Welcome to Not So Hostel World, LLC your boutique Travel Agency:

Showing our clients the less hostel way to travel.

Christopher Snell, founder of Not So Hostel World

At Not So Hostel World, I've visited more than 85 countries, and I bring that firsthand knowledge to every custom itinerary, cruise, and luxury journey I plan. No templates, no call-center feel — just personalized planning that gets you past the tourist traps and into the real thing.

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Contact me today to embark on your travel adventure with Not So Hostel World!

Custom Itineraries:
Completely independent travel Planning

Not everyone wants a group tour or a fixed schedule. I build fully independent itineraries — flights, hotels, private tours, transfers — tailored to how you actually want to travel.

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Extraordinary Cruises:
Full Service Cruise Travel Planning

I've been cruising since I was fourteen and taken 20+ cruises. As a CLIA member specializing in group and multi-generational travel, I handle everything — not just the booking, but pre-cruise hotels, shore excursions, and post-cruise stays too.

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Luxury & Expedition Travel:
Discover destinations your friends haven't even heard of—yet.

Safari lodges in Africa, icebreakers to Antarctica, private naturalist guides in the Galápagos — these are once-in-a-lifetime journeys, handcrafted down to the smallest detail.

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"Chris has an excellent experience in traveling. He booked our 40th anniversary trip to Ireland and several other countries. It was an amazing trip..."

"Christopher Snell is the kindest, most patient, and thorough travel agent you will ever need or want. He has managed two cruises for my husband and I as well as for our friends...."

"It was our first trip outside the US and he helped to make it so easy for us!
We will definitely be working with Chris again to help us plan our next vacation..."

Field Notes!

Infinity pool with two palm trees framing the white sand beach and Caribbean Sea

Mexico’s Secret Stretch: Cancun to Playa Mujeres Done Right

Destination Deep Dive · Mexican Caribbean By Christopher Snell, CTA · Mexicana Caribbean Ambassador & Travel Expert Let me be honest with you: when most Americans hear “Cancun,” they picture spring break. Crowded hotel zones,
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The World Has Never Been More Worth Exploring | The Not So Hostel News

✦  Lead Article June 2026 Inaugural Issue  ·  Welcome Aboard The World Has Never Been More Worth Exploring And you deserve someone in your corner who’s already been there. “Travel is too hard these days.
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Illustration of a luxury small-ship cruise near a tropical island, Not So Hostel World branded

Why More Experienced Travelers Are Quietly Returning to Sea

For many people, cruising still carries a certain image. Large ships. Crowded buffets. Matching lanyards. Tourist traps. And to be fair, that version of cruising does exist. But quietly, something else has been happening over
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Sydney Opera House on a sunny day

10 Expert Travel Tips for the Ultimate Australia–New Zealand–Fiji Adventure

🌏 10 Expert Travel Tips for the Ultimate Australia–New Zealand–Fiji Adventure When it comes to bucket-list trips, few itineraries pack in as much wonder as this one — from the sails of the Sydney Opera
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Norwegian Getaway cruise ship docked at port

Norwegian Cruise Line Tips, Tricks & Insider Advice for Every Cruiser

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has built its reputation on one idea – freestyle cruising. It’s a philosophy that says your vacation should feel like your vacation – flexible dining, open schedules, and endless possibilities. As
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Norwegian Encore cruise ship hull artwork close-up at the pier

10 Tips for Cruising on Norwegian Encore: Dining, Drinks & Shows

Get expert advice from a seasoned travel agent on how to make the most of your Norwegian Encore cruise — including the best restaurants, bars, and entertainment you won’t want to miss. 10 Tips to
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Specialties

In order to provide you with the best possible travel recommendation we have completed advanced training and are certified as: