Tips For Booking Your First Hostel

Hostels are a go-to for budget backpackers and are becoming more common for digital nomads looking for long-term stays.

Most people picture hostels as being a large co-ed dorm room with a bathroom down the hall, lots of partying, and not much luxury. While this can be true, there are plenty of hostels that offer private rooms, free breakfast, air-conditioning, and cleaning services everyday!

1. Download Hostel World to search ratings and then book on the hostels actual website.

Booking on the hostels actual website will save you money because Hostel World charges extra fees.

I love Hostel world because they have so many different hostels to chose from all over the world. They give an overall rating, my minimum overall rating is at least an 8.

Make sure to filter until you have all your requirements filled out (laundry room, bar, free breakfast, etc).

Pro tip – Hostel World’s overall rating does not include the last 12 months so make sure to read the recent reviews.

2. Make sure the hostel has lockers and bring your own lock.

This wasn’t even something I thought of before actually getting there and being in a dorm room with strangers you’re going to want this.

Having a locker should be mandatory for hostel dorms, but unfortunately it’s not.

I travel with electronics and medication that I will not leave out in the open so this will be a deal breaker for me if they don’t have free lockers.

3. Atmosphere.

Atmosphere is very important and will help you determine the type of people you will meet when being there.

Are you looking for a party hostel or somewhere chill?

With more people working remotely, hostels have become a place for people to stay long term and work from their computers. So considering if the hostel has co-working rooms you might run into a lot of digital nomads.

4. Check to see if the hostel includes linen’s and towels.

There are many hostels that won’t have any covers for your bed.

I would suggest packing this sleeping bag liner, it is great for putting on a hostel bed if you need an extra layer or you’re worried about bed bugs.

If the hostel does not include these items they will often have them to rent but this will add on to the overall cost so be aware.

5. Location.

It is important to know that choosing the best location can also come at a higher price, so you really have to consider what is most important for you.

I’m the type of person that would rather be a little further away from my ideal location so I can get a better price. I don’t mind walking or taking public transportation to get to where I want to go.

Other things to consider, do you want to be close to the city center? Are you looking to be close to a train station or bus stop? Are you looking to be closer to the beach? Are their restaurants nearby? Is it close to the food store?

I’ve learned that staying on the outskirts of a city can lead to cleaner environments, cheaper prices, and meeting people who are also traveling on a budget.

Thanks for reading, I hope this helps with the process of booking your first hostel!

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