8 Reasons to Love Staying in Hostels

I’m Nearing My 30s, and I Still Love Staying in Hostels.

Why, you may ask? Well, some of my best memories while traveling have been from the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met while staying in hostels. Having stayed in various kinds of accommodations around the world, I will always seek out hostels first. 

In the past two years alone, I have slept in over 70 hostels, from Europe to Asia. Although I am in my late 20s, I still love the opportunities staying in hostels provides for me. I am able to get so much more out of them than a bed to rest my head on. 

Why Should You Stay in a Hostel?

Despite people having preconceived notions, the benefits of staying in a hostel are endless. That’s why the hostel community is so large – and continues to thrive – worldwide.

From fostering friendships to experiencing cultural immersion, hostels attract thousands of travelers per year. Those who continue to stay in hostels, like me, know that hostels offer more opportunities to solo travelers than hotels. These are a few reasons why I continue to stay in hostels, even as I near my 30s. 

1. Staying in Hostels is a Great Way to Meet People.

Although you’re solo traveling, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re traveling alone.

Meeting a diverse group of people is one of the many benefits of hostels, since there are like-minded travelers also looking for companions. You may even end up traveling together afterwards!

If your hostel has a common room filled with fellow travelers, take a seat and strike up a conversation. Odds are you’ll be sharing your innermost secrets by midnight. There are guests who are always up for doing something, whether it’s trying local food or visiting a local museum. 

The people you meet at hostels can even become lifelong friends. One time, I sipped Aperol Spritzes on an Albanian beach with an Aussie girl, and coincidentally ended up in the same town in Thailand as her a year later. I even stayed at her apartment during my visit to Melbourne!

2. Most Tend to Be Family-Run Businesses.

When you’re staying in a hostel, you actually benefit the community more than you realize! In fact, staying in smaller lodging helps locals and is more eco-friendly than large hotels.

At some hostels, you may see the owners spending time chatting and laughing with guests. These are the best hosts; the ones who cook you breakfast and share their wisdom.

Supporting the locals is one of the most effective ways to give back when traveling. It’s sustainable and supports the places we visit. It’s one step in making the world a better place for everyone.

See Also: 9 Ways to Travel With Purpose

3. Many Offer Daily Activities for Their Guests.

Another positive of staying in hostels is attending daily events that the staff organizes. From day trips to family dinners, they aim to bring travelers closer together and create a tight-knit community. 

Hostels with bars can host events like karaoke nights, pub quizzes, and music bingo. If you win, you’ll take home a prize, including free merchandise or even cash! On weekend nights, pub crawls provide new opportunities to meet fellow guests and enhance your hostel experience. However, this doesn’t mean you have to drink to have a good time.

My favorite hostel event I attended was a cooking class in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. The staff taught us how to cook local dishes and let us be part of the process firsthand. We peeled and chopped vegetables for sautéing—and took turns whacking open a coconut with an uncomfortably large knife.

 In the end, we got to enjoy our meal knowing we made it ourselves.

4. They Teach You Patience and Respect.

At hostels, you’ll come across guests from all corners of the world, including the smallest pockets. And with different cultures come different customs and opinions. 

As a fellow guest, it is your job to remain respectful to your fellow travellers.

Even if someone else’s customs are hard to agree with, it’s essential to remain calm and levelheaded. Even if they try to elevate the problem, be the bigger person and walk away.

Exposure to new global customs teaches essential lessons about what we can handle and how to navigate certain situations effectively. At the same time, staying in hostels helps us gain an appreciation for the traditions of others.  

5. Affordable Travel = Why Hostels are Worth it

Staying in hostels while travelling is a great way to keep costs down on a trip, making it ideal for budget travelers. 

By allocating less money towards accommodations, you have more funds available for meals, tours, and other experiences. This is one of the reasons staying in a hostel is better than hotels for budget-conscious backpackers. Not only are they more affordable, they are a more authentic way to travel – a win-win all around! 

Hotels may offer more comfort, but you often pay the price of two people: you and your invisible guest.

Some hostels will serve breakfast in the morning, so you won’t have to spend money out as long as you wake up in time. Hostels usually have kitchens for travelers to cook their own meals, which generally consist of an entire bag of pasta to last for days.

6. You Can Volunteer in Hostels.

Looking for an even more affordable way to travel? Hostels can also offer volunteer experiences for those seeking unique opportunities abroad. The best part is that they are practically everywhere, so you can go whenever your heart desires.

Duties typically include working reception, making beds, leading events, and creating content. Stays can go anywhere from two weeks to three months.

Volunteering at a hostel may not pay, but it is a valuable way to spend your time. You’re also provided a place to stay and usually a meal or two. And it’s a great way to learn about the hospitality industry firsthand.

Working at a hostel allows you to meet both locals and new travelers and gain something positive from your experience. While I am volunteering at a hostel for the first time this October, I have only heard positive stories from those who have done it in the past.

7. You’ll Discover New Places Through Other Travelers.

Although you may have a rigid, thoroughly thought-out list of sites to visit in a new place, you can still end up missing things – some of which you didn’t even know existed. 

We already know staying in a hostel is great for meeting new people, but it’s also a great way to discover new places. Other travelers will have recommendations they’re eager to share, from up-and-coming hotspots to off-the-beaten-path locations. They might even lead the way!

One of the benefits of staying in hostels is keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in the backpacking world. From new hotspots to travel essentials, consider these for your future trips.

8. There are Many Types of Hostels to Choose From.

While hostels may have a reputation for partying, there are many different types of hostels available. Yes, there are party hostels, but there are also quieter ones for those who prefer a more peaceful travel experience. 

My favorites are social hostels. Don’t confuse social and party hostels. Social hostels host events for guests, but don’t necessarily have a party focus. 

As for rooms, many hostels have dorms reserved just for women. However, you can also opt for a private room if this better suits your needs. While they might be more expensive, solo rooms have an extra level of comfort and safety that dorms can’t match. 

Are Hostels Worth It?

Yes, staying in hostels is absolutely worth it! They are more affordable than hotels, a great way to meet people, and teach important lessons. Plus, they are tons of fun.

Hostels are and will continue to be my go-to. I love meeting people in my dorm, learning about the nuances of different cultures, and singing my heart out at karaoke night. I don’t know how long I’ll be doing it, but I’ll take advantage of staying in a hostel until I stop.

Next time you’re heading off on a trip, consider booking that hostel. It is an experience that you’ll take so much out of, leaving you craving more with every stay. Even if you are new to the backpacking world, you won’t regret giving hostels a try. 

FAQs About Hostels

Who Stays in Hostels?

You’ll find solo travelers or couples on a budget; some may even be traveling full-time for long periods.

Anyone can stay in a hostel, provided they are 18 years of age or older.  However, some hostels have age limits that typically exclude guests over 40 years old. 

When booking a hostel, it’s essential to read the description thoroughly to determine if an age limit is in place. Hostels will usually be direct and tell you right on the page.

I’m more introverted. Can I still stay in them?

Of course, you can stay in hostels as an introvert! Just because a hostel may have a social atmosphere, there’s no pressure to actually speak to anyone.

Feel free to keep to yourself, though you may find talking to other travelers helps you come out of your shell.

How much do hostels cost?

Hostel prices can vary depending on the location and the time of year you visit. For example, a hostel in Rome, Italy, in July will be significantly higher than the price in January. However, staying in Rome in the low season is still not nearly as affordable as staying in Bangkok, Thailand, in their high season.

With that being said, Western Europe tends to have high hostel prices, while you can save big on hostels in South America and Eastern Europe. But nowhere on earth is cheaper than Southeast Asian hostels. 

Where can I book one? 

Booking hostels can be done across multiple platforms, much like booking hotels. These include booking.com and trip.com. Sometimes they will offer reduced rates. 

There is also Hostelworld, an app dedicated to helping travelers find the right hostel. They make communication with other travelers easy with city and hostel group chats, and even show what events the hostel is hosting during your stay. 

With these platforms, you can view honest ratings and reviews from travelers worldwide, and you can also contribute your own reviews to help other travelers.

Safe travels and enjoy your next hostel stay!