When I travel alone, one of my favorite choices for accommodation is a hostel. Over the years, I’ve occasionally treated myself to unique stays—like a traditional ryokan in Japan, a historic monastery in Europe, or even a cowboy ranch in the U.S.—but more often than not, I choose hostels. They’re affordable, social, and often much more memorable than hotels.
What Exactly Is a Hostel?
At its core, a hostel is a budget-friendly place to stay, usually offering beds in shared dorms. The vibe is casual and communal, with an emphasis on meeting people and sharing space. Some hostels are sleek and modern, with stylish décor, small dorms, and private rooms that can rival hotel prices. Others are barebones: large, crowded rooms with minimal furnishings and shared bathrooms down the hall.
The key is knowing what you’re looking for—and doing your research carefully before booking.
What to Expect
Most hostels welcome you with a relaxed, youthful atmosphere. At check-in, you’ll get a bed assignment—either in a mixed dorm or a female-only dorm, depending on your choice. If you’re particular, you can usually request a top or bottom bunk (I prefer top bunks for the extra sense of privacy).
Amenities vary, but many modern hostels provide sheets and towels at no extra charge, while others expect you to bring your own or rent them. Shared bathrooms are common, though some dorms have en-suites. Lockers are usually available, but you’ll often need to bring your own lock.
Beyond the basics, some hostels go above and beyond with bars, restaurants, or cozy common areas. These social spaces are often the heart of the hostel experience and where I’ve made some of my closest travel friendships.
Choosing the Right Hostel
Finding a good hostel takes a little digging. I always check booking platforms and guest reviews, especially recent ones. Photos and ratings give you a clear sense of cleanliness, safety, and atmosphere. If people mention pests, avoid it entirely.
Here are a few details worth checking before booking:
- Location: Make sure it fits your travel plans and is close to what you want to see.
- Amenities: Look for free Wi-Fi, lockers, breakfast, or 24-hour reception depending on your needs.
- Ratings: Anything below 7.5–8 can be risky.
- Dorm setup: How many beds per room, and are the bunks sturdy and comfortable?
- Bathrooms: En-suite or down the hall?
- Atmosphere: Do you want a lively, social hostel or a quiet, low-key one?
Whenever possible, I also check the hostel’s official website for extra details and sometimes better deals.
What to Pack for Hostel Stays
Packing smart can make the experience far more comfortable:
- Two padlocks (one for your locker, another for valuables).
- A lightweight sleeping bag liner and microfiber towel, handy if the provided ones seem questionable.
- Earplugs and an eye mask—dorm life means noise and light at odd hours.
- Flip-flops or shower shoes for shared bathrooms.
- A small tote or bag to carry toiletries, especially if showers aren’t nearby.
Hostel Etiquette
Hostels thrive on respect and consideration. A few golden rules:
- Greet your roommates—most people are traveling solo and open to conversation.
- Keep phone calls, music, or videos private by using headphones.
- Avoid crinkly plastic bags late at night or early in the morning.
- Keep your space tidy; clutter not only annoys others but also makes theft more tempting.
- Skip pungent food in the dorm—it lingers longer than you think.
Why I’ll Keep Choosing Hostels
For me, hostels aren’t just about saving money. They’re about the sense of community, the spontaneous conversations, and the chance to meet travelers from every corner of the world. Hotels might offer comfort and predictability, but hostels give me stories, friendships, and memories that last long after the trip ends.
