STAYING IN A HOSTEL
Hostels are great. Affordable accommodation. Access to a laundry room. A kitchen to prepare your own meals. Common areas to meet fellow travellers. Knowledgeable employees who provide good recommendations. On-site activities or free/cheap tours for guests. To make your stay in a hostel a success, here are some simple tips.
Check the reviews
Search engines and booking sites allow visitors to leave reviews. Look at them, and make sure you sort them by posting date. Do photos look like the ones on the site? Do travelers appreciate the cleanliness of the premises and the kindness of the staff? Choose a hostel with a good reputation, even if it means paying a few extra bucks. Location is very important; the hostel must be in a central area or easily accessible by public transport. If you’re looking for a hostel with a specific vibe (kids-friendly, festive, quiet) reading the reviews is all the more important. Finally, the reliability of the wifi is also a key factor when choosing a hostel.
Private room or dorms
Photo by Gita Krishnamurti on Unsplash
The big dilemma! One offers the advantage of being peaceful, the other reduced price. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of sleeping in the top bunk, ask when booking if it’s possible to choose your bed or put you in a dormitory with lots of availabilities. Unisex and mixed dorms are often offered. If you have a strong preference, it's important to mention it ahead. In any case, know that the bathroom might be shared.
Courtesy
If you’re going out for the night, prepare your sleep kit in advance (pajamas, toothbrush, etc.) to avoid disturbing sleepers by rummaging through your bag. Same if you plan to leave early in the morning, prepare everything the night before out of respect for your roommates. Never make noise, turn the room light on or snooze your alarm during bedtime. In the kitchen, do your dishes before eating to allow other travellers to use them. Avoid unpleasant surprises by identifying your food. Same thing with your personal belongings in the bathroom, but the best is to put them back in your bag. Avoid monopolizing the bathroom; no one likes a cold shower!
Socialize
Hostels are great to meet people! Talk to the hostel staff and travellers, ask for their favorite attractions, places to avoid, top places to eat... many group outings are organized spontaneously, they make awesome travel memories! Take advantage of the people on site to adjust your itinerary according to their advices.
Items to bring
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Ear plugs
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Sleep mask
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Flip flops for the shower
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A lock
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A flashlight (ideally a headlamp to keep your hands free, but you can also use your cell phone)
