One of the things when traveling on a budget, there is this subject of staying at a hostel. A hostel by definition is a budget-oriented accommodation where travelers can rent a bed in a shared living space (dormitory, living space, kitchen, bathroom). The shared sleeping room can be same sex or co-Ed depending on preference.
I have stayed in a hostel in Thailand the first time I solo traveled. But it was not the traditional way hostels work. While it was budget oriented but for an extra cost, I was able to have my own room and bathroom (I was in Southeast Asia! Your dollar goes a long way).
My recent trip to Iceland and Stockholm, I had the opportunity to stay in the very traditional hostel. I am gonna give y’all my personal pros and cons with staying at a hostel and my overall decision.
Pros
- It is cheap! In my early blog, I stated I’m fine as long as I have a door that locks, running hot water or lukewarm ( Compromise), and a bed. You stay as low as $15 a night! Some plus they have offer deals such as inexpensive meals with partner restaurants, and a computer with internet is available.
- Meeting new people. When traveling solo, this is the easy way to meet new people for temporary company. People are happy to give you places to go that they already explore and things off the beaten path.
- Sharing is caring. More than likely in every hostel have a full kitchen with all the tools anyone needs to cook a meal. People will leave food they did not consume such as coffee, tea, uncooked items. With Airbnb’s or hotels, this option is not available or limited.
Cons
- Sharing is not always caring. Maneuvering around a room during quiet time or when people are asleep is the hardest thing. I could be disrespectful but I am the type of person do what you want others to do to you. Be mindful of other people hygiene or cleanliness status…. I’ll just leave it there.
- Don’t expect hotel accommodations. The experiences I have had when dealing with an issue was “just deal with it.” For example, there was a situation where I had requested and paid for a same-sex dormitory. Well… it was coed. And when I spoke to a representative. The professional answer translates to “just deal with it.” Needlessly to say I dealt with it on the company.
- Meeting new people. It is a hit or a miss. You can have roommates that are nice and want to engage in a conversation. Or you can have roommates who are asleep at 8 pm and looks at you crazy when you say hi.
Here are few things I suggest getting it when staying at a hostel:
1. Towel, some hostels charge a fee for this-
I bought the Relefree Premium Microfiber Towel it was easy to pack and dry relatively fast and it comes with two towels!
2. Travel sheet, again they charge for this too!- Make sure they are 100% silk!
Make sure they are 100% silk!
I highly stress that because it works in every climate. It cools you down when it is too hot and keeps you warm when it cold. Bed bugs do not like silk! If by some chance you stay at a hostel that has bed bugs (I have heard stories!). It protects you! I bought the Cocoon Silk Travel Sheet and it was easy to carry around and didn’t take up any space. It also works as a sleeping bag.
3. Lock –
There is an honor code,, however, lock your valuables. Anything you will be sad to see stolen. Lock or carry with you.
4. Flip flops or shower Shoes-
Shared bathrooms, other people hygiene. And something to walk around the common area.
My personal opinion:
Hostels are great for solo travelers! I’m all here for budget-friendly accommodations but graduating from college over 10 years. I’ll pay the extra money to have my own space. In conclusion, it is a nah for me.
Backpack and a Fork 
I agree with you about hostels! My husband and I stayed in a hostel for the first time in Vancouver over this past summer. When I arrived I immediately wanted to leave (separate bunk beds across the room with strangers!?). But when it was time to leave two days later I wanted to stay hours more to talk with and get to know our roommates more. It ended up being a great experience but the downsides (for us) were having to leave the room for the shower (which isn’t a huge deal when it comes down to it!) and having to move around quietly when getting up earlier than our roommates. But overall it was a cool experience and I think we’d do it again (though probably not for an entire trip; a few days was a good amount of time).
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