I wanted to travel and New Zealand people always said like it's the world in small and yeah I wanted to get away and I thought like okay that that seems a away right so um yeah I I knew some hotpots where I wanted to go and I had like one to two months so I thought okay I'll go around that and I had a friend who wanted to do Australia first in the New Zealand but I had a really great job actually and I was like I don't want to stay long that long away so right I I just wanted a trip that was kind of the idea and um and so I yeah I decided to go two weeks for myself to New Zealand she was for two months in Australia and then on the Northern Island I went and then together we met up on the southern island and did with a camp so I really went two weeks on my own which I first thought like ah it's just two weeks but when the airplane landed I like got scared like what am I doing I don't even know where I have to go and it was all like stress full on uh and uh and I loved it way more than I expected so really like at the end of the 14 days I thought like how am I going to tell my friend that I kind of don't want to travel with her anymore like I really like you but I loved it it was really uh yeah it was so much fun to meet locals other Travelers and was also like I was super budget the way I did it it was kind of sketchy also sometimes but yeah I I really love those EXP experiences and I was like you don't do this in your hometown even but when you're there you're so open and New Zealand is the best place ever to to do something like that I remember on the first day having my map open like proper tourist and somebody walking up to me asking like where are you going and I was like what do you want from me and he was just like I'm living here and trying to H out and from that moment on I was like wow okay this like you are you genuine like you just wanted to help me because she saw me looking at a map so New Zealand is like it's it's it's really safe it's really really nice and beautiful beautiful place to travel no that's awesome and like what prompted you to kind of go on that trip you know cuz New Zealand is uh in one corner of the world so if you're making a trip down there like it really is like you got to have some conviction to really go out in New Zealand yeah I think it was really the the scenery so I I've seen nice mountains mostly went to France and I wanted to do something completely different and it was just something that I heard of it wasn't like I had that or Alaska that was like my two places W like two very opposite sides of the world and my parents were like maybe not go on your own to Alaska with the bar and everything so I was like okay yeah I guess it this is more safe um so uh yeah and it wasn't really I met a lot of people who were like soul searching didn't know what I wanted in life and I was like I really want to get back to work I love it here I so I I had a different mindset I guess to really have like an awesome holiday instead of learning a lot about myself but in the end I did it was just not my goal beforehand right right no that absolutely makes sense and you know you also touched about or upon the camper van lifestyle what was that experience like cuz a lot of us in today's day and age like a lot of us do budget traveling but we live in hosts like a lot of us haven't experienced that camper van lifestyle so we'd love to learn more about like what that was like and how that kind of AED the entire trip around it camper van is like that sounds nice and it was actually more like a station car with a bat in the back um I went with my friends were're from the Netherlands so she's quite tall and we decided after two days that we're going to sleep head to toe because it didn't fit with our shoulders next to each other so I was really like yeah that kind of idea uh but yeah it was really really nice I actually did it once more for two months with my husband in uh the USA so there we did also a tw- Monon trip so yeah I I really love it it's it's nice to have your house with you so you can like stop anywhere start anywhere and those are places where you can also you don't need a camping so it to totally changes um your itinerary like it's getting late it's getting dark you're like okay maybe we have food here we drive another 50 kilometers and then we stop it feels more free and you can yeah stay wherever you want basically there are a lot of spots but still it takes some organizing like you need to have those spots are on a certain location and then it's the middle of the night like is it this road or that one so you always still have those like cringe moments and you're like what are we doing like is it in front of the cactus or Afters like I don't know I don't know where we are so yeah it's uh but it's it felt more it felt really free that you don't have to book up you go there's no inche there's no out check it's just there's no play so yeah I really I really liked it it's just you do a lot of driving so even a month in New Zealand was a lot of driving so when people go shorter than that I'm really thinking like oh no you should you should get out of the car that's kind of the point of being in a beautiful country like that so yeah so that's I think the disadvantage that uh with when you're backpacking you take the bus which is already like you're meeting other people or you sleep somewhere you're meeting other people and with your camper you're really on your own so we both had like solo travels and then we got together in the camper van and after a few days we said like we need other people I'm sorry but like other people than you because New Zealand there are not many people and then once you're on a camp camper Fang ground everyone's still in their own place so those were things that we missed like uh having that community and just as soon as there were people were like okay we're going to ask them if we can sit with them to eat just like yeah see a bit of other faces again so it's always Advantage disadvantages I guess no that makes sense and then you also mentioned you went with your husband to the US and us being such a big country I'm sure like that was even more kind of heightened in that experience because you're just going from one place to the other long distances between cities as well so I completely get your point uh coming back to my initial statement I'd made like you know you said that you met your partner uh through one of your trips so would love to dive a little bit deeper into that story and just understand how did that happened and how has kind of travel in a way you know LED you to finding uh the true love of your life when I actually when I left uh I remember my my boss saying as a as a joke like I don't meet anyone there it's so far away like what would you want to do right so uh I was like no no why would I um but uh yeah apparently uh after a few days traveling I ended up in in a hostel and then there were other people so I saw them but yeah was unpacking and stuff and then uh I was just walking around in a park and I saw people two people having really a lot of fun uh and I thought okay those people are I think from my hostel so I was like hey you guys are staying in the same house as me right and that's how we kind of got up talking and just had a really nice afternoon and it's so easy right like that's the what the first connection is just like we're in the same place which like everyone has their own room but somehow you yeah you're connected you both know that you don't live there you have maybe some similar experience uh and he was actually he's German uh and he work in travel he did that a lot in Australia for half a year and then he was there um so I was like a nice guy so I asked him uh yeah when do you go back to Germany was like Germany never like oh okay but Europe I don't know yet like oh okay at first Thailand and then I see and I thought like oh man why like why do you like a guy like this so it was a it wasn't like love at first side it was really like okay that's not a match at all um but we had really like nice talks and everything and uh in the last evening when we sat together with four people I asked like should we all exchange phone number and one girl like the two of you or you also won mine so I I didn't dare to also I got everyone's number but you only messaged the one for I only want one yeah so uh so that was kind of nice but it was still like okay are you going to keep up you never know right if you're going to be texting you're also on a trip and you don't have see why anym but um I left um my Bible so I don't know if you know it but the only plan is of New Zealand and and in it was 2012 so you you couldn't do anything without your Lonely Planet it says everything like how you travel where you sleep like where you should eat it's it's just everything and it was the only thing I had a smartphone I think but it was like so I I lost it there so I left it my parents say by not by accident but yes I left it by accident because I was calling in the night and then I and then uh my name is in it and my phone number so uh my now husband found it and said hey it's yours show I ship it to you which was funny because every day I was somewhere else so he was trying to locate like what my next move would be and if I could if he could ship it there and every time we were in contact I was like oh no that's not handy I just went past there and I don't know if I go there anymore so we kept in touch because he tried to like ship it to me so it was our reason to stay in touch uh which worked really well well because we kept on catching up like oh so you're now what are you doing so uh yeah that was really fun and in the end he shifted I found it and yeah we had a good reason to to keep on talking uh and then uh he kept on traveling I went back to work and for almost a year it was like a ping every once in three months like how are you where are you uh and then he moved back to Switzerland and thought like okay I'm going to leave for a while so I thought oh Switzerland that's closer it's it's not close it's closer but it's not close so um yeah from that point on we uh we dated he was one day in Amsterdam uh where we met up with other friends and then I went a week to his house which was our date two which was quite of like I needed a break and uh he wasn't a really nice guy so I thought why not it was always fun so uh yeah at the end of the trip it was still like nice and yeah from there on it started growing and yeah I thought uh oh I'm I'm maybe in love and now he's like I don't know it was uh 12 hours by train so wow then we started long distancing for for almost two years uh from Switzerland to the Netherlands so it still did a lot of traveling he went back here and we did some really nice trips and when I was there of course as well so it sparked a lot of uh Adventures not living next door no that's actually such an interesting story to me and uh I don't know if I've told you this before but my brother and his wife also met at a hostel while they were traveling in New York so when um you kind of mentioned the story it really hit home with me because in my head it was like a full circle you know like my brother seen it and now you were mentioning that you you met your husband and this entire experience of just traveling trying to like understand who you are but you know once you start to do that you also unravel things that you know you like in other people that you want in a long-term partner and I'm so happy to hear that you found that and despite these long distance uh train rides and relationships that you know you kind of kept on having for a little bit like it it really worked out so it's fantastic to hear that you're so open-minded when you're traveling right you're there to and you're curious about people they're curious about you and that makes it also that you're so interested I think when I wrote down what I wanted in a husband I think there are not many things he takes because I wanted somebody who's like me I thought and he's nothing like me which is way better so that's also like you know you're you're more receptive to whatever is new and I think when you're maybe in your home place or doing your job it that can be super disruptive to to have some somebody who's thinking completely different or having other hobbies and there it was like wow I never thought of doing that yeah let's let's do that why not you know so it's it's uh sparking really a lot and I think in the end for us it really works to counterbalance each other when you when you're so different so right I'm I'm super rational I'm very disciplined and he is way more grounded and way more in touch with his feelings which is good to instead of like push but I head up look around it's like oh yeah right okay we're here now yeah you're you're right so uh yeah it's it's uh it's really nice and I think that that helps to have that travel mindset and to right be open yeah no that's absolutely right and so many things that you mentioned Echo so much with me because uh even for myself like I was a huge introvert back in the day so I started traveling to kind of get out of my comfort zone and that I think has really helped me shape myself into just being open about things like you know experiences life things that happen like you start to seek discomfort which is again uh something that yes theory if you're familiar with them I'm I'm a huge fan of yes Theory um so they kind of embrace as well so I I completely get your point in in regards to that so in today's day and age like another segue into what I wanted to kind of ask you was in today's day and age obviously like dating is very different from what it was uh some time back right and even when you meet people at hostels it's not as easy to like you know Blossom it into a long-term relationship so is there any advice that you might have for people who you know are going in with the right intentions of finding the right partner how how should you approach this should you just let it go naturally or like you know you leave a book behind with your name and phone number on it not your lonely plan at least something else yeah um no yeah I think um I think it's personal to everyone I really don't like those undefined relationships which already like 11 years ago was also a thing right like no we're not in a relationship we're just hanging out I hate that I like I'm I'm full in or I'm not kind of so uh that was for me like from the beginning when we we're like okay we want to see each other we want to see each other again and I like okay are we together or not like what are we and he was like we already are like oh really like what dat since when so like a key point you forgot to ask me exactly so one and a half month later I heard that we were in a relationship for a while so yeah but for me that's really important like I I really don't understand why you want to play around why would you want to have other people next to it when you just found somebody who's awesome so um yeah I think that's for me something that I would say like that works for me just be super open about it like I'm I was ready for a relationship but it didn't have to be so there was no pressure I didn't feel like when I would be 30 I would feel like oh kind of want to have my family and then I was 23 and I thought like it's fun I like you so let's see where it goes but I also want to be like serious if you're like I don't know then this is not right then I I go to somewhere else so that's for me important and I think when we decided like okay we want to get to know each other it's kind of weird but this long distance was really healthy for a relationship because instead of doing fun stuff which is usually one of my long Love Languages the only thing we had was talking so you learned so much about each other because you just sit in front of your screen and ask each other question like how do you do that how did your family how do you bring that up where did you live like and I think when he would sit next to me it's so much easier to grab a movie do something fun go to the beach I don't know you know so I really noticed like we got to know each other on such deep level um that we also knew better like what kind of a relationship we were in so that made it way more serious somehow instead despite the fact that we're so far apart because yeah the only thing you have is talking so I think that's that was for me weirdly like something really interesting and I think the other thing is that the bar gets set so high on what your partner should all be and I if you hold that against me I also would feel like super insecure so I think that's a really strange thing that we all do and then yeah in the beginning I felt like oh he's super nice and blonde blue eyes is always what I felt for I was totally him uh but then you also discover after a while like things that that don't match that well with you but that's not reason to break up and then you notice like is if those were the first three things he would have said on date one we wouldn't be here which is kind of weird because it's just an order thing right it's just corre life is everyone super complex some you will like about them and some less so it should be more about are we how what do you find important in life and do we feel like we can do fun things together similarities learn from each other do you make me better like stuff like that so I think that's also kind of weird that in advance you would your bar is totally different you feel like you're looking for something else I think if I would have written my dating profile he wouldn't even come by you know so it's like he wouldn't match to me and I wouldn't matched to him but somehow yeah it works so that that makes it somehow I think also complex but yeah I would say don't give up too quickly like oh that's one thing like okay that music you like I never so bye and yeah that's that's just not fair to hold somebody that they have to like and love everything that you do it's just about being respectful to each other and understanding and being curious absolutely and I think you've hit the nail in its head because sometimes the universe does things in such a unique way and you don't expect it but when it happens it just it's such a beautiful story that's kind of tied in together at the end of the day and then things just start to make sense when they start to make sense so I I completely understand understand what you're trying to kind of say about that as well right and in terms of uh an interesting question I had as well was what is kind of your next travel destination of choice is it still going to be backpacking or are you past your backpacking days and you're just like that is something that is gone so uh actually tomorrow evening we go uh yeah we go with sleep train to Austria um wow yeah different traveling now so uh we have a daughter two year old uh she likes to walk but one kilometer is far enough so it's a different kind of travel but we're still like making ourselves ready to go hiking so you just adapt but still do the same thing so that's something that we we really love doing so we have a hiking backpack where the kid can go like on the top that is beautiful and she loves it she's already like crawling in she wants to go to uh kindergarten uh in this thing and so she's obsessed already with it so we hope that she loves the mountains as well so uh yeah no not hosels no it's a you need your family space and way too many variables with the kids when she was younger even more so so yeah have we left it behind I think differently like bunk beds we still do but then it's like the Hut to Hut Walks Like You know those Mountain things the the family ones um yeah that doesn't really matter so uh I think now with the girl she's still a bit young but we're thinking maybe next trip or later to to do that and then we're totally okay with like being in bunk bags with 20 other people in the same room like that's still fine because you really like hike mountain peaks and uh yeah so that's something that we still want to do but I think hostal are kind of gone for us I don't think that's super nice with a family uh I don't know it's just you you need more time with each other and you meet other people through her now so she's playing out or other kids and yeah that's we're now the parents so no that that completely makes sense I'm actually going to Panama next week and I'm going with my niece she is four years old so I'm so excited about that it's going to be one interesting trip so I I kind of understand somewhat of uh of what you're talking about so that's that's really cool I think uh it's it's a really interesting life story that you've had you know like starting your company now uh and then finding your partner and now having a daughter with your partner based on the Travel experiences that you've done so just wanted to kind of thank you for personally sharing it with me sharing it with everyone else that would be listening on this podcast as well and uh overall it was it was a pleasure having you uh on on the podcast and for any of those online who are looking to start a startup please do look at sam. a uh it's a fantastic oh sorry with sam. yeah with sam. a so uh it's a fantastic platform uh for anyone who wants any sort of help building a startup or reach out to else directly I'm sure um she'd be she'd be happy to kind of take you through the platform and like show you around as well so um yeah I just wanted to thank you personally for your time as well as a lot more people in hostels I always try to push people say like you should go at least once you know even if you hate it then you know you hate it but most people come back and say like oh wow that was like the most awesome thing even recently my old colleague came back to me and said like I did it I did it I went to I don't know somewhere in Asia and he loved it so uh yeah I think it's an experience that you you can't miss out of so happy to be uh be part of uh of your startups journey and uh yeah hope that you can get a lot more people enthusiastic about this way traveling oh thank you so much El and we appreciate our time heavily appreciate everything thank you thank you hope you have a good day bye bye

In this podcast  @AbhijitKejriwal   - the founder of  @hostelmatch   interviewed  @MariellenWard   - the founder of BreathedreamGo and India for Beginners on how she monetized her travel content. Mariellen was one of the first female bloggers who started travel blogging in 2005. After many iterations with her business model and creating a brand that revolves around safety for women and providing the best tour experience for travellers coming to India, Mariellen shares how #contentcreators often forget the end goal for creating content. Listen to this podcast on Youtube. About Mariellen: Canadian travel writer and blogger Mariellen Ward runs the award-winning travel site  Breathedreamgo.com , inspired by her extensive travels in India. She has been travel blogging since 2005, has been published in leading media outlets worldwide, can be found just about everywhere online as Breathedreamgo, and offers custom tours to India through her company India for Beginners. In 2019, Mariellen received a National Tourism Award for Best Foreign Travel Journalist & Blogger from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India . In 2022, Breathedreamgo was recommended by the Lonely Planet Guide to India (page 1193) as a go-to site for female travellers to India. Though Canadian by birth, Mariellen considers India to be her "soul culture” and she is passionate about encouraging mindful travel. With her travel blog, Breathedreamgo , and her custom travel company, India for Beginners, she tries to encourage and help other female travellers. About Hostelmatch: Hostelmatch is a hostel aggregator platform that helps backpackers find the best hostels based on their preferences: SO if you are a female solo traveler looking to find safe and women only hostels, we help you find hostels that match your search criteria. Learn more about hostelmatch Sponsors for the event:  @hostelmatch     @YesTheory   Toronto,  @tbdc3048    #contentcreator #toronto #youtubers #travel #travelinfluencer #travelvlog Transcript: Wanted to start by firstly thanking Mary Ellen. She is taking time out to chat with us. It's, it's an honor to have her at the event with us. Uh, we'll dive more into, uh, what she's done for the community as well. And then if you have questions at the end, we leave some time. For you to ask her questions our video sponsor for today is hostel match hostel match is a hostel aggregator platform that helps Backpackers find the best hostels across the world based on the vibe of the hostel All you need to do is go to hostel match. com select the country you're going to and the city you want to travel to Select the kind of country Traveler you are. So if you're traveling alone, select solo traveler and the vibe that you're going for and input the dates and their matchmaker feature will match you to the hostels that match your preferences. And then you can dive deeper into details about the hostel, like the activities that are offered by the hostel, get high resolution pictures, and also compare prices between different booking providers. Did I introduce Mary Ellen to everyone? I had the pleasure of meeting her at the collision conference and we connected instantly like. Her mindset is so positive. You get to kind of learn more about it through this experience. And I'm very grateful for that. So Mary Ellen is actually a Canadian traveler and blogger. She's the, uh, she has an award winning travel site called read dream go, and it's inspired by her extensive travels that she's done in India. She's been travel blogging since 2005. Travel blogging probably at that time wasn't even a thing. So it wasn't, uh, did not exist. Exactly. So she is the OG of the OGs of travel blogging, when you think about it. And she does custom tours through a company called India for Beginners that we're going to dive a little bit deeper into as we proceed from here. In 2019, Mary Ellen received a National Tourism Award for the best foreign travel journalist and blogger from the ministry of India, the government of India. And in 2022, Breed Dream Go was recommended by the Lonely Planet, which for any traveler out there, it's one of the biggest travel sites. So being recognized, it is the Bible. So if you're recommended by them, you are doing something really right. Right. So as a, the go to female traveler site for India, So even though she's Canadian by birth, she resonates very heavily with India and with her travel blog and a custom travel company, she tries to encourage a lot of the other female travelers to go about traveling safely around the world and especially in India. So welcome Mary Ellen to this conversation. Really excited to have you here. Yeah. Thank you very much. And, um, I really appreciate that you said I have positive energy because I was very attracted to your positive energy. So there you go. Thank you so much. Like really appreciate the kind word as well. So wanted to jump right in. So you're known for your famous travel site, breathe, dream, go. Can you tell us a little bit about how you started creating content back in 2005 and what kind of led you to building that site up? And the second part of that question is. How did he end up creating India for Big Nodes? Okay, well this is a big question and it's a long story, but I will try to make it short. Um, about 20 years ago, I was at a point in my life where, um, I was actually at a very low point in my life. Um, and if anybody wants to know more personally, I'm happy to talk about it. But just suffice to say, sometimes in our lives we do hit a very low point. And that's where I was 20 years ago, and I was looking around for some way to get out of that depression and rut. And I was actually, got very actively involved in yoga, and yoga led me to, um, do yoga teacher training, which led me to meeting a teacher from India who had a very profound effect on me. And I suddenly got this kind of, um, compulsion, you might say, to go to India. Like I felt a kind of a calling, a longing. It's very hard to put this into words. I've tried. I've written about it a lot. But it's not an easy thing to explain, but when you, when you feel that kind of really strong voice inside you, um, if it's ever happened to you or if it ever does happen to you, you will know. And it's powerful. And my, my personal feeling is if, if it does happen, you really need to listen to it. Um, and I did. I was nervous. It took me 11 months to pack and save. In December, 2005, I took off for India and it was a six month trip. So I, I had a, I had a return ticket six months later in June, 2006, and I had no idea what was gonna happen. It was literally like throwing myself off a cliff. Um, and I have to say that the blogging was kind of an afterthought and I can't even really remember. It was literally 19 years ago this month, I got the idea as I was preparing to leave. I got, I thought, oh, I should do a travel blog, and I had no idea where that came from, because it wasn't a thing back then, it just really wasn't. Um, but, you know, I do have a background, um, in writing, I have a degree in journalism, and I worked in, um, Um, marketing, public relations, journalism, like I already was a writer, but I was writing mostly, you know, copywriting, like financial newsletters, nothing, you know, from the heart, nothing creative, but anyway, somehow I got this idea to do a travel blog, and at the time, stand alone travel blogs didn't exist, so I just took out a page on a shared site called travelblog. org, which still exists, by the way. And I just started blogging very casually, um, on my first trip. I traveled for six months across India. I had an absolutely amazing time. It was literally one of those cliché, life changing in every way experiences. And I, I blogged religiously twice a week. Twice a week I would publish a blog about my travels. And it started very, very casually, um, to be honest. And, um, but I just, I, I just, It was just such a peak experience. I fell in love with traveling. I fell in love with vlogging. I fell in love with India. And I just was like, okay, I need these three things in my life. How can I make that happen? And, and, and it's, believe me, extremely counterintuitive. In 2005, in 2006, to think that you could be a blogger. I mean, it's just, it didn't exist. You know, the general age in this room is pretty young, so you may not even remember that, you know, back then there was no social media. Internet was still, people using the internet on a daily basis was still fairly new. Right? Yeah. Um, so, you can't even imagine, the big leap of faith to travel for six months in India, and the big leap of faith to say I'm going to be a blogger, these were like, way bigger then than they are now, and, but I still maintain, like, if you really feel something is calling you, no matter how illogical or counterintuitive it is, I really do think you should explore it. So, I want to get that message really strongly. Um, and I'm happy to personally encourage anybody who feels they need a little bit of, a little bit of extra encouragement and maybe there's something brewing that you don't, haven't told anybody. I will be your person, you know, to listen to you because all I can tell you is everything I've done has been illogical and it didn't make any sense but somehow it all worked out. And it's because honestly I'm a heart centered person and I lead with my heart and if my heart tells me to do something, I do it. And, uh, you know, that's absolutely fantastic. And, you know, taking that leap of faith for six months in India, it's not an easy thing, especially with Western media where India's portrayed in very bad light, when in reality having been someone who's from India, it's not the case. Like you have the goods, you have the bads, like you have in every, every other country that you can think of. But one of the questions that came to me was as a solo female traveler, travelers often have a lot of concerns around safety in general. So what advice do you have for female travelers who want to travel solo, take that first trip or, you know, even take that trip, especially to a country like India, where the Western media has completely butchered the image of India in terms of safety. Yeah, that's a, we talked about this earlier. That's a, um, a real soft point with me. Um, I'm very upset about the Western media and the way they portray India. I've traveled solo in India for a total of nine years. And I've met with almost nothing but, uh, friendship, warmth, help. I've met the most wonderful people. Um, I, I, I mean, I have such a cognitive dissonance between my experience on the ground in India and what I see in the Western media. It just doesn't even make any sense. So I'm in a lot of travel groups and a lot of travel forums where women are afraid to go to India, um, because of all this negative messaging. And it's, it's, it's a big, um, it's a big dilemma for me, like to find the right, the to tell you, um, yes, women do need to be cautious. They need to use their common sense, um, do their research. I'm a big believer. in doing research on your destination, and that includes India, um, and using cautions and common sense. But all women already know that. They already know they need to do that. The only difference is you're in a completely foreign place with foreign rules and foreign etiquette and you don't know the lay of the land. And so you're kind of maybe at a more, um, uh, you might say vulnerable place because of that. Um, but otherwise I don't, I don't personally think. India is more unsafe than most other countries. I don't even know where, where those ideas come from. So I have, you know, I have to say that. I mean, I, I basically, I feel like India saved my life and, uh, I had such an amazing time. I was having such an amazing time there. Um, but you know, um, but I also have to be responsible and tell women, yeah, you, you know, you do have to do your research and you do. You need to be aware of where you're going and there's certain things you need to learn. That's true. That is all true as well. That's why I started my company Indie for Beginners. So I have a custom tour company that I started where we help women. Not just women, but we help people travel safely and well in India. And our tagline is, we hold your hand in India. Like, we'll just give you that little bit of extra help, just to, just to make it easier. And it's not because India's unsafe, it's because India's overwhelming. And there's, I'm sorry to say, there is one negative thing I have to say about India, which is that, There's a lot of, um, con men and scammers and, you know, people who are, will try to charm you out of your money. And, uh, so, um, when you travel with a company like mine, you're really protected from most of those people. No, that absolutely makes sense. And the need for something like this is very evident, especially in the Western market. So when you look at content creation, you know, you've built two successful companies. Based on creating content, you know, you've turned that into a business 19 years in content creation a lot of us out here Are either aspiring content creators. A lot of us are already creating content. Uh, What is your advice generally for someone who is trying to kind of dabble into content creation? What should be the intention that someone should have when they're kind of going into it? Okay. Well, the first thing I want to say is that i'm not I'm not We did invite some bloggers to come, and I don't know if they came or not, but, um, but there's a lot of people in the entrepreneurial community here, so I think that you can take what I'm about to say and apply it to content marketing. So even if you're not seeing yourself as somebody putting themselves out there as a blogger or an influencer or something, whatever business you're going to do, Um, you're probably going to do some content marketing, and if you're not, then I'm going to encourage you to do content marketing, because I, I can tell you from personal experience, it's an extremely powerful method of marketing. I don't, I would love to, I, I mean, I, I don't know what would be more powerful than content marketing, personally. I can't think of what would be more powerful. Um, so I just want to preface my remarks by saying you can take what I'm about to say and apply it to content marketing. I think that's. Can be more applicable for a lot of people. No, absolutely agreed with that. And even if you look at the travel industry in general, when you see UGC content, that's something that's really picking up a lot of companies are going towards these micro influencers that do a lot of content on their own, that's really resonating with target audiences. So completely valid point now coming back to, uh, the point on, you know, really monetizing your content. We had a brief discussion about. You know how you went about your business, but I'd love to share. Uh, I'd love for you to show you what a failure No, but you're succeeding now. So it's it's all about what the end goal is and how you get there. So in in terms of Monetizing your content. What do you think has worked for you in the past in regards to turning your content into actual money? Yeah, and like what strategies or advice would you give to some of the people in this room? That would really help them go right and do that So I think that's, that's the key. That's the key point there is just that, um, when I'm about to say applies to businesses as well as content creators, I think, correct. Um, and I wasn't kidding about failing. Uh, yes, I failed. I failed. I failed. I tried a lot of things. I failed a lot. I'm the first person to admit it. Um, and I think there's a famous quote by Thomas Edison who said, it's okay. If you fail 99 times, you just have to succeed the a hundred times. So I, I'm that person, you know, I'm the, during, during the early days of blogging, no one was making any money, me neither, I was struggling, and I did see some of my blogger friends, um, soar, some of them did really, really well, and in, and I, I struggled for a long time. I saw other people, believe me, start to make a lot of money a long time before I did. And I, like I said, I'm the first to admit it. Um, but I learned a lot because of it. And I think actually the fact that I didn't just become an instant success has taught me more and has made me a more valuable, um, resource in terms of giving, you know, tips or advice than if I had just become instantly successful because, um, I, you know, I had to learn that kind of the hard way you could say. So there's two main things I've learned, which let me have a sip of water and I'll tell you, and again, I've learned these two things. Um, the hard way, and there's a lot of advice out there on the internet, especially for travel content creators, other content creators. There's lots of courses, lots of advice, and my experience is that they tend to focus on the more sexy. more sexy side of things. But I personally think these two extremely boring things are the, are the key, are the most important two things that you, you, you need to learn to, to make a success. Um, and they are business model and branding. And now to an entrepreneur, these things may seem obvious, but to a lot of people in the content creation space, there's a lot of people who are doing content marketing. I don't think, I don't think they are as obvious. And I can tell you again from having many, many years in this space as a content creator, 19 years, um, this is from my own observation, my own experience and my own learning. And, um, so let's talk about business model first. As a content, I can tell you, businesses, if you're an entrepreneur, you're already thinking about your business model. Um, how am I going to make money? And your business model is going to be obvious to you. But to a lot of content creators, believe me, it's not. They, they just think, okay, if I just, I'm going to make a lot of money, and they never really think about the business model. Um, but, um, I think the problem with that is that you may have short term success, that's possible, but I think if you want to have longevity, and again, I'm sitting here as somebody who has been doing this 19 years, and I'm still here doing it, so if you want to have longevity, if you want to sustain, sustainability. Then, then I believe that these two things, business model and brand building are the two most important things. So, um, Why is business model important? Well, business model drives your strategy, right? If you don't know how you're going to make money, then you don't know your strategy for how to make money. Um, and in terms of content creation, I'll just give you an example. Um, a lot of people make money in different ways. So there's no cookie cutter approach to this, by the way. Everybody I know in content creation has a different, um, kind of mix of ways that they make money. But if you don't sit down and think about how you're going to make money and think about your business model and your, your strategy, then it's, it is going to be, um, you may have a feast and famine experience. You may, you may get lucky. You may have a viral video and suddenly get a pay, a page, a payout, right? Right. But again, in terms of longevity, Figuring out, for example, I'll just give you one example. If, if you've decided, like a lot of people who have websites, for instance, myself included, um, if, if you have a certain number of, um, page views per month, you can, page views per month, you can sign up to an ad network. So this is a very common strategy amongst content creators who do websites. And um, so if that, if you, if you decide, okay, that's my business model, I'm going to make money from ad network, then you start to think about your strategy. So if you want to make money from an ad network, then your strategy has to be that you need a lot of traffic. So then when you start thinking about, okay, so my strategy is, I'm going after a traffic, high traffic model. That's going to change a lot of your decisions about the type of content you create, um, and how you're going to do it. For example, you might decide to focus on SEO, search engine optimization, and the high monetized traffic is from the U. S. So you're, you're, you might start looking at, um, trends, SEO trends in the U. S. And that could be part of your strategy. From there, you'll decide on your tactics, because we all know that strategy drives tactics, right? Do we agree on that? Absolutely. Um, not the other way around, which a lot of people make that mistake. So, um, this is just, uh, uh, one of the reasons, well, I mean, this is a big topic, but this is, I just want to give you an overview of why I think this is important. Um, you know, having a business model is so important. And the other thing I mentioned was brand building. Um, so, in my case, and I know you're going to ask me questions about this, in my case, He's, I know he's going to ask me what I think I did well and what I think I didn't do well, what I would change. Thank you for giving it out. Yeah. Yeah. He already told me he's going to ask me this. So I'll just tell you right now. So, so I did one thing really badly and I did one thing really well. So the thing I did really badly was I didn't really have a good sense of what my business model could be or would be or should be. And I experimented a lot, told you I failed a lot, um, and eventually hit on something that did succeed. But, um, I, I did see other bloggers, there's a, in the travel blogging space there's a very well known blogger named Nomadic Matt. I don't know if anybody knows Nomadic Matt. Uh, he's a friend of mine. I've known him, like, we all started at the same time. That guy's an MBA and he thought, right from the beginning, how, about his business model. He's actually been a big inspiration to me because of all the different business models out there. Um, the, what I like about his is that he has, like, he created kind of his own ecosystem. He didn't depend on somebody else. To hire him, for example, like a lot of content creators, they, they want brand deals, they want brands to pay them or, but he, he, he, he just was really smart about it. He created a very high traffic 1 million views a month website. And he made, made his money from his own products and affiliates and things like that. So he had like his own ecosystem and that really inspired me. Um, so that was the thing I didn't do well. I had to figure that out and it took a long time. But the thing I did do well, because I have a background in, um, uh, marketing and communications, um, and this was something that really set me apart back then. And actually even still to this day was that I always had this idea that I needed to be. Um, like the go to person in my niche. I needed to develop a niche and I needed to, um, I needed to, um, become an established niche authority, um, which means that niche, um, is part of, it's not the only thing, but I put it as number one as, um, in terms of brand building, your niche is extremely important. And again, a lot of content creators, I can tell you for sure, never think about niche. Okay. They just travel around or whatever they do, and they, and they don't think about, um, like zeroing in on a niche. And for me it was just, okay, female solo travel in India. I just want to own that niche. That's it. And it can even be something very small. That's pretty big. It can even be something small, but it's just, You know, become the, if you're the go to person in a small niche, you can have more opportunities than being one of a million different people who create content around budget travel. You know, everybody does that. Correct. Correct. So that's a big part of brand building. Um, but let's talk a little bit about what a brand is. It's what you stand for. It's a promise. Um, it's based on niche values, expertise, and your story. Seth Godden, who's a well known marketing guru, said a brand is the set of stories, expectations, memories, and relationships that taken together account for a consumer's decision to choose one service or, or product over another. So it's, it's your identity and it's, it's, um, it's, it's kind of like who you are in the marketplace, you could say. Right, right. And the reason I'm big on branding is because. I think a brand is, has a lot of longevity and I'll, I just want to give you a couple of examples. Um, there's been examples where people build their entire business on a platform. They might build it on Tik Tok or they might build, use SEO to build a website that has a lot of traffic. Well, Tik Tok got banned in India and there was a lot of people who lost their business. There were TikTok, um, you know, influencers in India who were literally making their money. They're living from it. And that guy was gone in a day. Um, and the same with SEO in the last, um, year, Google has done these so called helpful content update, which actually killed a lot of logs and their traffic just, just died overnight. And again, those people. You know, their livelihood is gone, literally gone. I know people who lost a million visitors a month to their blog because of Google's update. But if you have a brand, and your brand kind of transcends your platform, Um, like your brand is much bigger than any one platform. So if it's for me, so female solo travel in India, I'm writing articles, I'm in forums, I'm all over the place talking about my niche. So I'm not depending on any one, any one platform or any one strategy, like the brand is bigger than all of that. Correct. You know, my, my expertise. It's not dependent on any one, any one platform or strategy. And I think that's a really, you know, a really important point. Absolutely. And brand is by far the biggest thing when you look at recession, right? I think we also had a running joke. Brand is recession proof. Exactly. Brand is recession proof. So when you think about that. It is one of the biggest things out there. So when you think about content in general, like in today's day and age, there's been a drastic shift towards video form content, right? Like when you started out, it was more written blogs, a lot of books at that time. What do you see as kind of, um, what do you see as kind of the future of content creation when, when we move forward? And like for any aspiring, um, content creators in the room, like what is your piece of advice to them that they kind of should do in order to, you know, even dabble into this space? Right. Um, you know, it's basically what the two things I've said, you know, know what you know, how you're going to make money and establish yourself as a brand. Um, those are the two most important things I have to say, but having said that, you know, whenever you do anything, anybody here who's, who's been involved in any, any field for a long time, you see a lot of changes. I mean, when I started as a blogger, I was a professional writer. I was a blogger. I used to write magazine articles, I used to write long form for the Globe and Mail and for the Toronto Star, and when I started blogging, a lot of my travel writer friends were very upset. Oh my god, it was like, you're selling out, you're working for free. We were the disruptors, right? And then, and then we had our heyday, and then, um, then the influencers started to come up, and they were the disruptors, and nobody, I mean, I never saw that, I never foresaw that there would be. First of all, social media. When I started, there was no social media, so nobody saw that coming, right? That came, seemed to come out of the blue, and now you've got all these influencers on Instagram and YouTube. Um, so it's really impossible to know. It's a very impossible question to answer, because What I've seen is that things can come out of literally nowhere, or it seems like nowhere. So we don't know what the, so what, so right now, the influencers now are getting upset because of AI, because AI is now taking over a lot of the influencer space. So, so, so we got upset about the influencers, the travel, traditional travel writers got upset about us, you know, and uh, so it's, it's, it's very, very impossible to predict. Um, but I think, you know, We get caught up in fads, you know, we get dazzled by fads and technology, but I think what I've learned is actually, you know, go back to the basics, you know, literally. Um, there's just certain business basics that never change, you know, and that's kind of what I've been talking about tonight. It's old fashioned, it's boring, but these are solid, reliable things that you can count on. We haven't really said how I make money. For sure. We're happy to know your secrets. No, I missed that part of the story, because I talked about how I tried all these different things, and nothing worked until I founded Indie for Beginners. Correct. So, Breathe Dream Goat is my travel blog, but about five years ago, as I was still experimenting with different, uh, ways to monetize. I, I had met, uh, somebody, uh, who is now my business partner in India, um, and we started just casually offering a few tours. And then we got this idea that we would offer custom tours. So the small group tours, well, we can't possibly compete with G Adventures and Intrepid, but, um, once we started, I, Once we started offering custom tours, the company was almost instantly successful. All I did was put one page on my travel blog about it, uh, India for Beginners, and I put a, in the sidebar, I put a form. That's it. And within two months, this business was starting to really, really pick up. I didn't do anything else. That's it. So Brave Dream Go, the travel blog, is the marketing engine for India for Beginners. the custom tour company. And now India for Beginners has completely taken over my life. I barely have time to blog. And I'm now considering myself a custom tour operator. And it's, yeah, we're doing really well. Well, that's fantastic. And I live in India, but I'm still wanting to take a custom tour by Mary Ellen. So that's going to be a fun one coming up. But thank you so much once again for offering us your guidance. Telling us about how to turn content and actually monetize that, uh, so again, like opening up the floor to any questions anyone has in regards to wanting to ask Mary Allen, for sure. Abhi, can you get me some water? So I had a question, um, so it's kind of off topic in the sense, like the context is like, I started my DQ business last year, um, but how it relates to the question is because How do you know, you know, as an artist, when I'm putting out content, I think, you know, cause like, viewers like X of my content, like this specific thing, but how do you really know, uh, what, in a, in a big scale, rather than a friend coming and telling you, cause obviously I'm not an initial stage, how do you know Why your most loyal customers are coming? 'cause these days I feel like people are busy. They don't care about the surveys. Like how do you really understand your loyal customer base? Yeah. To understand why you're getting the success and like why they like you versus another company. 'cause like obviously that's very important data, right? To see like, how do you, like what should we do next? What should we continue investing in? Uh, and stuff like that, because I feel like as loaners, there's a disconnect sometimes between what, why we think consumers are coming to us and why we think we're doing well. Kind of, I guess, the difference between. Yeah, that's such a good question, thank you very much, I wish I had a, I wish I had a, you know, something, you know, ready to, to answer you, I wish there was a ready made answer for that, but unfortunately, I personally think that that's, you know, that time is gonna, sadly, I mean, I wish it could be something that, you know, just happened overnight, in my case it took a really long time, a really long time for me to sort of put all those thoughts together and realize. Um, you know, why was India for Beginners so successful right from the beginning? You know, um, it seems kind of obvious now looking back, but at the time it wasn't. Um, but now, you know, hindsight is 20 20 and I realize, yeah, well I've been putting myself out in the world for all these years as a, uh, India travel expert. Of course it makes perfect sense. You know, if everybody sees me that way, and I see myself that way, and that's my passion, which it genuinely is, um, then it just makes sense that I can help other people travel in India. But why did it take me so long to, to, to make those connections? I, I, I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that, um, I think it has to come from you. Like I said, you know, from the beginning, I think people can, People can detect passion. I think we know, you know, I think we know when somebody is really passionate about something. And, um, I think that experimentation is just, it's going to take experimentation. Uh, I just wish I had a quicker answer for you. Like, it's a great question. One thing I'd like to add to that actually is, at least from my limited experience being in a startup, a lot of the times when you're kind of looking at your customer base, You focus a lot on what's not working and you try and kind of work towards that. When you're collecting data, like, you know, you're a DJ, I've seen you perform fantastic. Like I love the mix that you do with Indian and Spanish music. So getting insights like that from your loyal customers would be something that really gives you validation. Okay, these are the two, three things that I do really well. And that's a constant kind of feedback point that you're getting from customers. So at the end of the day, I would just say like, just listening to your customers, it always boils down to that. Even when you're creating blogs, right? Like you have to kind of see which blogs are working. Like there are specific styles people kind of tinker with, like there are specific ways of doing certain things. So that's the only point of advice that I would give in that regard to think about. Um, I, I think that, you know, this may not apply to you, but. Um, The feedback I've got was that my, what I'm offering is, is really a gap in the market. There's a gap in the market. If you can find a gap in the market, and I didn't even do that consciously, but that's the feedback I've, I've gotten from people. People have said to me, I would not, I wouldn't have gone to India if I didn't find your company. I didn't even know this service existed. So what is that famous thing about find a pain point, solve the pain point. And niche down, right? Yeah. As you said. So what's the big pain point with travel in India? People are nervous and they feel overwhelmed. So solve that. And that's what we do. Um, and again, a lot of this is 2020. You know, and, um, some people are smart enough to strategize this in advance. I am not one of those people. I had to sort of figure it out like a blind person in a dark room, you know, but, but I somehow managed to do it anyway. So if I can do it, I think anybody can do it. That's that's fantastic. Any other questions in the room? You have a couple. I just want to say I really enjoyed this session. What I wanted to ask you was, you just busted a myth about India that Similarly with hostels, there is a misconception that hostels are really unsafe. Uh, so I just wanted to ask you, have you ever stayed in a hostel in India? If yes, what was your favorite part about it? I actually know the answer to that one. I actually did a campaign with Zostel. You know Zostel? Yeah. I did a campaign with Zostel. They hired a friend of mine, this crazy tall Texan guy, uh, crazy travel blogger who was in India, and he's a videographer, and they hired him, and he, and then they, we, he hired me, and we worked together, and so we, we did go around and stay in Zostels as they opened, um, and we, we had an amazing time at the Zostel in Pushkar during the Pushkar Camel Festival. They just opened beautiful Zostel, Gorgeous. And, uh, I, I stay in a private room, okay. You know, that's my thing. I like my private room. But I love the experience of, of hospitals. Hospitals in India are great because they're actually really upscale, right? People don't know. They have no idea. Um, and, uh, so I personally had a good experience and we had a talk about that when I met you. Didn't we? We did. We did. And I work with a lot of hostels in India itself. So, uh, in my experience, honestly, the hostels in India are way better, like way better than the hostels in North America, and most of them in Europe as well. Like, For ten dollars a night you will get some of the best freaking hostels out there You'll meet the coolest people and then you also have food included for ten dollars like out here You can't even buy a starbucks for ten dollars just to put that into context, right? So all in all like Completely resonate with that chain of thought. Yeah. There was another question out there. Thank you so much for your amazing chat today. And I actually have two questions regarding to one that you mentioned towards business model and your branding. So in terms of your business model, how often, like how did it evolve and like, did you change it? Like, how did you change it? And in terms of your branding, like. Basically you have your own personal brands and you have the brands of your company, so like how they relate and like how you work. Um, yeah, I, I might, I think I am the, I am my brand. It's actually in my case, um, I mean I'm a human being, I'm not a brand, I mean I'm a person, right? But I really do, in my case, I really do, you know, walk, I really do travel a lot in India. I've been all over India. I've been on trains, buses, you name it. Camels. I Elephants, I'm sorry to say, back before I realized that it was a bad idea. Um, I re I really, I really, um, walked the talk. So, my brand and I are kind of, Um, and I think that's a good question because, um, again, I accidentally did a couple things I think well, which was a lot of people, especially travel bloggers, like they'll, it's like a lot of people call their blog posts. Their blog after their name, you know, like Adventurous Kate. Um, she's great by the way. I've known her a long time. . Um, but so Rose , but you're, you're, you're getting, but it beca then it's like, it really is about you. But I, mine is called Breathe Dream Go. So it's about something bigger. So I've guessed I have guest authors on my blog. Um, it's, it's, it's, it's about something bigger than me, right? It's about being an adventurous female solo traveler. And, um, it's a bigger concept than me. You know, but then when I founded India for Beginners, I very deliberately gave it a very separate name. Because I wanted it to be a separate entity. We're a team. I have a team. I'm just one person. You know, my team is super important to me. And I always say, they do the real work, which is actually true. They do the real work. Because they're the daily operations people. They're the people sitting in Delhi who are doing all the logistics, and itineraries, and bookings, and tour guides, and everything else. Um, so, it's not an easy question to answer, uh, and I'm probably a particular case, you know, but it's definitely worth thinking about, though. Like I said, I made a very deliberate decision to make India for Beginners a standalone company. It's associated with me, of course it is, and, um, people, a lot of foreigners, a lot of Canadians, you know, they want to travel with me because, you I'm relatable. Like, they, they can phone me up in Toronto this summer, you know, and talk to me. It's happened quite a few times. Um, and your other question was, uh, yeah, the business model. Oh my God. I, I've got a hilarious business model. The thing that I wrote out that's just, you know, basically kitty litter liner right now because uh, it's, I threw it all out. Like I tried, I told you I tried a lot of different things and I, I was looking around for what what works in the marketplace. None of it worked for me. Who knows why? I mean, it's a combination Um, My niche, my expertise, how I put myself in the market. Also, what the market, this goes back to your question, what does the market want? What does the market need? I accidentally, sort of, sort of accidentally, uh, fell on, uh, a company that really does solve a pain point. It really does, it really does meet a gap in the market. And that was, uh, I wish I could say it was strategy. It wasn't. It was experimentation. Um, and, uh, I don't know what else to say except that, you know, what might work for someone else might not work for you, but what might work for you might not work for someone else. And I don't really know why. Again, I'm sorry to say that, but all I can tell you is that I experimented and then until I hit the thing and I tried so many different things and I tried so many things and tried to make them work and they never worked, but when I hit the thing. It was, honestly, it was, you know, they say, you know, um, It was like falling off a log, like it was some expression about, that it was just like, oh yeah, that's it. It was just like the light bulb goes off or whatever it is. Like it was almost instant. It was almost instant. And what's that saying about, people talk about an overnight success, but meanwhile they've been working for 10 years, and then everybody goes, oh that person's an overnight success. Yeah, 10 later. Yeah, that's me. So that absolutely makes sense. So there you have it, like how you monetize your content from Mary Ellen Ward herself. Thank you so, so much, Mary Ellen. It was, it was wonderful speaking with you. I'm sure everyone in the crowd also appreciated all of the wisdom you kind of imparted on us And if any of us are wanting to kind of become content creators, you know who you need to follow right after this Um, so yeah, thank you once again for everything. I really appreciate it. That's a wonderful experience. so much

If you’re an adventurer at heart and looking for more than just a bed for the night, you’re in luck! There are hostels around the world that are anything but ordinary, offering some of the most unique and unforgettable experiences imaginable. From converted planes to treehouses and even old prisons, these quirky hostels around the world will give you stories to share long after your trip ends. Sleep in the Sky 747 Jumbo Hostel, Sweden Ever dreamt of sleeping in a jumbo jet without ever leaving the ground? At Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, the 747 Jumbo Hostel turns that dream into reality. This 1970s Boeing 747 has been transformed into a hostel with 27 rooms and 76 beds, allowing aviation lovers to spend the night inside a cockpit! With plane spotting and views of the airport right from your window, this stay is a must for travelers who want a truly high-flying experience. Underground Adventures Caveland, Greece On the stunning island of Santorini , you’ll find Caveland, a hostel unlike any other. Housed in a former 18th-century winery, this cave-like accommodation offers guests a cozy and completely unique stay. The underground rooms are a nod to Santorini’s rich history, where locals once carved their homes into the rock. Caveland brings together traditional charm and modern comforts, giving you a chance to experience Santorini in a whole new way. All Aboard for Nostalgia Sydney Railway Square YHA, Australia If you’ve ever fantasized about sleeping on a train , the Sydney Railway Square YHA is where you need to be. Right in the heart of Sydney, this hostel features rooms inside converted train carriages. Perfect for city explorers, this quirky stay keeps you close to Sydney’s vibrant nightlife, cultural spots, and main attractions while offering the nostalgic fun of sleeping on a train. Literary Dreams Come True Book and Bed, Tokyo, Japan Book lovers, this one’s for you! Book and Bed in Tokyo combines a bookstore with a hostel, so you can actually sleep surrounded by books. With cozy bunk beds built into the bookshelves, you’ll have a personal reading light and the ultimate literary retreat. Browse the shelves and fall asleep with your nose in a book—literally! Eco-Friendly Treehouse Getaway Kadir’s Treehouse, Turkey Unleash your inner child with a stay at Kadir's Treehouse in Turkey . Nestled among the trees, this wooden hostel gives you a blend of rustic vibes and modern amenities. It’s not your average treehouse either, with an in-house nightclub, bars, and a pizza place right on site! Whether you're seeking adventure in the great outdoors or a place to unwind, Kadir’s Treehouse is perfect for nature lovers and party-goers alike. A Royal Night’s Sleep Bambuda Castle, Panama Feel like royalty at Bambuda Castle in Panama. Overlooking lush coffee fields, this castle-like hostel offers some serious luxury on a budget. With a pool, hot tub, and even a rock climbing wall, Bambuda Castle is the ideal spot for adventurous travelers who also want a touch of indulgence. It’s the perfect place to channel your inner king or queen on a backpacker’s budget! Behind Bars (Voluntarily!) HI Ottawa Jail, Canada Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a jail cell? At HI Ottawa Jail in Canada, you can experience just that—minus the criminal record! This 150-year-old former prison is now a hostel , with real prison cells for rooms. For the brave at heart, you can even spend a night in solitary confinement. With its spooky history and rumored hauntings, this stay promises to be both thrilling and unforgettable. These unusual hostels prove that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing adventure or excitement. From sleeping in planes and trains to spending the night in treehouses and castles, these quirky stays offer one-of-a-kind experiences that will turn a simple night’s rest into the highlight of your journey. So, on your next adventure, why not choose a hostel that’s a little out of the ordinary? After all, travel is all about making new memories—and these hostels guarantee some pretty unforgettable ones!