🌍 The Story of ITH Hostels
You’re traveling the world looking for the ultimate place to stay. You don’t want just a hotel room — you want a real, local experience. You’re wondering: Where can I stay that will host me like family, connect me with culture, and show me the hidden spots I’d never find on my own?
Oh, you’re in just the right spot, friend.
That’s where we come in.
We are Jimmy Black and Bobby Dyer, cofounders of International Travelers House Hostels (ITH). From an early age, we carried a love for travel and a passion for hosting. After meeting while working at another hostel in San Diego, we dreamed of building something better — a place where travelers wouldn’t just sleep, but truly connect. After over 2 years of searching Craigslist, we finally found the perfect house in San Diego, and ITH was born.
From day one, we built more than beds. We built living rooms where strangers become friends, kitchens where recipes from around the world are shared, and rooftops where laughter lasts longer than sunsets. Every ITH Hostel carries the same spirit: a place where travelers come for adventure but stay for community.
You’ll find surf trips in Sayulita, hiking in Big Bear Lake, rooftop BBQs in San Francisco, and bonfires in San Diego. Because the memories travelers take home aren’t just of beaches and cities — they’re of the friends they danced, cooked, and explored with.
Our Mission
Spreading Peace Through Knowledge of Culture.
Our Values
- Sustainable Lodging: We all share this spaceship called Earth, and we’re committed to protecting it.
- Breaking Cultural Barriers: Travel is about expanding your mind and letting go of misconceptions.
- Unique Hosted Experiences: Guests are family — meals, laughs, and adventures are always shared.
Leadership Team
Jimmy Black
Bobby Dyer
David Tekka
Steve Best
ITH isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a movement of travelers, dreamers, and explorers who believe in community, culture, and connection.
ITH Hostels — More than a bed, it’s a family.