Hostels and backpackers are inseparable friends, and during your odyssey, you will probably venture into a hostel territory where the magic happens. It can be the highlight of your expedition, creating lifetime memories, or a regrettable stumble into horrible discomforts. As the world of backpacking becomes more accessible, hostel options unfold for the eager traveller as they open their doors.
Yet, not all of them are gold, and some should keep those doors closed. From questionable ownership to bed bugs desiring to spend the night with you, some pitfalls must be deftly kicked away to ensure an enchanting backpacking experience. After years of traversing the globe with a backpack as my trusty companion, I’ve realised that a set of features is the essence of a perfect hostel stay. Picture this as the ancient recipe passed down by a wise grandma, meticulously crafted for a delightful hostel experience.
So, put your backpack on, tie your shoes, and delve into the Ten Commandments, the sacred text for safeguarding the essence of backpacking, the passion for travel, and the spirit of adventure.
Hostels and backpackers are inseparable friends, and during your odyssey, you will probably venture into a hostel territory where the magic happens.
It can be the highlight of your expedition, creating lifetime memories, or a regrettable stumble into horrible discomforts.
As the world of backpacking becomes more accessible, hostel options unfold for the eager traveller as they open their doors. Yet, not all of them are gold, and some should keep those doors closed.
From questionable ownership to bed bugs desiring to spend the night with you, some pitfalls must be deftly kicked away to ensure an enchanting backpacking experience.
After years of traversing the globe with a backpack as my trusty companion, I’ve realised that a set of features is the essence of a perfect hostel stay. Picture this as the ancient recipe passed down by a wise grandma, meticulously crafted for a delightful hostel experience.
So, put your backpack on, tie your shoes, and delve into the Ten Commandments, the sacred text for safeguarding the essence of backpacking, the passion for travel, and the spirit of adventure.
“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow"
The ten commandments to correctly choose your hostel
1/ Your Purpose: You shall not have other gods than yourself
Define your travel goals and don’t forget why you travel. It may seem selfish, but as long as you don’t harm others or the surroundings, you pass first, no exception. Are you looking for a chill place to rest? A frenzied shelter where day and night are reversed? Or a nest where you can meet a lot of baby chicks and shining adventurers? Don’t forget to align the hostel characteristics with your desires.
Five categories abound – eco-hostels, basic hostels, hostel-hotels, party hubs, and havens for digital nomads. Don’t be afraid and give each of them a shot through the best backpacker accommodation apps and sites, for only fools stay ignorant.
Define your travel goals and don’t forget why you travel. It may seem selfish, but as long as you don’t harm others or the surroundings, you pass first, no exception.
Are you looking for a chill place to rest? A frenzied shelter where day and night are reversed? Or a nest where you can meet a lot of baby chicks and shining adventurers?
Don’t forget to align the hostel characteristics with your desires.
Five categories abound – eco-hostels, basic hostels, hostel-hotels, party hubs, and havens for digital nomads. Don’t be afraid and give each of them a shot through the best backpacker accommodation apps and sites, for only fools stay ignorant.
2/ Cheap Price: You shall not take it as an idol
While cost is a crucial factor, sometimes the first for a lot of us, beware of the hidden truth. Remember this 3€ kebab you get out of a nightclub and end up puking all night? Ultra-cheap costs are, sometimes, the reflection of cramped chaos, dirty showers, noisy beds, small spaces and so on. A few extra coins spent can elevate your stay to a haven of comfort. However (grandma tricks), blend this commandment with the fifth to unveil hidden treasures.
While cost is a crucial factor, sometimes the first for a lot of us, beware of the hidden truth.
Remember this 3€ kebab you get out of a nightclub and end up puking all night?
Ultra-cheap costs are, sometimes, the reflection of cramped chaos, dirty showers, noisy beds, small spaces and so on.
A few extra coins spent can elevate your stay to a haven of comfort. However (grandma tricks), blend this commandment with the fifth to unveil hidden treasures.
3/ Check in/Check out: You shall not consider your sleep in vain
Check-in
On the road, few things are more valuable than your sleep and flexibility. Step one: Check in. Chances are, you arrive later than expected thanks to a delayed bus, an impromptu adventure following a stranger on an unknown hike, or other unforeseen challenges on the path to your hostel. The freedom to arrive an hour early or late and not worry about spending the night under the stars is an often overlooked luxury.
On the road, few things are more valuable than your sleep and flexibility.
Step one: Check in. Chances are, you arrive later than expected thanks to a delayed bus, an impromptu adventure following a stranger on an unknown hike, or other unforeseen challenges on the path to your hostel.
The freedom to arrive an hour early or late and not worry about spending the night under the stars is an often overlooked luxury.
Check-out
Next up, check out. Picture this: a wild night out, stumbling back at 4 AM with the equivalent of 8 tequila shots in each arm, only to face a 9 AM wake-up call. Trust me, it’s led to a spontaneous booking of an extra night. Jokes aside, ensuring a good night’s sleep on the road is vital, and the option for a leisurely check-out (anywhere from 10 AM to Noon) is a game-changer.
Next up, check out.
Picture this: a wild night out, stumbling back at 4 AM with the equivalent of 8 tequila shots in each arm, only to face a 9 AM wake-up call. Trust me, it’s led to a spontaneous booking of an extra night.
Jokes aside, ensuring a good night’s sleep on the road is vital, and the option for a leisurely check-out (anywhere from 10 AM to Noon) is a game-changer.
4/ Location: Remember it, to make it holy
Embarking on a one-hour public transport odyssey to delve into the charm of the old town or marvel at the museums of your desire might not be the most prudent choice I will recommend in my travel safety guide.
Returning late at night under the potential racketeering threat or sleeping above the central avenue where the traffic never stops aren’t exactly options I would recommend for mentally healthy wanderers. For the rest, it’s up to you Loco.
Ease your stay; proximity to the city centre and your anticipated explorations not only saves precious time but also opens up doors to discover hidden gems and unexplored facets.
Embarking on a one-hour public transport odyssey to delve into the charm of the old town or marvel at the museums of your desire might not be the most prudent choice I will recommend in my travel safety guide.
Returning late at night under the potential racketeering threat or sleeping above the central avenue where the traffic never stops aren’t exactly options I would recommend for mentally healthy wanderers.
For the rest, it’s up to you Loco.
Ease your stay; proximity to the city centre and your anticipated explorations not only saves precious time but also opens up doors to discover hidden gems and unexplored facets.
5/ Reviews: Honour your predecessors who stayed there
In your quest to find the perfect hostel, consider combining this with the third, for unravelling extraordinary hostel discoveries. You just have to apply both in your filter search. Who can better offer insights about a traveller’s haven than a fellow wanderer? Certainly not this picky Karen complaining about everything. Enter the reviews section of a hostel, akin to the sacred graal of travel wisdom. There; you unveil the essence of a place, highlighting its pros and cons, and offering you precious hostel tips.
Yet, be careful regarding a set of reviews. I once encountered a hostel displaying a stellar 9.5 out of 10 rating but with a mere eight reviews. It could be a gem recently launched, worthy of exploration, or a facade where only the staff applaud their own “accomplishments”. The choice is yours, but I will not bear any parents’ blame for an unexpected kidnapping.
Travellers' reviews are the perfect social proof
In your quest to find the perfect hostel, consider combining this with the third, for unravelling extraordinary hostel discoveries. You just have to apply both in your filter search.
Who can better offer insights about a traveller’s haven than a fellow wanderer?
Certainly not this picky Karen complaining about everything.
Enter the reviews section of a hostel, akin to the sacred graal of travel wisdom. There; you unveil the essence of a place, highlighting its pros and cons, and offering you precious hostel tips.
Yet be careful
Yet, be careful regarding a set of reviews. I once encountered a hostel displaying a stellar 9.5 out of 10 rating but with a mere eight reviews.
It could be a gem recently launched, worthy of exploration, or a facade where only the staff applaud their own “accomplishments”.
The choice is yours, but I will not bear any parents’ blame for an unexpected kidnapping.
6/ Free Breakfast: You shall not cheat on the first meal
Would you deny free food? Me neither. The chance to both save money and satisfy your hunger sends a surge of dopamine to your groggy and still sleepy brain. Some blogs caution about modest offerings like toast, eggs, and coffee, but prince what more can you expect?
Despite this becoming less of a reality, it’s still free sustenance, and you even have the opportunity to collect…hum… free “samples” for later cravings.
Would you deny free food? Me neither.
The chance to both save money and satisfy your hunger sends a surge of dopamine to your groggy and still sleepy brain.
Some blogs caution about modest offerings like toast, eggs, and coffee, but prince what more can you expect?
Despite this becoming less of a reality, it’s still free sustenance, and you even have the opportunity to collect…hum… free “samples” for later cravings.
7/ Social Atmosphere: You shall not murder your socialisation
Embarking on a journey would lack fun without the vibrant souls you encounter along the way. Remember the shared laughter and life’s twists and turns navigated together, and undoubtedly, yes you had some solitary moments where magic captivated you by the beauty of the present moment. Yet, it’s those shared escapades with cherished companions that contain the alchemy to elevate a random instant into an unforgettable memory, fostering emotions and amplifying the adventure.
Seek hostels that emphasise socialisation. There are plenty of features to identify in that way, from board games and pool tables to cosy and welcoming common spaces along with organised activities. Spot your preferences and forge meaningful bonds.
Embarking on a journey would lack fun without the vibrant souls you encounter along the way.
Remember the shared laughter and life’s twists and turns navigated together, and undoubtedly, yes you had some solitary moments where magic captivated you by the beauty of the present moment.
Yet, it’s those shared escapades with cherished companions that contain the alchemy to elevate a random instant into an unforgettable memory, fostering emotions and amplifying the adventure.
Seek hostels that emphasise socialisation. There are plenty of features to identify in that way, from board games and pool tables to cosy and welcoming common spaces along with organised activities.
Spot your preferences and forge meaningful bonds.
8/ Kitchen: You shall not steal in the fridge
When it comes to choosing the perfect hostel, don’t overlook the kitchen, a hidden gem for your soul. The kitchen is where the enchantment unfolds, allowing you to save money, dive into the local culinary scene and forge connections with fellow travellers. While, in places like Taiwan, eating out is cheaper, having the option to cook your feast provides a welcome flexibility.
Pay attention to the kitchen arsenal: utensils, appliances (microwaves, ovens, stoves), and, trust me, hostels that liberally share their stash of spices and oil are the real winners. Embrace the culinary magic within those hostel kitchen walls!
When it comes to choosing the perfect hostel, don’t overlook the kitchen, a hidden gem for your soul.
The kitchen is where the enchantment unfolds, allowing you to save money, dive into the local culinary scene and forge connections with fellow travellers.
While, in places like Taiwan, eating out is cheaper, having the option to cook your feast provides a welcome flexibility.
Pay attention to the kitchen arsenal: utensils, appliances (microwaves, ovens, stoves), and, trust me, hostels that liberally share their stash of spices and oil are the real winners. Embrace the culinary magic within those hostel kitchen walls!
9/ Hostel and dorm size: You shall not covet your neighbour deep sleeping
The social key
Looking to socialise in a hostel displaying more than 60-80 beds? Think again.
A higher bed count often equates to a diminished, less inviting atmosphere. Staff members become mere check-in/check-out facilitators, guests withdraw, and the space transforms into a tranquil yet boring shelter. Opt for fewer beds; the intimacy fosters interactions. By your second or third day, you know everyone, and plans materialise with newfound companions.
Looking to socialise in a hostel displaying more than 60-80 beds? Think again.
A higher bed count often equates to a diminished, less inviting atmosphere. Staff members become mere check-in/check-out facilitators, guests withdraw, and the space transforms into a tranquil yet boring shelter.
Opt for fewer beds; the intimacy fosters interactions. By your second or third day, you know everyone, and plans materialise with newfound companions.
Preserve your sleep quality
Consider the dorm size as a pivotal factor in your hostel quest. Larger dorms, although cost-effective, tend to echo with late-night tipsy wanderers, a chorus of snorers, or a mate insanely moving and turning his bunk bed into a nocturnal symphony.
Seek a balance between budget constraints and sleep quality. However, if you can’t afford a smaller dorm due to financial constraints, equip yourself with essentials for hostel living. After all, the art of budgeting need not sacrifice tranquillity.
Consider the dorm size as a pivotal factor in your hostel quest.
Larger dorms, although cost-effective, tend to echo with late-night tipsy wanderers, a chorus of snorers, or a mate insanely moving and turning his bunk bed into a nocturnal symphony.
Seek a balance between budget constraints and sleep quality.
However, if you can’t afford a smaller dorm due to financial constraints, equip yourself with essentials for hostel living. After all, the art of budgeting need not sacrifice tranquillity.
10/ Lockers: You shall not bear false witness for your missing underwear
When backpacking, a fundamental principle echoes loudly to avoid the hostel’s pitfalls: safeguard your precious belongings. The unpredictability of unknown dorm companions underscores the importance of preemptive measures. While hostels are usually safe, the house on your back requires extra vigilance.
The remedy is straightforward, a steadfast lock ( an ever-present companion) and a trusty locker. Within this secure sanctuary, bid adieu to worries; your cherished possessions find refuge. Prioritise peaceful thoughts in your wanderings; confirm your chosen hostel provides accessible lockers, ensuring a worry-free exploration.
When backpacking, a fundamental principle echoes loudly to avoid the hostel’s pitfalls: safeguard your precious belongings.
The unpredictability of unknown dorm companions underscores the importance of preemptive measures. While hostels are usually safe, the house on your back requires extra vigilance.
The remedy is straightforward, a steadfast lock ( an ever-present companion) and a trusty locker. Within this secure sanctuary, bid adieu to worries; your cherished possessions find refuge.
Prioritise peaceful thoughts in your wanderings; confirm your chosen hostel provides accessible lockers, ensuring a worry-free exploration.
The hidden eleventh and twelfth commandments of your hostel guide
11/ Sustainability: You shall love your neighbour
Don’t forget that you and your journey are just here for a time. You, like the places you explore, are not eternal. Embrace the SlowSight Soul and the Slow Travel mindset, savour your experiences, yet share generously. Seek hostels displaying eco or sustainable labels; the extra cents spent contain substantial contributions. Big impact through collective and small actions my friend.
Don’t forget that you and your journey are just here for a time. You, like the places you explore, are not eternal. Embrace the SlowSight Soul and the Slow Travel mindset, savour your experiences, yet share generously.
Seek hostels displaying eco or sustainable labels; the extra cents spent contain substantial contributions. Big impact through collective and small actions my friend.
12/ Laundry facilities-luggage room-towel-linens: You shall stay clean
The underestimed hostel feature
An incontestable feature of backpacking is the impossibility of carrying as much stuff as you would like, choices have to be made among clothes and more. Laundry facilities, within the hostel, allow you for a few coins to get your dirty and stinky traveller gears clean while you are asleep, what else could you ask for?
An incontestable feature of backpacking is the impossibility of carrying as much stuff as you would like, choices have to be made among clothes and more.
Laundry facilities, within the hostel, allow you for a few coins to get your dirty and stinky traveller gears clean while you are asleep, what else could you ask for?
Watch out for "scams"
Now, let’s talk about the hostel species that eyes your wallet hungrily. Some play nice, offering towels and linens like human hosts. However, beware of the others, the sneaky ones waiting to extort. Before surrendering your coins, check if linens are bundled in your accommodation deal or be ready to face a shocking 30% price spike.
And here’s a diamond of hostel wisdom: the sacred luggage storage. A haven for your backpack when time plays tricks on your plans. Whether you’ve arrived too early or wish to wander post-checkout, the joy of shedding your load and venturing into the city unburdened is undescriptive.
Now, let’s talk about the hostel species that eyes your wallet hungrily. Some play nice, offering towels and linens like human hosts.
However, beware of the others, the sneaky ones waiting to extort. Before surrendering your coins, check if linens are bundled in your accommodation deal or be ready to face a shocking 30% price spike.
And here’s a diamond of hostel wisdom: the sacred luggage storage. A haven for your backpack when time plays tricks on your plans.
Whether you’ve arrived too early or wish to wander post-checkout, the joy of shedding your load and venturing into the city unburdened is undescriptive.
““No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”"
Choose the perfect shelter with your hostel guide
As you confidently pack your cherished belongings present in your perfectly crafted travel list to embark on your journey, keep the sacred text of hostel commandments nearby. Use it as a light of wisdom during shady times, and remember, fellow wanderers, that the quest for the perfect hostel is an art, not a science.
Your soul armed with purpose and your heart with laughter, go forth into the hostel wilderness. Seek the ones where socialisation thrives, breakfasts are free, and kitchens whisper culinary magic. As you unravel the mysteries of each hostel, remember it’s not just a bed, it’s more than just a physical place. Between a hostel’s walls can start the most wonderful adventure, your adventure.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
As you confidently pack your cherished belongings present in your perfectly crafted travel list to embark on your journey, keep the sacred text of hostel commandments nearby. Use it as a light of wisdom during shady times, and remember, fellow wanderers, that the quest for the perfect hostel is an art, not a science.
Your soul armed with purpose and your heart with laughter, go forth into the hostel wilderness.
Seek the ones where socialisation thrives, breakfasts are free, and kitchens whisper culinary magic.
As you unravel the mysteries of each hostel, remember it’s not just a bed, it’s more than just a physical place. Between a hostel’s walls can start the most wonderful adventure, your adventure.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
