Hostel Road Trip Podcast

James Black & Bobby Dyer

Hostel Road Trip Podcast A Quest For The Greatest Hostels Of The Americas. The Hostel Road Trip Podcast began with a simple question: What makes a hostel unforgettable? Hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels, this show is a founder-led journey across North and Central America to discover the heart of hostel culture — the risk-takers, the dreamers, and the communities built around shared beds and shared stories. We travel city to city, surf town to mountain pass, sitting down with the owners who built their hostels from scratch. From iconic backpacker landmarks like Green Tortoise Seattle to small-town mountain hostels and beachside surf communities, each episode explores how these spaces were imagined, built, struggled through, and ultimately brought to life. This podcast isn’t just about travel. It’s about: • Entrepreneurship • Reinvention • Community • Hospitality • Backpacker culture in America • And the courage to build something meaningful Hostels are more than a cheap place to sleep. They are launchpads for friendships, ideas, adventures, and sometimes entire life changes. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for connection, an aspiring hostel owner dreaming of opening your own space, or someone who believes travel should bring people together — this show is for you. This is not a studio podcast. It’s recorded on the road. Inside hostels. With the people who built them. Join us as we document the modern hostel movement and chase the greatest hostels of the Americas. Explore the journey at: www.HostelRoadTrip.com Subscribe and come along for the ride.

  1. Winthrop, WA | North Cascades Mountain Hostel — The Mountain Hostel That Started Small & Rebuilt Big

    FEB 17

    Winthrop, WA | North Cascades Mountain Hostel — The Mountain Hostel That Started Small & Rebuilt Big

    North Cascades Mountain Hostel | Building a Purpose-Built Mountain Hostel in Winthrop, Washington In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we travel to Winthrop, Washington, to interview Liza and Paul, cofounders of North Cascades Mountain Hostel — a purpose-built mountain hostel located in the Methow Valley near North Cascades National Park. This episode explores how a small, simple hostel in Washington State evolved into a thoughtfully designed, community-driven mountain basecamp serving hikers, climbers, skiers, cyclists, and adventure travelers in the Pacific Northwest. Paul originally started with a modest hostel concept, but together he and Liza made the decision to reimagine and rebuild the space from the ground up. The result is one of the most unique and intentionally designed hostels in Washington, created specifically to foster connection, flow, and shared outdoor experience. In this conversation, we discuss: How the original hostel in Winthrop beganThe challenges of rebuilding and financing a hostel in a mountain townWhat it takes to design a purpose-built hostelCreating community-centered spaces for outdoor travelersLessons learned from transforming a small operation into a respected Pacific Northwest hostelNorth Cascades Mountain Hostel now operates as a year-round adventure basecamp in the Methow Valley, offering access to hiking, skiing, climbing, and outdoor exploration near North Cascades National Park. This episode is ideal for hostel owners, aspiring hostel founders, outdoor hospitality entrepreneurs, and travelers exploring Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. The Hostel Road Trip Podcast is hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels and features in-depth interviews with hostel founders and travel entrepreneurs shaping the modern hostel industry across North America. Learn more at www.HostelRoadTrip.com

    45 min
  2. Seattle, WA - The Story Behind Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle | From Bus Adventures to Hostel Legend

    FEB 17

    Seattle, WA - The Story Behind Green Tortoise Hostel Seattle | From Bus Adventures to Hostel Legend

    In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we sit down with Rex Baldwin, cofounder of the legendary Green Tortoise Hostel in Seattle, to explore the roots of American hostel culture. Before opening the iconic Seattle hostel near Pike Place Market, Rex and his partner Gardener operated the original Green Tortoise hostel bus, traveling across North America for more than 20 years. What started as a counterculture road trip experience became one of the earliest community-driven backpacker movements in the United States. This conversation dives into the history of hostels in America, the evolution of backpacker culture, and how a traveling bus community eventually became one of the most respected hostels in North America. If you're interested in hostel entrepreneurship, Seattle travel, starting a hostel, or the foundations of community-based travel, this episode offers decades of insight and experience. Topics discussed include: The origins of the Green Tortoise hostel busBuilding community before social mediaLessons from more than 20 years in the hostel industryHow Green Tortoise Seattle became a backpacker landmarkThe evolution of American hostel cultureAdvice for current and aspiring hostel ownersLocated in downtown Seattle near Pike Place Market, Green Tortoise remains one of the most iconic hostels in the Pacific Northwest and a symbol of authentic backpacker culture. The Hostel Road Trip Podcast is hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels and features conversations with hostel owners, travel pioneers, and leaders shaping the global hostel movement. Learn more at www.HostelRoadTrip.com

    45 min
  3. Conway, NH - CoHo: Conway Hostel - Go Solo, Leave With Friends

    11/18/2025

    Conway, NH - CoHo: Conway Hostel - Go Solo, Leave With Friends

    In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, host Jimmy Black and co-host Bobby Dyer travel to Conway, New Hampshire, to highlight one of New England’s most community-driven hostels — CoHo Conway Hostel. CoHo is known for its warm social atmosphere, adventure-focused travelers, and the powerful idea that defines their culture: “Go Solo, Leave With Friends.” From hikers exploring the White Mountains to solo backpackers searching for connection, CoHo has become a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. 🎥 Watch the full video episode on YouTube: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdJRpyQK4II In this episode, you’ll learn: • The origin story of CoHo Conway Hostel • Why Conway, NH is a hidden gem for outdoors lovers and backpackers • How CoHo fosters instant community among solo travelers • What makes the White Mountains an adventure hotspot • How independently owned hostels shape authentic travel experiences • Community-building strategies hostel owners use to create memorable stays Whether you're a hostel owner, solo traveler, outdoor adventurer, or lover of unique travel stories, this episode gives an inside look at why CoHo is defining the New England hostel experience. 🔗 Learn more about CoHo Conway Hostel: www.cohohostel.com 🌍 Discover more Hostel Road Trip Podcast episodes: www.HostelRoadTrip.com Hosted by Jimmy Black Co-host: Bobby Dyer (ITH Hostels)

    51 min
  4. Philadelphia, PA - Apple Hostels - The Heart of East Coast Backpacking

    11/18/2025

    Philadelphia, PA - Apple Hostels - The Heart of East Coast Backpacking

    In this episode of the Hostel Road Trip Podcast, we travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to visit Apple Hostels, one of the most iconic and influential hostels on the East Coast. Host Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer sit down with Marc Desmarais, the owner of Apple Hostels, to explore how this legendary property continues to shape the backpacking community in Philly. Apple Hostels has become the heart of East Coast backpacking — known for its social energy, historic setting steps from Independence Hall, and the unforgettable experiences it creates for travelers from around the world. 🎥 Watch the full video version on YouTube: 👉 https://youtu.be/Zz_choF9QeI In this episode, you’ll learn: • How Apple Hostels became one of the most popular hostels in the United States • Why Philadelphia is a top destination for solo travelers and backpackers • What makes Apple Hostels’ community events and social atmosphere so special • Marc’s journey as a long-time hostel owner and industry leader • Tips for travelers visiting Philadelphia on a budget • The future of hostels on the East Coast and in America If you’re passionate about hostels, entrepreneurship, or authentic travel experiences, this episode delivers insider knowledge straight from the people shaping the hostel world. 🔗 Explore Apple Hostels: https://applehostels.com 🎧 More episodes, stories, and travel inspiration: www.HostelRoadTrip.com Follow us on YouTube for full video episodes, hostel tours, and behind-the-scenes content!

    51 min

About

Hostel Road Trip Podcast A Quest For The Greatest Hostels Of The Americas. The Hostel Road Trip Podcast began with a simple question: What makes a hostel unforgettable? Hosted by Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer of ITH Hostels, this show is a founder-led journey across North and Central America to discover the heart of hostel culture — the risk-takers, the dreamers, and the communities built around shared beds and shared stories. We travel city to city, surf town to mountain pass, sitting down with the owners who built their hostels from scratch. From iconic backpacker landmarks like Green Tortoise Seattle to small-town mountain hostels and beachside surf communities, each episode explores how these spaces were imagined, built, struggled through, and ultimately brought to life. This podcast isn’t just about travel. It’s about: • Entrepreneurship • Reinvention • Community • Hospitality • Backpacker culture in America • And the courage to build something meaningful Hostels are more than a cheap place to sleep. They are launchpads for friendships, ideas, adventures, and sometimes entire life changes. Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for connection, an aspiring hostel owner dreaming of opening your own space, or someone who believes travel should bring people together — this show is for you. This is not a studio podcast. It’s recorded on the road. Inside hostels. With the people who built them. Join us as we document the modern hostel movement and chase the greatest hostels of the Americas. Explore the journey at: www.HostelRoadTrip.com Subscribe and come along for the ride.