Budget travellers, take heed of our top hostel tips
Staying in hostels is a fantastic way of meeting like-minded travellers, especially if you’re travelling solo. Sharing a room and bathroom with lots of other strangers does, however, bring its own challenges and it’s best to be as prepared as possible before you arrive. Our advice for budget travellers and hostel tips will set you on your way…
Hostel Tips – Before you Go
Read reviews
Hostel standards are improving all the time and you can now find boutique hostels with excellent facilities all over Europe, Southeast Asia and Central America. That being said, there are some dodgy hostels in the mix so it’s best to do your homework before passing over your credit card details. Read reviews on hostelworld.com or hostelbookers.com to find out exactly what the rooms, employees and vibes are like.
Pack carefully
Bringing a few essential items can transform your hostel stay from a nightmare into a dream. Ear plugs and an eye mask will ensure you get a decent night’s sleep, even if other guests aren’t as conscientious as you. Electrical plugs can be scarce in hostels so having a multi-plug adaptor allows you to charge several devices at once. If you are heading to destinations with lots of mosquitos, it’s worthwhile packing a lightweight mosquito net to hang over your bed while you sleep. The last thing you want is to wake up with dozens of nasty bites!
Hostel Tips – While You are Away
Avoid making lots of noise
Be respectful of your fellow travellers. If you’re heading out for the night, make sure your pyjamas and toiletries are ready on your bed so you don’t have to rustle about when you get in. Likewise, if you need to be up at the crack of dawn to catch a flight, pack your belongings beforehand and use a torch to find your way around instead of the main light. There are no excuses for chatting to fellow jetsetters once the lights go out – the common room and local bar are for socialising.
Beware of your belongings
It’s easy to make friends in hostels as you share stories of previous adventures and bond over the local culture. Not everyone’s intentions may be the same, however, and it’s important to be wary of your belongings at all times. Secure your valuables and passport in a locker or behind reception. Theft is a common occurrence in hostels – don’t let it happen to you!
Talk to fellow travellers
One of the best things about staying in hostels, and travelling in general, is the chance to meet people from all walks of life. Be open-minded during your stay and strike up a conversation with those staying in your dorm. In this way, you’ll get a taste of cultures from all over the world, not just that of the country you are visiting.
Tidy your stuff
Don’t be that annoying person that takes over half the dorm room with dirty laundry, wet towels or piles of books. Space is nearly always an issue in hostels where up to twenty people may have to share the same living space. Tidy away your things in your assigned locker and store what you can under your bunk.
Get your own space
It’s only natural that you’ll fancy a night on your own every now and again, even if you are having an amazing time with your new hostel friends. Don’t be afraid to check into your own room, if only to Skype your loved ones or watch your favourite TV show in peace. Getting some ‘me’ time allows you to recharge and fully embrace your travel experiences.
Don’t let horror stories put you off! Staying in hostels is a fantastic way of making friends on your travels and keeping within your budget. Our top hostel tips and advice for budget travellers will ensure your stay goes smoothly from start to finish.
Travel Health Tips
For travel health tips and advice call into your local TMB travel health clinic and speak to one of our qualified professionals. Our experts will guide you through the health requirements for your destination, telling you all you need to know about vaccinations, mosquito bite prevention and food hygiene.