What is a hostel?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nA hostel is a cheap and safe way to stay anywhere in the world.<\/p>\r\n
What sets hostels apart are the dorms (often with bunk beds), the shared bathrooms and the fact that they\u2019re extremely cheap.<\/p>\r\n
All areas are shared – except your bed! – which makes them highly social places where making new friends is an everyday thing.<\/p>\r\n
N.B. More and more hostels also have private rooms suitable for couples, families and groups of friends.<\/p>\r\n
Types of hostel:<\/p>\r\n
Party hostel<\/strong>: As the name says, these are hostels that make nightlife their main attraction; they often have a bar on the premises, organize drinking games, etc. etc. They\u2019re obviously noisy places and drunk people tend not to be very respectful of other people\u2019s sleep, but if you\u2019re looking for a bit of \u201caction\u201d, a party hostel might be just the thing for you!<\/p>\r\nBudget hostel<\/strong>: These are my favorites. They\u2019re often run by locals and aren\u2019t part of big chains. They have everything you need but nothing more. A definitely calmer and more relaxed atmosphere than the previous ones.<\/p>\r\nBoutique hostel<\/strong>: This seems to be the new trend. They\u2019re luxurious hostels that are every bit as good as many hotels: top-notch breakfasts, movie rooms and a whole range of services you wouldn\u2019t expect from a hostel. Don\u2019t believe me? Take a look at this<\/a> article. The downside? The cost, obviously.<\/p>\r\nWorking hostel<\/strong>: a hostel whose purpose is to help the people staying there find work. It\u2019s a very common type of hostel in Australia and New Zealand. People usually stay for a long time and the atmosphere that develops is that of a community, where it\u2019s easy to share spaces, meals and life experiences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n \t- <\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
![\"Hostel](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ostello_Ho_chi_Minh.jpg\")
Hostel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam\r\nIs there an age limit?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nSome hostels require a minimum age of 16-18, especially if there\u2019s a bar. Others, on the other hand, have a maximum age of 30-35; these are usually the so-called \u201cparty hostels\u201d that want to guarantee a young, party atmosphere.<\/p>\r\n
In most cases, though, there are no age limits. If you have any doubts, check the property description \/ general information, where it will definitely be specified if there is one, or contact the hostel directly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hostels for families?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nEven though hostels started out as accommodation for young people, generally speaking hostels don\u2019t discriminate. In some hostels I\u2019ve come across entire families – kids in tow!<\/p>\r\n
I certainly wouldn\u2019t recommend a dorm to a family, but rather a private room, especially with small children.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
How much does a hostel cost?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nPrices vary depending on the country you\u2019re in: from 2-3\u20ac a night in some countries in Southeast Asia and South America, to 20-30\u20ac a night in cities like London.<\/p>\r\n
Prices are purely indicative and depend on many factors, for example the season, the location and the type of hostel.<\/p>\r\n
To get a precise idea, check sites like Hostelworld, Booking and Agoda.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hostel services<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nWhat do hostels provide?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nIt depends on the hostel; certainly a bed to sleep in, a bathroom, sheets and blankets (leave your sleeping bag liner\/sleeping bag at home and don\u2019t be fussy). They often also provide common areas, a kitchen, wifi, laundry service, activities, a tour desk, a bar, lockers etc. etc.<\/p>\r\n![\"Base](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ostello_base_magnetic_island.jpg\")
Base hostel on Magnetic Island, Australia.\r\n\r\n \r\n
Are bathrooms shared?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nIf you decide to stay in a dorm the answer is yes, while some private rooms come with a bathroom.<\/p>\r\n
It must be said that in hostels – proper ones – bathrooms are cleaned several times a day, so they\u2019re actually very clean. Either way, bring slippers\/flip-flops for the shower.<\/p>\r\n
Obviously, the showers, just like the bathrooms, are shared.<\/p>\r\n
N.B. Bathrooms can be mixed, but that depends entirely on the property.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mixed dorms. What does that mean?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nIn mixed dorms, men and women may have to share the same bedroom. This type of dorm is the most common. It\u2019s still easy to find female-only, or male-only, dorms, and in rare cases entire hostels just for women.<\/p>\r\n
Sleeping with strangers isn\u2019t that scary!<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Is breakfast included in hostels?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nIt depends on the hostel. In some places you can have it by paying extra.<\/p>\r\n
When it\u2019s included, it\u2019s often a basic breakfast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hostel safety<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nTheft in hostels?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nContrary to what many people believe, theft in hostels isn\u2019t common at all, especially if you use common sense.<\/p>\r\n
The vast majority of hostels provide lockers, so make sure you bring a combination padlock<\/a> – so you don\u2019t have to worry about the key – and you\u2019ll see that nothing will happen!<\/p>\r\n\r\nCan you leave your luggage at hostels? <\/strong><\/h4>\r\nIn 99% of cases you can leave your luggage in a dedicated room. For example, if you arrive before check-in time or if you need somewhere to leave it for a while after check-out.<\/p>\r\n
In both cases, while you wait you\u2019re normally given access to the common areas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hostel rules<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nMost hostels have more or less strict rules: quiet after a certain hour, no drinking your own alcohol if there\u2019s a bar on the premises, etc. etc.<\/p>\r\n
These rules are normally pointed out at check-in or can be found in the property description \/ general information section of the various booking sites.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
What to bring to a hostel<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIf you\u2019re a light sleeper, bring earplugs and a sleep mask. For your safety bring a padlock<\/a> (with a combination!), while a headlamp<\/a> can be useful, especially at night, so you don\u2019t have to turn on the light and disturb others.<\/p>\r\nTowels aren\u2019t always provided, so bring one just in case (ideally microfiber) and a pair of flip-flops for the shower.<\/p>\r\n
Here<\/a> you\u2019ll find a complete list of things to bring on a trip.<\/p>\r\n\r\n![\"Casa](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ostello_casa_elemento_minca_colombia.jpg\")
<\/h2>\r\n
Casa Elemento hostel, Colombia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hostel life<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIn general the atmosphere is really relaxed and friendly; especially in small hostels you\u2019ll feel as if you were part of a family, where perfect strangers act as if they\u2019d been friends forever.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
First time in a hostel?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nThere\u2019s a first time for everything; choose a good hostel and you\u2019ll see that these places, snubbed by many, can offer a higher level of comfort and cleanliness than many hotels.<\/p>\r\n
What makes them truly unique is without a doubt the social side, which isn\u2019t even comparable to the atmosphere of a hotel. Try not to be overly reserved and you\u2019ll see that most people are more than willing to chat and make new friends, even when there\u2019s a language barrier.<\/p>\r\n
20 useful tips for traveling solo.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\nHow do you survive in a hostel?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nSurviving is easier than you think. Choose a good hostel<\/a>, leave your prejudices at home and you\u2019ll see that hostels aren\u2019t bad at all!<\/p>\r\nPlanning a trip? Check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\r\nWhich travel insurance to choose<\/a><\/p>\r\nWhich travel backpack to choose<\/a><\/p>\r\nThe best cards for traveling<\/a><\/p>\r\nWhat to bring on a trip<\/a><\/p>\r\nSince I no longer run ads, if you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance<\/a> through one of the links on this site. Doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU and UK residents, I recommend True Traveller<\/a>. For everyone else, I recommend HeyMondo<\/a>, which offers a 5% discount. Thank you for your support!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n
Budget hostel<\/strong>: These are my favorites. They\u2019re often run by locals and aren\u2019t part of big chains. They have everything you need but nothing more. A definitely calmer and more relaxed atmosphere than the previous ones.<\/p>\r\n Boutique hostel<\/strong>: This seems to be the new trend. They\u2019re luxurious hostels that are every bit as good as many hotels: top-notch breakfasts, movie rooms and a whole range of services you wouldn\u2019t expect from a hostel. Don\u2019t believe me? Take a look at this<\/a> article. The downside? The cost, obviously.<\/p>\r\n Working hostel<\/strong>: a hostel whose purpose is to help the people staying there find work. It\u2019s a very common type of hostel in Australia and New Zealand. People usually stay for a long time and the atmosphere that develops is that of a community, where it\u2019s easy to share spaces, meals and life experiences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Some hostels require a minimum age of 16-18, especially if there\u2019s a bar. Others, on the other hand, have a maximum age of 30-35; these are usually the so-called \u201cparty hostels\u201d that want to guarantee a young, party atmosphere.<\/p>\r\n In most cases, though, there are no age limits. If you have any doubts, check the property description \/ general information, where it will definitely be specified if there is one, or contact the hostel directly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Even though hostels started out as accommodation for young people, generally speaking hostels don\u2019t discriminate. In some hostels I\u2019ve come across entire families – kids in tow!<\/p>\r\n I certainly wouldn\u2019t recommend a dorm to a family, but rather a private room, especially with small children.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Prices vary depending on the country you\u2019re in: from 2-3\u20ac a night in some countries in Southeast Asia and South America, to 20-30\u20ac a night in cities like London.<\/p>\r\n Prices are purely indicative and depend on many factors, for example the season, the location and the type of hostel.<\/p>\r\n To get a precise idea, check sites like Hostelworld, Booking and Agoda.<\/p>\r\n\r\n It depends on the hostel; certainly a bed to sleep in, a bathroom, sheets and blankets (leave your sleeping bag liner\/sleeping bag at home and don\u2019t be fussy). They often also provide common areas, a kitchen, wifi, laundry service, activities, a tour desk, a bar, lockers etc. etc.<\/p>\r\n If you decide to stay in a dorm the answer is yes, while some private rooms come with a bathroom.<\/p>\r\n It must be said that in hostels – proper ones – bathrooms are cleaned several times a day, so they\u2019re actually very clean. Either way, bring slippers\/flip-flops for the shower.<\/p>\r\n Obviously, the showers, just like the bathrooms, are shared.<\/p>\r\n N.B. Bathrooms can be mixed, but that depends entirely on the property.<\/p>\r\n\r\n In mixed dorms, men and women may have to share the same bedroom. This type of dorm is the most common. It\u2019s still easy to find female-only, or male-only, dorms, and in rare cases entire hostels just for women.<\/p>\r\n Sleeping with strangers isn\u2019t that scary!<\/p>\r\n\r\n It depends on the hostel. In some places you can have it by paying extra.<\/p>\r\n When it\u2019s included, it\u2019s often a basic breakfast.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Contrary to what many people believe, theft in hostels isn\u2019t common at all, especially if you use common sense.<\/p>\r\n The vast majority of hostels provide lockers, so make sure you bring a combination padlock<\/a> – so you don\u2019t have to worry about the key – and you\u2019ll see that nothing will happen!<\/p>\r\n\r\n In 99% of cases you can leave your luggage in a dedicated room. For example, if you arrive before check-in time or if you need somewhere to leave it for a while after check-out.<\/p>\r\n In both cases, while you wait you\u2019re normally given access to the common areas.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Most hostels have more or less strict rules: quiet after a certain hour, no drinking your own alcohol if there\u2019s a bar on the premises, etc. etc.<\/p>\r\n These rules are normally pointed out at check-in or can be found in the property description \/ general information section of the various booking sites.<\/p>\r\n\r\n If you\u2019re a light sleeper, bring earplugs and a sleep mask. For your safety bring a padlock<\/a> (with a combination!), while a headlamp<\/a> can be useful, especially at night, so you don\u2019t have to turn on the light and disturb others.<\/p>\r\n Towels aren\u2019t always provided, so bring one just in case (ideally microfiber) and a pair of flip-flops for the shower.<\/p>\r\n Here<\/a> you\u2019ll find a complete list of things to bring on a trip.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Casa Elemento hostel, Colombia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n In general the atmosphere is really relaxed and friendly; especially in small hostels you\u2019ll feel as if you were part of a family, where perfect strangers act as if they\u2019d been friends forever.<\/p>\r\n\r\n There\u2019s a first time for everything; choose a good hostel and you\u2019ll see that these places, snubbed by many, can offer a higher level of comfort and cleanliness than many hotels.<\/p>\r\n What makes them truly unique is without a doubt the social side, which isn\u2019t even comparable to the atmosphere of a hotel. Try not to be overly reserved and you\u2019ll see that most people are more than willing to chat and make new friends, even when there\u2019s a language barrier.<\/p>\r\n 20 useful tips for traveling solo.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n Surviving is easier than you think. Choose a good hostel<\/a>, leave your prejudices at home and you\u2019ll see that hostels aren\u2019t bad at all!<\/p>\r\n Planning a trip? Check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Which travel insurance to choose<\/a><\/p>\r\n Which travel backpack to choose<\/a><\/p>\r\n The best cards for traveling<\/a><\/p>\r\n What to bring on a trip<\/a><\/p>\r\n Since I no longer run ads, if you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance<\/a> through one of the links on this site. Doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU and UK residents, I recommend True Traveller<\/a>. For everyone else, I recommend HeyMondo<\/a>, which offers a 5% discount. Thank you for your support!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n \t
Hostel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam\r\nIs there an age limit?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Hostels for families?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
How much does a hostel cost?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Hostel services<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
What do hostels provide?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Base hostel on Magnetic Island, Australia.\r\n\r\n \r\nAre bathrooms shared?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Mixed dorms. What does that mean?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Is breakfast included in hostels?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Hostel safety<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
Theft in hostels?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Can you leave your luggage at hostels? <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
Hostel rules<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
What to bring to a hostel<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/h2>\r\nHostel life<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
First time in a hostel?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
How do you survive in a hostel?<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/HOW-DO-HOSTELS-WORK.png\")
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