I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being. – Jackie Robinson
© www.weknowyourdreams.com
Monday, January 4, 2016 (DAY 1,399)
In nearly four-years of living out of a backpack, I have lived in more than 350 different hostels and guesthouses, so it's pretty safe to say, "this ain't my first rodeo!" I've experienced this style of communal living habitats from Europe to Central America, South America, South East Asia, East Asia, and Australia. I've stayed in everything from the bottom-of-the-barrel Third-World conditions–living without electricity and running water for multiple day–to party hostels and the ever-grateful posh luxurious settings according to backpacker standards, but most recently I've found myself at a guesthouse with other long-term guests and as of recently there are a few suggestions for those noobs that come trolling in to a space that has been occupied by guests that are working and/or studying whether that be to extend their travels or to experience living abroad on a budget.
Some people still think I'm a bit insane for leaving behind, not only my 12-year professional career, but also my ever-spacious four-bedroom three bathroom house complete with a two-car attached garage and my enormous bathroom complete with an oversized-garden tub to exchange it for sleeping in dorm rooms with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities, but I've chosen to sacrifice certain comforts for freedoms that are difficult to explain to those that have never experienced the backpacking lifestyle, which does come with a price as there is the good, the bad, and the ugly of long-term or extended travel. While I have had more opportunities with an excessive of freedom of time in many ways, this still does not negate me from living without responsibilities, because I am not living on a trustfund nor do I have the luxury of parents that just replenish my bank account when my funds begin to deplete. I've taken to a variety of jobs, started several of my own businesses–proudly of which I can say have all been successful–and of course I have had to learn to adapt to living environments that most people might cringe at the thought of. However, I've continued to live a life debt-free, which sadly many people back in the United States may never have an opportunity to experience, but I encourage and implore others to learn to live as a minimalist and be free of accumulating materialistic possessions that end up owning you as you pay them back for years, if not decades.
Digressing from the topic at hand, I wanted to share 10 simple tips for traveling guests entering NON-TRADITIONAL hostel or guest house settings, because there is an enormous difference–in my opinion–between short-term hostel guests and the long-term tenants that are working to save up for that next big adventure, studying a foreign language, or volunteering with a local organizations. Yes, I understand that most "traditional" hostels have a much higher turnaround rate and most guests don't have any schedule or pending responsibility commitments. Through all of the various living environment I feel that I've encountered almost every type of 'travel characters' you can possible imagine, and of course those you probably cannot! This is just some friendly advice to those that enter into a guest house setting that has more long-term guests, such as my place in Seoul, because sooner or later things may come to throwing blows when you arrive and disrespect the vibe and cohesiveness of the place, especially when you are thief of precious sleep and rest! I've learned that whether you are traveling for leisure or not, crankiness changes you in ways that bring out the insomnia-monster in all of us! Therefore, if your goal is to ostracize yourself with a reputation of being a complete d-bag than by all means continue to ignore these suggestions and you will certainly be "that awful guest."
As one guest put it, "so, you think you have more entitlement to the space?" It's not even remotely close to entitlement, but just BASIC respect! Hopefully this will help prepare others when they do enter such communal living settings. My last advice is, if you want that party hostel atmosphere then by all means go and seek out that type of accommodation, but don't try bringing that in to places that don't desire for that continued environment.
In nearly four-years of living out of a backpack, I have lived in more than 350 different hostels and guesthouses, so it's pretty safe to say, "this ain't my first rodeo!" I've experienced this style of communal living habitats from Europe to Central America, South America, South East Asia, East Asia, and Australia. I've stayed in everything from the bottom-of-the-barrel Third-World conditions–living without electricity and running water for multiple day–to party hostels and the ever-grateful posh luxurious settings according to backpacker standards, but most recently I've found myself at a guesthouse with other long-term guests and as of recently there are a few suggestions for those noobs that come trolling in to a space that has been occupied by guests that are working and/or studying whether that be to extend their travels or to experience living abroad on a budget.
Some people still think I'm a bit insane for leaving behind, not only my 12-year professional career, but also my ever-spacious four-bedroom three bathroom house complete with a two-car attached garage and my enormous bathroom complete with an oversized-garden tub to exchange it for sleeping in dorm rooms with bunk beds and shared bathroom facilities, but I've chosen to sacrifice certain comforts for freedoms that are difficult to explain to those that have never experienced the backpacking lifestyle, which does come with a price as there is the good, the bad, and the ugly of long-term or extended travel. While I have had more opportunities with an excessive of freedom of time in many ways, this still does not negate me from living without responsibilities, because I am not living on a trustfund nor do I have the luxury of parents that just replenish my bank account when my funds begin to deplete. I've taken to a variety of jobs, started several of my own businesses–proudly of which I can say have all been successful–and of course I have had to learn to adapt to living environments that most people might cringe at the thought of. However, I've continued to live a life debt-free, which sadly many people back in the United States may never have an opportunity to experience, but I encourage and implore others to learn to live as a minimalist and be free of accumulating materialistic possessions that end up owning you as you pay them back for years, if not decades.
Digressing from the topic at hand, I wanted to share 10 simple tips for traveling guests entering NON-TRADITIONAL hostel or guest house settings, because there is an enormous difference–in my opinion–between short-term hostel guests and the long-term tenants that are working to save up for that next big adventure, studying a foreign language, or volunteering with a local organizations. Yes, I understand that most "traditional" hostels have a much higher turnaround rate and most guests don't have any schedule or pending responsibility commitments. Through all of the various living environment I feel that I've encountered almost every type of 'travel characters' you can possible imagine, and of course those you probably cannot! This is just some friendly advice to those that enter into a guest house setting that has more long-term guests, such as my place in Seoul, because sooner or later things may come to throwing blows when you arrive and disrespect the vibe and cohesiveness of the place, especially when you are thief of precious sleep and rest! I've learned that whether you are traveling for leisure or not, crankiness changes you in ways that bring out the insomnia-monster in all of us! Therefore, if your goal is to ostracize yourself with a reputation of being a complete d-bag than by all means continue to ignore these suggestions and you will certainly be "that awful guest."
As one guest put it, "so, you think you have more entitlement to the space?" It's not even remotely close to entitlement, but just BASIC respect! Hopefully this will help prepare others when they do enter such communal living settings. My last advice is, if you want that party hostel atmosphere then by all means go and seek out that type of accommodation, but don't try bringing that in to places that don't desire for that continued environment.
10. USE YOUR HEADPHONES
© www.idiva.com
It's surprising to me that this needs to be addressed in communal living environments, but I can't tell you how often I've had people YABBER away early in the very morning–I'm talking 4am when everyone is asleep–or really late at night, and all times in between without taking into consideration the other guests. This is just blatantly rude! I understand that there can be massive time differences to overcome, emergency situations occur, but at the very least put in your fricken headphones! I don't want to hear your conversation and I'm pretty sure everyone else doesn't care to hear you yap away either! So SHUT IT before someone shuts it for you, you thief of sleep!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
9. SURPRISE, MOM'S NOT AROUND
© www.menletter.org
When you are fortunate enough to stay at hostels or guest houses that have a communal kitchen, especially for the sake of long-term guests that understand what it means to clean up after themselves, be courteous and wash your dishes. AND, this should also go without saying, but STOP being food burglars! Items in a communal fridge is not your own personal grocery store!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
8. NIGHT OWLS AND EARLY BIRDS
© Jupiterimages/Thinkstock
I understand everyone may have different sleep patterns and times they prefer to go to bed or get up. Whether you are an early riser or someone that burns the midnight oil, respect the fact that you are staying at a place where the other guests do have some type of schedule and responsibilities. Once again, this is NOT a matter of entitlement to shared living spaces, but just general respect! If you cannot live with this simple request, easy solution...
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
7. MOVING ITEMS AROUND
© Thompson Rivers University
Once again you would think that this would not need to be addressed, but keep your hands off other people items when they are on their bed or in their cabinet/lockers. Seriously, you're not a decorator so don't start moving furniture and other things around just because you think it may be more feng shui or whatever your new age ideals about better cosmic energy by placing your shoes in the doorway may be. Stop being an idiot!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
6. SHUT YOUR YAPPER
© www.moneysideoflife.com
I can be just as talkative as the next person–I sure know that lol–however, there are plenty of times that silence is valued. Just because YOU are bored and have nothing better to do, stop being a Chatty Kathy and go out and find someone else that wants to hear you jabber away! Recently, I've never seen a person in ALL of my travels that has been so desperate to talk to someone about complete nonsense! Several of us in the guesthouse agreed that it seemed as though it was a Groundhog Day experience, where every morning, afternoon, evening, and late night conversations were over the exact same series of topics on constant repeat–this was our own personal hell! Just shut it already!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL WHERE PEOPLE DON'T MIND HEARING YOU TALK ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING DAY-AFTER-DAY FOR A MONTH!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL WHERE PEOPLE DON'T MIND HEARING YOU TALK ABOUT THE SAME EXACT THING DAY-AFTER-DAY FOR A MONTH!
5. STOP BEING SO JUDGMENTAL
© www.glamour.com
Most people think that religious individuals that be the most judgmental, but I've seen plenty from environmental activist that are there to judge every little thing you do when I've seen them do plenty to be hypocritical. The same goes with those that judge others for what they eat, music preferences, etc and etc and etc. Really, so you can be a 'holier than thou type of person regarding whatever you may be passionate about and cast judgment on others for not sharing your same beliefs, but when it comes to relaying your attitude of open-mindedness apparently it's a one-way street?!" Get over yourself and stop telling others how they NEED to live. If I wanted to join PETA, I'd join in on a protest while enjoying a double-double animal style from In-N-Out. Take that! I'm not hear to judge you, so stop judging me and EVERYONE else because you think you know the "secrets to the universe!"
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
4. PACKING FOR COMMUNAL LIVING
© www.suitcasesandsippycups.com
Overpacking is a common problem for many people when they travel, but entering a hostel or guest house the biggest rule to remember is that you are entering a communal living environment with limited space and therefore learn to minimize your packing. Some suggestions that can be helpful to assist you with this change is to contact the guest house or hostel in advance about what amenities they offer such as; towels, hair dryers, shampoo, etc. Also, realize that if this is the first time traveling abroad that, surprise, most items you can get in your home country can be found in foreign countries! I've seen people think that they don't have conditioner or toothpaste in first world or third world countries and they end up buying these items at a premium at the airport only to realize they could have saved themselves a lot of money by waiting and purchasing even at a local convenience store. This will help reduce overpacking and you may just find a different product that works better! Embrace being abroad, not just cultural differences and food, but also new products. I can promise you that you will not die without having your very specific Herbal Essence shampoo.
If you feel that you can't overcome the necessity to bring almost every item you own with you, EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
If you feel that you can't overcome the necessity to bring almost every item you own with you, EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
3. SURPRISE AGAIN, MOM'S NOT AROUND PUT YOUR THINGS AWAY
© www.daveyandsam.com
I don't want to be accused nor responsible for your lack of care with your personal items. I can't tell you how many times I've walked into dorms and have seen valuables that range from expensive tablets, laptops, phones, even wallets with money strewn about left in the open for anyone to grab. Be smart and put your things away! Almost every single hostel or guest house has lockers and even if they don't you have your suitcase or backpack so put your items away, because in communal living settings this is not your house or bedroom where you can just leave your things all over the place, because guess what, at some point if they don't get lifted by an unsavory character they may get ruined by having something spilled on them or accidentally dropped. Recently I saw a guest leave his laptop all around the guest house, including on the kitchen table where people prepare food and eat. A sure-fire way for something to damage or ruin this device. Be considerate of others while protecting your own personal belongings. Don't come and cry to me or anyone else when your items go missing or get ruined because YOU failed to take proper care of them. If you have difficulty being an adult, once again there's an easy solution...
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
2. SNORING MONSTERS
© www.sleep-apnea-guide.com
Whether you realize it or not, if you snore and disturb others by stealing precious sleep and rest. Once this is pointed out to you, do the right thing and make the appropriate accommodation adjustments for others. Once again this is NOT about entitlement, but about respecting that you are NOW disturbing an entire group of people in a shared sleeping space and you may just get shanked coming out of the bathroom or beat down with a pillowcase filled with bars of soap. Hey, you can't blame others or hold them responsible when groups of insomniacs that YOU have created develop a mob mentality to take back their precious sleep!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
1. RESPECT
www.dianegottsman.com
The most simple advice. You must give respect to gain respect. When you ARE confronted with issues, stop trying to blame others or use excuses about entitlement to shared living quarters or saying these things are being nitpicky when valid reasons are brought up, such as leaving your shoes in the entrance to a room or using someone's personal items. Sorry, this isn't being nitpicky, because I'm pretty sure this is general common courtesy! If you think this is TOO difficult, because you are a man-child that has failed to learn the world does not revolve around you, no matter how zen you may think you are, leave the guest house that is full of guests that have developed a strong cohesive environment with responsibilities and go and stay at a traditional hostel with other travelers that are there to enjoy the area without more pressing responsibilities such as a work, school, or volunteer schedule. If you can't seem to learn this rule, I feel bad for you because somewhere along the way whoever raised you either failed or you blatantly think you are the center of the universe and everyone else should accommodate you.
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
EASY-TO-FIX SOLUTION: GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
In closing, I provide these suggestions not just from myself, but as an overall consensus with talking with other long-term guests living abroad as we have seen a diverse and numerous group of short-term guests pass through that tend to lack respect to more UNIQUE style guest house living. Most people, I will say, have been very courtesy and there haven't been issues, but it seems to be those that have a) either never stayed in communal shared living environments and/or b) purposely choose to think they are more entitled to living however they like in these spaces and everyone else should adjust to them, even when confronted with legitimate requests. Once again, stop being such a d-bag and adjust to the fact that there is a very nice cohesive environment that has been established and you are the outsider, and if this is too difficult for you to shut your mouth at 4am or yapping away at 1am when people have things to do the next morning, then as the advice has been REPEATEDLY mentioned as a simple solution GET A PRIVATE ROOM OR STAY AT HOTEL!
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