Meet Mehdy Ghannad of The Hostel Life, he is the host, creator, and producer of two travel series: “The Hostel Life/Small World with Mehdy Ghannad” and the “Native Passage with Mehdy Ghannad.” Both TV shows are currently being distributed or pitched to several networks, both online and on TV.
Mehdy has lived, studied and worked abroad in over 40 countries, across 6 continents and helps others develop concepts through his production company Free Road Entertainment. Here we interview Mehdy on his style of travel, chariot rides in Jordan and what inspired The Hostel Life.
What inspires you to travel?
I grew up moving around a lot, which is where the thirst to see the world started; also being the first of my family born in this country, I was always aware of the rest of the world.
For those who don’t yet know you, can you explain your travel style?
I plan things to do in the places that I go before hand but it is not set in stone. I wait till I get to the location and someone that you may meet, a local or fellow traveler, may present something different.
How do you afford your travels?
They either come out of my own pocket from money I make through my consulting job or I work closely with the tourism boards and other sponsors to help cover the costs of the productions and the writing assignments that I pursue. It is usually a combination of all of the above.
Where has been your favorite destination?
That is a tough question, but right now I am the most curious about returning to Southern Africa after spending time and filming in Namibia.
If you had to settle down in one location forever, where would you choose and why?
Portugal, because of the vistas, the weather, the people, the food, beaches, surf, and it is still not touristy at all. People tend to skip it when they travel going to all the headliners in Europe like Italy, Spain, France, and the UK.
What’s the funniest or weirdest cultural idiosyncrasy you’ve either witnessed or experienced?
I was able to ride a chariot in the ancient city of Jerash in Jordan surrounded by Roman Ruins. Also in Namibia, I had cheetahs running at full speed around me at the Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia.
What keepsake do you have to get at all your destinations? (Whether it’s something free like ticket stubs or brochures, or something you have to buy)
I use to collect flag patches that I could put on my pack when I was younger, now it has moved to some sort of artwork that I can display in my house. Anything from paintings, photos, statues, and so forth. Usually now I just take a really nice photo with my own camera or ask one of my cameramen to take one of a vista so that I can blow it up and frame it.
How about the one thing you cannot travel without?
A camera now! But I always have some sort of notebook or journal I carry with me to write things down. I don’t write as much anymore because of the invention of the online blog but something is still nostalgic about a journal and a pen. The places I go, most of the time do not have internet access.
What is the best piece of travel advice you’ve picked up over the years?
Go with the flow, be flexible, do not put too many constraints and fill up your days with activities. The first day or so of my trip, I usually try to put a good few hours just to get the pulse of the location and walk around leisurely.
Why did you begin your website? And how did you come up with your website name?
My website was driven by the show(s) that I wanted to create to show people that travel was accessible. One way to save money on your vacations and travels is by staying in hostels. Hostels have changed over the past 10 years and actually have amenities that rival 4 star and 5 star hotels. Think about it, when you travel how much time do you really spend in your room or hotel? Why spend all that money on that? My ultimate goal is to get people to travel and experience the world and shed stereotypes, being someone that has suffered many growing up in this country.
What is your one piece of advice to budding travel writers looking to start a blog or website?
Speak/write from the heart and people will follow. Yes, provide the readers with the information they seek but as a reader I want to know the vibe of the location more so than then how amazing it was to see that monument or attraction. Talk about the people as well.
What’s next for 2014? (Trips planned, etc.)
I am slated to go to Rome to shoot a commercial next month, also potentially returning to Portugal as a guest of the contemporary art festival Serralves Em Festa. I am heavily looking at Japan and Hungary currently. Also considering visiting my motherland for the first time in Iran, now that I am able to.
Follow Mehdy and The Hostel Life here:
Blog: www.TheHostelLife.com/www.FreeRoadEntertainment.com
Twitter: TheHostelLife/MehdyGhannad
Facebook: TheHostelLife/MehdyGhannad
Cool interview, I will definitely be checking out The Hostel Life after reading this. Keep us posted on any news of the TV series, would be interested to check that out as well.
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