“Vacation” conjures up a period of rest and relaxation. Yet independent travelers tend to shun the “v” word (and “tourist”), preferring instead “travel” (and “traveler”) to describe their activity. (Carrying a backpack is seldom restful or relaxing, and being a tourist …
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Today the Obama Administration released its National Travel and Tourism Strategy. It’s a huge step forward. Here’s our public statement: + + + HI-USA APPLAUDS NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM STRATEGY CEO announces commitment to elevating student and youth travel …
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Hostels have long been about welcoming travelers with safe, affordable accommodations. For one, the American Heritage Dictionary defines a hostel as “a supervised, inexpensive lodging place for travelers, especially young travelers.” HI-USA is evolving a more expansive definition of hostel that encompasses community …
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Late last week the Austin City Council voted unanimously to support continuation of the HI-Austin hostel on city park land. This was the key action we all hoped for. But many did more than hope. Hundreds and hundreds of you …
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Today the HI-Point Reyes hostel celebrates the opening of a newly constructed, environmentally sensitive building that travelers will love. And it shows the power of bringing together special government and nonprofit partners. It started 40 years ago when the HI-Golden …
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The HI-Austin hostel has a 20+ year record of serving travelers with an engaging place to stay and community members with appealing activities and programs. We are looking forward to another ten years in Austin, but need your help. The …
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Respect is a simple concept vital to our world. With it, comes the possibility of better understanding among cultures, religions and races. Yet it’s not always easy to deliver. In a world swirling with diplomatic accusations and nationalistic finger pointing, …
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President Obama’s mid-January announcement of a major new focus on travel and tourism has ignited some impressive activity, both within government and among stakeholders. And youth travel is bound to benefit, if HI-USA’s efforts are successful. With the President’s announcement, …
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President Obama last week traveled to Florida for a major address on international tourism. A diverse tourist state, Florida is home to amusement parks and natural wonders. From Epcot to the Everglades, it was an iconic launching spot for a …
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It was a natural question for travelers having breakfast yesterday morning in the light filled dining room of the HI-Chicago hostel. I was in Chicago for two days on a separate mission: to interview candidates for a regional vice president …
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