Hostels can literally be the highlight of your trip, full of adventures and maybe even good friendships. However, the idea of shared dorms packed with bunk beds and people you don’t know can look a bit uncomfortable at first. We can assure you that it’s all about knowing how to make the most of the Hostel experience, though.
But how can you make the most out of it? Well, we’ll give you every tip you should know before you book your first hostel accommodation. We promise you’ll become nearly a Hostel pro after reading our Guide, okay?
Also, don’t forget to sign up for Trippii’s waitlist, as Trippii is the app that will end your solo trip days forever! Make sure you don’t miss out on the official launch, which is coming soon. Your Travel Tribe is closer than you think!
Types of Hostels & Tips On How to Pick the Right One For You!
We must begin by telling you that not all hostels are the same. There are different hotels for different vibes and that’s the catch: the best hostel is the one that will match your expectations and your vibe for that trip.
Are you feeling like partying all night? Then a Party Hostel is the go-to for you. There, you’ll be able to experience themed parties and pub crawls, and the whole ambiance is made for social interaction with other travelers.
If you’re on a budget, then you could also consider Budget Hostels. As the name suggests, you can book your accommodation here for just a few bucks, and you should be good. However, these are not for everyone, as you’ll be sharing your dorm with a lot of other travelers, so, if you’re a first-timer, then you should probably consider other options before adventuring through Budget Hostels.
Some other common Hostels are:
- Adventure Hostels
- Youth Hostels
- Luxury Hostels
- Themed Hostels
There are options for everyone, and you can have a great time in all of them as long as you’re sure of your overall mood for the trip.
Now that you know the most popular types of hostels out there, it’s time to have a look at how to pick the right one for you. It’s kinda simple and intuitive, and we’ll tell you why:
- Go check the reviews of a Hostel. But don’t just glance at the overall rating. We recommend you dig into the most recent comments and find out what they’re all about through the eyes of fellow travelers who have been there recently. Remember a hostel that was amazing two years ago might not be the same today. Look for mentions of cleanliness, security, and the overall vibe. If you judge the place is safe and it matches your vibe, then just go for it!
- Remember that location is everything. Another huge pro of staying in a hostel is the location. They’re usually well-located and in downtown areas. You can still find cheap hostels in the middle of nowhere, but you’ll end up spending so much more on transportation and that’s not going to be worth it.
- Your vibe has got to match with the hostel’s. This is the most important tip, and you should acknowledge the fact that the overall vibe of the hostel will make it a love-or-hate experience for you. It’s simple: are you looking for social hubs with buzzing common areas? Then go for a Party Hostel. Do you want something more relaxing and quiet, instead? Then you should look for a hotel that has your vibe. It is that simple.
Pick wisely, and you’ll set yourself up for an incredible time. Next, let’s talk about how to make the most of your stay once you’re there!
Tips For Making the Hostel Dorm Life Less Stressful
So, you finally checked in and picked your bunk. Welcome to hostel life, I must say. Shared spaces can be tricky, but with a little mindfulness, you’ll be just fine. The basics are mostly about respecting others, mainly when it comes to bedtime.
- Be considerate. No one likes the person who turns on the lights at 3 a.m. or takes loud calls while others sleep. If you’re an early riser, you should get your things ready the night before. If you’re a night owl, then you must use earphones, and be mindful of the brightness settings of your phone.
- Pack an eye mask and noise-canceling earbuds. You never know when you’ll share a room with a snorer or a group coming back late. Also, make sure you keep your stuff tidy! A messy bunk makes life harder for everyone. Make sure you use packing cubes and lock up valuables, if any.
- Do not forget about shower etiquette. Make sure you bring your own towels – preferably microfiber ones, as they dry up faster,- and do not take too long in the shower, as other people are literally queuing outside. Clean up after yourself, and put on your clothes before you get out.
Dorm life is about balance. So, respect the space, embrace the experience, and you might just have great experiences along the way!
Staying Safe and Keeping Your Stuff Secure
Hostels are fun and social, but sharing space with strangers means safety comes first. Don’t overstress about it. Just be smart and you’ll be good.
Let’s start with the basics. Always lock up your valuables. Most hostels have lockers, but it’s likely you’ll need your own padlock. If there are no lockers, keep your passport, cards, and electronics close while you sleep.
When it comes to safety, we always must trust our guts. In case you feel something feels off, don’t ignore it. Yeah, most travelers are cool, but it’s okay to step away from sketchy situations. Obviously, the best way to go is to stick to well-reviewed hostels but everything can happen, so make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and belongings as well.
Another important safety tip – mainly for female travelers – is to always watch your drinks at the hostel bar or pub crawls. It is fun to let loose, but getting too wasted in a new place isn’t the best idea.
Last but not least, be mindful of what you share. Bonding is great, but you don’t need to tell everyone your plans or where you keep your stuff. A little privacy goes a long way. Stay smart, stay aware, and you’ll be just fine.
Tips For Making Friends (Even If You’re Shy)
One of the best things about hostels is how easy it is to meet people. That goes even if you’re the kind of person who avoids small talk at all costs, you’ll find that conversations just happen to flow naturally in the right setting.
Here, the best thing to do is to be present in the common areas of the hostels. Trust me, those are your best friends. Lounges, rooftop terraces – if any, – or the kitchen. Just hanging out with a book or a cup of coffee is often enough to strike up a conversation with someone passing by.
However, these tips go for solo travelers. But you know that here one of our slogans is that your solo trip days are something of the past. Make sure to check our official Instagram page – @trippiapp – to check out live news about our platform, which will be available very soon. Trippii is all about finding your travel tribe. Once you’re all set, you’ll be able to connect with like-minded travelers, and people who share most of your interests. In such situations, like in a Hostel adventure, you guys could book a whole room, which would not only make things safer but would also work better for shy travelers to feel more integrated, and thus, more open to social interactions.
Trust us, your solo trip days are about to be gone. Let’s travel smarter, connect deeper, and make every trip unforgettable together!
Just Enjoy the Hostel Experience!
That’s about it. You’ve gotta be open to the experience. If you show up to a Hostel with the wrong mindset, such as “I’m all about saving money here,” then chances are you won’t get to experience the real hostel vibe.
The whole point is having fun. Spontaneous adventures, unexpected friendships, and stories you’ll tell for years are the icing on the cake. You’ll see there’s just something magical about sharing a space with other travelers.
Hostels can be the highlight of your trip. Follow the tips in this guide, pick the right hostel for you, pack smart, and go in with an open mind. Thank us later!
Oh, and make sure to leave a comment if you’ve found this guide helpful! We’d love to hear your feedback. Sign up for our waitlist, follow us on our Instagram (it’s easy, @trippiiapp,) and get ready to Find Your Travel Tribe!
