Staying in a hostel is not just one of the ways in which I save on accommodation, but also one of the ways I get to experience more and pay less. How? Well, by staying in a hostel, you share a dorm with other solo travelers, and as you give up some privacy and space, you get to save a lot of cash. Think about it like sharing a room but instead of getting a double or triple one with your friend(s), you share it with more people.

That was the saving bit, but how about the experience itself? By staying in a hostel, you don’t just get to meet like-minded solo travelers, but also people coming from different cultural backgrounds. Think about it as a melting pot of cultures or a few day-exchange program kind of experience.

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How to Find Hostels

There is plenty of hostel booking platforms out there; however, my personal favorite is Hostelworld. You can find hostels listed on accommodation websites like Booking.com.

Booking.com

Staying in a Hostel? Here’s What to Look For

When staying in a hostel, there are some things that you might want to look for. Of course, every traveler’s criteria is different, but here’s an overview to help break down the process for you:

What kind of hostel is it?

Is it a party hostel? A backpackers’ one? Or a luxury hostel? There are plenty of types of hostels out there, so before booking, make sure to determine what you’re looking for.

Room Type

There are dorms, where travelers share a big room. Those normally start from 4-bed dorms and could go up to 10 beds (with a possibility of bunk beds). Also, there are female dorms and mixed dorms, and just like hotels, there are private rooms at some hostels as well.

Bathrooms

Some hostels have the privilege of the ensuite option, while others offer shared bathrooms, and sometimes, both options are available for you to choose from.

Breakfast

Is breakfast included? Whether or not you’d like an option of B&B goes down to your criteria. Some people would rather try different local street foods every morning instead.

Location

This one, of course, goes without saying. You want yourself a hostel that’s located in or near the center, and close to public transportation stops as well.

Lockers and Safes

For me, having a locker or a safe where I can keep valuables such as my passport or camera is highly important –it’s at the top of my list of criteria. After all, safety comes first!

Check-In and Check-Out Timings/Curfews

Before booking, if your flight arrives late at night, make sure the hostel of your choice has late check-ins. Also, bear in mind that some hostels have curfews, meaning that you can’t arrive late every night (I personally don’t like those). A 24-hour reception is something you might want to opt for.

Free WiFi

Make sure there’s WiFi and make sure it’s free of charge –sometimes, you actually have to pay for it. Even if you buy a local sim card, having WiFi at your hostel would make life cheaper for you and would definitely come in handy especially if you’re a digital nomad with a lot of work to finish.

Payment and Cancelation

In some cases, you’ll have to place the full payment online or just a deposit that could be non-refundable. So, make sure to carefully read the cancelation policy.

Facilities

Is there a restaurant/bar? Does the hostel offer a gym or pool? A common area or a kitchen? Hostels with attractive facilities are often cooler for solo travelers who are looking for entertainment or an environment where they could mingle with other fellow nomads.

Are Hostels Safe?

Staying in a room with random strangers may seem a bit intimidating in the beginning, and that’s totally alright. Hostels are generally safe, but at the end of the day, it all goes down to your own judgement and precautions. A hostel may provide you with options to offer you safety, but due to lack of personal precautions, you could still face some mishaps. For instance, if you leave valuables behind and you have a safe or locker in your dorm, don’t blame the hostel if you lose your belongings.

Check out my criteria list below if you want a reference on how I personally choose my hostels:

• I look for hostels with lockers, and preferably a safe in the dorm.
• I always stay in female hostels.
• My budget is usually average –I don’t necessarily opt for super cheap hostels. Hygiene (which plays a major role in the cost) is super important to me.
• The neighborhood is also important. Does it seem sketchy? Or is it located in a lively area?
• 24/7 reception is a major plus in case anything goes wrong in the middle of the night.

Tips for Staying in a Hostel

• Book in advance to guarantee great deals.
• Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
• Save your hostel information (such as address/location and phone number) on your phone in case you have trouble finding it when you arrive.
• Bring your own padlocks. Many hostels offer drawers or lockers with a padlock slot but don’t provide you with them.
• Bring a sleeping eye mask and earplugs if you’re an early sleeper. Your roommates might arrive late after partying, so those will come in handy.

Speaking of things to bring along, you might as well check out this essential hostel packing list by Travel Her Story before you head out.

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