Author: CoCo

Changing My Tune: How I Learned to Love L.A.

Posted by CoCo on in America, los angeles, united states

Los Angeles crosswalk
Posted: 11/29/18 | November 29th, 2018

Maybe it was the traffic. Maybe the smog. Maybe it was the apparent vanity of everyone I met. Or the hippie-dippie way of life (I’ve seen people pick meals by using a crystals). I know it was definitely in part the lack of public transportation.

While I could never really put my finger on it, there was just something about Los Angeles that just always rubbed me the wrong way.

I’d go to see friends or attend conferences and, while I enjoyed that fun, I hated the city itself.

Whenever I had to go visit, I’d just think to myself “Ugh, another trip to L.A.!”

I just never got the city.

After each visit, I always felt that if I never returned, I wouldn’t be missing anything.

Heck, I even wrote a blog post about my disdain for LA!

And then one day while I was visiting, I woke up and I really liked — nay, LOVED — Los Angeles.

I don’t know when it happened.

I can’t pinpoint one precise moment or event.

After all, my routine in LA has always been the same: see a few attractions, eat and drink lots, catch up with friends, maybe head to the beach, some work at WeWork, and host a meet-up.

But, one day, I just woke up, looked around, and said, “Ya know, I really like it here. I think I’ll extend my stay a bit longer.”

The more I visited, the more interesting places I discovered or was taken to, the more offbeat sights I saw, and the more I got to know the city. I learned its history. I learned how to get around, when to brave the traffic and when not to. I found markets and hole-in-the-wall taquerias and noodle shops. I had too many martinis at the historic Musso & Frank’s.

And then, when I was there last week, it hit me.

I realized I hated LA for the same reason I originally hated Bangkok.

And now love LA for the same reasons I fell in love with Bangkok.

Los Angeles isn’t built for tourists.

Yes, tourists go there. Yes, there are a lot of touristy things to do there.

people playing basketball in Los Angeles

But it’s not like Hong Kong, Paris, Buenos Aires, London, Sydney, or other places where you can go down a long list of attractions, drink in the culture, get around easily, and get a feel for the city in a short period of time.

No, the sprawling nature of Los Angeles, the traffic and cost of getting around, the lack of a city center, and the transient nature of its inhabitants makes it a bad “tourist” city.

To get to know Los Angeles, you have to live there. Just like Bangkok.

Like Bangkok, L.A. is requires you to stay awhile. It’s an onion with layers you need to peel back over time.

L.A. is found in the restaurants, markets, ethnic enclaves, offbeat bars, and coffee shops. It is found on hiking trails and beaches. In art and music shows.

It’s found in the vibe and the people, not in the sights.

I began to love Bangkok when I got know it beyond the temples and the tourist trail. When I found hidden markets and amazing street stalls frequented only by locals, became friends with residents, and understood how it operated, I knew why people loved Bangkok so much.

Bangkok is not a city for tourists.

It’s for residents.

Just like Los Angeles.

When I realized that, I stopped looking at Los Angeles through the lens of a tourist. When I began to look at through the eyes of the people who lived there, suddenly the city becomes alive with things to do, coffeeshops to sit in, and places to explore.

It turns out L.A. is an awesome city if you know where to look.

I just never knew where to look before.

Book Your Trip to Los Angeles: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. Here are suggested places to stay in Los Angeles:

  • USA Hostels – Located right between Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Strip, this spot is awesome with privacy pods and ensuite dorms.
  • HI Los Angeles Santa Monica – A comfortable hostel where all the beach action is in Santa Monica.
  • Banana Bungalow – A social hostel in Hollywood with a great outdoor courtyard area (and regular BBQs!).

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Los Angeles?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to LA with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

The post Changing My Tune: How I Learned to Love L.A. appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

My Top 11 Hostels in Stockholm

Posted by CoCo on in Europe, stockholm, sweden

Stockholm
Posted: 11/30/2018 | November 30th, 2018

Stockholm is one of my favorite places in Europe. In my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest cities on the continent with historic well-preserved buildings dating back hundreds of years (that medieval center!), lots of parks and green space, and cobblestone streets all set on a beautiful archipelago.

However, it’s not a cheap place to visit. Even the hostels here ten to be expensive – and they are often small and cramped. I’ve been coming here a long, long time (I used to lead tours to Stockholm and lived here for a summer) and have stayed in every hostel in the city.

(For a small city, there are a surprisingly a lot of places to stay and, since I come here often, I wanted to try them all out?)

Most hostels in Stockholm here are OK. There are few ones that are terrible beyond measure.

But this city has a lot of incredible hostels in Stockholm!

So which are they?

Without further ado, here are the…..

11 Best Hostels in Stockholm

(In no particular order.)

1. Interhostel

Interhostel, Stockholm
Interhostel might not be the best hostel in town (in fact, it’s one of the worst) but it’s the cheapest in town. If money is your primary concern, you should stay here. Some of the dorm rooms (as well as the kitchen) are small and feel cramped (the larger dorms have up to 14 beds), but the staff is friendly and the hostel is centrally located. Plus, it’s always busy with people so it’s one of the best places to meet other travelers! For that reason, it makes the list!

Beds from 160 SEK/18 SEK, single rooms from 490 SEK/55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Interhostel!

2. Archipelago Hostel Old Town

Archipelago Old Town, Stockholm
Archipelago Hostel is one of the nicer hostels in the Old Town, conveniently located in a 17th-century building that’s right near the train line. It’s also near the Nobel Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Cathedral. This hostel is very small, with only a few rooms and a small common area, but I recommend staying here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. The shower pressure here is super strong too (just be aware that the shower stalls, while private, are in a co-ed bathroom).

Beds from 160 SEK/18 USD, doubles from 495 SEK/55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Archipelago Hostel Old Town!

3. Generator Stockholm

Generator Hostel, Stockholm
Generator is one of the biggest European hostel chains, and this is one of its best properties. The furniture is modern, Nordic and very minimalist! There’s a huge common lounge on the ground floor with a restaurant and bar too. There’s a laundry facility onsite too. It’s location near the train station makes it an ideal spot to explore nearby attractions, museums, and nightlife. While it is the nicest hostel around (it was only recently built), it’s so big that it often feels impersonal and more like a backpacker hotel than anything else. If you want a more “luxury” hostel or something a “cheap” hotel, stay here. If you want a small, social, traditional backpacker place, stay elsewhere. Check their website for deals as they often have them!

Beds from 165 SEK/18 USD, doubles from 1,135 SEK/125 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Generator Stockholm!

4. City Backpackers

City Backpackers, Stockholm
This is my favorite place to stay and by far the best hostel in Stockholm. It has a lovely café that offers steep discounts to hostelers and an outdoor eating/sitting area. Its mattresses and pillows are super cozy, and there is a huge kitchen, many common rooms, a free sauna, free pasta, and laundry facilities. You can’t turn a corner without bumping into a public computer, either! It also hosts affordable events, including bike tours, meatball-making classes, pub crawls, and more. This is a very popular hostel, so book in advance!

Beds from 190 SEK/20 USD, double rooms from 650 SEK/72 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at City Backpackers!

5. Skanstull Stockholm

Skanstull Hostel, Stockholm
My second favorite hostel in Stockholm, this place was remodeled a few years back and has a brand-new, larger kitchen and common area, and the kitchen is one of the nicest I’ve seen in a hostel in a long, long time. The hostel is quite small but that provides a close-knit setting for getting to know other travelers. It’s located in the southern part of the city in Soddermalm (my favorite area of Stockholm).

Beds from 200 SEK/22 USD, double rooms from 775 SEK/85 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Skanstull Stockholm!

6. Castanea Old Town Hostel

Castanea Old Town Hostel, Stockholm
This amazingly central hostel is quiet and clean, and the staff is friendly. The rooms are bright and airy, with large windows and high ceilings. If you don’t want to make your own breakfast there’s a fantastic small bakery just around the corner. I love the narrow cobblestone street it’s located on! It’s cute, cozy, and relaxing.

Beds from 205 SEK/23 USD, double rooms from 690 SEK/76 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Castanea Old Town Hostel!

7. City Hostel – Central Station

City Hostel, Stockholm
The hostel is a 20-minute walk to the Old Town, but it’s the closest to Central Station. The rooms are pretty basic and nothing to write home about. The common area and bathrooms are kept super clean. There’s a great kitchen here too. Overall, this is a pretty average hostel but if you’re looking for something inexpensive and near the train station, I would stay here!

Beds from 240 SEK/26 EUR, double rooms from 495 SEK/55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at City Hostel – Central Station!

8. Langholmens Vandrarhem

Langholmens Vandrarhem, Stockholm
This is the best family / group hostels in Stockholm. It’s set inside an old prison, and most rooms have their own shower and toilet. It has free Wi-Fi, a cafeteria, a pub, a restaurant, a laundry room, and bike rentals. Linens are NOT included in the price (nor is breakfast), but they are available for an additional cost. The hostel is located on Långholmen island, surrounded by nature. It opens right onto a beach where you can take a swim in Lake Mälaren during the summer months! HI hostel members receive a discount.

Beds from 250 SEK/28 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Langholmens Vandrarhem!

9. 2Kronor Hostel Vasastan

2Kronor Hostel Vasatan, Stockholm
This hostel is in charming house that was built in 1865. It’s quiet here as 2Kroner is located in the north of the city, in a nice neighborhood (Vasastan) full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. This place is really good if you want something more upscale, smaller, and a bit queiter than some of the more centrally located party hostels.

Beds from 280 SEK/31 USD, doubles from 745 SEK/82 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at 2Kronor Hostel Vasastan!

10. The Red Boat Mälaren

Red Boat Hostel, Stockholm
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, this cozy hostel is actually on two boats on Lake Mälaren, and there’s a sea-themed bar in reception. There’s no kitchen here, but you’re just a five-minute walk to the Old Town. The rooms and bathrooms are small (it’s a boat!) but it’s one of the coolest places to stay, especially in the summer.

Beds from 310 SEK/34 USD, doubles from 520 SEK/57 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The Red Boat Mälaren!

11. Jumbo Stay STF/IYHF

Jumbo Stay, Stockholm
This hostel is actually an old converted 747 plane and the best place to stay if you have to be at the airport really early. There are singles, doubles, and 2–4-bed dorms. The best room is the cockpit suite with a private bathroom (starting at 1,850 SEK). It’s open 24 hours a day and has an onsite restaurant and bar. Towels and linens are included. If you’re staying at the airport, stay here. It’s super awesome.

Beds from 450 SEK/50 USD, double rooms from 1,200 SEK/132 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Jumbo Stay STF/IYHF!

***

Stockholm is easily walkable and with a great metro so no matter where you are, it’s easy to get around to amazing green spaces, islands, nightlife, and historic areas. Every hostel in Stockholm has their own vibe but if you’re looking for the best hostels in Stockholm, these hostels are it (remember City Backpackers is the best). You’ll have a great stay, comfy bed, and social environment! What more do you really need?

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Stockholm!

Nomadic Matt's Guide to StockholmFor more in-depth coverage of Stockholm, my 80-page guidebook is perfect for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, nontouristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.

Book Your Trip to Stockholm: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. They’re my favorite website!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Stockholm?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Stockholm with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12

The post My Top 11 Hostels in Stockholm appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Top Ten Places to Go for New Year’s Eve

Posted by CoCo on in festivals, new years, Travel Lists

fireworks in singapore on new years eve
Updated: 11/20/2018 | November 20th, 2018

New Year’s Eve is the biggest party of the year. It’s a celebration that brings people together to celebrate all the potential that a new year offers. It’s a day of hope and celebration.

And it’s not too far away either!

Soon, people from around the world will be ringing in the new year soon with fireworks, festivals, friends, parties, and songs. It’s a fun holiday that knows no nationality.

If you’re ready to stay up past your bedtime and indulge in the revelry, here are my top ten best places to go for New Year’s Eve in 2018:

1. New York City

New York times square on New Year's eve
Times Square has been a focal point of New Year’s activity for more than a hundred years. Around one million people will crowd into the square to watch the famous ball drop. On top of that, around a BILLION more people will watch from home, making this one of the biggest events of the year — every year!

If you want to watch the ball drop in person, be sure to arrive early (people start gathering in the afternoon to get a good spot) and dress warmly! However, there are lots of parties throughout the city and most New Yorkers try to aim for some of the downtown clubs and bars or a house party!

Check out my free travel guide to New York City for more information on how to get there, save money, and enjoy the city during your visit!

2. Sydney

https://www.flickr.com/photos/12333120@N00/3679125507
Australia is one of the first countries in the world to experience New Year’s Eve making Sydney the first major city in the world to greet a new year (sorry New Zealand, you aren’t as big!).  The city hosts one of the largest firework displays in the world. They last almost a full fifteen minutes and are best viewed from one of the boats in the harbor or surrounding hills. After the display, the celebrations usually last until dawn. Locals love enjoying this day as it’s also in the middle of their summer so the weather is always great! Unsurprisingly, accommodation disappears fast so be sure to book well in advance if you want to spend the New Year down under!

Check out my free travel guide to Sydney for more information on how to get there, save money, and enjoy the city when you visit!

3. London

London Eye in London at night
London rings in the new year with an astonishing fireworks display that’s launched from the London Eye. The fireworks can be seen from rooftops and balconies all across London, so you don’t need to leave your hotel to get a good view. If you want to get out there and really experience the display, the best views are from Westminster Bridge and the north embankment of the River Thames (opposite the London Eye).

Check out my free travel guide to London for more information on what to see and do in London when you visit during the holiday!

4. Paris

Champs-Elysees in Paris at night
Paris is the perfect destination for a romantic New Year’s Eve getaway. It has high class dining, clubbing, fantastic fireworks, and the chance to sip Champagne on the Champs-Elysees. Around midnight, you can watch the Eiffel Tower’s light show. Another great place to spend the evening is Montmartre, as it offers spectacular views of the entire Paris skyline.

While you won’t get the same level of epic fireworks as you would in Sydney, there are still great parties through the city and many people light off their own fireworks from the Champs-Elysees. The city stays open late!

Check out my travel guide to Paris for more information on spending New Year’s in Paris! It includes things to do, see, costs, and how to get around! 

5. Ko Phangan, Thailand

Sunset in Thailand
Over 20,000 young people cram on Haat Rin beach in Thailand to celebrate the New Year. Backpackers and travelers from around the world dance, paint themselves up, and drink buckets of alcohol from dusk until the first dawn of the new year. They fill the beach and it’s one of the wildest outdoor parties there is on New Year’s.

If you’re looking to start the new year on a beach and plan to be in Southeast Asia, this is one of the best and most fun places to be. I’ve spent three New Year’s here and loved every single one!

Check out my travel guide to Ko Phangan for more information including information on the famous Full Moon Party.

6. Kiribati

A view of Kiribati
What better way to ring in the New Year than to be the first person to do it? This spot in the Pacific is officially the first place in the world to see the New Year. It’s like going into the future! Tourism here has picked up in recent years as the locals have tried to capitalize on that interesting fact but the island remains mostly an untouched getaway. There’s not much to do here and accommodation isn’t by any means luxurious but what better way to spend the new year than on an island in the South Pacific? Be sure to plan this well in advance as few flights go here and limited accommodation makes its difficult to find spots.

7. Tokyo

tokyo at night
If a single night of partying isn’t enough for you, head to Tokyo. The capital city of Japan starts celebrating on the 29th of December, giving you a few extra days to let loose and give the year a proper send-off. Not only do they start early, but the party almost doesn’t stop. New Year’s celebrations here continue until January 4th. While most of the major tourist sites in the city are closed during this time, the streets of Tokyo (as well as all restaurants and clubs) are packed with locals and visitors alike. The city offers up numerous fireworks displays, dancing, and all the karaoke you can sing!

Check out my travel guide to Tokyo for more information on what to do, see, and ways to save money.

8. Las Vegas

Las Vegas during New Year's
The city that parties every night throughout the year certainly knows how to throw a New Year’s Eve bash to remember. There are so many clubs, hotels, bars, and casinos to choose from in Las Vegas, Nevada, that it’s almost impossible to not celebrate in style. Outdoors, “The Strip” is closed to traffic so everyone can watch the grand fireworks displays high above the city’s neon lights. If you want to wade through the crowds, make your way downtown to Fremont Street and join the massive block party, complete with confetti, a massive wine toast, concerts by big-name rockers, and a five-block-long illuminated canopy 90 feet overhead, on which state-of-the-art sound and light shows are shown.

Check out my travel guide to Las Vegas for more information on enjoying life in Sin City without spending a sinful amount of money.

9. San Juan Del Sur

A beach on San Juan Del Sur
This holiday hotspot in Central America is a surfing and beach mecca for travelers of all ages and styles. During New Years, the city is bursting with tourists and locals who come from the surrounding area to enjoy time on the beach, with their families, and party hard (Nicaraguans sure know how to have fun!). This is definitely a place to go if you’re looking to get bit crazy and then nurse your hangover on the beach the next day. There’s usually a giant beach party where locals and tourists mingle, dance, drink, and countdown a new year together!

10. Edinburgh

The torchlight procession led by vikings in Scotland
When it comes to New Year’s Eve celebrations, Edinburgh is one of those places that can’t be beat. Their Hogmanay is one of the most fun parties I’ve ever been too. Each year, over 100,000 people take part in the two-day celebration that involves a Viking procession, fireworks over the castle, bonfires, concerts, and a carnival. It’s out of this world fun. It gets super crowded and you’ll need tickets to the shows so be sure to book in advance. You can even walk the viking procession to the bonfire!

Check out my travel guide to Edinburgh for more information on taking a holiday there.

BONUS: 11. Anywhere your friends are!

New Years with Friends
No matter where you are in the world, this holiday is about celebrating with friends and family. Wherever they are will be the best place to celebrate. Who wants to spend such a great day with strangers? Paris, London, New York, a jungle, the beach, your home — it doesn’t matter. As long as you are with those you like and love, it will be the best New Year’s party in the world.

****

New Years is an incredibly fun holiday where you can cut loose, stay up late, wash away the old, and ring in the new. If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate new years eve in the world, look no further than this list. But remember, no matter where you are, so long as you are with people you enjoy, you’re in the best place to celebrate!

I’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Colombia so if you’re down there, say hi!

For other top travel lists and destination ideas, check out these posts:

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. You can book your hostel – if you want that instead – with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Photo Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,

The post Top Ten Places to Go for New Year’s Eve appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

My Top 14 Hostels in Amsterdam

Posted by CoCo on in amsterdam, Europe, hostels

the canals of Amsterdam
Posted: 11/19/2018 | November 19th, 2018

Amsterdam will always have a special place in my heart. I spent a month there on my first trip around the world in 2006. I made local friends, wandered far and wide, and really got to know the city and its people.

I fell in love with Amsterdam that trip.

I’ve been back to visit Amsterdam every year since.

The city is one of the most visited and backpacked in Europe.

And it’s filled with hundreds of hostels, hotels, and guesthouses for travelers to stay in.

With so many places showing up in your search results, how do you know the best hostels in Amsterdam to choose? I mean dozens are top rated on Hostelworld, right?

To make choosing a hostel in Amsterdam easier, I distilled my years of experience in this list that features my favorite hostels in Amsterdam. These hostels have friendly staff, are social, clean, and fairly inexpensive. These are the places I always stay when I’m in town.

Without further ado, here are my…..

14 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

(In no particular order.)

1. Euphemia Old City Canal Zone

Euphemia Old City Canal Zone
Located in a former monastery, this hostel sits on a beautiful canal and is close to most of the city’s attractions, particularly the museums. Their beds are comfy and the rooms are kept clean. They also have bike rentals too. If you’re looking for a chill hostel with a view, stay here. Note: Guests must be 40 years of age or younger.

Beds from 15 EUR/17 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Euphemia Old City Canal Zone!

2. Meininger Amsterdam Hostels

Meininger Amsterdam Hostels
This European hostel chain has two Amsterdam locations. These hostels are fairly big and are not for the partying type. They are chill hostels mean for families, couples, groups, or anyone looking to escape the party scene in the city. The beds are soft and you’ll find lots of outlets to charge your things. Both hostels are clean, spacious, comfortable, and offer a fairly decent breakfast. When I’m looking for a quiet time, I stay here.

Beds from 15.50 EUR/17.62 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Meininger Amsterdam City West!

—-> Click here to book your stay at Meininger Hotel Amsterdam Amstel!

3. Clink Noord

Clink Noord
Located in North Amsterdam, this former laboratory from the 1920s has been converted into a stylish, clean space for backpackers. It’s super awesome, fun, and social environment. They have a fantastic library, workspace, and atrium. There’s a café and in-hostel bar on site too. The beds are new and the pillows are quite soft. Each bunk bed has an individual light and USB socket to charge your phone. Stay here to get a sense of what Amsterdam outside the city center is like! It’s truly one of the best in Amsterdam! Fun fact: If you’re a musician, you can perform in the ZincBAR for a free one-night stay.

Beds from 17 EUR/19.30 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Clink Noord!

4. Hostel Van Gogh

Hotel Van Gogh
Located near the Van Gogh Museum (hence the name), this easily accessible hostel is clean with comfy beds. There’s free Wi-Fi, shampoo and shower gel, and they offer an all-you-can-eat luxury continental breakfast buffet for only €5. They also have bike rentals. There’s an age restriction (18–40) for the mixed dorms. I like staying here because their dorms are single beds, there’s art on the walls, and it’s easy to visit all the major attractions from here! (Also, it’s away from the chaos of the Red Light District!)

Beds from 18 EUR/20.50 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hostel Van Gogh!

5. StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark

StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark
This hostel is part of the YHA association and is pretty standard for them. It’s sort of sterile. Everything is fairly clean and modern and the beds are kinda comfy. Like M hotels, this hostel is best for couples, groups, families, and non-partying travelers. There’s a good continental breakfast, everything here is quiet, there’s no partying, and there are bike rentals. If you’re a YHA member, you get 10% off when you check in.

Beds from 18 EUR/20.50 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at StayOkay Amsterdam Vondelpark!

6. The Flying Pig Downtown

The Flying Pig Hostels
This is one of my favorite hostels in the world, and I almost always stay here when I’m in town. It’s popular with travelers looking to chill and smoke, and the bar area gets very busy at night. It may not be the cheapest hostel in the city, but the showers are good, the pillows and beds super comfy. There are charging points by each of the beds too. Because of its famous reputation, it’s almost always full, so it’s easy to make friends. Stay at the downtown location if you want more space and a bigger bar.

Beds from 20 EUR/23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The Flying Pig Downtown!

There’s also an uptown location near Vondelpark that is a bit quiter and more relaxed but it’s a lot smaller of location.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The Flying Pig Uptown!

7. Durty Nellys Inn

Durty Nellys Inn
Located in the center of Amsterdam by the Red Light District, this is your classic, fun backpacker hostel. It’s cozy, tiny, and inexpensive.  The beds are decent for a stay and each comes with its own reading light and outlight. But it creates a great community and it’s really easy to meet other travelers here. The staff is super knowledgeable and there’s a hearty breakfast too. Hostel guests also get a discount in the pub located downstairs. Given its location, it’s a party hostel.

Beds from 20 EUR/23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Durty Nellys Inn!

8. Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam

Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam
Hans Brinker has been around nearly 50 years, and it hasn’t changed much since I’ve been visiting. It’s near all of Amsterdam’s best nightlife and only five minutes from the Museumplein. There’s a hip underground bar and a cheap restaurant on site. The rooms are pretty basic, but there’s free breakfast. It’s one of the most old school, popular hostels in the city. It’s a bit of an institution.

Beds from 20 EUR/23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam!

9. The Bulldog Hotel

The Bulldog Hotel
While I thought the lack of a common area detracted from the overall social atmosphere of the hostel, it does have a pub that offers cheap and filling food and drinks. The dorm rooms are clean and modern, and each room has their own showers. It’s located right in the heart of the Red Light District, so it’s a bit wild on the weekends! It’s one of the best hostels in the city, even if it’s a bit pricey.

Beds from 20 EUR/23 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The Bulldog Hotel!

10. Shelter City Hostel

Shelter City Hostel
I don’t stay at this place often and I only include it on the list because not everyone wants to party. This is an alcohol-free, party-free, and drug-free hostel with separate rooms for men and women. The rooms are comfy, the showers well kept, and most of the guests here are pretty quiet.

Beds from 25 EUR/28.40 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Shelter City Hostel!

11. St. Christopher’s at The Winston

St. Christopher’s at The Winston
This is one of the all-around best hostels in Amsterdam. This old converted hotel is near the Red Light District. It has a beer garden, smoking area, and offers discounts on food and drink in the bar downstairs, which is also popular with locals because of its cheap happy hour. The hallways have cool art on them and comfy super beds. This is a great, great place to meet other travelers. Be sure to get a room on the inner courtyard to avoid the late-night street noise.

Beds from 25 EUR/28.40 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at St. Christopher’s at The Winston!

12. CityHub Amsterdam

CityHub Amsterdam
This cool new offering has communal areas and shared bathrooms like a hostel, but private rooms like a hotel. The rooms look like space-age hubs (or capsules) from the outside. Inside you’ll find very little space but comfy beds and a quiet environment. It’s a modern, keyless experience. You’ll get a wristband that’ll let you do everything, including purchase beer. The bathrooms are excellent, with awesome showers, luxury toiletries, and even flat irons and curling irons for the girls. It’s one of the best new hostels in Amsterdam.

Rooms from 53 EUR/62.50 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at CityHub Amsterdam!

13. Botel Zebra

Botel Zebra
This kid-friendly hostel is actually on a houseboat. Each cabin has bunk beds with linens and a bathroom with towels, plus Wi-Fi and breakfast are included in the price. Staying here is a very Dutch way to experience Amsterdam! It’s a fun experience. Note: This place is only available during fall and winter.

Double rooms from 85 EUR/97 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Botel Zebra!

14. Ecomama

Ecomama Amsterdam
Ecomama is a new, eco-friendly hostel located right in at the end of the Red Light District and around the corner from Waterlooplein. Everything here is environmentally sustainable, from the use of fair trade materials, natural stone heating, and waste recycling. The rooms are beautiful with art on the walls, lots of light, and uber comfy mattresses. The common room has a lot of spaces to hang out and the whole building is filled with a lot of natural light. It’s very much the poshiest hostel on the list!

Dorm beds from 32 EUR/36 USD per night, but with a minimum two-night booking. Private rooms start around 100 EUR/114 USD per night, but with double occupancy and minimum two nights.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Ecomama!

***
This list of the tried-and-true best hostels in Amsterdam should make planning your trip to Amsterdam a breeze. If you want a great place to stay during your visit, you won’t go wrong with any of these hostels.

So stay in one of them on your next trip!

Want the real, most honest, straight to the point guide on Amsterdam?

Nomadic Matt's Guide to Amsterdam Want to plan the perfect trip to Amsterdam? Check out my comprehensive guide to Amsterdam written for budget travelers like yourself! This guide gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries tips budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, and my favorite non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and download it instantly.

Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Get Your Guide
Check out my detailed guide to planning a visit to Amsterdam with suggested itineraries, places to stay, things to do, where to eat, and how to get around. Just click here to get the guide and continue planning today!

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

The post My Top 14 Hostels in Amsterdam appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget

Posted by CoCo on in Interviews, Travel Tips

Heather in Italy
Posted: 11/12/18 | November 12th, 2018

Last December, Heather won our round the world trip contest and was gifted a trip around the world worth $50 a day! In January, she started backpacking her way through South America on a budget. Today, she’s written a blog post about how she’s been able to stay on budget for the last 36 weeks and the lessons she’s learned as a new traveler!

 

After over ten months on the road, it’s time to update the community again on my trip! Since the last update, I spent two weeks in Brazil, a month exploring Morocco, and two months in Europe watching the World Cup.

Now, I’m in Tanzania exploring Africa!

After so long on the road, I think it’s time to answer the question that really drove the contest in the first place:

“Is budget travel possible on Matt’s $50 a day recommendations?”

One of the reasons Matt sponsored this trip was because he wanted to show everyone that travel is possible on his suggested budget of $50 a day. He wanted a living case study for the ideas in his book!

After tracking all my expenses — including my flights, travel insurance, and incidentals — I’ve spent $14,450 or $56 a day so far. I’ve not only found sticking to Matt’s budget feasible but not at all demanding (especially with a little creativity).

After Africa, I’ll be flying to Southeast Asia, where I’ll end my trip. I suspect that will lower my overall costs even more!

How I stayed on budget

Heather in Africa
At the beginning of my trip, I went to the Galápagos Islands, which are not backpacker-budget friendly, so I had some work cut out for me to get back on budget.

I saved on housing costs by Couchsurfing and staying with friends. In Chile, I stayed with friends I met in Colombia. In Paris, I stayed with a friend I met in Brazil. I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of kind people who offer me help, especially with accommodation, as I travel, expecting nothing in return. The travel community is extremely warm and open. It makes friends of strangers.

I’ve been balancing out other expenses by also keeping my transportation costs low. I opted to take the longer, cheaper way to get from A to B. In Brazil and Europe, I used BlaBlaCar to save money. In Morocco and South America, buses were my go-to option — they were cheap and easy. I booked a limited number of flights and tracked prices so I could book them at just the right time if possible.

Food has been the only place I haven’t cut back. I’m a foodie and, as Matt always says, what’s the point in traveling if you don’t eat the local food! In South America, this was usually easy. There were tons of lunch specials around and cheap local food so I was able to eat on a budget. In Europe, it was much harder. Food was by far my biggest expense but I have no regrets. A girl’s got to eat!

Here are my costs broken down by region:

Duration
Total Spent
Average per Day
South America
115 days
$5,215
$45; $32*
Ecuador
14 days
$600
$42
Galápagos
8 days
$1,700
$212
Peru
63 days
$1,800
$28
Chile
7 days
$210
$30
Argentina
4 days
$146
$36
Iguaçu Falls
3 days
$225
$85
Brazil
16 days
$534
$33
Africa
63 days
$3,904
$62
Morocco
22 days
$748
$34
Tanzania
31 days
$3,156
$76
Europe
78 days
$4,757
$60
Portugal & Spain
5 days
$368
$74
France
22 days
$1,650
$61
Germany
7 days
$500
$42
Italy
14 days
$839
$59
France (part 2)
30 days
$1,700
$56

*Total for South America if you exclude the Galápagos

Here’s the breakdown of my spending by category:

  • Housing: $2,874
  • Transportation: $2,632
  • Food: $4,687
  • Travel insurance: $1,040
  • Activities: $3,217 (such as tours to Machu Picchu or the Sahara, diving, a safari, shopping, etc.)

However, that’s not to say it’s all been super easy. I’ve made a ton of rookie mistakes. Even though I’ve read countless articles and books on traveling, once you’re on the road, you tend to get caught up in the moment. It’s one thing to read about it, it’s another thing to be there doing it!

And that can lead to a bunch of easily preventable mistakes! For example, some of the “doh” moments I had:

  • I spent 16 EUR on coffee as I was walking with a friend I met in Rome. It was SO hot and we just wanted to get off our feet before going to the Vatican. Big mistake! We even forgot to ask the prices. Since it was so close to the attraction (something I normally never do), each cappuccino was 8 EUR — and I got two! Oh, man were we pissed.
  • When I was in Morocco, just before going to the desert, I went to the supermarket to buy three day’s worth of snacks for lunch. I had heard that lunch was not included in your tour price (already ridiculous, at 86 EUR for three days!) and the tour guide, of course, only takes you to expensive lunch places. I did buy a bunch of groceries — 130 dirhams’ worth ($14 USD). But then I ended up eating at the restaurants anyway because I felt too awkward not eating with everyone and too tempted to order a nice chicken tagine instead of eating trail mix.
  • Looking back, I would have done a self-guided tour of the Sahara. I knew that before I did the tour, but I was lazy and tired, and I wanted to get out of Morocco. Being lazy is a quick way to burn money — and often also a quick way to have a less special experience.
  • I met some really interesting people in Buenos Aires who invited me to dinner. One of them was a local expat who was eager to show us that Buenos Aires “isn’t all meat anymore.” It was a great place, but that dinner was about 25 USD, which was almost my budget for the whole day! Then we had drinks afterward as well.

My Advice for Others: How to Save Money When You Travel

Heather in Brazil
Backpacking isn’t like vacation travel. When you travel on vacation, you have little time but more money. When you backpack, the opposite is true: you have time, but little money.  If you seek too many comforts and conveniences, you’ll blow your budget and have to go home early!

If I were to give advice to others, my main piece of advice would be to take a minute before your trip to think about what expenses you anticipate and what you are willing to spend. (Matt talks a lot about this.) Ask around for the right price for experiences, food, and lodging so that you have the most accurate information. The time you spend researching will help you better budget you money.

On the road, I would suggest doing two things: first is to write down everything and, second, is to forego convenience.

In his book, Matt says, “It’s the people who don’t write down their expenses that go home early.”

Speaking for myself, I can say this is completely true. There were a few days here and there where I would be so caught up in the experiences I was having that I completely forgot to write down my spending. Afterward, when I sat down to recall what I had spent, I realized I was not thinking about these costs and how they fit into my budget. Writing them all down helped me be mindful how much I was spending. It allowed me to make adjustments to my spending as I went. It’s because of that that I haven’t run out of money yet!

Heather on safari in Africa

Even more important is foregoing convenience. Backpacking isn’t luxury travel. The majority of the time, there isn’t someone to port your luggage, drive you directly to your lodging, or arrange your day trip or tour. But walking when you can, sharing a ride with other travelers, asking for help from a kind stranger, or arranging your own itinerary — all those are free or nearly free.

***
Staying on budget has become second nature to me now. It’s not hard once you internalize the strategy and learn to think outside the box. When you do that, you can spend your energy on why you are traveling in the first place: for new experiences and new friends.

I’m ten months into my yearlong trip. Some moments whizzed by. Others felt like they lasted forever. But, overall, it has been everything I hoped it to be – and also unlike anything I expected.

As Heather keeps going with her travels, we’re going to follow along to get more details about her trip, experiences, roadblocks, budgeting, and everything in between! You can follow her journeys on her blog, Confidently Lost, as well as on Instagram. She will also be sharing some of her experiences here!

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

how to travel the world on $50 a dayMy New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach you how to master the art of travel save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experiences. It’s the book Heather is basing her travels off her and using as her guidebook around the world. As you can see, it’s working! She’s travel big on a small budget.

If that’s something you want to do too, click here to learn more about the book, how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.