Has anyone ever stayed in a hostel?

How was the experience is the privacy better than it seem? Is it worth giving uo your own space to save the money and for the closer social interaction

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reflectingmonkey · 51-55, M

I've traveled a lot and I've stayed in incredible hotels and also the most modest 5 dollar a day hotels in asia but usually I stay in backpacker hostels. the experience is not even comparable, if you're like going to Thailand for the first time the worst thing you can do is go in a weston hotel or something, completely boring and you don't meet anyone. hostels often have closed rooms with bathroom but also offer more simple acomodations like dormitory. but its awesome, you meet the nices people from all over the world. the best books are lonely planet travel books. for anywhere in the world there is a lonely planet book that lists all the best hostels and the fun things to do in every city that has tourism. sorry for the long message, I get excited just thinking about travelling .

SomeMichGuy · M

I did long ago. You def have to be aware of you stuff, but you might try reviews from, say, the Let's Go series of books to get an idea of specific hostels where you are going.

It IS usually cheap. You might have to join an international youth hostel org & get their card/id.

Be smart, but enjoy.

Toofargone · 26-30, F

@SomeMichGuy that's really good advice i was wondering about my stuff. When i go to places like miami or las vegas I bring nicer clothes and the little bit of expensive jewelry i have and i was wondering if there are safes or lockups i can keep stuff i don't want stolen or if.i need to be a bit more beach bum like this time and not have anything I'll have to worry too much about getting stolen. It might make it hard to follow certain dress codes though

SomeMichGuy · M

@Toofargone I think most *now* have lockers, but def check it out beforehand.

If so, you might need your own lock; flat brass ones with keys are likely less bulky & ppl can't learn your code with their keen eyes. Otherwise you might need coins or tokens you get at the desk.

If you are concerned, you might be able to use a locker at a transit hub/center or Y.

Being safe means that your stuff is also secure.

A friend on the journey might not be a bad addition for more personal safety, if you can find someone with whom you can travel.

meggie · F

Only in England at the YHA where you can often get a single or double room cheaply. I've enjoyed my stays there, and my boyfriend, who has never stayed in one before now enjoys them. I wouldn't sleep in the dormitory rooms though. The rooms are clean and often there is free parking. Some of the buildings are very old, but in interesting remote locations.

jehova · 31-35, M

Yea sleep with your valuables just to be safe. I didnt have a problem. Bc the place i stayed in germany had individual lockers. But ppl there had had their phone vanish; other places. Just keep your head on a swivel and be nce. Overall i think it was better for meeting ppl lot of chess and cards was a tv room and a radio i think a desktop computer and s very basic kitchen. Simple but adequate. Much easier to afford also. Its a right of passsge in europe; Apparently.

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Toofargone · 26-30, F

@jshm2 i definitely don't think they are for me but i think of the social side is good enough i won't mind. I'm a big clean and comfort freak but i love music festivals. when i sit in bed and i'm comfortable, i think about how dirty they are but when I'm there I'm having a blast. I don't mind I'm getting sweaty and muddy a bit bloody sometimes lol. I alway go camping on the ground in a tent around thousands of strangers. I have to use porta potties and trailer showers with barely any pressure all week but i love it and keep coming back.

I think hostel will be the same way, if i meet a few friends and get to know people and spend the weekend going out with them i won't mind not having a private room and shared bathrooms it's almost seems like a college dorm. That story of yours on the other hand sounds pretty wild i would hate to think what that poor man went through i hope i can at least keep myself safe

Strongtea · 22-25, M

I’ve stayed in a few and they’ve all been great. I was nervous at first so I did book a private room which was nice, but I liked it better in the shared rooms.

DealingWithTrouble · 41-45, M

I stayed at a couple years ago.

They can be a bit cramped and you dont have a lot of privacy. The quality varies a lot, some have decent beds and some just have cots.

Its good if you want to socialize and meet people and dont mind less luxury and pricacy. Also its cheaper so thats a plus too.

These days i wouldnt do one just because I'd rather pay extra for privacy and a better bed.

Matt85 · 36-40, M

i stayed in one for 5 months
sometimes it felt like a little holiday
other times i just wanted to go home like the time someone threw up on the bathroom floor and didnt clean it up

also you might need a seperate space for all your stuff. my stuff stayed at my parents' place

eastcoastcycler · 61-69, M

I would not recommend a woman going alone. I stayed in them years ago traveling around Europe and some of the guys were too open about nudity and there would often be a random person coming into the room at night. I never felt unsafe but I kept my wallet and passport under my pillow while sleeping.

being · 36-40, F

I've had great and awful and indifferent days in hostels. I've stayed in many.
You need to try it out.

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being · 36-40, F

@Toofargone usually there are yes. You can send a message asking them.

Toofargone · 26-30, F

@being thank you so much you answered my questions and i think I'm comfortable trying it for a weekend

being · 36-40, F

@Toofargone come back to this post and write your experience, I'd love to read about it! Have a good time ☺

Lostpoet · M

I stayed in one for a while it was alright I only had one roommate and I got along with him.

BrandNewMan · M

Lol .. yeah, a hostel like place. It was 40 yrs ago before I got old and annoyed w the rest of the world. It was fun and necessary at 20, glad I've got other options now. ;-)

Toofargone · 26-30, F

@BrandNewMan other options are way better to have lol but inwas considering just canceling the flight because i don't want to spend a thousand dollars to spend a weekend somewhere I've been numerous times lol