You don’t have to be a millionaire with a private jet to see the world. There are plenty of ways to travel on a budget. Hostels are one affordable alternative to hotels, allowing travelers to get a good night’s rest without the big price tag.
Even if money isn’t an issue, many people opt to stay in hostels thanks to the unique experience they offer. You’ll get a chance to enjoy one-of-a-kind accommodations — no cookie-cutter hotels here — and meet other travelers from all over the world.
The hostel market has grown in recent years, meaning you have more options than ever. Plus, it’s easy to sort through the many options and find the perfect hostel for you.
But just what is a hostel, and what do you need to know about sleeping in one? We get into it below.
What is a hostel?
A hostel is a budget accommodation unique from a hotel because it has shared living spaces and amenities. Many people who book hostels are budget-conscious travelers, including backpackers, solo travelers and students eager to see the world.
In a hostel, shared common areas may include bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas and social areas. Shared common rooms may include amenities like televisions and free Wi-Fi.
Even bedrooms can be shared in a hostel. Wait, what? You read that right. More on the shared bedroom situation next.
How do hostels work?
Just like a hotel, hostels take reservations so you can book a guaranteed spot to sleep. However, you won’t necessarily be booking a room all for yourself! Hostels have two types of rooms: private rooms and dorm rooms.
Many hostel accommodations are similar to a shared dorm. A hostel dorm room could have anywhere from two beds to eight or more (sometimes bunk beds). Each guest has their own bed, plus a locker to store their valuables. These dormitory-style rooms can be mixed or single-sex.
Some hostels may also have private rooms you can book for just one or two people, but these tend to cost more than those with roommates. Some private rooms also have a private bathroom en suite.
As you can see, hostel rooms don’t afford the same level of privacy as hotel rooms. And some hostels have curfews that you must follow to avoid disturbing other guests. In some cases, there are also minimum and maximum age restrictions.
While hostels can be more restrictive, they’re usually substantially cheaper than hotels, with shared rooms being the most budget-friendly option. If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep for cheap, a hostel will provide basic amenities like a bed, Wi-Fi and a shower.
Types of hostels
When booking a hostel, the first step is determining which type is right for you. You can choose from several hostel styles. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular options to consider for your next trip:
- Activity-driven hostels. Some hostels are dedicated to particular activities, like yoga or surfing. If you’re traveling to a specific destination for this purpose, an activity hostel can maximize the experience. For example, a surf hostel may be right on the beach and offer boards to rent.
- Party hostels. If your favorite activity is partying, this is for you. Expect drinking games (beer pong, anyone?), pub crawls, happy hours and plenty of fun new friends.
- Solo traveler hostels. Traveling alone can be intimidating. Solo traveler hostels facilitate connections, for example, with activities like movie nights and wine tastings. Think of it like a chilled-out version of a party hostel.
- Female-only hostels. Traveling alone can be even more daunting for females. Female-only hostels don’t allow male guests and create a safe and stress-free space to sleep and relax.
- Youth hostels. These hostels target young people and often have age restrictions, including a maximum age range. It’s all about creating a welcoming space for youth with similar interests and outlooks.
- Eco-friendly hostels. These hostels incorporate environmentally conscious touches, like alternative fuel sources, and activities, like beach clean-ups and walking tours.
- Boutique hostels. Those with a little extra cash in their bank account can upgrade to a boutique hostel. These tend to have unique designs, fewer rooms and a more exclusive atmosphere.
Benefits of staying in a hostel
Unsure whether this type of accommodation is for you? Let’s talk about hostel benefits so you can decide if it’s worth it. Here are some (very valid!) reasons to consider staying in a hostel:
- Affordability. For a lot of people, this is the No. 1 benefit of hostels. They’re generally significantly cheaper than hotels. That means more money for other fun travel activities, like trying new foods!
- Social atmosphere. Even if money isn’t an issue, you might consider staying in a hostel for social reasons. You’ll meet people from all over the world and may even find a new travel buddy.
- Flexibility and adaptability. Hostels are convenient for spontaneous travelers, as they offer varied living options and may have accommodations when hotels are booked.
- Local knowledge and recommendations. Many hostels are locally owned and operated, allowing you to connect with people who live in the area you’re visiting. This gives you a chance to get local recs on food, bars and more!
- Cultural exchange. Staying in a locally owned accommodation also gives you the chance to enjoy some cultural exchange. Plus, there’s the chance to meet other travelers from all over the world.
- Shared facilities and amenities. Most hostel facilities offer all the essentials you’ll need as a traveler, from Wi-Fi to storage lockers. Shared facilities can also include perks like a television and game room.
- Unique experiences. The best hostels create unique experiences and allow you to meet people you wouldn’t have mingled with in a hotel.
6 tips for having a good hostel experience
So, you’ve decided to try staying in a hostel for the first time. Congratulations! Advanced preparation is the key to a successful experience.
We’ve got some travel tips to help ensure you have a good hostel experience.
Research and read reviews
The perfect hostel stay starts with doing your due diligence. Research hostel options online. Decide on the type of hostel you want to stay in and whether you want a shared or private room.
Next, consider the amenities you want, like a kitchen, Wi-Fi, game room or TV. You also want to scope out possible perks, like whether breakfast is included.
Finally, narrow down your list by checking our ratings and reviews. Skyscanner shows TripAdvisor reviews to simplify your choice.
Pack essential items
Packing for a hostel stay requires some special considerations. For example, those in a shared bedroom may want earplugs in case they’re stuck with a snorer. Other essentials include flip-flops for the shared bathrooms and a padlock for the lockers.
If you’re traveling abroad, include a travel adapter to charge your various devices. Also, be aware that hostels usually don’t offer free toiletries like hotels, so pack your own. Last but not least, ensure the hostel includes bed linens and towels.
Respect hostel etiquette and rules
Research hostel rules before you book. For example, if a hostel has a midnight curfew, is that OK for you? If not, you’ll want to book elsewhere. Most hostels will share the rules with you again when you check in.
Be mindful of the rules, which are for everyone’s comfort. For example, the hostel may designate quiet hours when people are sleeping and ask you to clean up after yourself when using communal areas. Be respectful when using shared spaces, keeping in mind they’re for all guests to enjoy.
Engage with fellow travelers and hostel staff
One of the best things about hostel life is the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. Make the most of it! Be open to socializing and engaging with others in common areas and participate in organized activities.
Also, don’t be shy about approaching the staff. Hostel workers are a treasure trove of valuable information about the surrounding area. They can recommend everything from the coolest bars to the best beaches. Use this resource wisely!
Secure your belongings
While hostels may have security measures, take precautions to protect your belongings. Don’t leave valuables like your wallet, phone or laptop lying around, especially in common areas. The last thing you want is to have your trip derailed because of theft.
Most hostels have storage lockers to store your goods. Use a padlock to keep everything locked away safely. If your suitcase or travel backpack is too big to fit in the locker, lock it if possible.
Maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness
Hostel common areas can get dirty quickly if people aren’t maintaining cleanliness. Be considerate when using shared spaces and clean up after yourself in the kitchen, bathroom and common areas. This creates a more comfortable environment for all. Some hostels provide cleaning items like paper towels.
You also want to be aware of your personal hygiene habits. A shared dorm means you’re sharing a sleeping space with multiple people. All involved will have a more enjoyable night’s rest if everyone showers and brushes their teeth before bed.
Enjoy your next hostel stay
Most people assume hostels are just for budget travelers. The truth is that all kinds of people stay in hostels — from digital nomads to students. Whether you’re a long-term traveler looking to save or want short-term accommodations that offer a one-of-a-kind experience, the right hostel can meet your needs.
We want your hostel experience to be a positive one. That’s why we make it easy to find deals on all the best hostels through Skyscanner. You can easily search for trusted accommodations without pressure to book. From the United States and Europe to South America and beyond, we’ve got you covered.
