While I’m primarily a luxury traveler these days, hostel travel is an important topic, especially for women traveling alone. Besides plane tickets, accommodation can be a huge expense for solo travelers, so many young men and women go the hostel route. It’s a great way to save money on travel and make new traveling friends at the same time.

Are you thinking about trying a hostel stay?

In this article, I’ve answered some of the most common questions about staying in hostels. Read these tips before you make a reservation.

What is a hostel?

In the simplest terms, a hostel is a kind of budget accommodation, most often with shared sleeping quarters. There are many different types of hostels, from bare-bones to luxury, but in essence, hostels are a great way to save money and make friends while traveling.

How Do Hostels Work?

Most often, a hostel will feature shared kitchen and bathroom spaces, with dormitory-style sleeping accommodations. Many of them have bunk-beds; some will have separate male/female quarters, while others will mix everyone in. It’s kind of like a travelers dorm. There will be rules you have to follow, sometimes even curfews, while others are more laissez-faire.

What is the difference between a hostel and a hotel?

Generally speaking, in a hotel, you have a self-contained room all to yourself. In a hostel, you will share sleeping quarters. There are exceptions of course, as many hostels will rent private rooms and some hotels, especially in Europe, will still have shared bathrooms, even if you have your own sleeping room. You will usually have more staff at a hotel, while a hostel may have little or no staff on-site. If you are used to full-service hotels, staying in a hostel may be an adjustment for you. You will probably be expected to do the dishes and clean up after yourself, as well as stripping the bed when you leave.

What is a hostel really like?

At their core, hostels are like dorm rooms for travelers. They are a place to sleep and meet other like-minded souls and a way to save money while traveling. Most have a shared kitchen and common area where travelers can hang out, mingle and make meals, which is another great way to save money while traveling.

Are Hostels Safe?

Safety while traveling is like anything else; hit or miss. Driving a car is probably one of the most dangerous things we do and yet, most of us do it every day.

There are things you can do to increase your safety while traveling, but we’re never completely safe at home or abroad. That said, safety in hostels can vary greatly.

Some have no security systems in place, and you’ll read lots of horror stories about stolen luggage or intruders in the middle of the night. On the flip side, many hostels are extremely safe. Many have private lockers for your belongings and access codes for sleeping rooms and bathrooms.

Again, this is where it’s really important to read recent reviews from travelers like yourself, especially if you are a woman traveling alone.

Benefits of Staying in a Hostel

There are two major benefits to staying in a hostel: saving money and making friends. Hostels are much more affordable than hotels, which is why they are so popular with solo travelers, younger travelers, and backpackers. The shared space in a hostel makes it a great place to meet like-minded travelers. Lifelong friendships have been made at hostels around the world.

Besides these two key points, staying at a hostel can often connect you better to the local culture. If you are staying in a hostel to save money, chances are you will also be cooking. Grocery stores are one of the best places to learn about a culture and cooking local cuisine really connects you to your environment.

Disadvantages of Staying in a Hostel?

The lack of privacy is probably the biggest disadvantage to staying in a hostel. Even if you rent a private room, you’ll probably still share a kitchen and bathroom. In some of the rowdier hostels, quieter travelers may not appreciate people coming and going at all hours of the night.

Safety can be a concern in hostels more than in hotels, so as mentioned previously, do your research to make sure you are choosing a safe hostel.

If you are used to luxury travel, hostel travel may come as a bit of a surprise. Not all hostels are dirty, run-down, and ridden with bed bugs, but there are certainly plenty of hostels that fit that description. In general, many hostels are in older homes that have been repurposed. So, you won’t always find the latest luxurious accommodations. You may have to bring your own sheets and towels, or you might get lucky and find a luxury hostel.

Where Can You Find Hostels?

Most accommodation booking sites like Booking.com and Airbnb have hostel listings, and there are also specific booking sites for hostels. HostelWorld is the most popular, and also offers tips for travelers that are new to hostels. I also recommend consulting your favorite travel bloggers or traveling communities, like those you’ll find on Facebook and Reddit.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay in a Hostel?

Hostel prices, like hotel prices, can vary greatly. And trust me when I say you get what you pay for. Sometimes the difference of $5 per night can make a huge difference in what you get from a hostel.

Of course, your location in the world and in the city you’re visiting will have a big impact on the price of your hostel. A swanky hostel in New York or London could cost anywhere between $50 and $100 per night. Which is still a bargain compared to similar hotel rooms. However, you can get a decent hostel in Bangkok or Prague for less than $20 per night. In Los Angeles, you can stay at the super chic Freehand boutique hostel for as little as $39 per night.

If you want to pay $5 per night for a hostel, chances are you can find one. It might not be in the best neighborhood or have the most comfortable mattresses, but it can be done.

Are Hostels Only for Backpackers?

Hostels are the go-to accommodation for backpackers. The reason for this is that backpackers tend to be long-term travelers, often solo. It’s not usually financially feasible to stay in hotels for several months on end, even if you are a master at playing the points game.

However, hostels aren’t just for backpackers. There are many different kinds of hostels, and some have fantastic private rooms that are perfect for families or travelers who want a bit more privacy. It’s important to do your research before choosing a hostel.

What Kinds of Hostels Are There?

Just like hotels and airlines, all hostels are not the same. Besides a wide range of price and quality, there are also different kinds of hostels. Some hostels attract certain types of travelers, while other hostels might have a theme. These are just a few of the different kinds of hostels you might find in your travels.

Party Hostels: probably the most common kind of hostel is the party hostel. These hostels cater to young travelers who like to stay out all night, enjoying the local nightlife. These hostels often don’t discourage drinking or partying, and definitely won’t have a curfew. Many hostels even have a bar on property, making it easy to pre-party before hitting the clubs
Budget Hostels: these are bare-bones hostels without a lot of amenities. You’ll get a place to sleep and shower, without much else. These hostels are best for those just passing through a city and not looking to hang around.
Family Hostels: Hostels aren’t just for backpackers. They’re actually a great way for families to save money while traveling. Hostels that cater to families will often have more private sleeping rooms and common areas where kids can mingle and play.
Adventure Hostels: these hostels are often located in places that draw adventure travelers, like mountain climbers or surfers. You’ll find them in the Swiss Alps and near the beaches of Central America. You can often purchase a package that includes local tours, or at the very least, meet like-minded travelers who share your hobby.
Volunteer Hostels: for long-term travelers, some hostels will offer free accommodation in exchange for volunteer work at the hostel. Other hostels may have volunteer opportunities on-site, such as farm work or animal rescues.
Luxury Hostels: these hostels are perfect for travelers looking to make friends on the road, but aren’t necessarily pinching pennies. They typically feature more lush surroundings and upscale amenities like swimming pools or on-site concierges.
Themed Hostels: this is a catch-all bucket for different types of hostels. You can find hostels in castles, university dorms, or monasteries. You might also find themes in the market they serve, such as LGTBQ-friendly hostels or hostels catering to senior travelers.

Tips For Staying in Hostels

Research, research, research. Seriously, nothing will prepare you for your first hostel stay better than reading reviews. First-hand accounts are always best, especially if you can find unbiased opinions. If you are female, gay, black, or any kind of minority, get feedback from people who look like you and travel like you. It’s the best way to ensure you’ll be in an environment where you feel safe and comfortable, especially if you are traveling alone!

Pay close attention to location when choosing a hostel. Some hostels can be in bad parts of town, and if you’re traveling alone, you may not feel safe leaving the hostel at all. Other hostels may be advertised as being in a certain city, but in actuality, they can be an hour away in the suburbs. In some areas where transportation is expensive, you might spend enough on train tickets getting to and from your hostel then you would have spent on a hostel in a more central location.

If you’re staying in hostels for the first time, you may need to pack a bit differently. Some hostels will require you to have your own bedding and you will often want a way to lock up your belongings while you are out exploring. A travel padlock can be invaluable on a hostel trip.