Hi there,
I’m Russ Hedge. I’m the CEO of Hostelling International USA and I’m here to spread the word on what we do and what we’re all about.
2012 will be a year of exciting change for HI-USA.  In the year ahead, we will begin to unify the operations of our 26 separate local chapters plus our national office into a single nationwide organization.  Truly, it’s a change …
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Hostels and hotels, and college-age travelers who use them, may be underestimating their role in shifting broader consumer attitudes and shaping a “green” future. That’s my takeaway from Lisa Gansky’s provocative book, “The Mesh – Why the Future of Business …
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It’s Thanksgiving morning and I am sitting with a cup of coffee and yesterday’s Wall Street Journal to read about a new entry into the youth travel market: billionaire Ronald Burkle. His private equity firm is planning to invest major dollars into …
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Long before the advent of the Internet and the globalization of travel, medals and badges on military uniforms recognized participation in campaigns and tours of duty.  A recent book, Lest We Forget, by Judith Price, assembles military ribbons, medals, badges and other …
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As part of the International Youth Hostel Federation, HI-USA has a distinctly international context for its work. The two organizations naturally share a common mission of promoting intercultural understanding. And HI-USA is connected through IYHF to more than 70 other …
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With HI-USA in the midst of reinventing itself, a recent gathering of some of its most important stakeholders – our hostel managers – took on special meaning.  And so did a YouTube video of a “guy starting a dance party” …
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It must have been on mind last weekend entering Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers. I was back in my home state of Wisconsin with college friends to see the surging Brewers play the Chicago Cubs. “It” was something …
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Ben Stiller’s 2006 fantasy-comedy film, A Night at the Museum, tells the story of a security guard who discovers exhibits which come alive at night.  Children and families loved the movie (and critics mainly panned it). And some travelers like …
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The dream of many organizations is to go global. A global footprint means a wider impact. And for most organizations with aspirations to make a difference, a worldwide stage is the place to be. Earlier this week HI-USA executive staff met …
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Illegal hostels and hotels in New York City are continuing to be closed down as part of a new law that took effect on May 1st.  In all, the closures may remove up to 3,000 beds from the local market.  …
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