1. Current Age?
   44

2. Nationality
   USA

3. Where do you live now?
   Scranton, USA

4. Occupation
   teacher

5. When it comes to travel accommodation (but leaving out crashing with friends, family or people you meet on the road), how often do you stay in hostels?
   pretty much all the time

6. Where have you hosteled?
   Caribbean, Europe, USA

7. Would you stay in a hostel again on future trips?
   Yes

8. Why or why not?
   I love the value of a hostel. They are usually well-kept and in wonderful places. I also love to meet people from all over the world. I have been going to hostels on almost all of my travels for the past 20 years.

9. Out of all your experiences hosteling, what was your:
   
   • Best Moment
     Meeting cute Scottish guys in Switzerland

   • Worst Moment
     Food poisoning in Austria

   • Biggest Hurdle, Obstacle or Difficulty?
     Carrying too much luggage

   • Biggest surprise?
     Finding out what an "American" breakfast is...

10. Do you ever book any of your hostel accommodation in advance?
    Sometimes

11. Why or why not?
    I like to plan ahead so I can spend more time on the joys of being in a new place instead of looking for accommodations that may or may not be suitable. I have a tendency to get lost...

12. Who is the most memorable person you met in a hostel and why?
    A guy from Scotland named Steve...

13. Why do you stay in hostels, as opposed to other types of accommodation?
    I have enough money for hotels, but I now stay in them with my son. I want him to spend time around people from all over the world. Also, I always come back to that value thing...

14. Is there a hostel you'd recommend to other travelers? If so, what is it and where?
    Earl's Court, London, England

15. What is the biggest myth people have about hostels and hosteling?
    That it is only for the young. While there are age restrictions in Bavaria, people of ANY age, can (and do!) stay at hostels. They are very clean, generally quiet and a lovely way to make new friends. I believe this is also the best way for families to travel, especially if you'd rather spend money on walking tours or exotic cheeses and chocolates or seeing things you've only read about, than throwing it at some desk clerk.

16. Why do you like to travel?
    I want to know everything there is to know about the world! (haha!) I guess I'm just a rolling stone.

17. What is your advice for other travelers wanting to stay in hostels?
    Try many hostels before you decide whether or not you like the hostel experience. Don't pack too heavy and don't stay in your room. Walk up to people and introduce yourself and ask them what things they've liked best about their own trip. Wash your things by hand and leave them to dry overnight. Leave your electrical gadgets at home. Don't expect or even hope that everyone you meet and every place you go will be just like "at home". Don't judge the rest of the world by the standards you have for your own nation. Be daring and try anything!

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