Merriam-Webster defines hostels as:
noun: an inexpensive lodging facility for usually young travelers that typically has dormitory-style sleeping arrangements and sometimes offers meals and planned activities
This is a good base definition for hostels but let’s dive a bit further. The largest hostel booking company in the world, asked seasoned travelers to define hostels in three words and here’s what they came up with:
Embracing The Unexpected
Literally Adult Playgrounds
Social. Friends. Adventure.
An Experiences Imaginarium
Anything Can Happen
Diverse Social Exchange
Design. Creativity. Interaction.
Price. Location. Social.
Despite what you may have heard or seen, hostels are far from how they’re portrayed by the movie with their namesake. They allow young adults everywhere to experience the thrill and growth of traveling, without breaking their banks. They are cultural melting pots where new friends are only a conversation away. They aren’t just a place to sleep at night, they’re the essence of what makes traveling, traveling.
What to Expect When You Stay at a Hostel
Hostels are no Holiday Inn. Part of what makes hostels special is that every one of them is unique. They can range from an open-air awning with hammocks strung between posts on the beach to a modern 10-story high rise in downtown. Here’s a few things you can expect from your average hostel:
Communal Kitchens
Typically, hostels have a kitchen or kitchenette equipped with basic cookware and appliances. Some even have full commercial setups for dozens of guests to cook in at once. There’s usually dry storage options and refrigerators with ample space for guests to store food. This is an amenity places like hotels usually don’t provide but cooking while traveling is a great way for travelers to stretch their money and travel longer.
Dorm Rooms
Hostels rooms can have any number of beds from private rooms to 20-bed dorms. Usually, you can expect to see a room with around 4-12 beds. Many hostels offer female-only dorms
Social Spaces
Group Activities
Tips For Staying in Hostels
- Pack light. While most hostels have lockers for your backpack or suitcase, many don’t have ample storage space or are tricky to access
- Bring your own towel. Most hostels don’t offer free towels to guests and will likely charge a fee to rent one. It’s also good practice to bring a quick dry towel like microfiber.
- Bring ear plugs if you’re a light sleeper. Let’s be real, hostels can get noisy at night. You could also end up with a roommate who snores.
- Come with an open mind. Hostels are all about trying new things, meeting new people, and appreciating other cultures. It’s critical to be open to these experiences to make the most out of your stay.
- Bring a padlock. Hostels with lockers generally don’t provide the lock to put on them. If you are bringing valuables its especially important to lock up your items within your room.