If you’re travelling on a budget, youth hostels are one of the best ways to stretch your money while staying in the thick of it. They’re social, affordable, and in many cases, more memorable than any hotel. But sharing a space with strangers isn’t always smooth sailing. A bit of prep goes a long way.
Here’s what you need to know to choose a good hostel, stay safe, and actually enjoy the experience.
How to Find the Best Youth Hostel
Not all hostels are created equal. The good ones are clean, secure, and have a decent atmosphere. The bad ones? You’ll know as soon as you walk in. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Don’t just go by the stars: Ratings help, but reviews tell the real story. Look for mentions of cleanliness, staff attitude, security, and what kind of crowd stays there.
- Location is key: A cheap hostel in the middle of nowhere isn’t a bargain. Check if it’s close to public transport, food, and the areas you’ll be exploring.
- Think about the vibe: Some hostels are quiet, some are party-central. Decide what you’re in the mood for, then choose a place that matches.
- Check for basics that matter: Secure lockers, decent Wi-Fi, kitchen access, and 24-hour reception are worth their weight in gold when you’re traveling.
- Use trusted sites: HostelWorld is one of the best starting points for finding a quality Hostel. The filters are solid, the reviews are real, and you’ll get a feel for what to expect before you arrive.
Pack Smart, Travel Light
Space is limited in dorm rooms, and the less stuff you have to stress about, the better. Pack what you need. Nothing more!
- A good quality padlock: For lockers. Simple but essential and gives you peace of mind no one else has a copy of the key.
- Towel and flip-flops: Many hostels charge extra for towels. Bring your own and something for the shower floor.
- Earplugs and eye mask: Hostels can get very loud at night with constant talking, snoring and guests arriving or leaving throughout the night. Have something effective to block out the noise and light.
- A small torch or headlamp: For when you need to find something in your bag at 3am without waking the room.
- Water bottle: Refill and stay hydrated. Hostels often have filtered water.
- Mini first aid kit: Nothing fancy. Just some basics: plasters, painkillers, antiseptic wipes.
Safety in Shared Spaces
Most hostels are safe, but it’s up to you to stay switched on. Treat your gear like you would in any public space.
- Use the locker. Always. Even if you trust the people in your room, don’t get lazy about it.
- Don’t flash valuables: Keep your passport and cash secure, if possible keep it with you at all times. Don’t leave your phone charging in plain sight when you’re not around.
- Socialise smart: It’s easy to meet people in hostels, but stay aware. Don’t drink more than you can handle, and trust your gut if something feels off.
- Avoid carrying everything with you: Bring what you need for the day. Leave the rest locked up.
- Consider a private room: if its your first time in a hostel or you are new to traveling, consider purchasing a private room for a little extra.
- Female-only dorms: They offer extra comfort, cleanliness, and a more relaxed, secure space, which can be especially reassuring for solo female travellers.
Respect the Hostel, and the People In It
You’re sharing a space with other travellers. A bit of courtesy goes a long way.
- Keep the noise down at night: No one wants to hear you rummaging through plastic bags at 2am repacking your bags or having an international phone call to your friends.
- Stick to check-in and curfew times: Some hostels do lock up at night, especially in smaller towns.
- Clean up after yourself: Wash your dishes, wipe the counter, don’t be the one everyone talks about after you leave.
- Don’t hog shared spaces: Whether it’s a power socket, the kitchen, or the only working bathroom. Take what you need, then move on.
Trust Your Instincts
- Talk to staff: Most hostel staff are travelers themselves. If you’ve got a problem, they’ll likely understand and help sort it out.
- Don’t be afraid to leave: If the hostel’s sketchy or the room feels unsafe, move on. You’re not stuck. One bad night isn’t worth ruining your trip.
- Keep important info handy: Know where the nearest embassy is, have emergency numbers saved, and let someone at home know where you’re staying.
Final Words
Staying in youth hostels is one of the best ways to stretch your travel budget while meeting people from all over the world. They’re not just places to sleep, but can certainly be part of the adventure itself and a way to making lasting friendships. With the right mix of common sense, awareness, and a bit of planning, hostels can offer safe, social, and memorable stays that often become trip highlights.
Keep your expectations realistic, stay respectful of others, and trust your instincts.
Safe Travels