HI Hostels Blog

Whatever you might think about the Eurovision Song Contest – with its questionable singing, tacky outfits, failed jokes and awkward hosts – there’s no denying that it brings the continent together for a collective celebration of diversity (with frequent mentions of peace, harmony and love).

Our Euro vision… at the HI office

We’re from everywhere just like you, and we also want to find ourselves somewhere new, pick up pieces of culture along the way and let the whole world happen to us. Sadly a day in the office doesn’t always involve backpacking through Bavaria, floating through the fjords with total strangers or standing at the foot of a glacier, so instead we adopted a new identity for a day by picking a participating country, bringing in some local food and celebrating the diversity of our network.

Some Euro tips, whichever country you’re travelling – or supporting

Embrace culture, regardless of your roots and predispositions.

Always take silly photos.

But realise that moments, memories and the people in the frame and outside of it are far more important.

Try it all, from falafel and pork pies to strudel and Portuguese pastel de nata.

Oh, and welcome to Australia! Cheers.

Happy hostelling from HI, and may the best country win.