What Is A Hostel?: One of the cheapest places to stay at while you are traveling is a hostel. In general, a hostel is like a big dorm room with bunk beds full of other people traveling. You rent one of the beds and pay around $15 to $60 dollars a night (it is more expensive if you are in busier, higher demand areas). The hostel is a "house-like" building, providing closed-off showers shared by everyone staying there, a community kitchen where you label your food if you do not want others to eat it, a community living room typically full of games, music, and instruments. It's like you're living in a "Full House" episode with other new travelers, or sitting at the 'End of the Crossroads Inn' in "Game of Thrones" waiting for travelers to enter.
Who Goes to a Hostel?: Most people staying at the hostel are typically in their teens to twenties, bringing a young and social vibe to the building. The types of people that stay at a hostel vary greatly from nomads to families on vacation. For example, I met a fun guy when my friends and I stayed at a hostel off the islands of western Ireland, and he ended up joining us kayaking the next day. I have also met a family of four, including two children under the age of 10, who were traveling and staying at the hostel to keep their budget low.
Are Hostels Safe?: In general, all of my experiences at a hostel have been very safe. Yes, you are in a room full of new people so it seems there could be some risk to that. However, if something bad were to happen, then you're also in a room full of people that are ready to help. Most travelers seem to have chill, helpful vibes towards other travelers in their situation. If you're anxious or into true crime (like I very much am), think about this to console you; generally speaking, everyone else in the room is also looking for cheap accommodations,so it's unlikely they're looking to steal for expensive loot, and there are too many witnesses. Hostels are known to be a "meet and greet" atmosphere, and I've made 100% new friends at hostels and 0% enemies.
What Should I Expect When I Stay at a Hostel?:
When you walk into this house-like building, you'll see a front desk with usually another traveler finding part-time work behind the counter. This is how the front desk clerk is traveling - working for travel money, and then taking time off to see the city. They will give you a key to your room (yes, all rooms typically have a lock even if multiple people are staying in the room).
My Bed: Depending on what you booked, maybe you're in a room with a single bed (big spender!) or a handful of bunk beds (travel cheap). There is typically a locked area for you to keep your stuff, so unload what you'd like into this locker. You will be provided a bunk with a pillow, sheets, and blanket.
My Bathroom: After a long trip, you probably need to use the restroom. Generally, there is a bathroom like any other public restroom: many toilet stalls and sinks. Sometimes there will be a handful of individual, closed-off showers in the bathroom like in a college dorm. I've also seen individual shower rooms with a rainfall shower head, walls on every side, and one door to the hallway. Each hostel is different and unique.
Food: Each hostel typically has a community kitchen with restaurant-sized fridges, freezers, sinks, counter space,pantry space, dishes, and silverware. There is normally a designated area for "community food" that anyone can eat - this food is typically leftover from a traveler that had to leave before eating all of the food.
Otherwise, buy your own groceries, label them with your name, and store them in the kitchen. You will cook your own groceries just like you're back at home. Use the community pots and pans, and be sure to wash everything you use when you're done cleaning. It's like living with roomies again - nobody likes a messy kitchen.
Meeting People: If you're interested in meeting other travelers, hang out in the community areas like the living room, game room, or eating areas. Others hanging out there are also there to socialize! Start by talking about your travels, where you're from, where you're going, etc. This is a great way to learn about the area around you. Many times, I've met other travelers who had an itinerary to explore the city the next day, so I tagged along with their plans and had an amazing time.
What Should I Pack?: Definitely pack what you would normally pack on any trip. On top of this, be sure to pack a towel, shower sandals, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and a hair dryer. While most of these items are provided in hotels or AirBnb's, they are not always provided at a hostel. Check the hostel webpage for more information. Also, bring earplugs! This is a new profound item that I realized is crucial when traveling. People are coming in and out at all times of the night, so bring some earplugs so they do not disturb you.
Traveling as either Solo vs Couple or Boys and Girls: I think this is one of the biggest components when deciding to stay at a hostel. If you're a solo traveler, you can book one bed and meet many new people while traveling. If you're traveling with friends of the same gender, you can all stay in a "Girls Only" or "Boys Only" room, as many hostels divide their large bunk bed rooms based on gender. If you're traveling with friends of different genders, be aware that you may be separated into different gender rooms OR book a room that is specifically for both genders. In some hostels, it is also possible to book an entire room for your party. Keep these in mind when you're picking your travel partners and hostels to stay at.
Pros and Cons of Staying at a Hostel:
Pros:
-Cheaper to stay at than a hotel, AirBnb, Bed and Breakfast
-Meet and socialize with other travelers
-Make new friends
-Explore the city and/or get tips from other travelers
-Discounts to local attractions or transportation provided specifically to the hostel
-Friendly front-counter staff that'll provide helpful advice to the city
Cons:
-Cook my own food
-Staying with people you don't know
-Sleeping next to other people who may snore or come in late at night
In Summary:
I have stayed at many hostels and I love it. It's especially great when you're traveling solo or trying to stay on a budget. If you're traveling in a group, keep in mind the gender restrictions for rooms. Be prepared to not have a "luxurious" experience, but rather a "college dorm-like" experience and meet many other travelers in the same scenario. When it comes to the room, you are getting what you pay for. When it comes to the experience, advice from travelers in the same boat as you is absolutely priceless.
Peep the picture of me visiting Iceland. We had blackout curtains at the hostel because when I went to visit in late July, Iceland had 23 hours of daylight! I was so glad I had my earplugs.
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