They say don’t fall for the first guy you meet at a hostel. Or the second. Or the fourth. 🫣

They say it’s “just travel hormones.”

They say I’m being delulu.

And honestly? They’re probably right. But I also don’t care.😎

Because there’s something about sharing a bunk bed with strangers, sipping beers under fairy lights, and watching the sunrise with someone who doesn’t know your last name — that just hits different.👀

Back home I avoid people like my life depends on it. But on the road? I get butterflies in five seconds and start naming our future backpacker babies. 👩‍🍼

This is my story (and maybe yours too).✨

Chapter 1: The Australian Boy in Vietnam

It all started in Vietnam — my first solo trip ever. I was terrified and awkward and pretending I knew how to travel when in reality, I didn’t even know how to cross Vietnamese traffic without fearing for my life.💀

And then there was him.

Australian. Charming. Slightly annoying in the best way.

We spent hours play-hating each other — constant teasing, fake insults, sarcastic banter. You know, the kind of flirting that makes everyone around you roll their eyes.🙄

But at night? We sat outside the hostel until 3 a.m., freezing and laughing, talking about life like we’d known each other forever. 🤭

We never kissed. 💋

We never even hugged goodbye.

But when he left… something in me left too.

It’s been 3 years and I still remember the feeling.

Silly? Maybe.

Real? Absolutely.🫣

Chapter 2: It’s a Pattern Now

Since then, it’s been kind of my thing. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Every country, every hostel, every new destination — I find myself catching feelings.

Not always romantic. Sometimes it’s just a soul connection.

But often? It’s those “what if?” butterflies. The late-night talks, the market dates, the shared tuk-tuk rides, the beach walks.

I’ve fallen for people in moments.✨

I’ve cried over strangers I only knew for three days.✨

And I’ve felt more in those 72 hours than I ever did in a 3-month “situationship” back home.

Chapter 3: Soulmates in Every Country

Some people say not to fall in love while traveling.👀

“It won’t work.”

“It’s not real.”

“Long distance never lasts.”

And okay, they’re probably right.

I tried the long-distance thing. It didn’t work.

But that won’t stop me from falling in love with strangers in hostels.

Why?

Because I can.✨

Because I want to.✨

Because I believe in moments, not just timelines.

✨

And honestly? If I can find a temporary soulmate in every country… I will.

Chapter 4: Why I Fall So Easily When I Travel

It’s not just about them. It’s about how I feel when I travel.

I feel free.

I feel bold.

I feel like myself — no expectations, no filters, no pressure. Just me. Unhinged, soft, curious, messy, honest me.✨

And when I feel that version of myself? I naturally connect deeper.

To places.

To people.

To feelings.

Chapter 5: Home vs. Abroad? It’s Not Even Close.

Back home I don’t date. I don’t even try.🤦🏼‍♀️

I get the ick just thinking about small talk over overpriced coffee.

But abroad?🤩

I’m my most chaotic, flirtatious, romantic self.

I love strangers. I love stories. I love the freedom of not knowing what’s next.

I fall in love knowing it won’t last — and that makes it even more magical.✨

Chapter 6: What It Taught Me

That not all love stories have to be long to be meaningful
That every connection matters, even the fleeting ones
That I deserve to feel free, desired, and alive
That I’m allowed to feel too much
And that falling in love with strangers is not weakness — it’s a gift

Final Words from Your Delulu Queen

Yes, I fall in love at hostels. Yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, it’s emotionally irresponsible.

And no — I’m not going to stop.❌

Because some of my best memories are with people I barely knew.🥹

Because love can be found on a dorm bunk bed, at a rooftop party, or in a 3 a.m. kitchen conversation.

Because connection is what keeps me going.

And because I’d rather feel everything than feel nothing at all. 😌

Your Turn

Tell me: Have you ever caught feelings on the road?

Drop your hostel love stories below — I want all the tea.