So you have decided that it’s time for you to go on a little adventure of a lifetime.
Maybe a few weeks in Europe over summer? Or a fun trip through Central America?
Sweet!
And you feel like not doing the usual hotel or Airbnb route, and are planning on only staying at hostels whilst travelling?
Great, then keep reading!
This article is for anyone staying at hostels for the first time, or for the less experienced hostel people.
You might also be interested in:
- 5 Jobs for backpackers in Europe
- 20 Travel tips from the travel pro’s
- 5 Facts you must understand before travelling
- Here’s why you MUST travel alone
Hostels are always a must for travellers, particularly newbies in the travel world. They have so many advantages, such as:
- Get to meet new people
- These new people might be totally weird!
- Great for solo travellers
- Super affordable
I spent about a full year ONLY living in backpackers and hostels.
I have been a hostel guest, and I have been a hostel employee.
So I think it’s safe to say I have seen it all when it comes to the world of hostels.
This article is a list of things I have learn’t over the years which will help make your hostel experience more enjoyable.
So, below are 9 Common Things Hostel Guests Do Which Awesome Backpackers Can Relate To!
1. Be Open Minded
Expect the unexpected, and don’t be surprised by some of the more stranger guests you may come across!
Hostels are unique compared to anything else in the world, as they are a place where literally people from so many countries, cultures, religions etc come and spend a few days.
It’s probably the greatest thing about hostel life. This mixture of western and eastern cultures, various views on life and more.
However, just try and always keep an open mind. You may come from a certain society which does things one way, but don’t accept that that one way is the only way.
Rather enjoy the opportunity to be hanging out with all these various humans!
2. Be A Yes Man / Woman
It can be very easy to just crawl back into your dorm and not participate in anything.
Whether you are alone or travelling with mates, when the chance comes to do something with a bunch of people from the hostel, say yes!
Be it a pub crawl, a walking tour, a bbq etc etc.
These can really turn into some of the funnest days and nights of your trip. Plus you might just meet a new friend.
3. Embrace The Weirdness
Most of time in hostels, everything will be just about normal. Nothing more than expected, really.
But every now and then you might just have guest or two in your dorm who is from another planet.
Don’t worry too much about this (unless you actually feel unsafe), and rather embrace the whole weird situation.
If something or someone is different to you, that’s fine!
4. Stay Clean, Stay Fresh
No one likes a smelly person. Leave that for when you are alone in your own place.
In hostels, almost everything is shared.
Bedrooms, bathrooms, common rooms etc.
So be a great guest and try and stay not too filthy and keep the body hygiene at an acceptable level!
Walking into a dorm filled with smelly humans with no windows open is not fun. Trust me!
5. Lights Stay Off When Roommates Sleep
Don’t come home at 2am with a dorm filled with sleeping people and decide to turn the lights on so you can find your bed.
Other people might have an early start to the day and will be in need of some rest, so just turn on your phone light and make it work!
6. A Dorm Room Ain’t YOUR Room
With most hostels, you get your bunk bed and a locker type of storage space.
The rest of the space is common ground, for everyone to roam about.
Don’t takeover the entire dorm floor space with all your shit. Try keep it all packed up neatly in your backpack or storage space.
Staying organised also reduces the chance of you losing anything when it’s time for you to check out.
7. Clean Up Your Dishes
Everyone loves to cook a meal or two when staying in hostels.
Eating out on a daily basis will hammer your bank account, especially if you are in the western parts of the world.
Just make sure you clean up after yourself, otherwise fellow backpackers might just kick off!
8. Accept That Everyone’s At A Different Point In Travel
I remember the first time arriving at a hostel at the start of a trip, and I just couldn’t wrap my head around why some people were going to bed at 9pm or sipping a cup of tea on a Friday night.
Whilst I just wanted to go out and have the time of my life.
But a few months later, I too found myself being that person in bed early on a Friday evening!
Just remember everyone is at a different point in their trip.
Some might need a bit of downtime, whilst others might be on an early flight the next day.
9. Get Over The “Hostel Chat”
” Where you from?”
“Where you going next?”
The two most common questions asked in any hostel!
I won’t lie, constantly answering these questions gets old. A mate of mine used to dub this “hostel chat” as it was always asked by people.
Challenge yourself to not ask these questions. I dare you!
And lastly, remember to be awesome at all times!
Cheers,
Richard-T
P.S.
What’s the hostel life taught you? Let us know!
