Write for us

We’re especially interested in those elements of hostelling and budget travel that make travel so great—meeting people, getting outside of your comfort zone, learning something about yourself or how the world works, making lifelong memories or just figuring out how to pack a backpack. We’re always on the lookout for humour and new insight! We run five types of articles:

TRAVEL STORIES

First-person narrative travel stories that express an overarching message or lesson learned. These aren’t trip recaps, they’re a slice of life away from home that gives a glimpse into what it all means. They're related to backpacking or independent youth travel in some way.

Example: After being ghosted in Colombia, my hostel mates saved my trip | How backpacking totally changed how I feel about social media

LISTS

Offbeat roundups or listicles, with at least ten items. These are heavily focused on backpacking and/or hostel life. Rather than lists of places to go or things to do, lists are more about sharing reasons why, new ways of doing things and funny ‘truths.’

Examples: 14 conversations you always hear in every hostel | 20 struggles every traveller faces when they come home

OPINION PIECES

A first-person think piece that expresses a clear point of view. Rather than playing it safe by appealing to all opinions, this one takes a stance and argues in support of it. The tone is opinionated and confident but not dismissive, arrogant or inconsiderate.

Examples: Why you should stick with hostels in your 30s | Screw settling down, I'm going travelling instead

TIPS

How-tos and travel hacks from those who have been there and done that. These appeal to backpackers and hostellers who want to do more, meet people, see the sights and save money.

Examples: How to take better travel photos on your phone | How to keep travelling a ton when you have a full-time job

GUIDES

Narrowly focused around a particular backpacker-related theme, our guides give practical tips for experiencing a particular part of Canada, whether that's a city or a region. We limit our guides to places and themes that are relevant to our hostels and budget-conscious travellers. We love guides that help our guests and members experience new and authentic elements of Canada, on a budget and always mindful of our social and environmental responsibilities.

Examples: 19 free things to do in Vancouver, 9 reasons the Rockies are way better in the winter

Spoilers, please!

Send us a note with a detailed pitch to [email protected]—tell us what your story is about, what readers can take away from it, what kind of photos or video you can provide and a bit about you and where else your work has appeared (including links). And we’re not like the rest of the internet: we love spoilers! If you’re pitching a travel story, tell us what happens or what the takeaway is at the crux of your story—without that it’s hard for our editors to get a sense of how great your story might be. Please let us know about the availability of photos (minimum 2000px wide) or video.

Unfortunately, we can’t accept stories that have appeared elsewhere online or in print. If you have an idea that may come from a trip you haven’t taken yet, feel free to let us know but we won’t commission a story until the trip is complete and you have a better idea of how your story unfolded.

While we strive to respond to everyone, if you don’t hear from us in four weeks, feel free to pitch your story idea elsewhere or send us another idea.

Please send your pitches to [email protected].