Restless Ana on HI Connect exchanges in the USA and Qatar

Who is Ana?

Um, the hardest question... I'm a person with ants in my pants, as my family would say. I like to explore, am always active, stubborn, I know what I want and I have to make things I want come true. I like hills and nature, and I can't imagine living without yoga. I love life exactly the way I live it.

What would you say to someone who has not left their country yet?

Quickly pack your backpack and just go. It might be hard at first, but it's worth it. Travelling gives you a lot. I don't know how to put it all in words. Whether you like hills, cities, deserts... There’s a destination for everyone.

The most and least popular country and why?

Each one was something special and I have fond memories from each of my trips. Those maybe a little less charming ones still make me laugh today. However, I would like to point out the real, genuine Kyrgyzstan with its beautiful nature, great opportunities for hikes, and people who are so well connected to nature.

How many languages do you speak and which ones?

English, German and also some Chinese. However, I’ve learned the basics of Italian, Spanish and Russian, which are very useful languages for travelling, and I just get by knowing the basics very well, too.

What do you consider as sustainable tourism?

Tourism that brings as few negative effects to the natural and social environment as possible and maximises the positives. I would also like to emphasise that it’s also up to us travellers to travel sustainably. There isn’t much needed. But I already have my tips and tricks on how to travel as sustainably as possible. It also depends on the destination. More broadly speaking, it’s important that, at a national level, this is also governed by laws and regulations that aim at sustainability, as well as the efforts and activities of providers in the tourism industry.

What is the first thing you do when you return home after travelling?

I take a shower. ;)

What can you say about your volunteering at Hostelling International Slovenia?

I’ve been working with them since 2015 and, despite my work and other commitments, I still try to take the time to continue our co-operation. I support the vision of the association and its work; I think it’s important. I'm glad there are more and more of us and especially that the HI Connect programme has come to life.

Hostelling International Slovenia has, as already mentioned, the HI Connect, a programme through which volunteers can go help in HI hostels worldwide. You took this opportunity as well. Where were you and how was it?

It's true, I’ve taken advantage of this opportunity twice. In 2018, I was in San Diego at HI Point Loma Hostel and, last year, in Qatar at Qatar Youth Hostels. The programme is a great opportunity to get to how hostels and tourism function in the context of each country, as well as the local culture, traditions, customs, history etc., especially by socialising with the locals. Both experiences were great, but above all I would focus on Qatar. The programme is set very profoundly as to how the local hostels and tourism operate in general and I would recommend the exchange programme to anyone who wants to work in the tourism industry.

What do you usually do on longer flights or longer train, bus, car etc. trips?

I try to sleep then. If possible, I like to travel at night, so I have more days available to explore.

What is the most interesting story when you got lost on the road? Would you mind sharing it with us?

It must have happened several times, but Thailand remains in the top in my memory. I think it was in 2009. We travelled by train to Latchapuri, and when we arrived, we looked for the hostel where we wanted to spend the night. We didn’t find the hostel and the locals came to our aid. They claimed that the hostel wasn’t in their city. We assured them that it indeed was. Well, after about half an hour of negotiating and persuading, we realised we were in the wrong city, the name of which was Cathanaburi.

What was the biggest cultural shock you have experienced during your travels?

I honestly don't know if I've ever had experienced one. I usually get ready for my trips, I read guidebooks, I google, I travel with no expectations. If I have to choose something, then the USA or Los Angeles. Let's say I was expecting it to be “wooow” but it was kinda miserable. There were a lot of homeless people and Hollywood is nowhere near as they show it on TV. However, it’s true that it takes a couple of days to figure out how public transport, paying etc. work in each country.

What is the music or artists, maybe even some specific songs, that are on your playlist when you travel?

I usually follow local music and just download it on my phone.

Best airline company and why?

Turkish Airlines because they fly from Ljubljana, our capital.

The craziest thing you've ever done in your life?

The Flight of the Gibbon in Thailand, extreme zipline in Costa Rica and even more nonsense that luckily ended well.

Ana, I wish you even more unique adventures on your travels. Even such as the ones in Thailand because those spontaneous ones have a special place in your heart. If you're interested in attending any HI Connect exchanges, about which I spoke to Ana in this interview, just contact our Anja and we will be happy to find a destination for you.