The Solo Traveler’s Guide To Hostels And Accommodations – Although I’m primarily a luxury traveler these days, hostel travel is an important topic, especially for women traveling alone. In addition to airfare, lodging 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 travel friends at the same time.
In this article, I have answered some of the most common questions about staying in hostels. Read these tips before booking.
The Solo Traveler’s Guide To Hostels And Accommodations
In the simplest terms, a hostel is a type of budget accommodation, most often with shared sleeping areas. There are many different types of hostels, from bare bones to luxury, but basically, hostels are a great way to save money and make friends while traveling.
Ultimate Guide To Hostels For Solo Female Travelers 35+
Most of the time, a hostel will have shared kitchen and bathroom areas, with dormitory-style accommodation. Many of them have bunk beds. Some will have separate male/female areas, while others will confuse everyone. It’s like a travelers dorm. There will be rules to follow, sometimes even prohibitive stances, while others are more laissez-faire.
Generally speaking, in a hotel, you have a standalone room all to yourself. In a hostel, you will share bedrooms. There are of course exceptions, as many hostels will rent out private rooms and some hotels, especially in Europe, will still have a shared bathroom, even if you have your own bedroom. You will usually have more staff in a hotel, while a guesthouse may have little or no staff on site. If you’re used to full-service hotels, staying at a hostel might be an adjustment for you. You should probably wash the dishes and clean up after yourself, as well as make the bed when you leave.
At their core, hostels are like dorms for travelers. It’s 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, socialize and prepare meals, which is another great way to save money while traveling.
Travel safety is like anything else. success or failure. Driving a car is probably one of the most dangerous things we do and yet most of us do it every day.
Exploring Hostels In Kauai, Hawaii: Your Ultimate Guide
There are things you can do to increase your safety while traveling, but we’re never completely safe at home or abroad. That said, security in hostels can vary greatly.
Some do not have security systems and you will read many horror stories about stolen luggage or intruders in the middle of the night. On the other hand, many hostels are extremely safe. Many have private lockers for your belongings and access codes to bedrooms and bathrooms.
Again, this is where it’s really important to read recent reviews from travelers like yourself, especially if you’re a female solo traveler.
There are two major benefits of 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 common space in a hostel makes it a great place to meet like-minded travelers. Lifelong friendships have been made in hostels all over the world.
Staying In: Airbnb Or Hostels For Solo Female Travelers — World Sparkle Photos
Apart from these two main points, staying in a hostel can often connect you better with the local culture. If you’re staying in a hostel to save money, chances are you’ll be cooking too. Grocery stores are one of the best places to learn about a culture, and cooking local cuisine really connects you to your surroundings.
The lack of privacy is probably the biggest downside to staying in a hostel. Even if you rent a private room, you’ll probably still be sharing a kitchen and bathroom. At some of the slot hostels, quieter travelers may not appreciate people coming and going at all hours of the night.
Security can be a concern in hostels more than hotels, so as mentioned before, do your research to make sure you’re choosing a safe hostel.
If you’re used to luxury travel, hostel travel may surprise you. Not all hostels are dirty, run-down and bug-ridden, but there are certainly plenty that fit that description. Generally, many guesthouses are located in older houses that have been renovated. So you won’t always find the latest luxury accommodation. You may need to bring your own sheets and towels, or you may get lucky and find a luxury guesthouse.
How Do Hostels Work? (everything You Must Know) • Indie Traveller
Most accommodation booking sites like Booking.com and Airbnb have hostel listings, and there are also specific hostel booking sites. HostelWorld is the most popular and also offers tips for travelers new to hostels. I also recommend checking with your favorite travel bloggers or travel communities like those you’ll find on Facebook and Reddit.
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 the city you’re visiting will have a big impact on the price of your hostel. A fancy hostel in New York or London could cost 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 just $39 per night.
If you want to pay $5 per night for a hostel, chances are you can find one. It may not be in the best neighborhood or have the most comfortable mattresses, but it can be done.
What Is A Hostel? A Comprehensive Guide
Hostels are ideal accommodation for backpackers. The reason for this is that backpackers tend to be long-term travelers, often alone. It’s not usually financially feasible to stay in hotels for several months at a time, even if you’re a master at the points game.
However, hostels are not just for backpackers. There are many different types of hostels and some have fantastic private rooms which are ideal for families or travelers who want a bit more privacy. It is important to do your research before choosing a hostel.
Like hotels and airlines, all hostels are not the same. In addition to a wide range of prices and quality, there are also different types of hostels. Some hostels attract certain types of travelers, while other hostels may have a theme. These are just a few of the different types of hostels you may find on your travels.
Research, research, research. Seriously, nothing will prepare you for your first hostel stay better than reading reviews. First-hand accounts are always the best, especially if you can find unbiased opinions. If you’re a woman, 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’re traveling alone!
Solo Travel Statistics 2023 Guide
Pay special attention to location when choosing a hostel. Some hostels can be located in bad parts of the city and if you are traveling alone, you might not feel safe leaving the hostel at all. Other hostels may advertise that they are in a certain city, but in reality, they may be an hour away in the suburbs. In some areas where transportation is expensive, you may spend quite a bit on train tickets to get to and from your hostel then you would have spent in a more centrally located hostel.
If you’re staying in hostels for the first time, you may need to pack a little differently. Some hostels will require you to have your own bed, and you’ll often want a way to lock up your belongings while you’re out exploring. A travel lock can be invaluable on a hostel trip. I’ve been traveling alone my whole adult life. And during this period, I have stayed in the hostels assigned to me. Probably over 100. Across Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.
Although I often alternate between Couchsurfing, I love staying in hostels. They are affordable and really fun. Sure, there were some really bad ones, but mostly a lot of really good ones. I’ve stayed in giant 20-person dorms and cozy private rooms. In boring hostels and crazy party hostels. In shiny new and run-down old spaces.
Whether you are new to traveling or a seasoned roadie, I recommend staying in hostels. Hostels are a cornerstone of the tourism industry and an important factor in making travel more affordable and accessible. Some people are terrified of hostels and they get an unfair bad rep as hotbeds for bed bugs and drunk tourists. Here are the reasons why I love staying in hostels, and you probably will too:
Ultimate Guide To Hostel Life By A Solo Traveler (2024)
As a backpacker, I’m always looking for ways to stretch my money. From street food to finding good deals on flights. One of the best ways to save money while
Solo woman traveler, solo traveler tours, viking cruises solo traveler, solo traveler, alaska cruise solo traveler, solo traveler trips, solo traveler deals, solo traveler lid, cruise for solo traveler, solo traveler cruises, virgin voyages solo traveler, solo traveler group