The biggest blogging competition in the world - The Big Blog Exchange is currently in full swing, with all 16 winning bloggers currently visiting their exchange partner's home country. Run by Hostelling International, following its mission, the project which was set up to enable global interaction and educate young travellers about other cultures and the world around them (as a means of promoting peace and preventing war), has attracted an amazing 4,000,100 people on social media so far.

During the competition phase, 1,100 bloggers signed up for the opportunity to participate in a life changing opportunity - swapping lives, cultures and blogs simultaneously for ten days with another blogger from across the globe. After receiving 121,000 votes overall, 16 bloggers were selected and then on the 7th June, all the bloggers flew to their exchange destination to begin their adventure.

Sophie Roberts from the UK was chosen as one of the 16 winners. She was one of HI's two 'wildcard' choices, as she impressed the jury with her love of adventure and willingness to accept any challenge in hand. 

Sophie travelled to Singapore in early June to exchange places with fellow fashion and lifestyle blogger Kisty Mea. Kisty is currently touring around the UK, and is staying in HI hostels in London, York, Manchester, Ambleside, Boggle Hole and Stratford. A dream of Kisty's was to experience the western way of life, something the Big Blog Exchange project has enabled her to do. 

Readers can vote for their favourite bloggers, or those whose adventures they have found most inspirational until the 17th June.

The final BBE champion is in your hands!

Will you join us? www.bigblogexchange.com

Follow us on #bigblogX

Note to editors:

• Over 1100 bloggers from 72 countries entered into TBBE
• The bloggers will swap cultures, places, lives and blogs simultaneously during 10 days. 7th June till 17th June. It is the biggest contest with these characteristics in the world.
• Hostelling International (www.hihostels.com) is a charity which is committed to enabling travel for young people at an affordable price to educate and embrace new cultures and consequently promote world peace.
• To find out more about the Big Blog Exchange go to www.bigblogexchange.org.uk

For more information please contact Brianda Lopez - blopez@hihostels.com or Scarlett Dixon - sdixon@hihostels.com

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Hostelling International offers safe and friendly quality hostels all over the world. Hostels are much more than just a place to stay. They are about discovering new places, learning about new cultures and making lifelong friendships.

Are you ready to say HI to the world? Book your next adventure at www.hihostels.com.