Travel news: Seven tips on how to make the most of staying in a hostel
Hostels have come a long way from what they used to be - paper-thin mattresses on a squeaky bunk bed, toes touching some strangers next to you, and one bathroom between 20.
Whilst places like this still exist and offer what's required, a place to rest for the night for cheap.
Today's hostels have advanced to attract not only budget backpackers, but all travellers.
With different styles catering to different people, from stylish boutique properties to community hubs to party hostels, there's one for everyone.
Whether you are planning your first-ever trip using hostels or just want to ensure you choose correctly, these tips by Travel News Blitz’s Freya Leather will help you get the most out of your stay.
01 Choose your room wisely
Dormitory room sizes vary, anywhere from four to twenty-plus beds.
Most are bunk bed style to accommodate more people in a space.
Smaller dorms are pricier, but with that price comes less disturbance.
If you are a light sleeper, the extra few pounds a night might be the difference between going insane and getting a good night's rest.
For a first-time solo traveller, a six-bedroom is a nice starting point to ease into things.
Female-only dorms are available in lots of hostels and provide a great option for solo female travellers.
You must decide what means more to you, the chance of meeting more people and creating friends, or sleeping peacefully.
However, choosing a smaller dorm is no guarantee you will be put with quiet people; that is, after all, the roulette of hostel life.
READ MORE: Travel analysis: The price of peace - The rise of silent retreats
02 Read the reviews
Don’t just glance over the star ratings, look for recent reviews that cover what you're looking for: cleanliness, noise levels, staff attitude, and location to main attractions.
Ideally, you should be looking for hostels with 8.5 on Hostelworld or Booking.com as a safe bet.
Look for patterns of complaints, as these are more telling than one Karen who just hates people.
Not every hostel is going to work for every person, so take comments with a pinch of salt.
For one person, the party hostel might have been too loud, but for you, this might be exactly what you want.
03 Pack a padlock
Whilst lockers are often provided in dorms, locks rarely ever are.
Remembering you are sharing with strangers, even if they appear friendly, don’t ruin your trip by being careless with valuables.
A small padlock weighs almost nothing and gives you peace of mind when leaving your passport, cards, and other belongings.
04 Talk to people
Much like fresher’s week at Uni, everybody is in the same boat. They don’t know everyone.
It’s never weird to go up to people and start a conversation, especially in this situation.
The common room, kitchen, and rooftop terrace are where the magic of hostels lies.
These spots are where you meet like-minded people who will share local tips, swap stories, or invite you out on a day trip.
Get ready to tell every person you meet the same three things: your name, where you're from, and how long you are staying at that place.
Whilst sometimes repetitive, they always lead to great conversations with new and exciting people.
05 Take advantage of hostel events
A great way to socialise and create memories is to take part in the events run by your hostel.
Often these are free, like walking tours and movie nights, or at a low cost, such as pub crawls or cooking classes.
These are a brilliant way to see a city without paying extortionate fees, and offer you the opportunity to meet the people staying in the hostel.
Check the notice boards or ask at reception to find out when activities take place.
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06 Be a considerate room-mate
It’s all very well pointing out that other people can be rude and inconsiderate, but you can’t control that.
What you can control is how you act, and hope it rubs off on people.
As a general rule in hostels, ‘quiet time’ is from 11 pm.
From this time, you should come into your dorm quietly, use your phone's torch instead of the overhead light, and not chat away in the dorm; that's what the common areas are for.
If you know you are leaving early in the morning, pack your bag the night before so you are not rummaging around at 4 am.
Small courtesies go a long way and tend to be reciprocated.
07 Don’t be shy to ask
If you're planning on staying in a place for longer than a few nights, it’s always worth asking whether they offer a weekly rate.
Many hostels can discount long-staying guests, sometimes by 10-20%, but they often don’t advertise this.
It won't work everywhere, but the worst they can say is no, so it’s always worth asking.
Staying in a hostel can change the trajectory of your trip. Not only are you saving money, but you are also gaining experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
You’ll sleep in a room of strangers and wake up with friends.
You’ll discover parts of a place that no guidebook would have pointed you to.
All you need is an open mind and a willingness to say yes to the unexpected, and the hostel will provide the rest.
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