By Mehdy Ghannad

We are gearing up for the Fall with a new team of writers and talks of new locations to film for 2013.  The Hostel Life is now working alongside with Human Not Hollywood Productions, an established production company from the west coast, whose co-owner has produced shows like Dog The Bounty Hunter, Little People Big World, and Big Brother. Our production value has gone up tremendously with the addition of new crew members and new equipment. So, a lot of excitement and movement is happening for this three-year-old project.

We have also submitted a bid to APTA (The Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa) to film an entire 8 episode series for 10 weeks in early 2013. After our trip to Namibia, the team and I fell in love with Africa and the wonders it offers a traveler. Some of the locations we are considering traveling to and filming in are Morocco, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and South Africa. Other locations that we are having heated discussions with include Chile, Austria, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and UAE.

Currently we are on a hunt for like minded sponsors who have the same feeling towards the world as we do at The Hostel Life. Companies such ETHNOTEK who create backpacks and messenger bags that are ethically sourced hand-made from ethnic textiles are looking at ways to help promote both our causes. Other target companies that we are trying to align The Hostel Life with, include Kammok, who makes camping hammocks with portions of the profits going to end Malaria. Then of course we will continue our relationships with Rough Guides, Hostel Bookers, and MooseJaw, who have provided amazing support thus far. Don't forget, you can book your next bed with us as well too!   We have hostel beds in 166 different countries and there are no booking fees to you the traveler.

Finally, we will  be adding more giveaways and contests via social media channels as well, so make sure you are following us on Facebook and Twitter @TheHostelLife so you can have a chance to win.   The Hostel Life T-Shirt contest will be back up and running as well, where our fans from all over the world take pictures with their T's in awesome locations.

Thanks for being patient and get ready for the new and improved The Hostel Life 2.0!