Whenever I travel, the question always arrises – where are you going to stay, Jess?
The answer is quite simple – in a hostel.
I’ve been staying in hostels since the dawn of my international travel and have learned a thing or two.
- If the hostel is cheaply priced, it’s cheap.
- Breakfast included is a HUGE plus!
- Most have free internet for those who travel with a laptop
- Sharing a room with 5-15 other people may be a bad thing when placed with an international snoorer
- Sharing a room with 5-15 other people may be a good thing when placed with people looking to make new friends and travel
- Sharing a room with 5-15 other people may be a bad thing when you are tired and people come in at all hours.
- Sharing a room with 5-15 other people may be a good thing in that the more people per room the cheaper the price!
Here is the inside view of a few hostels I’ve stayed in.
London Summer 2010 – I had the top left bunk.
Bottom left bunk was occupied by a woman who thought living in a hostel was cheaper than paying rent. A very interesting girl.
Top right was occupied my last night by an Ozzie with a DEEP SNORE. The snow that sent me and the bunk make to the TV room for silence at 3AM.
Store you’re stuff here.
You’ll notice hostels have an honesty policy. Travelers don’t take from other travelers. Leave non-valuables out without worry. Nevertheless, my bad is always locked. Safety first. But simple stuff, I have no problem leaving out – I mean whose going to steal my iPod or digital camera? Just kidding. But seriously, travelers don’t steal. Not cool.
Bunkmate below me occupied that dresser full time. No fear of theft. Silly and desperate, or trusting?
Dublin, Ireland 2008. My first hostel experience. This hostel did not believe in heat.
You will notice the hostels have the same sheets. Upon check in, you are handed your duvet cover, bed cover, and pillow case. Upon check out, you strip the bed and they clean up. Easy enough.
View from my hostel in Düsseldorf.
Entrance to hostel in Berlin. A bit sketch. It shared the building with a dance studio and a restaurant as well as people who rented apartments.
When you travel with a group, hostels are a great way to keep everyone together. Groups can aim for rooms that accommodate only them, or more people.
Here are two of my party members in Kaikoura, New Zealand during our big South Island excursion. Traveling in groups is also nice as you don’t have to contain your mess if you have the room to yourself.