If you’re a solo traveller or someone looking to spice up their travel game, let me tell you: hostels are where it’s at! Forget stuffy hotel rooms and overpriced room service—hostels are redefining what it means to stay away from home. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or planning your first adventure, here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know about hostels.
What Are Hostels Anyway?
Think of a hostel as a shared living space that’s designed for travellers looking for a budget-friendly, social, and unique experience. Hostels typically have dormitory-style rooms (we’ll get to that in a minute) but often also offer private rooms for those who need a little more privacy. The vibe is laid-back, the atmosphere is often buzzing, and the goal is to create a community for people from all walks of life.
Why Hostels Are Perfect for Solo Travelers
Traveling solo can sometimes feel intimidating, but hostels are practically built for solo adventurers. Walk into a hostel, and you’ll find people chatting in common areas, swapping travel tips, and making plans to explore the local scene together. Hostels encourage social interaction, and before you know it, you might find yourself joining a group for a spontaneous bar crawl or a day hike.
It’s a lot easier to make friends in a hostel than it is sitting alone in a hotel room scrolling through Netflix!
What to Expect at a Hostel
Check-In
Hostels usually have a super easy check-in process. Be ready with your ID and booking confirmation, and you’ll be handed a key or card to access your room. It’s important to note that most hostels, like hotels, have check in times- if you arrive before the check in time, you might be able to check in early (for an added price!) but most of the time, you’ll see other travellers hanging around waiting for check in.
Dorms
Dorm rooms can vary in size, from small four-bed setups to massive 20-bed arrangements. Most dorms are single-sex or mixed-gender, so you can choose what you’re comfortable with. Expect bunk beds, and sometimes a little extra privacy in the form of curtains around the beds.
The Beds
Hostel beds are surprisingly well-equipped these days. Most come with personal reading lights, charging sockets, and small shelves for your essentials. Some even have full privacy pods. It’s a far cry from the old-school, dingy hostel you might be imagining!
Friendly Vibes
Hostels are full of people who, like you, are there to explore and make memories. Don’t be shy—say hello to your bunkmate or strike up a conversation in the lounge. Most travellers are more than happy to share their stories, travel hacks, or just chat about life.
Types of Rooms: Dorms vs. Private Rooms
If you’re on a tight budget and love meeting people, dorm rooms are your best bet. They’re the social hub of the hostel experience. But if you value your space (or need a break from socialising), many hostels offer private rooms. These give you the hostel vibe with a dash of hotel-like comfort.
Social Events to Get You Mingling
Hostels don’t just stop at providing a bed; they’re amazing at creating opportunities for travellers to connect. Here are some typical events you can look forward to:
- Bar Crawls: Explore the local nightlife with a group.
- Pub Quizzes: Team up with other travellers and put your trivia knowledge to the test.
- Happy Hour: Grab a cheap (or free) drink and meet new friends.
- Excursions: Explore what the city/town has to offer through hostel organised tours
These events are often hosted by the hostel staff, so they’re well-organised and fun!
What to Pack for Hostel Life
A little preparation goes a long way when staying in a hostel. Here are a few things you should definitely bring that you might have not though of:
- Earplugs: Dorms can get noisy, especially if someone snores, arrives/ leaves early in the morning or late at night.
- Flip-Flops: Essential for shared showers—trust me, you don’t want to risk athlete’s foot.
- A Padlock: Most hostels have lockers, but you’ll need your own lock to secure your belongings.
The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Hostels
Okay, hostels aren’t all sunshine and rainbows. Here are some common downsides you might experience:
- Noise: People coming in late, rustling bags, or having loud phone calls can disrupt your sleep.
- Limited Space: Dorms aren’t known for their spaciousness, so you’ll need to be smart with your packing.
- Inconsiderate Guests: Occasionally, you might deal with someone who turns on the lights at 2 AM or, ahem, gets a little too friendly with their bunkmate.
That being said, many hostels enforce quiet hours or have staff to address these issues.
Why You Should Try a Hostel At Least Once!
Despite the potential inconveniences, staying in a hostel is an experience every traveller should try. It’s affordable, social, and perfect for solo adventurers. Plus, you never know—you might just meet lifelong friends ( I did!) or discover a hidden gem through a tip from a fellow traveller.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider ditching the hotel for a hostel. It might just become your new favourite way to travel.
Are you ready to give hostels a shot? Read all about the don’ts when staying in hostels (and avoid making enemies!) here
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