Updated September 8, 2018 As we come upon the beginning of a new year, this is a great time to do some checks and balances. This is especially important if you travel a lot outside of your home country. Take a look at your passport and make sure it’s up to date. The last thing… [read more]
Hostels Past and Present
Hostels are the best place to spend your nights if you’re backpacking, traveling on a budget, or going on that long-awaited gap year. They’re cheaper than hotels. And they offer a social atmosphere where you can make new friends from all parts of the world. It’s a common thing among long-term travelers today. But have… [read more]
Staff Picks: Favorite Hostels
The staff here at the Polynesian Hostel wants to tell you about some of their favorite hostels they’ve stayed at around the world. Here’s a short list coming from our current staff. Kamejikan – Kamakura, Japan From Jesse – If you’re in Japan, I recommend the Kamejikan. It’s a traditional Japanese guesthouse. The staff are… [read more]
Ni’ihau: The Forbidden Isle
Ni’ihau is the smallest of the Hawaiian islands, located just southwest of Kaua’i. It is considered the “Forbidden Isle” because it is the only populated island in Hawaii that visitors are not allowed to go onto unless given permission. History In 1864 King Kamehameha V, the monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii at the time,… [read more]
“The Gap Year” Explained
If you’ve worked in a hostel or even stayed in a hostel, you probably heard the term “gap year” used at least once. There are many young international travelers from the UK, Europe, and even Australia, who are taking gap years after finishing high school to travel the world, work on farms, volunteer, and learn… [read more]