It was 2:00 AM on the beaches of Barcelona, and the energy was building like a balloon about to burst.

For six weeks, nights out in my favorite city had never ceased to amaze me. But all good things must end and tonight was my last party shift.

Onefam had become a community I deeply cared about. I hoped this was the moment I would remember it by.

It wouldn't be up to me though. That would be dictated by the energy that 50+ people had brought to the chilly evening, all of whom had forgone a surely unforgettable night at a Barcelona beach club for what would happen next.

"What are we waiting for?" I was asked every five seconds.

I was placating everyone by all means necessary. "Any minute now," I told them, a little stressed. I was always stressed on party shift though. I did my best work that way.

Finally, an Uber pulled up with towels and a speaker. The time had come.

"Everybody line up!" I shouted above the chorus of clamoring people.

"We're going in THREE...TWO...ONE!!!..."

Off we went.

My Blog is a Onefam Appreciation Page

I promise this will be the last post about Barcelona! But the fact that I keep talking about it shows that it meant a lot to me.

I'm 5 weeks removed from my second stint at Onefam Ramblas, wherein we were named Best Hostel in Europe 2024 by HostelWorld. It's given me time to fully process what happened in this tiny, inconspicuous building.

In retrospect, it shouldn't have shocked me that I would thrive as a hostel volunteer. A job where I'm supposed to be social, inclusive, high-energy, and positive?

None of my friends are surprised. "Did you think that wasn't for you?" they ask.

I don't disagree. Rather, it just never ceases to amaze how life's most treasured opportunities can sometimes stare you straight in the face without realizing it.

A One-in-a-Million Chance

I've stayed in a lot of hostels, many of which are similar to Onefam. Yet, I've concluded that Onefam Ramblas is the only place I've ever stayed where I could have had the impact–and experience–that I did. Here's why:

• Small, social hostel: We only had 36 beds at Onefam–small enough that I could get to know guests and social enough that everyone could effortlessly mingle.
• Responsibility: As the party leader, I would cook dinner, give a speech about the night's festivities, organize drinking games, and lead a night on the town.
  
  Even different Onefams around Europe would split these tasks among two people. I loved being solely in charge. Ensuring people had a night they would never forget became an impactful leadership experience–not one I was seeking while traveling, but one that I thrived in.
  
  Other hostel staff trade cleaning tasks for free accommodation. Knowing that makes me grateful for my role at Onefam.
• A city I love: Separate from Onefam, I fell in love with Barcelona, and would happily stay a while.

Simply put, hostels with the right vibes, in a great city, with unforgettable events, and giving real responsibility to volunteers don't grow on trees.

I know of only 1.

Everything Has Changed

Travel will never be the same and that isn't an understatement.

It's humbling to think about the impact travel has had on me thus far. I've connected with people worldwide and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Turns out, I could do those things while staying put at Onefam.

In fact, I could do them better. I was at my best helping others and being unapologetically myself, empowered by my amazing co-workers.

While traveling, I can't be The Captain, nor am I responsible for creating an experience for others. It would be pretentious to even try. I'm just trying to understand my surroundings like everyone else.

I thought solo travel was the best version of travel but opening this door changed everything. Now I think working at the right hostel is even better. The impact is real, the friendships are genuine, and the memories will stick.

One Final Memory

Before my last party shift, I messaged the staff at all five Barcelona Onefams, asking them to turn up for my final night and the ensuing beach surprise. An overwhelming number of them did.

People told me they'd only come out to celebrate my final night. Staff recounted their favorite memories we'd shared together. The banter, jokes, and laughter made me grateful for the community.

However, what stuck with me was when people got serious for a second. It doesn't happen often on our nights out.

"Dude. Thank you for taking care of our guests. Thank you for setting the tone for our every night. You'll always have a home whenever you're back."

Back on the Barcelona beach, we dashed toward the ocean.

My final wish for Onefam was to go skinny dipping with as many people as possible. Dozens were down despite the wind and cold, and we were forever bonded by it.

I thought the energy would peak as we crashed into the freezing waves. But we returned to the beach and I realized the night was just beginning.

We kept the party going with music and drinks. I told everyone how much I loved them. We danced and took photos as I tried to soak in this experience which indeed became the moment that defined my time at Onefam.

Surrounded by strangers-turned-best-friends in 6 weeks, this was the epitome of travel.

The love I had spread had now been returned.