Yesterday I decided to move hostels as something about the vibe of the one I was in just didn’t feel right with me. People say the grass isn’t always greener but boyyyy the grass at my new place is GREEN. I feel like I’m in the Ritz of the backpacking world – fans above each bed, TWO pillows per bed, straighteners in the bathrooms… a rooftop bar! I’m surprised as my previous hostel was actually ranked higher (but I’m guessing the people there obviously didn’t stay anywhere else).
As soon as I moved in, the girls in my room (now a 6 bed not a 12!) were super friendly – all also young solo British backpackers. We clicked immediately. They invited me out for coffee and to explore the city with them. This communication and company was what I had been missing at my old place and what I finally realised travelling is all about. It’s about meeting people who want to also meet people to share experiences and adventures with. They encouraged me to sign up to the gym for the week and I’m excited to get back into training to help my mindset as well as my bikini body which will need to be ready by the time I get to Sydney on Friday… a girl can dream!
Going from a sweat box to a room with air conditioning also meant my sleep improved massively. Jetlag is still a thing (I’m writing this at 4am) but I am actually managing more than an hour at a time. Also, someone must have come in during the night as there’s now an extra body filling the bunk next to me but they didn’t even wake me – how considerate. The only downside is that I am now on the top bunk and it has no sides… let’s wait and see if I’m writing my next post from a hospital bed.
What I’ve learnt in the last day has been a breakthrough. Before coming to Australia I liked routine and stability – I think that’s why so many people were surprised when I said I was giving this up to travel on my own on the other side of the world. I liked knowing that I was safe, that I had a bed to go back to every night and people who I could call up and they would be there. But without change I wouldn’t have realised the possibilities that different hostels had to offer. I could have easily stayed in the other place, miserable and hating the experience, but I decided to do something about it: actually move my butt (and bag that’s bigger than me) and take action.
My top tip would be to obviously research before booking somewhere, the reviews are helpful at gaging the kind of people you will be sharing your home-away-from-home with. But also to go with your gut. If you’re staying somewhere that has good reviews but you’re not vibing it yourself then try moving – you can always go back. Book a couple of nights at first because you can always extend if you like it somewhere. And remember it’s not going to be your forever home. You’ll move on and probably stay in a lot worse and a lot nicer places. Enjoy the learning experience and most importantly the people you meet along the way. Oh and if you’re wondering whether to go for a smaller or larger dorm – go smaller if you value sleep and sanity!
Over and out from me as I’m going to try and get a few more hours in before another busy day tomorrow – night!
Annabel x
The Blonde Backpacker 