the partners' story
Erin
Erin's so busy these days with her latest family member that she's not had the opportunity to add her bio here yet. So her bio is being written for her until she can get to it. Erin has loved being on the road since her days picking grapes (or was it apples) in Australia, however she doesn't eat them anymore since she apparently was only paid in fruit. She also did a stint in Ireland as a barmaid but moved on when she realized she couldn't do a proper Irish brogue. Erin worked at USA Hostels over 10 years ago, first as assistant manager, then manager at USA Hostels Hollywood and in the role of Director for the chain. She eventually moved onto other ventures, but realized, like the mafia, hostels pull you back in...and here she is again.
Favorite destinations: Ireland, Australia, visiting family
Always travels with: the world's most 'loved' luggage, photos of her kiddies
John
John never intended to stay in California, he was just a cold Canadian seeking a warmer climate while following his skydiving passion. But one day he met a sassy greek woman in a hostel and the rest is history. A member of the Canadian Skydiving team and a sport coach for Flight-1, the leader in canopy coaching, John spends his 'down' time making sure the hostel is running smoothly. When not fixing up the hostel, he's handling perpetual home renovation projects and cooking up some really gourmet meals for his appreciative wife.
Favorite destinations: Greece, Australia,
Always travels with: music, electric toothbrush, headphones, pillow
Ria
Maria fell in love with hostelling in college, using her student loan money to fund a summer exploring Europe. Having an aunt who travelled the world for 5 years also fueled her hunger to explore. Her mom thinks this urge to wander might be genetic - which after hitting 50 countries on 6 continents might be true. After doing the corporate thing for 12 years, she had an early mid-life crisis and traveled the globe for 13 months and life was never the same. Starting a new career as a hostel manager, Ria eventually helped the owner of USA Hostels build the chain into an award winner. After 14 years there, she joined Samesun, based in Canada, for almost 2 years. And now, she's a partner at her favorite of the former USA Hostels' locations. It's her favorite because of its unique design and because it's where she met her husband!
Favorite destinations: Greece, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
Always travels with: a jar of peanut butter, cyproflaxin, swiss army knife, sarong, zip lock bags.
Xenia - hostel ambassador
Xenia's name means 'hospitality to strangers' in ancient Greek and she really does love people, always looking to give a kiss and get a head scratch. She also thinks she's a princess as she's very demanding...and a cat, because she climbs on furniture. She only works part-time but when she's there, she's sure to make you smile.
Favorite destinations: the top of the couch, the front window, the patio, anywhere sunny
Always travels with: a leash and harness, poop bags, her people