I will admit, that as I prepared for my first experience at a hostel, I was nervous and overwhelmed because it was such a foreign concept to me. Once I arrived, I quickly realized that there were things I wish I'd known before I got there, but I adapted in no time and realized there were ways to work around every obstacle. Sometimes, the challenges and lessons learned are what make the experience. But... here are a few tips I can offer to make your inaugural hosteling experience minimally stressful:
Choosing and Booking Your Hostel
Research before you book! Use online resources to make sure that the hostel where you end up will be the best one for your travel-style. Every hostel can be a bit different. Are you planning to party all night on your trip, or do you want a more laid back atmosphere so you can relax? Using a site like Hostel World will give you access to most of the information you will need to make a decision as to which is right for you, including reviews from other travelers who have stayed in each hostel before.A few things to consider:
1. Location! Location! Location!--The best part about hostels is that they are usually located in very accessible areas, close to all of the action. Consider if the hostel is located near public transit or in walking distance of attractions. If not, will you be renting a car, and is there parking available nearby? How much will parking cost?
2. Amenities and Services--Does the hostel provide airport pick up and drop off? Are linens and towels included in the cost of your room or is there an extra fee? Does the hostel offer tours and events? Are any meals included? Will there be a charge for Wi-Fi? Is the hostel 24 hour access or is there a curfew?
3. Guest Ratings--Keep in mind that a business can't please every person, so your hostel doesn't necessarily need a 100% satisfaction rating. Typically, if you find a property with at least a 75%, you will do well on your stay. But don't ignore the advise and warnings of prior travelers. Read their comments and decide if the complaints are things you can deal with. Travelers will often leave a few valuable tips on fun things to do in the area.
4. Memberships and Travel Insurance--Many not-for-profit hostels will require you to become a member to stay at their property or pay and extra daily fee. I became a member of Hostelling International & found that it was well worth the initial $28 investment. Not only did the membership come with free travel insurance (a very wise idea--you never know what can happen!) and discounts on tours and area attractions, but HI gave me a discount code for a free night. The membership more than paid for itself!
5. Room Type and Cost--Many hostels have a variety of room types to choose from. If you are traveling solo, most hostels will only allow you to reserve a bed in a same sex dorm, but if you are with a group there are co-ed dorms available. As well, you can usually chose between a basic dorm room (bathrooms and showers are usually locate don the same floor) or a room with an ensuite bathroom that you will only share with your bunk mates. The occupancy of a dorm will typically range between 4 to 12 bunks and several locations will have at least a few private rooms available. Of course, a dorm with fewer beds or an added bathroom will usually cost a few dollars more per night.
Preparing for Your Hostel Stay
One of the unique issues of hostels vs. hotels is that of storage space. In a hotel, you can lay your suitcase & belongings out anywhere, but in a hostel, you are sharing your space with several others. Along with not taking up more than your fair share of the space, you want to make sure you can keep any valuables safe. Generally, when you rent a bed, a locker will also be assigned with it. However, most facilities expect you to supply your own lock, or you may be able to purchase one at the front desk. These lockers tend to be large enough to store your carry-on sized luggage as well as a laptop case or purse. I myself have mastered the art of traveling light, so fitting everything into the locker has never been a problem for me. But if you don't quite have a knack for traveling without your entire wardrobe & closet of shoes, or if you must take pricey equipment with you, call the hostel and see if they have other storage options available, such as additional lockers for rent or a luggage storage service. If your larger bag just contains clothes and items of lesser value, I frequently encounter large suitcases left out in guest rooms with no issues. Top items to pack that you might not naturally consider:
1. A Lock. For your locker. You need one.
2. Earplugs. People sometimes snore at night. You probably do too on occasion, but people are too polite to tell you. Deal with it. If you are a particularly light sleeper though, you may consider bringing Benedryl or Unisome along to help you out for the first night until you adjust to the surroundings. I don't recommend using any prescription sleep aids though. An "Ambien Episode" amid a room of total strangers could prove for some very embarrassing stories.
3. Shower shoes. Not to worry, because I frequently run into Housekeeping at hostels as they are cleaning the bathroom, but just as they were in the college dorms, a pair of cheap flip-flops for the stand-up showers are not a bad idea.
4. Beach Towel. Usually a towel will be included with your linens at the hostel, but if you plan on going to the beach or going swimming, it's a good idea to make room in your bag for an extra one of your own.
5. Toiletries. Unlike fancy hotels, you won't find mini, doll-sized bottles of herbal shampoo left out on the counter. Nice hostels will have a liquid soap dispenser in the shower stall, but if you need to condition, bring your own or plan to buy some when you arrive.
6. Hairdryer. This is NOT at all a necessity, since every hostel I have been to has been nice enough to have hair dryers in the women's bathroom/ shower areas. However... in the mornings, during high traffic times, it can be difficult getting access to one of these devices & to not feel rushed when it's finally your turn. If you have room in your luggage, your own beauty appliances are a "nice to have." There are great travel-sized models available for dryers, straighteners and curling irons alike. But if you are lucky enough to be naturally beautiful or you don't plan on getting "gussied" up for anything, a hat and a pony tail holder will suffice to cover any hair emergencies.
For more information on hostelling in the US, see my previous blog:
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