Staying at a hostel can be one of the best experiences of your life. No matter your age.
Whenever I share my travel stories with friends, my adventures always captivate them. My ego swells when they tell me how brave, bold, and fearless I am. I have an engaged audience. That is up until the point of sharing that I like to stay in hostels over fancy hotels.
“Oh my God! Aren’t you too old? I would never! It’s not safe! I try in vain to rebuff the barrage of comments. Although, I’ve made great friends, and have great memories while staying at hostels, it’s not enough to change their mind.
I want to shed light on the common misconceptions and share a few helpful hints when staying at a hostel. No matter your age.
Hostels:
When an older traveler thinks about hostels, especially in the U.S., their mind typically imagines scenes from the 2005 horror movie “Hostel”. Or they may envision a young dirty traveler with not a dollar in their pocket. These stereotypes are so far from being true. By definition a hostel is an inexpensive accommodation where a traveler can stay for a short period of time.
With the advent of the internet and advancement of technology, travelers are able to search for hostels that suit their needs. The most popular sites: Hostelworld and Booking.com have extensive listings that include traveler feedback and ratings. With more than 10 million users, these platforms provide travelers with invaluable insight on cleanliness, security, staff and the overall rating of a hostel.
Because hostels don’t have the budget to spend money on advertisements, their business is dependent on traveler ratings and reviews. So if the establishment wants better reviews, they really have to take care of their guests. The better the traveler’s experience, the higher the rating, the more guests will book in the future. Reading reviews from fellow travelers takes the guesswork out of many questions you may have when making a decision where to stay.
HMHH (Hostel Mom Helpful Hints): In addition to looking at the overall rating and the positive reviews, be sure to scroll to the posts with lower reviews. While reading the bad reviews, be on the lookout for common themes of complaints as they may shed light on a nuance that is important to you. I realized I was about to book a party hostel only after reading the bad reviews.
Benefits of staying at a hostel:
Check-in or check-out anytime:
Similar to hotels, hostels also have a fairly strict check-in and check-out time. These times rarely align with your flight’s arrival and departure times. Instead of awkwardly sitting in the lobby for hours or waiting in a cold and crowded airport terminal until your flight boards, book an additional day at the hostel. Because hostels are so inexpensive, I will add a day to my stay to accommodate an early arrival or late departure. The extra $20 is well worth knowing you have a comfortable space to relax if there is a long period between standard checkout time and your flight.
Fear of commitment no more:
Not sure you’ll like staying at a hostel? Can’t decide if it will suit your travel style? No need to fear. Hostels cater to the high turnover of a traveler’s comings and goings. They will generally accommodate a last minute change of plans. I typically book two days at a time at a hostel. This is long enough to decide if I want to stay a few days longer or continue onward. Hostels are relatively easy to work with if you want to extend your stay or change your reservation last minute. Because of the low overhead, and high turnover, hostels may not charge you for last minute cancellations. If you have a change of plans, be sure to let the staff know as early as possible so they can help you out.
Good for extroverts and introverts:
What I love most about staying at a hostel is the social factor. You and you alone are able to control the level of interaction you want to have with other travelers. Typically, hostels are designed with social areas as well as comfortable nooks for settling in by yourself. No matter where you need to recharge, there will be a spot for you.
While some hostels are more vibrant than others, most have a curfew and discourage loud gatherings past 10:00 pm. Since many travelers have extremely early wake up calls, there is an unwritten rule to be extra quiet when entering the sleeping area anytime. Especially after dark.
Free Breakfast!
One of the offerings I look for when booking a hostel is a complimentary breakfast. Many hostels provide a free breakfast, which is not only super convenient, it can also save you a lot of money while traveling. Breakfast offerings vary from a simple self serve selection of cold cereals to an onsite restaurant with wonderful warm breakfast options. No better way to start your day than with a great cup of coffee and a taste of the local cuisine. Especially if it’s free.
HMHH: Breakfast is another great way to meet fellow travelers without feeling awkward. Travelers tend to be more chatty in the morning as they are scurrying around and getting ready for their day’s adventures. It’s the perfect time to ask about their plans. Who knows, you may even get an invite to join the fun.
Spend less:
The biggest benefit of a hostel is by far its low cost. I’ve shared a dorm with seven others for $7.00. I have stayed in a beautiful private room with an en suite bathroom and breakfast for $22.00 a night in Cusco, Peru. The business model of the hostel is on the opposite end of the luxury hotel model. The hostel rents beds, not entire rooms. They keep costs lower by streamlining amenities and often hiring staff who exchange their services for room and board.
Not sure what to do?:
Hostels will often post a social calendar of activities and experiences that are available to guests. These activities may include free walking tours, sunrise yoga classes, pub crawls or cheap tickets to a cultural event. Additionally, the staff will take on the role of a local travel agent. They will help you book the best local tours run by locals. Prices booked through the hostel are typically more competitive since the tour companies are catering to the wallets of the hostel traveler.
Wondering minds want to know:
Aren’t I too old?
Personally, I’ve never felt out of place or too old when checking in. In fact, the staff always greets me warmly and with kindness. The great news is that many of the key factors in maintaining a youthful spirit, such as learning new things, being comfortable with who you are, and looking for what’s good, can all be found in a hostel. I encourage everyone to give it a try, at least once.
Will I fit in or stick out like a sore thumb?
It depends on you. I’ve found that if you have a happy demeanor, a positive outlook and a sense of adventure, there really is no age restriction when traveling or staying in a hostel. While I may not be a spring chicken, I have an empathetic nature which many young travelers appreciate. I have developed great friendships with several younger female travelers who have been away from home for months and miss the loving qualities of their mom and need a shoulder to lean on. I’m here for it and they love the non-judgmental and unconditional support I can provide.
HMHH:
- Wear a shirt with a place you visited and it will surely open up conversation and possibilities.
- Wake up earlier and go to breakfast. Many travelers will be at breakfast, especially if it is free. This is a great way to meet travelers, strike up a conversation and possibly make a friend for life.
- Look for hostels with large communal spaces like pools, outdoor gardens or lounge areas. These are areas where you can sit comfortably by yourself or engage in conversation with your housemates.
- Book a more expensive hostel. Younger travelers on a tight budget are more likely to look for the cheapest hostel in town. For a few extra dollars, you are likely to get better accommodations. These guests tend to be less interested in partying and more respectful of their surroundings and others.
Will I have to sleep in the same room as men?
The answer is maybe. A hostel can’t always predict the number of men and women who will be arriving at their property. It is common to put guests in a dorm regardless of gender. I’ve stayed at a few hostels listed as mixed dorms. Upon arrival, I was pleased to discover they had assigned me to an all-female room. Although getting an all-female room is not guaranteed, you can always ask the helpful staff at check-in if any are available.
HMHH:
If you’re a solo female staying at a hostel for the first time, be sure to book an all female dorm with the least number of beds. A smaller number of beds means there you’ll have less roommates. Fewer roomates may mean less noise, more privacy and quieter evenings.
How many people will I have to sleep with?
Hostels have innumerable configurations with some rooms having more than 24 beds in one space. The less expensive hostels will often have a larger number of beds in one room. I’ve seen prices as low as $7.00USD per night, but that low cost equates to more bunks in one space. If you spend a bit more ($15USD) you are likely to find accommodations with fewer beds and a bit more privacy.
I stayed at a lovely property categorized as a hostel, even though it didn’t have any shared bedrooms. I had a beautiful private room with an en suite bathroom and a made-to-order breakfast all for $22USD per night.
HMHH: Be sure to be on the lookout for the private room options as they may be just a few dollars more.
Top or bottom bunk?
If staying in a dorm (bunk beds), I’ll always request a bottom bunk. The precarious descent to the bathroom at night with a weak bladder increases the possibility for a disaster. While making your reservation online, you may be able to make a special request for a bottom bunk. It is not a guarantee, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Privacy:
The last time you slept in a bunk bed may have been in college or at your friend’s house when you were a child. Privacy may not have been important back then, but today, privacy is one of the small creature features I look forward to, especially after a long day out and about. Many dorms will have a privacy curtain. This curtain, when pulled closed, gives you a sense of privacy. You’ll be able to read or write with a night light without disturbing others.
HMHH: Look at the pictures on the hostel web page. There will be photographs of the property including the beds. Pictures are worth more than a thousand words when it comes to booking a hostel. The photos will provide snapshots of what a day will look like at the property including the sleeping arrangements.
Bathrooms:
The bathrooms at hostels have pleasantly surprised me. All have been very clean with good functional design. Most hostels have separate bathrooms for women giving them a more comfortable space to shower and dress. The bathroom configurations are innumerable that can range from a single bathroom and shower combo to a larger room with several showers and toilets.
Are hostels clean?
Cleanliness is at the top of my list whenever I’m looking for a place to stay. Thankfully, cleanliness is also a ranking noted on every booking website. Because there is such a high turnover of guests, the cleanliness tends to be at a higher standard. The staff clean rooms, bathrooms, and common areas daily at hostels, which are typically family-run businesses. There is generally a greater sense of pride with the upkeep of their property. You are likely to see the cleaning staff quietly and efficiently working behind the scenes making sure everything is clean for their guests.
Will I be safe?
The success of a hostel is based on their reviews, reputation and keeping their guests safe. While it may not be well known, hostels have very regimented security protocols. It is common for hostels to have 24 hour reception, security staff and curfews. Unlike a hotel, a visitor cannot enter a hostel unless they stay in a common area with a paying guest, and having visitors in your room is never allowed. Security is also a category in the overall rating. If safety is a top priority, be sure to look at that rating before booking.
Will my stuff be safe?
As with anyplace you go, it’s your responsibility to keep your valuables safe. All hostels offer secure spots to store your valuables, usually in the form of a locker. It’s your responsibility to bring a lock to secure your stuff. My favorite lock TSA Approved Luggage Travel Lock
In all my travels, I’ve only heard of one incident where theft was mentioned. The items were found and returned, and the person involved was removed from the premises.While not common, theft still happens, so be sure to lock away anything that is valuable.
What is a party hostel? And how is it different from a regular hostel?
This is a hard one. In all of my stays at hostels, I made the mistake of unknowingly booking a party hostel one time. I was denied entry at check-in because of my age. After this mortifying experience, I’ll always look at the reviews, especially the lower ratings. Reviewers will express their dissatisfaction, especially if they were unaware they booked a party hostel and were expecting a quiet stay.
Party hostels are much more social in every aspect. Every single aspect. The overall vibe is based on partying and having a good time all of the time. It may be a party hostel if they offer free shots at check in. Also look at the pictures the property posts,. If you see photos on their website of guests drinking a lot, you may want to stay somewhere else.
For older travelers, the non-stop partying may not be conducive for a good night’s rest or finding quiet space. So be sure to pay attention to the photos and reviews.
How to book a bed at a hostel:
My two favorite websites/apps are Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Simply enter the location you want to travel. Enter your preferred dates in the search bar, and the system will present you with a full list of properties. You can sort, filter, and view the results on a map to narrow down the options based on your preferences. Read through the reviews and make your reservation.
In reality, I don’t spend much time in my room even if I’m staying at a fancy hotel. I would much rather spend my money on great experiences than on fancy finishes in my room. Hostels provide a safe, clean and social space for a great price. They’ll always be my preferred property to book when traveling abroad. Give it a try!
A few necessities to pack to make your stay at a hostel more comfortable:
Travel lock:
The check-in staff will assign you a bed and a locker.The lockers are generally big enough to store all of your luggage. It is your responsibility to bring your own lock. I prefer a cable combination lock TSA Approved Luggage Travel Lock. They are lighter, more flexible and will fit through any locking mechanism including zippers.
Pillowcase:
Because I can’t depend on a pillowcase being as soft as my own, I always bring my own. It’s a creature comfort that doesn’t take up any space in my bag. It’s worth its weight in gold when I lay my head down at night. Choose a darker shade as it will be easier to spot when packing up for your next destination. My favorite Satin Pillowcase
Travel towel:
Not every hostel will provide guests with towels. So it’s best to bring your own. My favorite is Towel. You can also use this quick-drying towel as a beach blanket, sarong, shawl, or even an apron.
Laundry bag:
I’m able to pack lighter knowing I can launder my clothes anywhere I travel. Many hostels will have laundry services at their property and they often provide quick turnaround for washing your clothes. I purchased this laundry bag which keeps my dirty clothes separated from my clean clothes. Additionally, the laundry service will return my clean clothes in my laundry bag, providing me with a nicely wrapped gift-like experience whenever I retrieve my washed clothes.
