If it’s your first time traveling in a hostel, don’t be scared! Hostel life is one of a kind, and I guarantee you will fall in love with the lifestyle just like I did. Staying in hostels can be a rewarding experience, offering both affordability and a chance to meet travelers from around the globe. By following these ten tips, you can enhance your hostel stay and focus on enjoying your travels.
- Bring a Lock
Bringing a lock while solo traveling is a must. You can use it to secure your belongings in hostel lockers (I recommend buying the TSA Approved Cable Lock). Even if nothing of yours is super valuable in the locker, it will be nice to know that no one in the dorm can touch your belongings.
- Pack 2 Towels
When staying in hostels, packing two towels is a smart move. One towel will serve as your shower towel and the second as a multipurpose towel. Hostel rooms sometimes lack sufficient curtains, or have bunks in front of the window. Having an extra towel to hang as a curtain will offer you way more privacy, and hopefully a better night’s sleep. Sometimes hostels offer towels free of charge, but most of the time they are offered for a small cost, so it’s better to come prepared. (I recommend microfiber towels or a sarong).
- Bring an Eye Mask
Trying to go to bed early but your dorm mates are getting ready for the club with the lights on? Bring an eye mask to combat the challenge of shared spaces and different schedules. It will ensure more restful sleeps, and less frustration towards your dorm mates.
- Bring Earplugs or Headphones
As a hostel traveler, you quickly learn that earplugs and headphones are not accessories, they’re survival gear. Between the symphony of snores, late-night debaters, and the 4 AM packing enthusiasts, you will be grateful for your headphones and white noise playing at night. Trust me, it’s not just about protecting your ears, it’s about preserving your sanity and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Pack Melatonin
I always carry melatonin with me when traveling in hostels as a last resort at night. Some nights you can’t fall asleep and the noises of hostel life seem louder than normal.
- Pack a Small Bag
I recommend packing a small bag that you can keep in bed with you at night. I find it so helpful to have all my essentials right in bed with me. I know exactly where they are and don’t need to make noise to find it. I often put things like headphones, chargers, kindle/book, camera, meds, journal etc..
- Try and Get The Bottom Bunk
This may not be everyone’s preference, but personally I find it way easier to get ready in the morning, pack up quietly, and get to bed quicker. It is also nice to be able to sit and chat with friends in the room while sitting on the bottom bunk during the day.
- Find Your Room Preference
Many hostels offer female only dorm rooms. As a solo female, I often opt for these rooms (especially if they are the same price as coed). Hostels also have a wide variety of dorm configurations, such as 4 bed, 8 bed, 12 bed, 26 bed and sometimes even more. It’s relaxing to be in a quiet girls room of 6, but other times a chaotic and high energy dorm of 24 travelers is a blast. A private room is often available too if you’re looking for more privacy but want the social aspect of hostel stays.
- Pack Shower Shoes
If you have ever stayed in a hostel you know that sometimes the bathrooms, especially the showers, are not that clean. Having a pair of shower shoes will save you from having to walk around the hostel barefoot. They also come in handy when you need to just throw a pair of shoes on quickly or run to the bathroom at night.
- Read Reviews!!!
Last, but certainly not least, do your homework. Reading reviews before booking a hostel is crucial, especially for a solo traveler. Reviews can offer a glimpse into the safety and cleanliness of the place, which are top priorities when you’re traveling alone. They also provide insights into the hostel’s atmosphere, whether it’s social and lively or more quiet and reserved, helping you pick a spot that matches your travel vibe. (I recommend using Hostelworld for all hostel bookings.)
Staying safe and comfortable in a hostel can be very easy, if you follow the right advice. I hope these tips and tricks will help you with your solo adventures around the world!
Feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions!
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