The scope of a hostel manager’s job is about as wide and varied as country flags on an aged backpack.

Our HostelManagement theme for December is “Industry Expectations: Standing out, while fitting in.” I have to admit, even I thought to myself, “How can I write about such a cliche?” I want my writing to be meaningful, but most of all useful.

This month our panel discussion will be the topic “If I Knew Then What I Know Now”. While generally I will focus my writing around the chosen topic, I don’t exactly feel qualified to speak up on that one yet.

Sorry I have been rather quiet the last few days since Hostelworld announced they are increasing their service fee to 12%. I know some of you have been waiting for my input.

Find a great hostel, and you've likely found great communal space within that hostel. Hanging out with other travelers is an integral part of hostel life, and having a great space to do it in can make or break a hostel.

All good things must come to an end, which is why I've stopped drinking. Wait…traveling. I've stopped traveling. Though they did begin to feel like one in the same at some point. Sadly my four months in NZ & Australia came to a close last week, and I am now back in the US.

No matter how amazing your hostel, there will come a day when some lowly guest finds it unworthy of his standards. You could give everyone a 6 week old puppy to cuddle with when they check in, and this guy will complain that it's a black lab.

Oh, complaints. In terms of enjoyment, they are right up there with clogged toilets and overbooking on a festival weekend. For some, a close tie with an extended visit from the in-laws. Some complaints are warranted, while others are just nit-picky.

How do I even begin to describe the magic that is the Arts Factory Lodge? It may be unlike any other hostel in the world. Word on the street was you either love it or you hate it.

One time I had a great guy who was supposed to start training on reception. Thankfully so, because I was about to be really understaffed.