Budget backpacker hostels: more than a place to sleep!

Whilst there are plenty of budget travel accommodation options, backpacker hostels are still amongst the most popular choices. And, no it’s not just for their price but because of what they are and can become to budget travelers and backpackers alike.

Since 2010 hostels have been my choice of accommodation because over the years I’ve learned just how important they can be to my overall experience of traveling.

Sometimes new travelers have put off hostels just because of a lack of real information about them. Before you actually stay in one, you don’t really get told what goes on in them, you don’t hear about the dynamics, how day-to-day life is in them, you definitely don’t realize the impact or importance hostels can have on your trip. I know this because it was the same for me before I stayed in one.

Misconceptions about hostels

Some people write-off hostels before they’ve even stepped foot in one because of stories they’ve heard, or somebody else’s bad experience or just by their own-misconceptions of them.

“Hostels can make or break your traveling experience.” 

What really happens in hostels?

Ever since I stepped foot in my first hostel back in 2010, I’ve stayed in my fair share, different types, I’ve been a long-termer (practically living in them) and a short-termer in others (Just passing through). I’ve learnt so much about them, what goes on within the confines of a hostel, how certain dynamics work, the intricacies, hostel etiquettes and unwritten rules.

Hostels are much more than just a cheap place to stay, they can become an integral part of your traveling experience.  They are social hubs to meet other like-minded travelers, they can provide a sense of community, give you some home comforts, support networks when you’re feeling low, security. Hostels are also where life-long friendships and relationships can be formed.

Not over-glamorizing them

While hostels can become an integral part of your traveling life, and they can offer you much more than just a bed to sleep in; they are what they are. They are budget accommodation options and you get what you pay for, so don’t expect hotel quality  or service in them (unless you chose a high-end boutique style hostel.)

All things budget backpacker hostels

If you’re about to start backpacking and worried about staying in hostels, the posts below help ease some concerns. 

NEED HELP WITH LONG-TERM SOLO OR BUDGET TRAVEL, HEAD OVER TO THE START HERE PAGE AND I’LL GUIDE YOU THROUGH