Yes! Americans are the only ones that would tip me a 20$ after an already pretty expensive tour. While the French would tell me how great it was, and then give me a 4 star review that says "excellent tour". Americans who travel - are usually the open minded, worldly kind. Never met a stereotypical redneck abroad - those people stay home. And sadly, there are not many young american travellers when you compare to other countries you see represented in your Hostel demographic. My guess it's in part because of things like student debt and general lack of a social safety net that only allows privileged peeps to risk going on long trips.

I've been in the travel-space a lot over the past years, and it's a constant race to find "underrated" cheap but safe places, before all the tourists get there. Myanmar and Sri Lanka were the latest on that list - but it might have changed in the past few years. It's crazy how even the backpackiest of backpackers, end up following the same routes and going to the same cities and hostels. With people googling their way through the travel, finding real off the beaten track spots is a real challenge. But it's the most rewarding thing ever if you succeed. My best ever and most vivid travel memories have always been those strange side-quests you stumble upon with locals. Amazing places that feel truly secret. Food that is home-cooked. Pristine nature. I love these moments so much, I've made it a point to be the best host i can be if anyone I even vaguely met comes through Montreal.