Style Showcase 34

Welcome to another Style Showcase for the week. We’ve got lots to share today, including budget kitchen ideas, saving money on bedroom curtains, patriotic inspiration and summer hydrangeas! Hope you enjoy them all.

Summer is in full swing now and we are enjoying getting outside and riding our bikes early morning. Perfect way to start the day before the heat sets in. Mark is really enjoying being retired.

The post Style Showcase 34 appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2020 Part 2

On Friday, I shared Part 1 of the Southeastern Designer Showhouse here in Atlanta presented by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine. I was a treat to tour the house as part of the media day and I hope you enjoyed that post with all the details about the house. I won’t repeat them here, but be sure and go to the link above for more information about the house.

Today we will tour the Upper Level of the 11,000 s.f. home.

The post Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2020 Part 2 appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Home Style Saturday 194

Happy Saturday to you all! We are having some beautiful weather continuing into June and we sure are enjoying that. Hope you enjoy these posts by my friends and I as we share lots of great ideas, tips and tricks for decorating your home. 

The post Home Style Saturday 194 appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

The Covid-19 lockdown has thrown us all into a world where we conduct all our work meetings – and lots of social ones too – remotely. We’ve all had to learn a new etiquette to do this effectively, but it turns out, us riders have an advantage when it comes to picking up the best way to navigate virtual meetings. Who knew?

Read on to find out four ways being around horses prepares you for virtual meetings…

1. You are accustomed to picking up and giving non-verbal cues. We all know the person who insists on saying “yes” to acknowledge they have heard or a disagreeing “no” is a menace in a virtual meeting – the mic moves across to them, cutting out the speaker, and everyone misses the next 10 seconds as the sound catches up again. But as horse riders, we are used to non-verbal communication. So we found it easy to adjust – we just smile and nod when we want to acknowledge something or look a bit anxious when it sounds worrying. It’s just the same as using nice soft body language to show your horse everything is ok or using the reins and body to slow down because there’s something that needs attention…

2. You are familiar with taking it in turns. It’s tedious, but sometimes, there’s no other way to conduct a video meeting than by each person expressing their view in turn. You know, just like you do in a group lesson when everyone has a go at the jumps in turn… we’ve got this. Remember, don’t be greedy and do extra jumps/talking and never start jumping/talking before the person before you has finished.

3. You are used to being embarrassed. Whether it’s your five-year-old popping in to tell you about her latest toilet trip, an X-rated book in the background of your picture or the fact you hadn’t quite got dressed because you didn’t realise video was essential for this session, virtual meetings offer numerous opportunities to embarrass yourself. But that’s nothing unusual for us riders. Horses are always finding ways to embarrass us, from peeing when you halt in a dressage test to throwing themselves in the mud when you don’t have time to bath them before a lesson or dumping you in front of a new partner you want to impress.

Article continues below…


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4. You are well practised at speaking slowly and clearly. We’ve found that years of saying soothingly “Waaaaalk” when lungeing has fitted us well for the steady pace required when speaking on a virtual meeting. Just try to avoid the slightly more panicked tone you adopt when you see your horse eating something he shouldn’t or destroying a fence…

We are continuing to produce Horse & Hound as a weekly magazine during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as to keep our website at horseandhound.co.uk up to date with breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2020

Atlanta is known for gorgeous homes and architecture and it’s always a treat to get invited to the showhouses in town, one of the perks of being a blogger. I’ve been going to the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Southeastern Designer Showhouse for all 5 years now and it’s always a highlight this time of year. The house opening was delayed this year due to Covid, but I’m glad to see it finally open.

This year’s house is an 11,000 s.f. renovated Buckhead estate with California transitional design by Benecki. Linda McArthur Architect, Cole Construction, Melanie Turner Interiors and SOURCE serves as this year’s showhouse.

The post Southeastern Designer Showhouse 2020 appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

My 12 Favorite Hostels in Barcelona

The historic and towering cathedral in Barcelona, Spain
Posted: 6/11/2020 | June 11th, 2020

Few destinations in the world bring in the crowds like Barcelona. It’s one of the most incredible cities not just in Spain, but in the entire world, home to a buzzing nightlife, delectable food scene, and tons of stunning architecture.

No matter what your budget or reason for visiting, you’ll be able to enjoy this sprawling, picturesque city and its laid-back pace of life.

I’ve been visiting Barcelona for a decade and have stayed in dozens upon dozens of hostels over the years. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in Barcelona are:

  1. Location – Barcelona is huge and it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
  2. Price – In Barcelona, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
  3. Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free Wi-Fi, and most have a free breakfast, but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!
  4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!

To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Barcelona that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:

Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Hostel One Ramblas or Hostel One Paralelo
Best Hostel for Families: St. Christopher’s Inn
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Sleep Green
Best Hostel for Partying: Kabul Party Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: Yeah Hostel
Best Overall Hostel: St. Christopher’s Inn

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Barcelona:

Price Legend (per night)

  • $ = Under 30 EUR
  • $$ = 30-40 EUR
  • $$$ = Over 40 EUR

 

1. St. Christopher’s Inn

The spacious private rooms of St. Christopher's hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This is one of my favorite hostels in Europe. Located right near La Rambla, it’s a social and lively hostel with a huge bar/outdoor right next door. They organize daily events and the beds are cozy pods with curtains so you can actually get a decent sleep. It’s clean, comfy, and one of the best hostels in the city.

St. Christopher’s at a Glance:

  • $$
  • Huge bar/outdoor common area makes it easy to meet people
  • Privacy curtains so you can get a decent sleep
  • Female-only dorms for added privacy and security

Beds from 35 EUR a night, rooms from 170 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at St. Christopher’s Inn!
 

2. Hostel One Paralelo

A dorm room full of travelers at Paralelo hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This is a fun party hostel that’s great for solo travelers. They organize nightly events and activities, host free dinners every night, and work hard to make sure everyone is having fun. While it is a lively hostel, they also have separate commons rooms for chilling out and working, as well as a movie room with Netflix in case you just want to relax. The dorms are also capped at 8 beds so you’re never crammed in with a ton of people either (which is a big plus in my book).

Hostel One Paralelo at a Glance:

  • $
  • Free nightly dinners
  • Relaxed social atmosphere
  • Easy to meet other travelers

Beds from 20 EUR a night, rooms from 54 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at Hostel One Paralelo!
 

3. Kabul Party Hostel

The dark interior of a dorm room at the Kabul Party Hostel in Barcelona, Spain
Kabul is my favorite hostel in the city (and is tied for my favorite hostel in all of Europe. It’s a full-on party hostel, so don’t come here looking for peace and quiet.

They organize nightly events and pub crawls. Surprisingly, the dorms are clean and the beds are comfy — which is rare for party hostels. What makes Kabul so great is the common area. It takes up a whole floor of the building and comprises a café, bar, internet kiosk, and a pool table. It’s super social and really easy to meet people here. Just don’ expect to get much sleep!

Kabul Party Hostel at a Glance:

  • $$
  • Organizes lots of activities
  • Really easy to meet people
  • Lively party atmosphere

Beds from 32 EUR a night, rooms from 82 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at Kabul Party Hostel!
 

4. HelloBCN

The common area of HelloBCN hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This is another social hostel with amazing staff that go above and beyond to make sure you have a memorable trip. The hostel serves free breakfast, has lots of common areas (with ping pong and board games), and they organize all kinds of events too. They can also get you discounts to some of the city’s nightclubs in case you’re looking to enjoy Barcelona’s famous nightlife. They also have a kichen in case you want to cook your own meals and guests get electronic wristbands so the hostel is safe and secure. They also have female-only dorms too.

HelloBCN at a Glance:

  • $
  • Free breakfast
  • Organizes lots of events
  • Awesome and helpful staff

Beds from 28 EUR a night, rooms from 100 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at HelloBCN!
 

5. Hostel One Ramblas

The clean dorm room of Hostel One Ramblas in Barcelona, Spain
Like the other Hostel One location on this list, Ramblas is social hostel where it’s easy to have fun. They organize daily walking tours and nights out so there is always something to do (which makes it easy to meet new people). Free dinners are held daily, breakfast is super cheap (3 EUR), and the beds are really comfortable. It’s also close to a metro stop so you can easily get around the city. The staff here are awesome and go above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay.

Hostel One Ramblas at a Glance:

  • $
  • Free nightly dinners
  • Great place to meet other travelers
  • Organizes daily events and activities

Beds from 20 EUR a night.

—> Book your stay at Hostel One Ramblas!
 

6. 360 Hostel Barcelona Arts & Culture

The common area of 360 Hostel in Barcelona, Spain
Another fun and interactive hostel that organizes daily walking tours, cooking classes, and has free tapas every Thursday. It’s super social. They have a chill patio with lots of space to hang out and lounge and have free dinners every night as well. It’s a bustling, communal hostel that makes you feel like you’re at home with friends. They keep it super clean too!

360 Hostel Barcelona at a Glance:

  • $$
  • Organizes lots of activities
  • Easy to meet people
  • Free dinner

Beds from 35 EUR a night.

—> Book your stay at 360 Hostel Barcelona Arts & Culture!
 

7. Fabrizzio’s Petit

The colorful dorm room of Fabrizzio's hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This hostel has a real family vibe to it. They offer free breakfast every morning and host communal dinners every night. They have a spacious outdoor terrace, a chill common area with video games, and they also organize a few walking tours of different parts of the city as well. They have free coffee and tea too. To top it all off, the showers have great water pressure — something I appreciate!

Fabrizzio’s Petit at a Glance:

  • $$$
  • Free breakfast
  • Communal dinners and other daily events
  • Awesome showers

Beds from 46 EUR a night, rooms from 129 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at Fabrizzio’s Petit!
 

8. Yeah Hostel Barcelona

The and spacious lobby of Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This is an energetic hostel with a cool interior design (there is lots of art and murals on the walls). They organize daily walking tours and pub crawls and have a bar on-site so you can chill out and enjoy a drink with your fellow travelers (you also get a free drink with your stay). They have some quiter areas too for when you want to relax. Everything is clean and modern, which makes it feel almost like a hotel — but with the socializing and fun of a hostel. You can also attend thier daily communal dinners (10 EUR) which are super delicious and a great way to meet people.

Yeah Hostel at a Glance:

  • $$$
  • Free drinks
  • Daily tours and pub crawls
  • Easy to meet other travelers

Beds from 42 EUR a night, rooms from 146 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at Yeah Hostel!
 

9. Sant Jordi Hostels Sagrada Familia

The and spacious drom of Sant Jordi hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This is a really cool hostel. They have instruments and a stage for playing music, an indoor skate ramp, and the hostel is covered in cool murals and art. They organize nightly parties and pub crawls, have a huge spacious kitchen for cooking your own food, and a chill outdoor lounge for relaxing and hanging out. Located right near the city center (it’s just a few minutes from La Sagrada Familia), it’s definitely one of the coolest hostels in the city.

Sant Jordi Hostels Sagrada Familia at a Glance:

  • $
  • Awesome interior
  • Nightly pub crawls
  • Fully equipped kitchen

Beds from 24 EUR a night, rooms from 39 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at Sant Jordi Hostels Sagrada Familia!
 

10. Bed & Bike Barcelona

The common area of Beds and Bikes hostel in Barcelona, Spain
What separates this unique hostel from the rest is that it offers a free bike tour of the city every morning (you can also rent a bike for 7 EUR per day). They also have free dinners and sangria nights too, which keeps the atmosphere lively and energetic. It’s just 5 mintues from La Sagrada Familia and La Rambla too so it’s a super convenient location. Free coffee and tea are available all day, which is a nice little bonus if you just want to relax and chill (or do some work). And the beds are litle cubbies with curtains so you have some added privacy (which I appreciate).

Bed & Bike Barcelona at a Glance:

  • $
  • Free daily bike tous
  • Great location
  • Hosts lots of activities

Beds from 25 EUR a night, rooms from 74 EUR per night.

—> Book your stay at Bed & Bike Barcelona!
 

11. Mediterranean Youth Hostel

The dorm room of the Mediterranean Youth Hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This laid-back youth hostel is a good choice for younger travelers (dorms are only available to travelers under 48). They host Mediterranean-themed dinners, plan nightly pub crawls, and offer daily free walking tours as well. There is always something fun going on to help you meet people and enjoy the city. They have an outdoor courtyard, movie room, and a chill common area with video games as well. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly hostels too!

Mediterranean Youth Hostel at a Glance:

  • $
  • Organizes lots of events
  • Good location
  • Lots of common areas

Beds from 28 EUR a night.

—> Book your stay at Mediterranean Youth Hostel!
 

12. Sleep Green Eco Youth Hostel

The front desk of the Sleep Green hostel in Barcelona, Spain
This is the most sustainable and eco-friendly hostel in the city. It’s a quiet, laid-back hostel which is great for anyone looking for a less rowdy stay in Barcelona. They have a fully-equipped kitchen for cooking your own meals and lots of common areas for hanging out and meeting other travelers. It’s not the most social place, making it a good choice for digital nomads looking to get some work done or travelers looking to do their own thing.

Sleep Green Eco Hostel at a Glance:

  • $$
  • Eco-friendly
  • Quiet
  • Fully equipped kitchen

Beds from 35 EUR.

—> Book your stay at Sleep Green!

***

Barcelona is an energetic, world-class city that draws millions and millions of visitors each and every year — and for good reason! Yet it can also be an expensive destination if you don’t plan ahead. Fortunately, if you do your research and stay in one of the hostels on this list you’ll be able to save money, have fun, and make the most of your time in this incredible city!

Book Your Trip to Barcelona: 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. You can book your hostel 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!

Need a Guide?
Barcelona has some really great guided Gaudi tours. My favorite company to go with is Take Walks. Their “Complete Gaudí Tour” will give you the best in-depth and behind-the-scenes Gaudi tour out there.

Looking For More Information on Visiting Barcelona?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Barcelona with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credit: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

The post My 12 Favorite Hostels in Barcelona appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

My 6 Favorite Hostels in San Diego

The skyline of San Diego as seen from over the bay
Posted: 6/11/2020 | June 11th, 2020

San Diego is an underrated destination. While visitors flock to San Francisco and Los Angeles, more often than not San Diego gets skipped over.

With incredible weather, awesome beaches, and tons of things to see and do (both in the city and nearby), San Diego is a destination that shouldn’t be overlooked.

I’ve been visiting the city for years and have stayed in many of the city’s hostels. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in San Diego are:

  1. Location – San Diego is huge and it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
  2. Price – In San Diego, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
  3. Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free Wi-Fi, and many have a free breakfast, but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!
  4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!

To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in San Diego that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:

Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: HI San Diego – Downtown
Best Hostel for Families: HI San Diego – Point Loma or HI San Diego – Downtown
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: ITH Adventure Hostel
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: HI San Diego – Point Loma
Best Hostel for Partying: Lucky D’s
Best Overall Hostel: HI San Diego – Downtown

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in San Diego:

Price Legend (per night)

  • $ = Under $30 USD
  • $$ = $30-40 USD
  • $$$ = Over $40 USD

 

1. HI San Diego – Downtown

The bunk beds in a dorm room in the HI Hostel in downtown San Diego, California
I’m a big fan of HI hostels. They’ve helped bring hosteling into the mainstream and their hostels are always top-notch. HI San Diego Downtown is no different. Not only is it one of the most affordable places to stay in town but it’s consistently ranked as the best hostel too. They have free breakfast, organize tons of events and tours, and have a big kitchen so you can cook your own food. There’s video games and a pool table in the common room too.

HI San Diego – Downtown at a glance:

  • $
  • Social atmosphere
  • Organizes lots of events
  • Free breakfast

Beds from $25 USD a night, rooms from $59 USD.

—> Book your stay at HI San Diego – Downtown!
 

2. ITH Adventure Hostel San Diego

The common area of the ITH Adventure Hostel in San Diego, California
What I really like about this hostel is its focus on sustainable travel. They have a vegetable garden (and give free veggies away to visitors), a recycling and compost program, and there are even backyard chickens. There is lots of outdoor common space to relax in and it’s a very friendly and social hostel too. It’s clean and the water pressure in the showers is pretty good. The beds are pretty comfy too. It’s my favorite hostel in the city.

ITH Adventure Hostel San Diego at a glance:

  • $$
  • Female-only rooms
  • Social atmosphere so it’s easy to meet people
  • Eco-friendly

Beds from $38 USD a night, rooms from $100 USD.

—> Book your stay at ITH Adventure Hostel San Diego!
 

3. HI San Diego – Point Loma

The exterior of the HI Point Loma hostel in in San Diego, California
Located right near Ocean Beach, this is another aweome HI Hostel. It’s a laid-back place with lots of common areas (including a courtyard with a BBQ and outdoor fire pit), includes free breakfast, and they offer free surfboards if you want to hit the waves (they also include free beach towels too). They organize all kinds of weekly events too so it’s easy to meet people. They also have bikes for rent if you want to explore.

HI San Diego – Point Loma at a glance:

  • $$
  • Organizes lots of events
  • Free perks (breakfast, surfboards)
  • Laid back and friendly atmosphere

Beds from $37 USD a night, rooms from $82 USD.

—> Book your stay at HI San Diego – Point Loma!
 

4. ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel

The common area of the ITH Surf Hostel in San Diego, California
If you’re planning to spend your days on the beach, this is the hostel for you. Located right on the beach, this place has a huge outdoor patio, surfboards and wetsuits for rent, and there’s lots of bars and restaurants nearby. They have a tasy free breakfast too (including pancakes). Plus, they also grow organic vegetables (which guests can eat), have recycling and composting programs, andupcycle furniture into art too!

ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel at a glance:

  • $$$
  • Amazing location
  • Free breakfast
  • Laid-back atmosphere

Beds from $55 USD a night, rooms from $179 USD.

—> Book your stay at ITH Beach Bungalow Surf Hostel!
 

5. Lucky D’s

The colorful dorms of Lucky D's hostel in San Diego, California
This hostel hosts nightly events and pubcrawls so if you’re looking for a party, stay here. Located in the Gaslamp district, it’s in a central, convenient location. They have bikes for rent and laundry facilities as well as lockers in every room so you can keep your stuff secure. It’s one of the cheapest hostels in the city.

Lucky D’s at a glance:

  • $
  • Weekly events and activities
  • Affordable dorms
  • Good location

Beds from $28 USD a night, rooms from $86 USD.

—> Book your stay at Lucky D’s!
 

6. California Dreams Hostel

The colorful kitchen of the California Dreams hostel in San Diego, California
This is your classic backpacker hostel. They organize movie nights, have free yoga mats, and they even offer surf lessons (you can rent wetsuits and surfboards as well). They also organize lots of tours, include free breakfast, and are just 1 minute from the beach. Overall, it’s a solid backpacker hostel in a great location with lots of free perks.

California Dreams Hostel at a glance:

  • $$
  • Free perks (breakfast, yoga mats, frisbees/volleyballs)
  • Social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
  • Organizes lots of events

Beds from $40 USD a night, rooms from $120 USD.

—> Book your stay at California Dreams Hostel!

***

San Diego is a fun, relaxing city with amazing food and even more amazing beaches. It’s like a smaller, better version of Los Angeles. Best of all, it’s also more affordable than both LA and San Francisco, which makes it a prime choice for road trippers and budget travelers looking to have some fun in the sun.

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 being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

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 those I use — and they’ll save you time and money too!

Photo credit: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The post My 6 Favorite Hostels in San Diego appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

The 8 Best Hostels in San Francisco

Looking out over the Golden Gate Bridge on the coast of San Francisco, USA
Posted: 6/11/2020 | June 11th, 2020

San Francisco is a beautiful, eclectic city. Balancing its hippy roots with its modern, techie scene, San Francisco is a cool, lively, energetic city bursting with history and tons of amazing food. It’s some to hippies, students, artists, entrepreneurs, and sizeable immigrant communities. All of that combines to create one of the best cities in the country.

However, it’s also one of the most expensive in the country too!

Fortunately, the city has a growing hostel scene so you can find affordable accommodation during your visit. I’ve been visiting San Francisco for a decade and have stayed in dozens of hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs. Since the city is so expensive, hostels are your best bet here.

There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in San Francisco are:

  1. Location – San Francisco is huge and it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
  2. Price – In San Francisco, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
  3. Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free Wi-Fi, and most have a free breakfast, but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!
  4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!

To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in San Francisco that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:

Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Orange Village
Best Hostel for Families: Adelaide Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: HI Fisherman’s Wharf
Best Hostel for Partying: Green Tortoise Hostel
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: HI Downtown
Best Overall Hostel: Green Tortoise Hostel

Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in San Francisco:

Price Legend (per night)

  • $ = Under $40 USD
  • $$ = $40-50 USD
  • $$$ = Over $50 USD

 

1. HI San Francisco – Downtown

The interior of a spacious private room at HI San Francisco Downtown
HI Downtown has some standard perks like free breakfast and free towels but they also organize a lot of events — including pub crawls, trips to Muir Woods and Yosemite, and bike tours across the Golden Gate Bridge.

HI Downtown at a Glance:

  • $$$
  • Organizes lots of events?
  • Free breakfast and free towels
  • Lots of common areas

Beds from $54 USD a night, rooms from $159 USD.

—> Book your stay at HI Downtown!
 

2. Green Tortoise Hostel

The huge ballroom dining area at the Green Tortoise Hostel in San Francisco, USA
This hostel is an travel institution in San Francisco. It’s one of the oldest in the city. It’s my favorite hostel in the city (and one of my favorites in the entire country). They offer free breakfast, free dinners multiple times per week, and they even have a free sauna! They have a huge common room so it’s easy to meet people and it’s a very fun, social atmosphere. There’s a pool, tons of games (like giant jenga and foosball), and musical instruments in case you want to jam.

Green Tortoise at a glance:

  • $$
  • Lots of free perks (free breakfast, free dinners, free sauna)
  • Lively party atmosphere
  • Great for solo travelers

Beds from $47 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at Green Tortoise!
 

3. HI San Francisco – Fisherman’s Wharf

The front desk and lobby of the HI hostel at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, USA
This is another great HI hostel. They have lots of common areas (so it’s easy to relax and meet people), they organzie tons of events (like bike tours, museum tours, and pub crawls), and they even have a small theater for watching movies. They also have a cafe on-site (with reasonable prices) and keep the hostel clean and tidy.

HI Fisherman’s Wharf at a glance:

  • $$
  • Female-only dorms for extra security
  • Organizes lots of events
  • Huge kitchen

Beds from $41.50 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at HI Fisherman’s Wharf!
 

4. Found San Francisco – Union Square

Bunk beds in a dorm room at FOUND hostel in San Francisco, USA
Located right near Union Square in the heart of the city, Found has spacious private rooms as well as smaller dorm rooms. It’s a good choice for anyone looking for a bit more privacy and some peace and quiet. The kitchen isn’t huge but the beds are super comfy and the rooms are clean and a bit more stylish than most hostels.

Found Union Square at a glance:

  • $$
  • Convenient location
  • Modern ammenities

Beds from $40.50 USD a night, rooms from $269 USD.

—> Book your stay at Found!
 

5. HI San Francisco – City Center

A comfy bed in a spacious privae room at the HI Hostel City Center hostel in San Francisco, USA
This cozy hostel is located in a boutique hotel from the 1920s. It does an excellent job of balancing historic charm with a modern atmosphere. There are lots of beautiful paintings and murals and they even have a speakeasy-style cafe. But it’s the atmosphere here that makes your stay worthwhile. There are lots of common areas to chill out and meet people and they also have female-only dorms too. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the main shopping area there are lots of cheap reataurants nearby as well.

HI City Center at a glance:

  • $$
  • Easy to meet people
  • Free breakfast and free towels
  • Comfy beds

Beds from $49 USD a night, rooms from $125 USD.

—> Book your stay at HI City Center!
 

6. Adelaide Hostel

The lobby and common area of the Adelaide Hostel in San Francisco, USA
This is one of the quieter and more laid-back hostels in the city. The beds are comfy and there are privacy curtains so you can actually get a decent sleep (something I really appreciate). They offer free breakfast as well as free meals throughout the week so it’s easy to connect with other travelers. The hostel on a sidestreet just two blocks from downtown so you get the convenience of being centrally located without all the noise. The staff here are awesome too and can help you mkae the most of your trip.

Adelaide Hostel at a glance:

  • $$$
  • Comfy beds with privacy curtains
  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Helpful staff

Beds from $52 USD a night, rooms from $169 USD.

—> Book your stay at Adelaide!
 

7. Orange Village Hostel

Narrow bunk beds at the Orange Village Hostel in San Francisco, USA
This is the cheapest hostel in the city. They include free breakfast and organize weekly pizza nights and movie nights. The dorms are basic (you get what you pay for) but there is lots of common space to relax in and they have a big kitchen so you can cook your own meals (and save even more money). The bathrooms aren’t the most clean or modern, but again, for the price it’s to be expected.

Orange Village at a glance:

  • $
  • Super affordable
  • Easy to meet people
  • Free perks (breakfast, pizza nights)

Beds from $39.60 USD a night, rooms from $126 USD.

—> Book your stay at Orange Village!
 

8. Pacific Tradewinds

The dorm room of the Pacific Tradewinds hostel in San Francisco, USA
This independent hostel offers lots of free perks for budget travelers (like free ramen), and is community-focused. They organize events (like pub crawls and trivia nights) so its easy to meet people and the hostel is near the subway so it’s easy to get around. It’s a classic backpacker hostel and a great choice for solo travelers.

Pacific Tradewinds at a glance:

  • $$
  • Free sandwiches and ramen
  • Easy to meet people
  • Awesome staff

Beds from $42.50 USD per night.

—> Book your stay at Pacific Tradewinds!

***

By staying in one of the hostels above you’ll not only save money but you’ll meet other travelers, get insider tips and advice, and have an amazing visit to one of the counry’s best cities. Whether you’re a solo female traveler, a family, or someone backpacking on a tight budget, you’ll be able to find a hostel that suits your needs and travel style.

Book Your Trip to San Francisco: 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.

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!

Need a Guide?
San Francisco has some really great tours on offer. For an in-depth walking tour, check out <a href="Take Walks. They use expert local guides and have a super insightful (and fun) tour through Chinatown.

For something more hands-on like a segway tour, use Fat Tire Tours. They have a few different tours around the city and are a great alternative to a standard walking tour.

Looking for More Information on Visiting San Francisco?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to San Francisco with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credit: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

The post The 8 Best Hostels in San Francisco appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Inspiring and Beautiful Books

I’ve just received a couple of new books I wanted to share with you, I sure enjoy beautiful books around the house and on my coffee tables and these two are really gorgeous books if you enjoy flipping through a real book and not just looking at things online There’s something about a real book with those glossy pages that just captures my attention. And if you love flowers, then you will love both of these books I’m sharing today.

The post Inspiring and Beautiful Books appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

So I know this isn’t about horses… but I thought it would apply (and is important) because so many of us live on rural land.

SIGNS THAT A FAWN NEEDS YOUR HELP.

Mountain View Wildlife Rehabilitation

People that call us and are concerned whether or not they should bring the found fawn in can look at this. My very first question is look at the ears. Are they straight? Or are they crumpled?
If straight , was the deer laying down or standing up?
This year every deer we have taken in has looked like this. The ears are crumpled and the deer was standing up and crying.
The crumpled ear tips mean that the fawn is dehydrated and mom is gone.
The baby needs help!!!
?????????
If you are EVER in question about wether or not you need to help the baby , this is the answer.
If you find one with these crumpled ears , get that baby help!
We always advise if you get the fawn and can’t get it to a rehabilitation facility right away, NEVER feed the fawn ANYTHING but unflavored pedialyte.
We use specialty milks made specific for deer and anything else may proved fatal or create more issues.
As always please donate to your rehab facility as rehabilitation specialists are not paid.
We run strictly on donations or what we pay out of pocket.

If you would like to donate to our facility through product , our amazon wish list link is :

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3R2KLX6PHLZEO…

If you would like to donate through pay pal , our link is :

https://www.paypal.me/mountainviewwildlife

Our mailing address is :

20 independence Drive
Hazard, KY   41701

And check us out on you tube !
Mountain View Wildlife

The post Does a lone fawn need help? LOOK AT THESE SIGNS to know if the fawn is in danger! appeared first on Horse and Man.

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