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Upon request, I was asked to write an entry about staying at a Hostel.

When traveling abroad there are different types of accommodation, of course the famous and familiar one most people know are hotels, but there is another type of a accommodation called a Hostel. For those of you who haven’t heard about it or know what it is, or others who are curious about it, this post is perfect for you. I have actually spent a few days at a hostel and at other times a little over a month.

Many people usually have these common questions running through their heads before booking a night at a hostel. What is a hostel? Is it safe? Would I like it? What should I bring? I am here to share with you all you need to know about staying at a hostel, so that for your next trip, you may consider this as an option.

What is a Hostel?

Let’s start off with what is a Hostel, since many don’t actually know they exist and what they are. The best way to put it, is well a Hostel is kinda like sleeping at a summer camp or dorm rooms. You are sharing a room with many people, usually from all over the world. There are all girls hostels, all boys hostels and Co-ed hostel where both boys and girls stay. Just like a summer camp or a dorm room, there is a community bathroom, shower, there is also a common eating area and a common hang out spot, like a lobby or a living room, set with a tv or a library.

Why Stay at a Hostel?

Well, there are many reasons, it’s a lot cheaper than staying at a hotel, you can meet many people from all over the world and make great friends, especially when traveling solo. You have a full kitchen and some have great amenities.

(My hostel in Barcelona, Spain – Black Swan Hostel)

Location: There are hostels located in different parts of the city, some very close to the main attraction areas of the city, some are hidden and other are in bad areas. Please check before hand, where yours is located, what’s around that area and if that area is safe to walk at night.

Price: Hostels are known for their cheap cost, most run around, $7-$25 a day. Some being more or less, this all depends of course on the currency of the country you’re visiting. There are also Hostels that are “donation only” based because they are funded by big donors or corporations. Hostels can also be cheaper, if you are planning on staying for a week or a month, so ask for a weekly price if you’re planning on being there longer than just a few days, like I did when visiting Barcelona.

Rooms: The rooms are normally set up with bunk beds, some rooms may have 6 beds, while others can have 22 beds. Some Hostels have more than one room and you can actually choose where your bed will be or move your stuff later if you don’t like your room. Sometimes you may get to a room and the whole room is packed and almost every bed is taken, other times, you can wake up in the morning and you’re the only person there! 😉 This has happened to me a few times, as I was amazed at where everyone went. There is normally a set time for when the lights go on and off, so make sure you have everything you need and that you have your pajama with you, so you won’t be digging for it in the pitch dark.

Eating Area: Almost every hostel has a common eating area, this includes an oven, microwave, refrigerator and a dinning room table. Some have vending machines, others free food or a little shop. Some hostels have regulation as far as what you can bring in there. For example, I have been to a “dairy only” hostel, where you can’t bring in any meat products, while others allow everything in there. They also do expect you to clean up after yourself, so please do.

Bathrooms & Showers: There is normally a bathroom area with a couple of bathroom stalls and a separate room for showers, girls and boys don’t share the same shower rooms (sorry boys). Wear your flip-flops! If you don’t feel comfortable you can also wear a bathing suit in the shower 😉

What You Need To Bring: Upon arrival you will either receive clean bed sheets and towels, or they may be already set up on the beds. I personally like to bring my own towel and sometimes bed sheets, as I am a clean freak when it comes to these kind of things. You also would need to bring flip-flops for the showers, your own shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, ect or you can ask someone to borrow something. Many people are very kind and willing to help and it can also be a great way to make a friend. I like to also have something to sleep in that’s for cold or warm temperatures as the room temperature is already set. I have made the mistake of not doing this and had some freezing nights, so be prepared. Also, you may need to bring a lock, for the lockers, find out before hand. Other than that, everything else is basically provided for you, you have all the kitchenware that you need and refrigerator to put your stuff in.

When To Book It: To be honest with you, you can book your stay a few days before, the day of or just walk into one and ask if they have room. But I would definitely make sure that if there is a hostel that you just LOVE to book in advance.

The People: Well, you will definitely meet some interesting people, but this is all up to you to make friends or not. Sometimes I love making friends and sometimes I feel like being alone in my own world, but I have really met some incredible people at hostels and other times I’ve met people, who I couldn’t wait for them to leave. Some of the better half that I met, I have shared some very long and deep conversations with all night and some really changed my life, inspired me and I’m still friends with today. You will meet different people from all over the world, with interesting views and backgrounds, it’s definitely worth a try to meet and talk with as many people as you can. Many times when traveling solo, these people will invite you to go out to lunch, exploring the city or for some drinks at night. Put yourself out there and make the most out of this experience.

WiFi: Most Hostels offer free wifi and some even have computers. Which is a great plus, as you will learn that most cities are very hard to find a few minutes of free wifi, to check up on the world and all your social media.

Hours & Curfew: Some Hostels allow you to come and go as you please, while others have a set time for when the doors close for the night. At one of my favorite Hostels in Jerusalem (The Heritage House), the doors close at 12am sharp and re-open back at 6am-9am and then are opened again at 5pm. This may be a problem for some people, I personally don’t mind it because it forces me to go out and explore. Yet if you’re one of these people that does have a problem with it, make sure to find out beforehand, the hours of operation, before booking.

The Different Types of Hostels: There are so many types of hostels out there, it’s almost unbelievable. Some have themes like “surfing” and “nature”, others are very modern, some are very laid back and hippie like. Some are brand new others are old, some are extremely clean and others… Well, I wouldn’t take a second foot past the door. There are also religious hostels, depending on your culture, background and beliefs, that practice your daily rituals. Just go with what you feel most comfortable with, depending on the type of hostel you choose, you will also be surrounded with that type of characteristic in the people that stay there. So choose wisely if this is important to you.

How to Find the Perfect Hostel: The best way I personally think, is to go online and research the hostels in the city you’re looking to stay in, look at pictures! Pictures are very important and for me it’s a deal breaker. I also recommend reading reviews! Sometimes what a picture and the description says, may fool you into thinking a place is clean or new, when in reality it’s far from it. This is why reviews are huge on deciding whether it’s for you or not.

Hostels Activities: Some hostels have some great activities such as a free city guide tours, events like cooking nights, karaoke night and more. Find out what this hostel as to offer you and check with the front desk if there is anything interesting happen on the days you’re staying. They are also great people to ask for advice on great restaurants and bars, as they are usually locals.

Safety: Always make sure you lock up yourself stuff and that you don’t leave important things in the hostels. I normally don’t bring my expensive things with me to places like these. If you don’t feel safe for any reason or someone is bothering you, you can always leave the hostels and check into another one. They usually don’t mind it, as people are always coming and going.

(I guess you can say I had a long day of exploring with my flip-flops)

Most important, don’t get yourself too stressed out about the hostel, as you are only there for very few hours of the day and mainly to have a place to rest your head on. If you arrive at a place that doesn’t look impressive to you, it’s all good, just always have a back up plan. It’s not meant for everyone, someone people love it, others hate it. I personally mostly would rather be in my own hotel room, but being at a hostel is a great experience and definitely worth a try. 1 night at a hotel can be the price of a hostel for a week, so take that into consideration.

All in all, do what is best for you and not others, being comfortable while away from home isn’t easy, so do whatever makes you happy.

Hostels are for those wanderlust souls. 😉

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