So why staying in a hostel? During my last adventures, some cornerstone moments stand out. From the vibrant Interrail journey crisscrossing Europe, the immersive work and exploration odyssey in Mexico over eight months, or the backpacking experience along the entire western coast of Italy to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, each of them left a unique weave in my soul. Being so different, these experiences all had something in common: hostels. Each of them, with their both challenging and enchanting encounters, has become a cherished part of my journey.
Picture this: you and your grandsons gathered around a campfire, regaling them with stories from the road, each narrative more daring than the last, and (almost) all of them being entirely true.
Crack open your backpacker guide to this hidden chapter, and join me as we unveil the compelling reasons that consistently draw me to the hostel doors whenever I decide to put my backpack and explorer cap on.
So why staying in a hostel?
During my last adventures, some cornerstone moments stand out. From the vibrant Interrail journey crisscrossing Europe, the immersive work and exploration odyssey in Mexico over eight months, or the backpacking experience along the entire western coast of Italy to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily, each of them left a unique weave in my soul.
Being so different, these experiences all had something in common: hostels. Each of them, with their both challenging and enchanting encounters, has become a cherished part of my journey.
Picture this: you and your grandsons gathered around a campfire, regaling them with stories from the road, each narrative more daring than the last, and (almost) all of them being entirely true.
Crack open your backpacker guide to this hidden chapter, and join me as we unveil the compelling reasons that consistently draw me to the hostel doors whenever I decide to put my backpack and explorer cap on.
I enjoy staying in a hostel atmosphere for several reasons
Hostels aren’t just a place to crash; they’re more than a spot for a night’s rest; often, their true value extends beyond. They are a place of experience and personal evolution. It might sound a bit mystical, but fear not! It’s not about drug tests (though, occasionally, yes) but rather about a mix of magical or surprising connection and education. By staying in a hostel and spending some time between these walls, you’ll likely emerge transformed. So, why this metamorphosis? Because hostels are…
Hostels aren’t just a place to crash; they’re more than a spot for a night’s rest; often, their true value extends beyond. They are a place of experience and personal evolution.
It might sound a bit mystical, but fear not! It’s not about drug tests (though, occasionally, yes) but rather about a mix of magical or surprising connection and education.
By staying in a hostel and spending some time between these walls, you’ll likely emerge transformed. So, why this metamorphosis? Because hostels are…
#1: Melting Pot & Unforgettable People
Get to know unforgettable people
With travellers converging from every corner, the hostel vibe swiftly transforms into a joyful melting pot of international encounters. While English takes centre stage, I often hear three other languages in a single room. The diversity present when staying in a hostel turns communal spaces and dorms into vibrant exchange hubs. I love to see myself or others learning to curse playfully in a foreign tongue, showcasing seductive skills, or indulging in a meal crafted by an adventurous chef.
With travellers converging from every corner, the hostel vibe swiftly transforms into a joyful melting pot of international encounters. While English takes centre stage, I often hear three other languages in a single room.
The diversity present when staying in a hostel turns communal spaces and dorms into vibrant exchange hubs. I love to see myself or others learning to curse playfully in a foreign tongue, showcasing seductive skills, or indulging in a meal crafted by an adventurous chef.
An incredible melting pot
These interactions cover a sprinkle of impromptu card games, a few beers and shared laughter, creating the perfect setting for serendipitous moments. I experienced surprisingly how to connect deeply with fellow wanderers, bonds happening with an almost unreal swiftness and intensity when staying in a hostel. It happens as if masks and societal habits dissolve, revealing our authentic selves unfiltered by routine laws and norms.
The friendships cultivated on the road often defy expectations, enduring beyond the transient nature of travel. The multicultural kaleidoscope introduces you to kindred spirits and provides a unique lens through which to view the world. I met great friends along the way with whom I am still in touch and get to see sometimes the ones I cherish the most. Furthermore, Hostels are also a backpacker heaven because…
These interactions cover a sprinkle of impromptu card games, a few beers and shared laughter, creating the perfect setting for serendipitous moments. I experienced surprisingly how to connect deeply with fellow wanderers, bonds happening with an almost unreal swiftness and intensity when staying in a hostel. It happens as if masks and societal habits dissolve, revealing our authentic selves unfiltered by routine laws and norms.
The friendships cultivated on the road often defy expectations, enduring beyond the transient nature of travel. The multicultural kaleidoscope introduces you to kindred spirits and provides a unique lens through which to view the world.
I met great friends along the way with whom I am still in touch and get to see sometimes the ones I cherish the most. Furthermore, Hostels are also a backpacker heaven because…
#2 Staying in a Hostel is Still the Most Affordable Option
As a backpacker, I’m (almost) always looking for ways to stretch my money, from eating street food to finding good transportation deals. However, not many ways to save money can beat staying in a hostel. Instead of paying for a full room in a hotel, you’re paying for a bed in a shared room, which is usually a lot cheaper.
You can save even more by cooking your meals in the communal kitchen. This is especially impactful for a solo traveller. Since you’re paying per bed, not per room, you avoid the dreaded singles surcharge. Single travellers often get the short end of the stick in the tourism industry, but not when staying in a hostel. Hostels are made specifically for solo adventurers like you.
Furthermore, Hostels are also a backpacker heaven because often they are located in a…
As a backpacker, I’m (almost) always looking for ways to stretch my money, from eating street food to finding good transportation deals. However, not many ways to save money can beat staying in a hostel. Instead of paying for a full room in a hotel, you’re paying for a bed in a shared room, which is usually a lot cheaper.
You can save even more by cooking your meals in the communal kitchen. This is especially impactful for a solo traveller. Since you’re paying per bed, not per room, you avoid the dreaded singles surcharge. Single travellers often get the short end of the stick in the tourism industry, but not when staying in a hostel. Hostels are made specifically for solo adventurers like you.
Furthermore, Hostels are also a backpacker heaven because often they are located in a…
“Long-term travel doesn’t require a massive bundle of cash; it requires only that we walk through the world in a more deliberate way."
#3 Great locations
A strategic hostel location is crucial. I love the fact that most hostels are ideally located, offering a perfect launching pad for exploration and an easy way back after post-nighttime exploits. Location reigns supreme in my criteria of how to choose a hostel.
While I enjoy wandering to absorb the surroundings, the tedious repetition within a single neighbourhood can make the joy dumps. Spare your feet an unnecessary burden of extra kilometres daily; opt for a hostel wisely situated, ensuring seamless navigation and efficient travel between your temporary shelter and desired destinations. Hostels are also…
A strategic hostel location is crucial. I love the fact that most hostels are ideally located, offering a perfect launching pad for exploration and an easy way back after post-nighttime exploits.
Location reigns supreme in my criteria of how to choose a hostel. While I enjoy wandering to absorb the surroundings, the tedious repetition within a single neighbourhood can make the joy dumps.
Spare your feet an unnecessary burden of extra kilometres daily; opt for a hostel wisely situated, ensuring seamless navigation and efficient travel between your temporary shelter and desired destinations. Hostels are also…
#4 The most entertaining form of stays
Opting for a hostel over a hotel or Airbnb it’s a vibrant choice I make and where I barely get bored. The constant turnover of fellow travellers ensures it that way. If you feel introverted or unsure how to start a conversation, fear not! Hostels have you covered.
Dive into several activities, whether it’s joining a pub crawl, embarking on a walking tour, belting out tunes at karaoke, or venturing on exciting excursions. The options are as diverse as the travellers themselves!
But what is your travel style? Are you more into solo travel exploration or do you fancy a companion for the day? No worries! There is always someone with similar plans or up to something. Be curious, ask around, and possibilities may soon be unveiled. Furthermore, they represent a great source of…
Opting for a hostel over a hotel or Airbnb it’s a vibrant choice I make and where I barely get bored. The constant turnover of fellow travellers ensures it that way. If you feel introverted or unsure how to start a conversation, fear not! Hostels have you covered.
Dive into several activities, whether it’s joining a pub crawl, embarking on a walking tour, belting out tunes at karaoke, or venturing on exciting excursions. The options are as diverse as the travellers themselves!
But what is your travel style? Are you more into solo travel exploration or do you fancy a companion for the day? No worries! There is always someone with similar plans or up to something. Be curious, ask around, and possibilities may soon be unveiled. Furthermore, they represent a great source of…
#5 Juicy local tips
Last but not least, and by far my favourite part. When travelling, I aim to immerse myself in local exploration, uncover hidden gems, engage with the community around me, and adventure off the beaten tracks. Hostels are for me, walking towards these goals, gold mines.
Within their walls, you find a variety of perspectives, from seasoned staff with weeks of local insight to temporary travellers eager to unveil their discoveries. These fellow wanderers, whether recounting stories or lessons learned, serve as one of my primary sources of knowledge. Hours can pass away as I absorb their narratives, eagerly imagining my next adventure into a local restaurant or hidden panorama.
I sometimes end up being disappointed or extremely happy, but all adventures need a starting point to begin, and for me, they happen to be stories told throughout the hostel corridors.
Last but not least, and by far my favourite part. When travelling, I aim to immerse myself in local exploration, uncover hidden gems, engage with the community around me, and adventure off the beaten tracks. Hostels are for me, walking towards these goals, gold mines.
Within their walls, you find a variety of perspectives, from seasoned staff with weeks of local insight to temporary travellers eager to unveil their discoveries.
These fellow wanderers, whether recounting stories or lessons learned, serve as one of my primary sources of knowledge. Hours can pass away as I absorb their narratives, eagerly imagining my next adventure into a local restaurant or hidden panorama.
I sometimes end up being disappointed or extremely happy, but all adventures need a starting point to begin, and for me, they happen to be stories told throughout the hostel corridors.
Be ready about staying in a hostel
As this ode to the enchanting world of hostels comes to an end, it’s clear that they are, for me, more than mere budget resting spots. They’re the heartbeat of melting pots and unexpected adventures.
In my mind, they represent the promise of enduring friendships, the thrill of crazy encounters, and the anticipation of untold stories echoing through dormitory corridors mixed with laughter, love and shared passion.
Hostels, my friends, aren’t just a place to stay; they’re portals to a world where the journey is as vibrant as the destination. Close this chapter and cautiously choose your next backpacker accommodation. Stay curious, keep your backpack light, your spirits high, and your laughter contagious until next time…
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
As this ode to the enchanting world of hostels comes to an end, it’s clear that they are, for me, more than mere budget resting spots. They’re the heartbeat of melting pots and unexpected adventures.
In my mind, they represent the promise of enduring friendships, the thrill of crazy encounters, and the anticipation of untold stories echoing through dormitory corridors mixed with laughter, love and shared passion.
Hostels, my friends, aren’t just a place to stay; they’re portals to a world where the journey is as vibrant as the destination. Close this chapter and cautiously choose your next backpacker accommodation.
Stay curious, keep your backpack light, your spirits high, and your laughter contagious until next time…
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
