The Team

Dennis jumped into the hostel industry after a summer backpacking Europe in 2008. He went from being a guest to a manager within weeks, and currently does consulting for large and small hostels alike in 3 continents. Prior, he worked in eCommerce, so he has passion for the tech side of the industry and is now deeply entrenched in the hostel and activities industry.

Justina has experience in the fields of journalism, education, development and hospitality, and she is as passionate about writing as she is about the hostel industry. Hence, having lived on four continents, she is currently combining her extensive travelling and writing experience at HostelTrends.

I started backpacking when I was 17, after the initial taste I completely fell in love with the industry and couldn't imaging doing anything else, backpacking runs through my blood. The figures tell the story. I have spent over 3000 nights in more than 250 backpackers over 14 years.

I have run hostels from 100 beds to mega hostel with 530 beds add to that motels, hotels, resorts, a tropical island, travel agencies, airport transfers service, information centers and once upon a time was in charge of the largest network of independent hostels in the world.

My passion & goal is to see the industry evolve and innovate!

Oliver is currently in the process of founding his first hostel. FunkNBunk Budapest will open in April 2015. Apart from this, Oliver has a great deal of experience in working and staying in hostels across the world.

During my final year in university, my advisor told me to dedicate my research to a topic I enjoy learning about, that way it will be easier to focus on the project. This was the first time I engaged my curiosity around hostels and decided I wanted to be more than just a frequent hostel guest. I believe that hostels contribute positively to society and that there are not enough people who know about hostels. That is why it is my mission to learn, experience, and contribute everything as much as I can to the hostel industry. If you have something to teach me, or a way that I can contribute to the hostel community, please let me know!