Backpacker Travel: To Hostel Or Not To Hostel
Let me be upfront about it: I love hostels. I do, I love them. This isn’t to say I don’t have my fair share of hostelling horror stories, but for me the pros outweigh the cons, and, in hindsight, the cons are usually pretty funny.
Take for example, the NYPD bust that occurred in the room next to mine at four in the morning on my first night in New York. Sure it was unsettling at the time, but these days it makes a better story than, gasp!, the tardy arrival of room service I might have experienced somewhere more upmarket.
But cheap accommodation is certainly not for everyone. Here’s a list of the factors we think you might want to consider when making that age old travelling decision: to hostel or not to hostel… Price
Hostels are cheap. Not only do you pay less for a bed than in a hotel, but you also have access to a communal kitchen which can save you heaps of money.
Privacy
While many hostels offer double and triple rooms, a dorm bed is usually the cheapest option. Dorms may be male-only, female-only, or unisex. If you’re not comfortable sharing space with strangers of the opposite sex, avoid hostels which only have unisex dorms. And even if you don’t mind sleeping near a member of the opposite sex, be warned: sleeping is not the only thing that goes on in backpacker dorms…
Tolerance
You might find the behaviour of some of your fellow backpackers annoying and even offensive. Some hostels have an anything-goes attitude while others have clear cut rules about what is and is not tolerated. Again, you should be able to pick this information up online, in guidebooks, and also by the vibe of the hostel staff who check you in. If you’re uncomfortable, ask to be moved to another room, or ask for help finding somewhere else to stay.
Socialising
Hostels are often amazing mixing pots of culture, language and nationality. During my world wide hostel-hop I met heaps of adventurous, curious and friendly backpackers, and made some connections which proved invaluable later in my trip. If you’re travelling alone, or just want to broaden your horizons, hostels are a great way to meet people from all walks of life.
Noise
Hostels can be very noisy, both late at night and early in the morning. Usually this is a grit your teeth and bear it situation, so if you need a lot of sleep, or sleep very lightly, choose your hostel with care! Consistency
While hostels do differ from one another, you can expect some consistency in terms of basic services offered, which can be comforting when you’re a stranger in a strange land. On the downside, spending your entire holiday hanging out with other backpackers in hostel after hostel might not give you a very authentic impression of the places you’ve come so far to visit…
Activities
Most hostels promote and / or organise tours and activities which are often cheaper and more interesting than the norm.
Security
Nobody wants to lose their passport or their cash! Theft is a concern in hostels. Safes are sometimes available for valuables, and commonsense precautions (don’t leave your camera on your bed when you go out for the night, for example) will help keep you and your possessions together for the long haul.
Remember: hostels come in all shapes and styles, and one size does not fit all.
Some hostels – particularly the larger YHAs – are huge and impersonal. Others are populated almost entirely by long-term residents who work full time and have no interest in comparing travel adventures. Still others feel like you’ve stumbled across a permanent frat party.
So before you book a hostel, do some research and compare locations, vibes and available services. Ask like-minded travellers for suggestions. And don’t forget that there are alternatives when it comes to cheap accommodation. To hostel or not to hostel is not the only question.
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