5 Tips for Staying in a Hostel

Hey there my budget travel enthusiasts and welcome to post post where we will check out my 5 tips for staying in a hostel this year. In general terms. staying in a hostel is a practical and social experience that offers the opportunity to meet fellow travelers while saving money on accommodation.

Hostels can range from quiet, clean places perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing, to lively hubs where activities and interaction are part of the daily scene. It’s essential to select a hostel that aligns with your preferences, whether that means choosing a location with a curfew for a good night’s sleep, or a more vibrant, party-oriented atmosphere.

Tips for Staying in a Hostel

As above, choosing and staying in the right hostel can significantly enhance your travel experience. We have stayed in some really good ones and some really poor ones in my time and boy, could I tell some stories!

From thinking it would be a good idea to stay in the middle of downtown San Francisco after a 16 hour flight – on St Patrick’s Day – to watching the landlord get out of our bed and spray some air freshener after a nap before we were let into our room in Marseille, we have had some experiences.

Some of these we couldn’t have picked – like the lady in our bed – but for others we could have considered some of the below. So let’s check out some of the things to look for when staying in a hostel:

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1. Choose the Right Hostel

Again as I touched on above, the first step to staying in a hostel is to choose the right one for you. This can include:

1. Location – Look for hostels that are centrally located or close to public transportation. This can save you time and money on commuting.
2. Type of Hostel – Some hostels are known for their social atmosphere, often hosting events and parties. Others are more relaxed, offering a quiet, laid-back environment. Choose based on your preference.
3. Reviews and Ratings – Websites like Hostelworld, Booking.com and TripAdvisor offer reviews from previous guests. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness, staff friendliness and overall experience.
4. Facilities and Amenities – Check if the hostel offers Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, lockers and a communal kitchen.
5. Room Types – Decide if you want a private room or are comfortable in a shared dormitory. Consider mixed or single-gender dorms based on your preference. Larger dorms are usually cheaper but can be noisier. Smaller dorms offer more privacy and quiet.
6. Budget: Balance your budget with the level of comfort you desire. Sometimes paying a bit more can significantly enhance your experience.
7. Security – Look for hostels with good security measures like 24-hour reception, security cameras and secure access to rooms. Secure lockers for valuables and belongings are a must here as well! Also research the safety of the neighborhood. A hostel in a safe, well-lit area can make your stay more comfortable, especially if you plan to return late at night.
8. Community Events: Hostels that organize tours, dinners or other social events can enhance your travel experience and offer opportunities to meet fellow travelers.
9. Extras: Some hostels provide additional amenities like a swimming pool, on-site bar, free breakfast, or bike rentals. However be aware of additional costs like towel rentals, lock rentals, or breakfast fees.

2. Keep an Open Mind

Keeping an open mind is a vital aspect of the hostel experience, as it can significantly enrich your travels. Hostels are unique in that they bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and countries – each with their own cultural behaviors and expectations.

It’s important to remember that everyone has their own travel style and reasons for being on the road, so being non-judgmental and tolerant of differences is key. This mindset not only fosters a harmonious environment within the hostel but also contributes to your personal growth. You might find yourself trying new foods, participating in unique local customs, or rethinking your own viewpoints.

In essence, keeping an open mind in a hostel setting isn’t just about coexisting peacefully with other travelers rather about embracing the richness of shared experiences and allowing them to broaden your horizons.

3. Respect Others’ Space and Privacy

In a shared space like a hostel, where personal areas are limited, being mindful of boundaries becomes even more important. This respect manifests in various ways, such as using headphones instead of playing music out loud, keeping your belongings within your designated area and avoiding unnecessary noise, especially during late-night or early-morning hours when others might be sleeping.

It’s also about acknowledging the shared nature of facilities like bathrooms and kitchens, ensuring you use them considerately and leave them clean for the next person. In dormitory settings, it’s important to avoid actions that might invade someone’s personal space, like using someone else’s bed or belongings without permission.

Additionally, while social interaction is a valued aspect of hostel culture, it’s equally important to recognize when someone prefers solitude or quiet time. By showing respect for others’ space and privacy, you contribute to a respectful, inclusive environment where all guests can feel comfortable and relaxed.

Book your hostel here!

4. Be Prepared for Shared Facilities

We touched on this in the last tip but to be honest, it really is something that many find daunting when they first start staying in this type of accommodation.

Hostels typically have communal bathrooms, kitchens and living areas, which means adjusting to a shared environment. In the bathroom, for instance, you might encounter wait times during peak hours, so planning your schedule accordingly can help avoid delays. It’s also considerate to limit your time in the shower and ensure you leave the space clean for the next person.

In shared kitchens, label your food if storing it in communal fridges and be mindful of using and cleaning cooking utensils and appliances promptly after use. You might also have to navigate around different cooking habits and levels of cleanliness. Therefore, being adaptable and understanding becomes crucial. It’s also a good practice to carry essential items like a small towel, flip-flops for the shower, and a toiletry bag to keep your items organized and portable.

Moreover, shared living spaces like lounges or common rooms are great for socializing, but they also demand a sense of communal responsibility. This means being aware of the noise you make, the space you occupy and the cleanliness of the area after you use it.

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5. Follow Hostel Rules

Based in all of the above, hostels, like any shared accommodation, operate on a set of guidelines designed to maintain order, safety and comfort. These rules often cover aspects such as quiet hours, alcohol consumption, use of communal areas and guest behavior.

Adhering to quiet hours, for instance, is crucial for respecting the sleep and comfort of other guests. It typically means reducing noise levels in the evenings and being mindful of your activities in shared dorms and common areas.

Rules regarding the use of communal spaces like kitchens, lounges, and bathrooms are also important. They ensure these areas remain clean, accessible and pleasant for everyone. This might include guidelines on cleaning up after yourself, time limits for using shared facilities or restrictions on where you can eat or drink within the hostel.

Additionally, many hostels have policies on guest behavior, which can include prohibitions against bringing non-guests into the rooms, smoking restrictions or rules about alcohol consumption on the premises. These are in place not just for the comfort of guests, but also for safety and legal reasons.

In most cases, failure to follow hostel rules can result in eviction without refund which, if you are a backpacker, or traveling on a budget, can really hurt your wallet as well.

Book your hostel here!

What to pack

Staying in a hostel often requires a bit of extra preparation compared to a hotel, as you’ll need to bring several items that might otherwise be provided. Here’s a list of items you’ll generally need when staying in a hostel:

1. Sleeping Gear:
   • Earplugs: To block out snoring or late-night chatter.
   • Eye mask: For sleeping in shared dorms where lights might be turned on.
   • Travel pillow: For extra comfort, especially if you’re particular about pillows.
2. Personal Hygiene Products:
   • Towel: Many hostels don’t provide towels, so a quick-dry travel towel is ideal.
   • Flip-flops: Essential for showers and general use around the hostel.
   • Toiletries: Including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc. Travel-sized containers are convenient.
   • Shower caddy or bag: Useful for carrying your toiletries to and from the bathroom.
3. Security Items:
   • Padlock: For securing your belongings in lockers.
   • Money belt or hidden pouch: To keep your money and passport safe.
4. Storage and Organization:
   • Packing cubes: Help organize your belongings and make them easy to find in your backpack.
   • Laundry bag: To separate dirty clothes from clean ones.
5. Clothing:
   • Comfortable and versatile clothing: Depending on the climate and your activities.
   • Warm layers: For cooler evenings or air-conditioned rooms.
   • Rain gear: A lightweight rain jacket or umbrella, if traveling in a rainy area.
6. Electronics:
   • Power adapter: If traveling internationally.
   • Portable charger/power bank: To charge your devices on the go.
   • Headphones: For listening to music or watching videos without disturbing others.
7. Food and Drink Essentials:
   • Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
   • Snacks: Non-perishable items for on-the-go or late-night hunger.
   • Travel mug or thermos: If you’re a coffee or tea drinker.
8. Miscellaneous:
   • Small first-aid kit: Including band-aids, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
   • Notebook and pen: For jotting down thoughts, directions, or travel tips.
   • A good book or e-reader: For entertainment during downtime.
9. Optional Items:
   • Small travel towel or blanket: For extra comfort or impromptu picnics.
   • Travel-sized games or cards: Great for socializing with other travelers.

Remember, the key is to pack light and bring only what you need, as storage space in hostels is often limited. Each traveler’s needs may vary slightly, so adjust this list according to your specific travel style and destination.

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it, my 5 tips for staying in a Hostel. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here or if there are any other thing to consider that I need to add.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul