seven tips for staying in a hostel
i love hostels.
i’ve stayed in number of hostels throughout my travels because they are cost effective (ideal when you are traveling on a budget), and a great way to meet all kinds of people, from all walks of life. every hostel i’ve stayed at has been an adventure of its own: at some i made wonderful and meaningful friendships, and at others i learned so much about myself and how i like to live.
but if you aren’t used to a more communal-living environment, or have never stayed in a hostel before, it can feel a bit overwhelming- maybe even terrifying. so here is my list of seven things to consider when staying in a hostel.
1- get to know yourself a little.
actually think about the way that you like to travel.
do you like to go to bed early? do you like meeting new people? are you comfortable living in all gender spaces? do you need a lot of alone time? how much trust do you have in other people? are you looking for a place to make friends and relax? or just a place to sleep?
figuring out what kind of a traveler you are will help you get a better sense of what kind of vibe you want in a hostel- and whether you are even cut out for hostel life in the first place.
2- not all hostels are alike.
the term “hostel” essentially describes an establishment where people can pay for a bed, and share common spaces with other guests. but what exactly that entails can vary greatly depending on where in the world you are, and the kind of hostel you stay in. it’s important to do your research on the place before you commit to it.
start with the basics.
does the hostel provide linens and towels? does it provide soap? is there a kitchen where you can cook? does the hostel have security lockers where you can put your things? does it offer free breakfast? are the rooms organized in a classic bunk bed set up? are there private rooms? does the hostel allow you to store luggage before/after the official check-in/check-out times?
figure out if the hostel meets your basic needs, and make sure you know exactly what you’ll need to bring with you to be comfortable.
then get a little more specific.
does the hostel cater to a more international or domestic audience? does it seem like a party hostel (ex. guided pub crawls, located in a city known for partying)? does it offer discounted access to museums, or organize group trips? how big is the hostel? does the hostel seem more community-oriented where everyone gets to know one another, or is everyone doing their own thing?
depending on the kind of traveler you are, and the kind of trip you are taking, you might want to be in a space where you feel more independent and left to your own devices, or you might want to make some friends, and do some exploring as a group.
3- know the rules.
are you allowed to eat in your room? are there quiet hours? can you bring guests to the hostel?
try to choose a hostel with rules that are more compatible with your lifestyle- or be prepared to be a bit more accommodating. be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the hostel, because violations of those living guidelines could result in unexpected fines or a cancellation of your stay.
4- think about your sleep patterns.
what do you need to get a decent night’s sleep? silence? noise? complete darkness?
when living in a communal setting like a hostel it is reasonable to expect basic respect from your roommates- but you also have to remember that everyone has their own schedule and way of life. you can’t expect all lights out and complete silence at 8pm, but at the same time you can’t be having a full scale conversation at 2am.
depending on the kind of environment you need to sleep, it could be worth investing in earplugs or an eye mask to make sure you are getting the rest you need.
5- do you like to cook?
if you’ve never stayed at a hostel before you might wonder why anyone would even want to cook while traveling- isn’t the whole point of traveling to experience the local cuisine and spend a little money?
yes- but, if you are following a particular diet, or just want to save a bit more money, staying in a hostel with a kitchen makes such a difference.
personally, i prefer staying in hostels with a kitchen space because i can bring down the overall cost of my travel by making breakfast each morning, and by packing snacks and carrying a water bottle when i go out for the day. this way i still can still try local specialities for lunch or dinner (or treat myself to brunch), but i don’t waste money on a pricey breakfast that i genuinely could have made at home.
6- can you climb?
one of the most classic hostel setups is the bunk beds- and while you might get lucky and end up on a bottom bunk… there’s also a chance you could end up on the top bunk (meaning you’ll have to climb a little ladder to get in and out of bed).
although the top bunk is never my first choice, it does actually have it’s upsides. sometimes i like having my own more personal, lofted space in the hostel where i can tuck things away and it’s harder for people to see me (especially ideal when i just want to take some time for myself and watch a little netflix).
depending on the hostel, your bed might even have a little built-in curtain. but if not, you can always try your best to hang up a blanket or towel if you really want some personal space.
7- things to pack.
- tupperware/food storage containers: if you plan to pack lunch, or to make food in larger quantities it’s worth bringing some kind of tupperware with you (in case the hostel doesn’t provide it). this way you can keep extra food in the fridge, or carry food around with you when you head out for the day.
- locks: many hostels will have security lockers where you can store your valuables or even your whole bag- but hostels often won’t provide you with the actual locks (and if they do, you often have to pay a fee). it’s worth bringing at least one lock with you so that you can make use of the lockers (which is essential when you’re sharing a space with so many people). i always bring two or three locks with me because the sizes of the lockers vary from hostel to hostel, so in the case my whole suitcase can’t fit- i can put the lock straight on my bag and still keep my belongings secure.
- silverware: it sounds a bit unnecessary, but at some hostels (especially more low-maintenance hostels), cutlery can be in extremely short supply. i usually pack a spoon, a fork, and a butter knife with me when i stay in really cheap hostels so i don’t have to eat with my hands (note: pack a butter knife because it is less likely to get confiscated by airport security).
- spare bag: i love bringing a little tote bag with me when i travel because it’s lightweight and compact, and incredibly versatile (i can use it on short day trips, nights out, and even for trips to the grocery store). if you plan to keep some snacks or food at the hostel, it can be helpful to have an extra bag to keep all your food organized and in one place (because other people use the kitchen too).
- sharpie/permanent marker: many hostels have a policy where any unlabeled food is up for grabs. so if you plan to keep food in the hostel, bring a sharpie/permanent marker to write your name on your items (this way no one else can claim them!)
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originally posted: august 2, 2019.
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