Hostels can be the perfect way to save money on your next trip abroad. These accommodations are in nearly every major city, the countryside, or beach locales. So wherever you want to go on your next adventure, you’re sure to find a hostel to meet your needs. That said, hostels aren’t always the most luxurious or comfortable way of traveling. You can discover if hostels are for you as we break down the pros and cons of staying in these affordable accommodations.
Booking a Hostel
When looking for hostels for your next trip, you can find a comprehensive database of accommodations at HostelWorld.com. Here hostels are rated by previous guests on a scale of 1-10 based on categories of cleanliness, location, staff, facilities and more. Read reviews from past guests to get a feel for the environment and figure out what type of amenities and accommodations each spot offers.
Hostels have a lot to offer, they can be great places to make memories while saving money, but they aren’t for everyone.
Pros
With appropriate research you can find a hostel that tailors to your needs whether that be an in-house gym, sociable staff or low low prices, there is something for you. And it may just be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
- Save money
The obvious pro of booking a hostel is the affordability. Hostels have a reputation for being popular amongst students, young adults and backpackers because of their low prices. In the off-season, prices can be as low as $15 a night in select areas, but the average price you’ll find for most hostels if you book in advance is around $30 to $40. As the date of a booking approaches, prices will increase by the day, so book ahead if you want the best deal.
- Great social scene
Should you choose to book a hostel, you’ll find that some are more conducive to social activity than others. For solo travelers, a socially engaging hostel can be the perfect environment to make friends to explore a city with, go on day trips and spend evenings out with. When booking be sure to read reviews and check to see what social offerings hostels may include in their price. The best rated hostels often include in-house bars, group tours and gatherings for guests to mingle.
- Amenities
Though hostels don’t have every luxury, they often include amenities for guests usually including access to wifi, a kitchen and common spaces. Other hostels may include gym facilities, yoga classes and laundry services, along with hosted social activities. Occasionally, smaller hostels will invite guests to dine with them, cooking a big dinner for everyone to share over conversation.
Cons
Yes, hostels can be great, but you really must do your research before booking. If you wander into a random hostel during a backpacking trip, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have a great experience. If you like things just so, and don’t love to compromise hostels may not be right for you. Here are a few downsides to hostel hopping.
- Cleanliness
Because hostels are shared spaces, they can often be worn down and often become dirty faster than a hotel room meant for 2-4 people. For this reason, it’s better to book ahead to ensure your hostel has proper cleaning policies and good reviews from previous guests. Be sure to read the negative reviews so you can get a clear idea of what an accommodation might be lacking.
- Living with random people
Flashback to your college days when you walked into a room freshman year and lived with a complete stranger. Introverts and those with strict routines might have a tougher time staying at hostels since people are in your space almost constantly. In the worst case scenario, this means you might be in close quarters, sleeping in bunk beds, hearing strangers snore at night, fighting for a spot in the bathroom or constantly having to lock up your luggage and belongings to avoid theft. You never know who you’ll get. You could also meet lifelong friends, whether you want to take that chance is up to you.
- Storage
Hostels are typically best for those who pack light. A favorite of backpackers, they don’t have much space for multiple big suitcases or space to fold, hang or store your clothes. Most places offer lockers for you to store some of your belongings and at most a carry-on bag, but the rest is left in the open. If you came prepared with luggage locks, this might not be a problem. But living out of a suitcase can be frustrating. When it comes to cooking in the hostel, you’ll have to label and store your food in a shared kitchen. So if someone eats your food or uses your groceries, there’s not much you can do about it.