Why Am I Staying in Hostels? Am I Broke?
In the world of budget travel, staying in hostels often raises questions and misconceptions. Join Gabriel Morris as he delves into this topic, sharing his experiences and insights from his recent travels in Japan.
After a tumultuous night at a noisy Fukuoka hostel, many might wonder why he continues to choose shared accommodation. Is he broke? Not at all! Gabriel provides a candid look at his travel decisions, revealing that while he doesn’t have a bottomless wallet, he’s conscious of his budget. In fact, choosing to stay in hostels or capsule hotels is often a deliberate choice.
In this engaging video, Gabriel explores the fluctuating prices of accommodation across Kyushu Island and the strategies he employs to find affordable options. He recounts his journey from the Azores Islands to Japan, highlighting how hostels can save travelers significant money—sometimes hundreds of dollars for extended stays.
Despite the occasional inconvenience of shared spaces, including snoring neighbors and limited personal storage, Gabriel appreciates the communal atmosphere that hostels provide. Along the way, he reflects on the diverse demographic of hostel-goers, emphasizing that these spaces aren’t just for the young; they attract travelers of all ages.
Tune in to this insightful yet light-hearted exploration of hostel life and why, despite past experiences, Gabriel continues to embrace the adventure and camaraderie that come with it. If you’re curious about budget travel options or simply want to hear more about Gabriel’s journeys, this video is a must-watch!
Don’t forget to support Gabriel’s channel on Patreon and check out his ebooks for more travel tips. Follow him on Instagram for daily adventures and insights from around the globe.
For the full experience, watch “Why Am I Staying in Hostels? Am I Broke?” and discover the realities of budget travel today!
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Video “Why Am I Staying in Hostels? Am I Broke?” was uploaded on 11/22/2025. Watch all the latest Videos by Gabriel Traveler on Gretopia


































I have never seen so many comments complaining about his style of videos. He talks, yes, because it would be odd to have him not talking. He is well traveled and I like hearing his stories. Not many people have stories like his and I think it’s awesome. I love the videos and the style. He needs to keep doing what he is doing. If his talking is too much, please find another travel channel that is silent.
At 3:30 that's pronounced Ah-who-jha that's an Indian restaurant, most likely a north Indian style food.
부산의 36불짜리 호텔이 그리운 시간 ㅎㅎ
This town Beppu seems very nice. Peaceful. The vapors from the hot springs are comforting.
I loved seeing a train arriving at the train station.
I've watched your videos for 7 or 8 years. And I watch plenty of other youtubers. The big difference I see between you and them when traveling is that the videos tend to be more about you than your destination. I'm very serious about this. This is the main reason your not getting as many views. You're not educating your viewers enough about the places your visiting. There's not a lot of stories being told about the places you visit. There is no real meaningful interactions between you and locals. This is the plain truth. I am a big supporter. I'm telling you this to help you grow and learn. It's too focused on you. Not enough on the destination. No interactions with locals.
Interact with locals! That’s one way to get more views. But I get it it’s not for everyone to do that easily
It's called the algorithms its cheaper to book on mondayvand Tuesdays then any other days eithervon booking or agoda
Love your travels and content mate, be great to see you visit Cape Town! And the rest of South Africa. Happy to show you around and give you some guidance n
Cheers Clint
You are not broke, but are you a criminai, since you sleep in a cell?
Becoming Led Zeppelin is good… I watched it on Netflix recently. Good times…! 🥴
And fyi… I love your videos exactly the way they are!!! ✌💙😎
You have great content and you have my support and my Likes. Youtube's newest algorithm seems to favor all kinds of fake AI.
Love your videos. 👍💯
Becoming Led Zerppelin is a film, it is really great and the music made it fantastic. I loved it. As to your base sun number and shifting your content from time to time or totally, I will still check you out. Here is a like & comment. Been subbed for some years now. Los Angeles California
comfort living is your biggest problem, so you've to change your attitude to life. Capsule or internet cafes is very cheap in Japan.
For instances, throughout tokyo you can find an hourly internet capsules for as little as $10-12 for 6-8 hrs including basic breakfast.
You can also find very cheap hostels in homeless areas of any city
When hotels have rooms that don't book, can they take that as a loss on their income tax?
consider buying a bunch of hotel points during promotions for cheap and using them in situations like this. Choice Hotel points are cheap and have great redemption rates in Japan even during weekends.
Gabriel thanks so much for being real !
On video style: you've carved out a good niche (lightly edited wandering about, telling stories), stick with that. Travel vlogging is brutally competitive now, with elite entertainers like Bald, and guys producing documentary-level quality (Indigo). I would like to see more multi-day hikes, and feel you've neglected South America
I would probably go there if it WAS $16 per night and go for a relaxing float in the hot springs…they might have some yummy vego food options.
You thoroughly thought thru the HOSTEL situation and I would agree with yr analysis….Some years back theres no way I would have gone for the"womans only dorm"…but i got over my fears and now I really like it.Basically…the cheaper it is,the longer you can stay…I like the austerities because Im a minimalist and the people are friendly….whats not to like!
so authentic so true. we highly appreciate all your travelling and videos. im now inspired to go to south korea !! :))
Love when you’re in Japan…it’s inspiring me to finally get over there.
You should use a grip of some sort with your camera…it would eliminate that horrible scraping sound whenever you turn your camera..just throwing it out there…
This comment section is out of whack, he only mentioned views down for a second and suddenly everyone is a youtube expert 🤨
There is big difference from being a creator and being a viewer who thinks their know how the algorithms works and youtuber should do things…
You are OG Gabriel, and have a super unique situation being on YouTube for 20 years.
Keep going as you find best ✌️
Did you get the COVID vaxx?…. Is that what happened?…
I think it's fair to say that Gabriel is a true trailblazer in the travel vlogging world, and a veteran. I’ve been watching him since the early days, back when you could count the number of travel vloggers on two hands. He has a distinctive style; some might even call it old-fashioned, but he’s an exceptional storyteller. You can listen to him for hours. His approach might not be for everyone, but that’s exactly what makes him stand out.
You really need to get on Rogan or Theo Von or something. If Theo Von did a podcast with you, and a large number of people saw how much you really enjoy traveling and the people around the world and your great attitude, well, it could only lead to good things. Basically i love the content, I don't think that's the problem, its exposure to new audiences. Everyone I ever told about your channel still watches you… Your videos have this great low budget laid back vibe, but the attention to detail in crafting them, and the talking directly to the viewer that makes the videos indistinguishable to any video posted in my travel friends group.
Gabriel, If you go to Nagasaki, try Pearl Hotel. Private room with Japanese style futon and private bathroom. Stayed there two weeks ago, about ¥6000 per night. Near the station.
The channel exudes understated brilliance in the old school sense. As a veteren traveller you will have seen and experienced mind blowing situations of absolute wonderment but yet you retain an approach that is both humble modest and thoughtful.I look foward to more adventures from Japan and hope you will soon enjoy the peace and quiet of a private room.Safe travels always ❤❤❤.
Don't you get weary of constantly looking for accomodations? It seems that a huge hunk of your life is about constantly seeking airline tickets, lodging, and food over and over and over again…
This is why I do not travel to expensive places…i.e. would love to go to Switzerland, but won't. Yes, it is awesome there, but the stress of its high prices just does not make it worth it.
I guess if we just wanted to watch luxury travelers we could but your style and places you go are far more interesting. Been watching you now over 10 years, hope you dont change too much but get you have to cover expenses.
You lived the highlife for too long my dude. Noone stays on top forever
Love your channel, been watching it since it was small. Just keep on, cause you're headed to a million. I know you won't fall down the shameful path Bald and Bankrupt went down attacking the countries he goes to. India should tar and feather him and his friend Back Packer Ben. Such low down scum.
How about Pension houses?
I was just in Japan a few months ago and noticed that hotels often lower their prices for same day bookings at some point in the afternoon.
Also I had the same experience like you regarding the huge price difference between weekends and weekdays.
I am a few years younger than you, but I also feel "too old" to stay in hostels now. I recently did it in London since I have arrived at 2am and had to get up at 7am. It made no sense to pay 100+ pounds for a hotel room, anyhow I ended up with 3 of 5 guys snoring in that dorm 😉
Just noticed you mix up Rio for Sao Paulo! 20 push ups, mr global traveller!
I like Gabe because he’s non confrontational. Easy to watch. Gets me away from the daily crap. I also look around while he’s walking not focused on him. Some good suggestions here. Hope he takes a few into account.
If you want more views, you should emulate the Bald and Bankrupt guy. Interact with more locals on camera. Learn some foreign languages. Present a little history lesson of the places you're visiting. And be more of a charasmatic asshole. His channel is way more entertaining than yours. Cheers
You can increase your viewership by diversifying your destinations. You cannot continue to spend 90% of your EU time on the Greek Islands and expect viewership to be strong.
Go to different destinations. South America, Northern half of Europe, Africa, Central Asia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China.
Your content has become too focused on Greek Islands, and desert beach locations. As a long time viewer, I no longer watch those videos.
Gabe what happened to your nose? Never stay in a hostel in London