Hostels? Who would trade the comfort of a nice hotel for a sticky dorm room?
I did! And it turned out to be REAL COOL.
I met a group of backpackers and watched them plan a world trip, I stretched my language muscles, and I watched a hippy playing a guitar that’s missing a string. My first time staying in hostels was defo anything but normal… a weird cultural experience filled with so much fun, friendships, laugher, tears, and… not-so-tasty food.
My main goal was to save some bucks (I know, you agree on this) and meet some travel buddies, but I ended up with so much more – more fun, more energy, a deeper understanding of myself and my goals, and definitely more tales to tell my grandchildren when I grow old.
This guide to staying in hostels for the first time will walk you through the process and help you have an awesome stay from start to finish. Let’s goooo!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
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#1 Are Hostels For You?
Finding the right hostel is kinda like hunting down Cinderella’s perfect shoe. You’ll be scrolling all over the web, scrutinising loads of reviews, hoping to cut down on the uncertainty with some solid info.
As you get the hang of it, it gets way less nerve-wracking and pretty straightforward. But hey, since this is your first time staying in a hostel, you gotta ask yourself: are hostels REALLY your vibe?
I’ve come to realise that hostels are like small worlds unto themselves, each with its own unique culture and vibe. Your experience depends on the type of hostel you choose; they can either be your cosy haven or totally throw you off your groove. So, it’s important to figure out which type really matches your energy.
Photo: @amandaadraper
There are a whole array of types of hostels to choose from.
- Party hostels
- Surf hostels
- Eco hostels (Yes, these guys are literally built out in nature. How cool!)
- Digital nomad hostels
- Chiller hostels
- And many more unique types…
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How to find a good hostel?
All of the above are damn good if you ask me. You just gotta know your good. It’s a self-reflection question and its answer lies within you, your principles, and what excites you and matches your vibe. Book the wrong hostel and you’ll end up with the wrong people doing the wrong thing and stuck right in a backpacker trap.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
There are general unwritten rules that all backpackers agree on though:
- A nice profile and good reviews. Evidence doesn’t lie. Reviews are all that you need to know if a hostel is actually ‘good’.
- Don’t chase cheap shit. Price isn’t always an indicator, but it often reflects the quality of your experience. You’ll experience a BIG difference between a $4 and a $20 dorm room.
- Free WiFi. Duh!
- Good staff. If you walk into the hostel and you don’t feel that warm welcome or sense a weird vibe, turn around and head out the same door you came in through. A hostel should feel at home. If it doesn’t, it’s mostly not the right fit.
- Lockers. Some good hostels have high-tech lockers that you can lock with a key card.
- Strategic location. Often, cheaper hostels can be miiiiiles away from the action, and you’ll have to spend the money, you intended to save, on transport. Do yourself a favour and think about what you want to do, then you can figure out where you want to be.
Top Hostel Picks for First-Timers
The best hostels in the world for first-timers that have the coolest social scene. I’ve got five CRAZY hostels that every backpacker dreams of finding. Trust me, you’ll shed a few tears of joy when you experience these gems – based on a real story 🙂
LX Hostel
- > Free welcome drinks
- > A super cool rooftop bar
- > Perfect vibes for meeting travellers
Flying Pig Downtown
- > Party hostel vibe with onsite bar
- > Great city centre location
- > Amazing and helpful staff
Tribal Coworking
- > Delicious food and coffee
- > A heaven for Digital Nomads!
- > Infinity pool and lounges
Selina Isla Mujeres
- > Beachside location
- > Insane communal spaces and pool!
- > Clean & comfy dorm beds
Here Hostel
- > Beautiful garden with a pool
- > Yoga deck and free yoga mats
- > 10 minutes from Khao San Road
Are Hostels Safe?
What could possibly happen when you’re a backpacker staying with other backpackers? It’s like the sleepover you’ve never done with your cousins!
Hostels are one of the safest ways to travel. If you use your wits and keep your valuables safe, not only will you have the time of your life, but you’ll be doing it in a super safe environment. Full stop.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
I won’t lie though, when you’re travelling on a tight budget, you might end up staying in a sticky bed with some unpleasant guests (you’ve heard me mention bugs – traumatizing). I dedicated a good 5 min writing down a review and so should you! It’s called backpacker-hood and it starts with a small (positive or negative) review.
So what’s the best thing you can do? Educate yourself on how to travel safely, be sure to secure your belongings with a sturdy lock, and trust your instincts if a situation feels off, find somewhere else.
| North America | Central America | South America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | Southeast and East Asia | South Asia | Oceania | Middle East & Africa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA Hostels | Costa Rica Hostels | Colombia Hostels | France Hostels | Croatia Hostels | Thailand Hostels | India Hostels | Australia Hostels | Turkey Hostels |
| Canada Hostels | Belize Hostels | Peru Hostels | Germany Hostels | Budapest Hostels (Budapest is crazy) | Philippines Hostels | Sri Lanka Hostels | New Zealand Hostels | Israel Hostels |
| Mexico Hostels | – | – | Spain Hostels | – | Cambodia Hostels | – | – | Morocco Hostels |
#2 Let’s Set The Stage
The most memorable trips often unfold spontaneously, I know! However, seasoned travellers are always well-prepared. And so should you. Pack that backpack right and hit the road with the confidence of Bear Grylls when he ventures into the wilderness, equipped with nothing but a backpack and his survival skills.
What to Pack?
Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. How you travel and the style of backpacker you are is going to greatly affect what you consider a ‘hostel essential’.
Similarly, your backpacking destination is going to change the packing logic; hostels in Europe vs. hostels in Southeast Asia are two very different experiences.
The more meticulous you are, the quicker you’ll master the art of packing. Remember the golden rule: keep it light and be strategic with placement. Below are the hostel ESSENTIALS that will prove invaluable during your stay.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive hostel packing list for our top packing tips!
What to Expect When Staying in Hostels?
A giant sleepover: This will either make or break your stay. If luck’s on your side, you’ll bunk with your ideal travel gang.
During my first stay in a hostel, I met a group of pals and they eventually went their separate ways, leaving me…well… solo. And then it was just a bunch of strangers coming and going, leaving you feeling a bit uncomfortable and well… unsafe.
Familiarity and good bonds develop trust and it can be hard to maintain that in hostels since everyone is basically just swinging by! That’s the truth about hostel dorm rooms!
Photo: @amandaadraper
Lots of socializing downstairs: These spaces represent the core of every hostel. It’s where you’ll meet most of your friends, plan group trips, and hear the coolest hostel tales (Trust me on this one!) Communal areas have energies. If your first impression leaves you feeling positive, you’ve found the ideal hostel.
You’ll have to share everything… You can expect laundry facilities (you’ll have to pay for that), and basic cooking appliances like stoves, microwaves, and refrigerators. Lockers are often available in dorm rooms or common areas. AGAIN, remember to bring your padlock.
Free stuff? Definitely not an “always” but some hostels offer free breakfast (something to keep a lookout for when booking a hostel), free towels, free lockers, etc.
International meetups: One of the most rewarding aspects of staying in hostels is that first contact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I seriously practised so much Russian and Spanish, SI! And learned that no matter which culture or place we belong, we live remarkably the same life and have so so much in common. It was a revelation to me and it happened when I stayed in a hostel for the first time.
Where To Book Your Hostel?
Hostelworld is where to go to find good hostels for your first time: it offers guest reviews, authentic photos of accommodations, and clear listings of hostel amenities. Booking.com is a good backup too.
At times booking directly at the property may be cheaper. However, good research and careful review checks can get you real hidden gems and budget options. You can filter your search, personalize your preferences, and get exactly what you want. It’s online magic!
#3 Coexist… This Ain’t A Spa Retreat!
Staying in a hostel isn’t about luxury; it’s about embracing a community-driven journey. Roll up those sleeves and take charge of your life, connect with people, and engage in the tapestry of global culture. This is the whole point of your stay. (I mean aside from saving those $$.)
As I’ve mentioned before, social dynamics vary depending on the type of hostel you choose. Nevertheless, there’s a shared thirst for connection among travellers. So, coexist.
Break the language barriers by learning the local tongue. Maybe it’s a bilingual thing (Yes! totally flexing) but I’ve found that even basic language skills open a gateway to deeper connections. It was one of my favourite ways to start conversations with locals and learn about their culture.
Looking back at my first stay in a hostel. I have found so much familiarity in the communal and homey feel as I interacted with people and just let myself out a bit.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
Hostels literally offer a crash course in coexistence. You have to navigate different personalities, respect others’ privacy and boundaries (especially if you’re in a dorm), and basically just be comfortable with strangers around you!
Yet, sometimes hostel life could really test your patience, I won’t lie. Dorm rooms can be noisy and you need to be equipped with a good pair of earplugs and so much patience to get through it all.
I mean, the hostel’s location might not be the best (that’s why you MUST read the reviews), or it could be the people staying there. Some may have snoring problems, others might have never heard of the hostel etiquette. (They’re out there, trust me!) Whatever the reason, coexist.
And amidst the chaos, don’t forget self-reliance. I mean, hostels are safe, everyone says that but life isn’t always pink. Safeguard your belongings with a sturdy lock, and trust your instincts if a situation feels off. Remember, your safety is a priority.
How To Behave In A Hostel?
Hostel life isn’t like a business meeting where your life depends on the way you show up and behave, but it’s also not a free-for-all where anything goes.
Remember, you’re in a shared space with guests from all over the world, and the way you speak and act WILL affect their experience. Be a light guest!
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Be mindful of others: Dorms are not a place for socializing, some people (myself included) like to have a quiet moment after a looong day. Please don’t barge into the dorm at 2 a.m. and slam all the lights on.
- Be friendly! Hostels are sociable places that are supposed to feel like a home away from home. One of the major reasons they’re so epic is that they allow you to meet other travel buddies, which is obviously one of the best parts of backpacking! When you arrive, say hi and introduce yourself, especially to your fellow dorm mates! Spend time in the common room, and make sure you attend events if there are any.
- Use headphones. Always pack decent headphones for hostels, when you’re vegging in the dorm especially.
- Don’t use plastic bags. They’re so so noisy, harmful to the environment, and especially annoying when you can hear someone rustling them around. Use reusable bags instead!
- Keep the place cleaner than you found it. If you need to cook, wash your dishes immediately after. Keep the bathroom clean, and if it’s a communal one, take your things with you after you’re finished using them.
- Keep your room tidy. It makes it easy for your roommates to move around and enjoy their space while you enjoy yours. Take advantage of the lockers and try to keep things on your bed, not scattered all over the place.
#4 Engage With The Community Beyond The Hostel Walls
Now, the best part of the journey. Throwing all your bags and heading outside to explore and sense the world beyond the hostel walls.
Remember the guys I mentioned who were planning to envision the world in the hostel lounge? Those are the ones to hang out with. They know the best street food corners, go for the wildest hikes, explore off-the-beaten-track destinations, and tell the coolest adventure stories. I have absorbed so much travel wisdom while eating dragon fruit on a random street in KL’s Chinatown with my hostel buddies.
With the right guidance, you can have epic experiences and reshape your itinerary in ways you never imagined. And the hostel staff know exactly how to make that happen. They are often experts when it comes to their local area and can help you build THE best itinerary.
Photo: @amandaadraper
Some are traveller volunteers who know the area by heart and can steer you towards the best activities, must-see sights, and delish street food. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice—they’re usually happy to help!
That’s how a hostel can serve your adventure! It’s not just a place to stay; it’s a portal to adventures and growth. The people you meet and bring along will shape the type of experience you’ll have. They help us expand our wings, get the most out of the world around us, and use that knowledge to grow stronger, braver, and just… better.
Surround yourself with good people and be open to the world around you.
Get Insured for Your travels
You can actually get great travel insurance for staying in hostels. It’s helped me get out of all sorts of sticky situations.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Your First Stay in a Hostel
I know your curiosity is piqued, and I’m here to satisfy it with SUPER CONVINCING answers to some of the most common questions about staying in hostels for the first time. Let’s dive in!
Final Thoughts on Staying in Hostels for The First Time
Staying in hostels for the first time is a blend of emotions you can’t understand until you try it yourself. When you find the right hostel, the experience becomes x1000 more fun, and with the right people around, you’ll quickly feel your energy soar – which is what backpacking quite depends on… positive and vibrant energy.
The post was an overview of my personal experience when I stayed in a hostel for the first. Overall, it wasn’t really impressive (I’ll just blame the cleaning staff!) However, I’ve matured since then and developed some kind of flair for detecting good hostels.
Will I do it again? Absolutely! And so should you. So, book the damn hostel and go 😉
Photo: @monteiro.online
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Remember to grab yourself an international SIM card to avoid any issues.
- Our in-depth backpacking packing list has all the info you’ll need for your trip.
- Sort out good travel insurance before you start your trip.
