Adventure travel company G Adventures and accommodation booking platform Hostelworld have announced a new partnership called Roamies, which aims to revolutionize youth travel. Roamies combines Hostelworld’s extensive range of hostels with G Adventures’ small group adventure travel itineraries. The collaboration will launch with 38 trips in 15 countries, offering stays across more than 50 hostels. The trips are designed for Gen Zs and young Millennials aged 18 to 35, with prices starting from £149 for a three-day trip. Destinations in the collection include Albania, Austria, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Peru, Thailand, and Vietnam. Departures will begin on May 8, 2022, and bookings are open now.
Roamies trips aim to capture the free-spirited nature of adventure travel and combine it with the social aspect of hostels. The itineraries range from five to 34 days in duration, offering travelers flexibility and freedom. Optional activities are available to book, and each trip is supported by an expert chief experience officer (CEO) from G Adventures. The Roamies collection is described as the start of a long-term partnership, with plans to add more trips in additional locations in the future.
The partnership between G Adventures and Hostelworld was born out of a shared commitment to advancing travel and a desire to create something new for younger travelers. G Adventures’ founder, Bruce Poon Tip, explains that the opportunity to collaborate with Hostelworld arose during the pandemic, when both companies were eager to create innovative solutions for travelers. Poon Tip emphasizes the importance of investing in local and small businesses, highlighting that many hostels are family-run operations.
Gary Morrison, CEO of Hostelworld Group, sees the partnership as an opportunity to offer young travelers a new type of backpacking adventure. He notes that young people want more than just sightseeing when they travel; they seek meaningful connections and transformative experiences. Morrison expresses admiration for G Adventures’ ability to create tailored group trips that prioritize meeting new people and supporting local communities. He believes Roamies will provide young travelers with an entirely new type of planned backpacking adventure in 2022.
Overall, the partnership between G Adventures and Hostelworld aims to create a unique travel experience for young adventurers that combines the best elements of hostel stays and small group adventure travel. The launch of Roamies marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration, with plans to expand the collection of trips in the future. By bringing together their expertise and networks, the two companies hope to cater to the evolving needs and desires of young travelers, offering them the opportunity to explore the world in an exciting and socially engaging way.