5 Reasons why you Should Always Stay in a Hostel

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Hostels are great! On my travels I always opt for staying in a hostel, it is not even a question anymore. And there are many reasons for that. I admit, staying in hostel can be annoying at times: Snoring roommates, drunk people in the corridors or people stealing your pasta out of the kitchen. But let’s talk about that another time. In my opinion, the advantages do outweigh the disadvantages, so here are 5 reasons why you should always stay in a hostel.

1. Meet other fellow travellers

As a solo traveller, this is the most important reason. I don’t think I would even like traveling that much if I would not be staying in hostels. Solely for the reason that it would be pretty lonely. Of course, you can meet travellers in the most random places, make friends in airports or on tours but most people you will end up meeting in a hostel yourself.

Yes, sometimes it would be nice to have a room all to yourself, but did you know hostels also have private rooms? But nothing makes your travel experience more worthwhile than a room full of lovely roommates that like to go on adventures with you.

Hostels are really social places and while for some that statement might more fit than for other hostels, there will always be something going on. Go and meet fellow travellers from all around the world in common areas, kitchens or in hostel bars.

2. Located in an area were there is much going on

Now, I do not suppose that this is always the case. But a lot of times, a bunch of hostels will be located in an area where you can find everything you need close by. Usually that will include cheap places to go out, cheap food and a lot of stores or sightseeing attractions.

Also Hostels won’t typically be located in the most expensive district so you will be more likely to stick to your budget.

3. Join free activities

Some hostels offer free activities, such as walking tours or free bbq’s. Free or cheap activities offered by hostels are a great way to socialise again. It also won’t break your budget an if you are a budget traveller like me then you know you have to take everything that is free along the way.

4. Get recommendations

You can read all about it on the internet, carry your lonely planet around but some information you can only get by talking to other travellers. Think about a new hostel that just opened and has not yet established a presence on the internet, but offers the best free dinner party every Friday. How would you know about that apart from stories of other travellers that just visited that place?

Recommendations can also turn your travel plans upside down. Imagine wanting to travel to a new city, but every person you met told you that it is pretty lame over there. Instead they recommend you to travel to another place instead and you end up having the time of your life. That wouldn’t have happened if you wouldn’t have gotten that one specific recommendation at that one specific hostel, right?

You can also always get recommendations from the hostel receptions and a lot of times there will also be a tour desk where you can get cheap travel deals. As well as also book your next travel arrangements.

5. Save money

Now if all those previous reasons have not convinced you yet, then this one might do. By staying in hostels you can save a lot of money! In inexpensive countries you can get a bed in a dorm for as little as $4 a night.

Sometimes hostels also offer free breakfast or happy hour deals. Just think about all the money that you end up saving on accommodation, that you can end up spending on either beers or long-term travelling.

Where do you guys usually stay at when travelling? How do you like hostels and do you disagree or have anything to add?

I’d love to read your comments.

Talk to you soon x