Hey travellers!
Let me start by saying, hostel life is not glamorous but it is so much fun! It is always a bit of a gamble and you will run into great hostels and some that are definitely not worth what you paid for them, but that's part of the travel style.
Firstly, let me explain how hostels work. I had a rough idea but hardly booked them prior to my solo travels. Hostels are dorm style travel accommodation which usually have shared bathrooms and kitchen spaces. They are much more affordable compared to Airbnb and Hotels, but you also get what you pay for. The rooms have assigned beds usually with an assigned locker for your valuebles. Hostels can be super social and a great way to meet other solo travelers and make friends. I have met some of the greatest people through hostels, and they were generally people staying in my dorm room. I used the app HostelWorld to book most of my stays as they have app based group chats for different locations, booked hostels and activities in the area which is an easy way to start conversation before heading to your destination.
I don't think anyone is fully prepare since each hostel offers a different experience, but there are definately a few key things you can run with to make your next hostel stay awesome!
Tip 1, Dorm Living
The dorms have varied sizes and these affect the pricing. They range from standard 4 to 10 bed rooms. Dorms are either mixed or split by gender depending on your level of comfortability. Mixed dorms can sometimes be a little cheaper, and in my opinion are perfectly fine, but this is entirely up to you. Some rooms have ensuite bathrooms, or larger communal bathrooms per floor or area. I have experienced shared communcal bathrooms and gender split bathrooms. It really depends on the hostel and is easy to determine when searching through the options before booking. Hostels run in a similiar manner in that the private dorms do not allow visitors that are not paying guests, so do not attempt this or else you might get kicked out.
Triple Bunk bed in 9 person dorm
Tip 2, Using Shared Bathrooms
Shared bathrooms, a sacrifice for the better. Personally they are not always great but you can convenience them for the time being. Hostels do keep them quite clean but I suggest taking a pair of rubber flipflops to shower in. Often times the shower stalls do not have shelves of a sorts and maybe only a hook or two so make sure you have a light bag to hook and keep some of your items off the wet ground, as well as using a plastic or waterproof toiletry bag to take into the stall as things get wet when there is nowhere to put them. I plan my showers according to how my day will run and when I will need it most to avoid having to shower too many times or oppositley, skipping and feeling horrible till my next shower. I also choose to shower just after the rush in the morning or just before the rush at night. You do not want to hold anyone up so do not spend hours in there, it is not a spa and everyone wants to get clean.
Tip 3, Hostel Kitchens
The kitchens are not always well equiped so prepare to leave the fancy recipes at home. Check out my Go To Hostel Meals article for a rundown of simple throw together meals which are quick and easy to make when you are limited with equipment or the kitchen is very busy. I also avoid peak cooking times to not feel rushed or be left waiting in hunger to make my meal. Some kitchens will only have one stove so do not occupy each plate either. I have a lightweight tupperware of my own with a cutlery set in case there aren't any available or you prefer using your own silverware. The tupperware will help if you have some leftover food to store for the following day. Some hostels provide free breakfast and others have dining options for additional payments, and these are disclosed on the booking overview when viewing the accommodation online. 'Family Meals' are a popular concept with hostels where a fixed rate allows you to eat a meal prepared for the hostel guests everyday. These sometimes include drinks and dessert. They are preplanned and provided each morning for you to decide to join and signup for before a certain time as they buy the ingredients according to the guests who will be joining.
Tip 4, Understanding Your Booking
Read the fine print! I cannot emphasize this enough. Hostels on booking applications have overviews on services and what's included. Read through these to not be surprised by anything that would have affected your booking decision. HosteWorld specifically mentions included services and these are helpful to take a read through to understand exactly what you are getting. Reviews are also a good way to determine your liking towards a hostel as well as the quality of stay and they are done by hostel guests themselves registered on the app.
Tip 5, The Social Aspect
Many hostels offer discount tourist activities for their guests. These could include tours, pub crawls and discount vouchers for tickets to museums and sightseeing spots. Many hostels also recommend free walking tours which are great to see the city and make some friends as they are often done by solo travelers. The communal or social spaces are great to meet some people who are not in your dorm. Sometimes your dorm will not have the best fit of people to socialize with and that is ok. Get yourself out there and start some conversation with people. Most people want to make friends.
The Independente Hostel, Lisbon
I hope these help, and enjoy it! Hostels are the starting point of greatest memories.
Happy traveling,
Taz xx
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