How do you feel about hostels? Or do you have any feelings at all about them? I’ve stayed in my fair share of hostels, but they’re definitely not for everyone! If you’re not sure whether the hostel travel style is for you, you’re in the right place. I’ve got your quick and honest list of hostel pros and cons right here!
Pros
Good Place to Meet Other Travelers
This is a major pro for solo travelers who don’t want to be loners. People who stay in hostels are usually party people who like to have a good time, and it’s a great way to meet people if that’s your thing!
Read next: How Solo Travelers Respond to Rude People
Often in Convenient Locations
Hostels may be inexpensive, but they’re usually right in the middle of everything you want to see and do. It may not be the “best” area, but it will most likely be convenient! Often you’ll find a hostel just a couple of blocks off the main drag, close to metro or subway stations, or even right downtown.
More here: Your Ultimate Guide to Accommodations
Breakfast Usually Provided
Very often, breakfast is provided at hostels. And just as often, you’ll see people packing up that breakfast to take for lunch as well! What’s served will vary by location, but it’s usually enough to get you through until lunch at the very least.
Read on: How to Enjoy Dining Solo
Cheap
This is the most important factor for college students and people who just want to travel: is it cheap? And yes, hostels are incredibly cheap! You can find hostels in prices that range from $5-$50, depending on how cheap you’re willing to go!
More here: 6 Ways I Afford to Travel
Cons
No Privacy
Unless you book a private room (which costs more than dorm-style rooms), you will have ZERO privacy. If this is important to you, a hostel is not going to be the best choice! You might be in an all-girl or all-boy room, but more than likely, you’ll be in a room that’s a mix of everyone. Oh, and you will be sharing everything, including bathrooms, with everyone.
Keep reading: 7 Things to Expect on Your First Solo Trip
Unattached Bathrooms
Not only will you be sharing a bathroom with dozens of your closest roommates, you will also be walking down the hall to get there. It’s highly unlikely that it would be attached.
Read on: Solo Travel Mishaps
Toiletries Not Provided
If there are toiletries available, they’ll be communal, and the cheapest possible quality. But more than likely, there will be no toiletries available. Just remember to bring your own!
More here: The Ultimate Guide to Solid Toiletries
Need to Bring Your Own Sheets and Towels
Along those same lines, you may need to bring your sheets (or sleeping bag) and towels. This is not a big deal if you’re not trying to pack light, but if you’re a carry-on only traveler, this is a true inconvenience, especially if your towel is still wet from your shower! Always double check before booking!
Keep reading: How to Pack the Perfect Carry-on
Questionable Cleanliness
I’m sure there are standards they’re supposed to meet, but the people running the show at hostels are usually college-age or a few years older. They’re also making very little money, perhaps only room and board in exchange for their work. Would you trust and un-paid college kid to clean your bathroom?
More here: How to Travel and Still Have Good Hygiene
Conclusions
Personally, I’ve stayed in enough hostels to last me a lifetime! But what about you? Are hostels your preferred travel accommodation? Comment below with why or why not!
Want more? Check out my Accommodations Page for everything you need!
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