HostelTrail is an online network of hostels and tour companies in Latin America providing up-to-date information for backpackers and independent travellers. The UK project was started in 2006 with the idea of bringing together the largest and the smallest hostels and tour companies in Latin America.
They use ‘on-the-road’ volunteer writers to visit each hostel and tour company, and then write about their experiences (with photographs). The writers all have HostelTrail.com email addresses pre-loaded with templates in Spanish and Portuguese and they can choose which businesses they wish to visit. Writers also have access to shared resources (i.e. which companies have requested a visit, which have already said no to the project, etc), so they are well prepared before hitting the road. They ask all participating hostels and tour companies to offer their writers free accommodation for a couple of nights or a free tour – although they specify that the writers are happy to cover any basic costs. Two of their writers saved around US$10,000 throughout their trip in South America just from working for HostelTrail.com. All they require of their writers is that they are not wild party animals (couples are generally the best bet), they are travelling in Latin America for at least 4 months, and can speak basic Spanish.
If you’re interested in utilising your writing skills and saving money whilst you travel, or viewing up-to-date information on hostels and budget tour companies in Central and South America, check out HostelTrail.com