(This post contains affiliate links, for more information read this privacy policy)
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

9 comments
I couldn’t agree more! Especially about the first point – meeting people. This really expands your network. You can make lifelong friends, and contacts that may be helpful in future destinations! It’s a big world, but when your network grows, it becomes smaller! 🙂
I do enjoy staying in a hostel for all the reasons youve listed. Some of them are as nice as hotels these days too.
These are such great reasons! I usually do private rooms as I like to partake in everything a hostel has to offer and also have a bit of my own space.
Very valid and fair points brought up here! I’m pretty well-known for my dislike of hostels, haha. But when travelling solo, there is no better way! For financial reasons alone 😉
Hey Becky,
that is a kick-ass post with so many advantages! I think it is really important to make sure you select a hostel that fits your travel style. If it is a party hostel, laid-back hostel and so on, it changes the whole experience.
Will share this piece now on our pinterest.
Safe travels, Matt
I couldn’t agree more with this! It’s really the best way to travel. We’ve just spent a year travelling and stayed in hostels for most of it. We met so many people and saved a fortune. Hostels are always much more interesting than hostels / guest houses as well!
I love the idea of hostels but am just a bit past the aged where I can ignore all the negatives you mention early in your post. I wish there were hostels for people over 40 because your positives are much harder to find when you’re a bit older
Hey,
You might want to have a look on 5 Star Hostels. These are hostels for all ages. I am convinced you would love them and find the social part in it everyone is looking for without the hardcore party to join.
Give it a try 🙂
Matt
I’ve yet to stay in a hostel but your enthusiasm and reasoning are very persuasive! I especially love the ideas of being in the heart of things to see and do and meeting more travelers! Great post!