Volunteering in a hostel and why you should do it

I left my journalism job in early January 2024 with a set mind of travelling but not knowing for exactly how long I will be gone for. A breeding ground for anxiety of course but also a welcoming time for adventure and the unknown.

My journey so far took me across the French alps for two months and allowed me to explore almost every crevice across Italy. I eventually landed two volunteering experiences in hostels across the region- one of them being in Genova.

Volunteering came with its ups and downs for sure, Italy can be beautiful, but its culture is unique and a hard one to get accustomed to. The second hostel which I’m yet to write about, highlights many downfalls of a volunteering experience in Italy.

My first volunteering stint began in Genova, a place I quickly felt at home and will forever hold in my little heart. I applied through World Packers, an international scheme for travelling bugs, just like myself, eager to explore at a cheap pace. Most opportunities offer full board, in exchange for daily/weekly help in their activities.

The process was very simple, you search for a destination and apply to various programmes dependent on what you are looking for. Many of these opportunities offer full board, giving you a bed (sometimes nice, dependent on your luck) and three meals a day – again if you find the right place.

My first programme began in June 2024, at Ostello Bello in Genova- a renowned hostel, which is well worthy of its reputation. My initial experience was meant to last two weeks, but after a few days I realised I needed to extend. This was a common theme I noticed at this hostel, no one wanted to leave…

During my stay, my working hours involved shifts from 8:30pm to 12:30am- yep this involved free days, allowing me to explore and venture along the coastline. The tours I led across the city allowed to me to become an expert in the city’s many backstreets and ports.

A few Ligurian coastline ‘treasures’ include Bogliasco, Portofino and Cinque Terre.

Ostello Bello Genova was wild, but in the best way possible. My job was to cover the events, which were well rounded and extremely social. I was in charge of running beer pong nights, to quiz events and sunset tours across the city.

My favourite activity was by far the ping pong competition, it was so amusing seeing how competitive the guests became and witnessing locals who would bring their own ping pong paddle.

The hostel became home to some fantastic travellers, I met many south African yacht boys searching for jobs, who due to their long-term stays became very good friends of mine. It was a hub for many interesting individuals, some who wanted to experience all that the city could offer and some who used the place as a quick stop off- soon learning its ability to keep you there.

The hostel’s warm welcome extended itself to university students who needed a place to study and to warm locals who saw it as place to mingle and meet new people.

Genova itself is incredible, from Liguria’s stunning and impressive coastline to its niche authentic charm, it kept me wanting more. There were days where all I ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner was Foccacia – a dish widely associated with Ligurian cuisine (and of course days I was too hungover to eat anything). My most treasured memory was taking guests up to castelleto, a small elevated ancient fort town with views overlooking the port and the valley.

History takes precedence across Genova, if you have a chance and want to immerse yourself in its rich history, take the many funiculars across the top of the city and explore in the interconnected forts and castles across the mountain line.

If you could get anything from this, it would be to do it, download the app and take that volunteering job. Not only will you be saving money and travelling on a budget, but the experiences you will get are almost irreplaceable.