For budget-conscious travelers, hostels are usually one of the best options for overnight accommodations. Significantly cheaper than a hotel or AirBnB, hostels allow you to share rooms with other travelers to be able to afford to go someplace you may not otherwise be able to afford.
Lots of articles on the internet will tell you how to “survive” staying in a hostel. But the reality is hostels aren’t just a nightmare you need to hold your breath to get through. In fact, if you have the right attitude, it can be a great experience. So in the spirit of positivity, here are some tips for how to thrive in a hostel.
Bring a Lock
The reality is that hostels involve sharing rooms with complete strangers, which means safety is a concern. The good thing is most hostels come with lockers, so you can stow away your valuables. Some let you use a code, but others require you to bring your own lock, so make sure you have one on hand if you book a stay at a hostel.
Eat Breakfast
If your hostel has free breakfast, take advantage of it! This will be one of your only opportunities to get in a free meal for the day before you’re off on the town. Plus, this is a great opportunity to meet people. Speaking of which…
Talk to People
The best part of hostels is they bring you in contact with other travelers. Use this as an opportunity to get to know people. Whether you find somebody to explore with or simply a person who can give you firsthand tips about your next destination, fellow travelers are the best source of information.