Hostel Road Trip Podcast

Cloudcroft, NM | A Solo Motorcycle Dream That Built Cloudcroft Hostel In The New Mexico Mountains

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we travel to the mountains of New Mexico to sit down with Stephanie, the founder of Cloudcroft Hostel — a rustic, community-driven mountain hostel perched at 6,700 feet in the heart of the Lincoln National Forest. What started as a solo motorcycle adventure across America in 1994 turned into a lifelong dream. Stephanie bought a dilapidated building on a hillside and spent five years restoring it by hand before opening Cloudcroft Hostel in 2006. Today, it stands as a beloved basecamp for hikers, bikers, and adventure travelers seeking connection and authentic mountain hospitality. In This Episode, We Talk About: * How a solo motorcycle trip across America sparked Stephanie’s dream of opening her own hostel * The five-year journey of buying and restoring a rundown building by hand * Why she chose the high mountains of New Mexico as the perfect location * Creating a safe, welcoming space especially for solo travelers and women adventurers * What it really takes to run a small, independent mountain hostel for nearly 20 years * Lessons on community, perseverance, and building something that lasts Located at 6,700 feet with 28 acres backing directly onto the national forest, Cloudcroft Hostel offers a true mountain escape — just minutes from hiking trails, scenic drives, and White Sands National Park. It’s the perfect basecamp for anyone seeking real connection and adventure in southern New Mexico. This episode is perfect for: * Aspiring hostel owners and future founders * Travelers exploring New Mexico and the Southwest * Solo travelers and women adventurers * Anyone who loves mountain hospitality and authentic, owner-operated hostels * People inspired by stories of perseverance and building a dream from the ground up About Cloudcroft Hostel Cloudcroft Hostel is a rustic, intimate, owner-operated mountain hostel in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Designed for connection and adventure, it welcomes backpackers, hikers, and road-trippers looking for a genuine community experience in the heart of the Sacramento Mountains. 🔗 Learn more: https://cloudcrofthostel.com/ [https://cloudcrofthostel.com/] About Hostel Road Trip Podcast Hosted by Jimmy Black & Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels, the Hostel Road Trip Podcast highlights inspiring hostels, passionate founders, and the communities shaping the modern hostel movement. 🌍 Explore more episodes: www.HostelRoadTrip.com [http://www.HostelRoadTrip.com]

Winthrop, WA | North Cascades Mountain Hostel — The Mountain Hostel That Started Small & Rebuilt Big

North Cascades Mountain Hostel | Building a Purpose-Built Mountain Hostel in Winthrop, Washington In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we travel to Winthrop, Washington, to interview Liza and Paul, cofounders of North Cascades Mountain Hostel — a purpose-built mountain hostel located in the Methow Valley near North Cascades National Park. This episode explores how a small, simple hostel in Washington State evolved into a thoughtfully designed, community-driven mountain basecamp serving hikers, climbers, skiers, cyclists, and adventure travelers in the Pacific Northwest. Paul originally started with a modest hostel concept, but together he and Liza made the decision to reimagine and rebuild the space from the ground up. The result is one of the most unique and intentionally designed hostels in Washington, created specifically to foster connection, flow, and shared outdoor experience. In this conversation, we discuss: * How the original hostel in Winthrop began * The challenges of rebuilding and financing a hostel in a mountain town * What it takes to design a purpose-built hostel * Creating community-centered spaces for outdoor travelers * Lessons learned from transforming a small operation into a respected Pacific Northwest hostel North Cascades Mountain Hostel now operates as a year-round adventure basecamp in the Methow Valley, offering access to hiking, skiing, climbing, and outdoor exploration near North Cascades National Park. This episode is ideal for hostel owners, aspiring hostel founders, outdoor hospitality entrepreneurs, and travelers exploring Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. The Hostel Road Trip Podcast is hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels and features in-depth interviews with hostel founders and travel entrepreneurs shaping the modern hostel industry across North America. Learn more at www.HostelRoadTrip.com [http://www.HostelRoadTrip.com]

Seattle, WA - The Story Behind Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle | From Bus Adventures to Hostel Legend

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we sit down with Rex Baldwin, cofounder of the legendary Green Tortoise Hostel in Seattle, to explore the roots of American hostel culture. Before opening the iconic Seattle hostel near Pike Place Market, Rex and his partner Gardener operated the original Green Tortoise hostel bus, traveling across North America for more than 20 years. What started as a counterculture road trip experience became one of the earliest community-driven backpacker movements in the United States. This conversation dives into the history of hostels in America, the evolution of backpacker culture, and how a traveling bus community eventually became one of the most respected hostels in North America. If you're interested in hostel entrepreneurship, Seattle travel, starting a hostel, or the foundations of community-based travel, this episode offers decades of insight and experience. Topics discussed include: * The origins of the Green Tortoise hostel bus * Building community before social media * Lessons from more than 20 years in the hostel industry * How Green Tortoise Seattle became a backpacker landmark * The evolution of American hostel culture * Advice for current and aspiring hostel owners Located in downtown Seattle near Pike Place Market, Green Tortoise remains one of the most iconic hostels in the Pacific Northwest and a symbol of authentic backpacker culture. The Hostel Road Trip Podcast is hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels and features conversations with hostel owners, travel pioneers, and leaders shaping the global hostel movement. Learn more at www.HostelRoadTrip.com [http://www.HostelRoadTrip.com]

Conway, NH - CoHo: Conway Hostel - Go Solo, Leave With Friends

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, host Jimmy Black and co-host Bobby Dyer travel to Conway, New Hampshire, to highlight one of New England’s most community-driven hostels — CoHo Conway Hostel. CoHo is known for its warm social atmosphere, adventure-focused travelers, and the powerful idea that defines their culture: “Go Solo, Leave With Friends.” From hikers exploring the White Mountains to solo backpackers searching for connection, CoHo has become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. 🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdJRpyQK4II [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdJRpyQK4II] In this episode, you’ll learn: • The origin story of CoHo Conway Hostel • Why Conway, NH is a hidden gem for outdoors lovers and backpackers • How CoHo fosters instant community among solo travelers • What makes the White Mountains an adventure hotspot • How independently owned hostels shape authentic travel experiences • Community-building strategies hostel owners use to create memorable stays Whether you're a hostel owner, solo traveler, outdoor adventurer, or lover of unique travel stories, this episode gives an inside look at why CoHo is defining the New England hostel experience. 🔗 Learn more about CoHo Conway Hostel: www.cohohostel.com [http://www.cohohostel.com] 🌍 Discover more Hostel Road Trip Podcast episodes: www.HostelRoadTrip.com [http://www.HostelRoadTrip.com] Hosted by Jimmy Black Co-host: Bobby Dyer (ITH Hostels)

Philadelphia, PA - Apple Hostels - The Heart of East Coast Backpacking

In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to visit Apple Hostels, one of the most iconic and influential hostels on the East Coast. Host Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer sit down with Marc Desmarais, the owner of Apple Hostels, to explore how this legendary property continues to shape the backpacking community in Philly. Apple Hostels has become the heart of East Coast backpacking — known for its social energy, historic setting steps from Independence Hall, and the unforgettable experiences it creates for travelers from around the world. 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: 👉 https://youtu.be/Zz_choF9QeI [https://youtu.be/Zz_choF9QeI] In this episode, you’ll learn: • How Apple Hostels became one of the most popular hostels in the United States • Why Philadelphia is a top destination for solo travelers and backpackers • What makes Apple Hostels’ community events and social atmosphere so special • Marc’s journey as a long-time hostel owner and industry leader • Tips for travelers visiting Philadelphia on a budget • The future of hostels on the East Coast and in America If you’re passionate about hostels, entrepreneurship, or authentic travel experiences, this episode delivers insider knowledge straight from the people shaping the hostel world. 🔗 Explore Apple Hostels: https://applehostels.com [https://applehostels.com] 🎧 More episodes, stories, and travel inspiration: www.HostelRoadTrip.com [http://www.HostelRoadTrip.com] Follow us on YouTube for full video episodes, hostel tours, and behind-the-scenes content!