(Temporary Backup) H O S T E L S- How to Tackle!

The Truth About Hostels

I am sure the same as me, you have heard the many horror stories about staying in a hostel- but how many of these are really true? 

This post is going to explore the 3 BEST things about staying in a hostel, my experiences are based upon an interrail trip across Europe, staying in around 10+ hostels over the course of 4 weeks! During this only ONE was a bad experience- which is pretty good going! 

Most of the apprehension tends to come from solo travellers or female travellers who haven’t yet experienced what a hostel is really like! Check below for the do’s and don’ts when booking a hostel for some advice! 

Let’s dive into the best things about staying in a hostel! 

1. They are CHEAP!

Whether you are travelling on a budget or just looking for some inexpensive alternative accommodation a hostel is a great option! Depending on the type of room and facilities you select a hostel across Europe can cost as little as £8 a night, obviously this varies depending on the level of, ‘luxury’ you require! But, for the most part you can get some excellent accommodation in a central location for the fraction of the price of a hotel. If you prefer the privacy of a hotel, most hostels offer a private room option for a slightly higher price than a shared room- but still a cheaper alternative! 

2.The PEOPLE you Meet!

When staying in a hostel you will meet a diverse range of people! Whether you are travelling alone or as part of a group meeting new people is always fun! So get yourself involved, take up the offer of a drink in the hostel bar or join them on Tommorows walking tour! Many of the people I’ve met in a hostel i have on social media and keep up to date with their most recent travels! Also you may find yourself in the same city and have a friend to meet up with! People in hostels will open your eyes to new ways of seeing places and you will find yourself doing things you just hadn’t planned! It can be daunting walking into your shared bedroom when people are already acquainted but introduce yourself and immerse yourself while also respecting their privacy! 

Some of the friends we made in a hostel in Prague, they were 3 friends travelling together and were all hilarious! 

The Beach Hostel- Split, Croatia

One of the most sociable hostels I have stayed in, everyone was so friendly and we all ended up doing a day trip together! 

3. The VARIETY!

Lastly, there are so many choices of hostel to stay in that there is something for everyone! You can select your criteria whether that is a pool, a bar, a private room, an en-suite! You can cater your accommodation to your needs! In all cities you will find a hostel for the quiet ones, the party animals, the sightseers- everyone! On sites like booking.com and hostelworld you can select the criteria you require and find yourself the perfect hostel for a fraction of the price! 

Hostelle- Amsterdam, a female only hostel

Our first hostel stay we were nervous, therefore we booked a female only hostel to ease us into the experience and it was brilliant, after a few nights here we were ready to take on a, ‘regular’ hostel- I highly recommend for your first stay pick somewhere slightly smaller e.g 4 beds in a room to ease yourself in!

Finally, the do’s and don’ts when staying in a hostel!

DO

• Research, look into a number of local hostels and pick the best for you 
• Take a padlock and ensure your items are always secure
• Be patient- not everyone has the same routine as you, you will need to adjust to the lights being turned on at 3am!
• Use flip flops in the shared bathroom!
• Introduce yourself and allow yourself to make friends- you won’t regret it! 

DONT

• Leave valuable items out, take with you or lock away at all times 
• Pick the first/cheapest hostel you find
• Disturb your roommates when they are resting! You will only create an atmosphere the next morning!
• Arrive at your hostel late, often they don’t have reception desks and you may be unable to get in
• Leave your passport with reception, this isn’t necessary and you are not obliged to hand it over while you go out! (Some do try this!!) 

Thank you for reading 

Emma