Traveling By Hostel: 10 Pros & Cons

To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries – Aldous Huxley

To hostel or not to hostel? Throughout my various travels during my exchange experience, I have had the opportunity to stay in many different hostels (read: I had no other choice due to budget constraints).

I now feel fairly confident in identifying some of the best parts of the hostel experience (and some of the worst). For anyone considering traveling by hostel, here is a quick PRO/CON overview for you to check out so that you know what you’re getting yourself into!

1. PRO: Inexpensive
Hostels are probably the cheapest accommodations you can find – in several places I paid less than $10/ a night! This is ideal for the budget-traveler such as myself. Additionally, many hostels offer inexpensive food and drink options. For me, this is one of the best benefits; if you spend less money on accommodation and certain meals (such as breakfast), you have more money to spend sightseeing!

2. CON: Sleeping Conditions 
If, like me, you opt for the less expensive group rooms (some sleep up to 20 people), prepare yourself. Hostel rooms are host to bad snorers galore as well as people with different sleep habits (getting up too early or staying up too late). Additionally, a room filled with the body heat of many people can tend to get pretty stuffy. Prep yourself with a sleep playlist (I had a thunderstorm playlist ready for nights with heavy snorers), earplugs and a sleep mask.

3. PRO: Best Locations in the City
I don’t know how they do it but if you’re staying in a hostel, chances are you’re in a far superior location than some of the more posh hotels you might otherwise stay in. I have been able to find multiple hostel options in the beating heart of every city. This is by far one of the best benefits of staying in a hostel.

4. CON: Potentially Subpar Facilities 
Not all hostels are created equal. Expect to encounter creaky beds, dirty showers, dirty floors, weird smells and so much more. What you see in the picture is not always what you get and sometimes being in a hostel just means having a place to sleep that night.

5. PRO: Meeting Cool People 
Hostels host an eclectic range of people from around the world. You’ll meet people on weekend trips, casual backpackers, and serious backpackers (you’ll know who they are) to name a few. Most people you’ll come across are more than happy to trade travel notes, tell you their life story, or even grab a beer with you. I love this aspect of hostels (and group rooms) – it opens you up to all sorts of new adventures!

6. CON: There are Creepy People Too
On the flip side, you can’t live life without meeting a few creepers and these also exist in the context of hostels. My advice? Travel with a friend, trust your instincts and book larger group rooms (that way there will be witnesses if you’re murdered).

7. PRO: Really Unique Hostels 
There are some really unique hostels out there that afford you the option of staying in a castle, prison, etc. Why book a hotel when you could spend the night in a centuries old castle?! Trying to be a princess here…

8. CON: Lack of Security 
While the buildings of the hostels I’ve stayed in have been very secure (key cards just to enter the building, key cards for hallways and rooms), once you’re in a group room, you’re fairly reliant on the goodness of the people staying in the room with you. While I’ve never experienced it, theft can be quite common. Be sure to bring a lock with you and to keep valuables on you.

9. PRO: Organized Group Activities 
Are you looking to meet new people when you travel? Hostels are great for that since most offer daily tours, pub crawls, etc. (as well as having their own bars). While I prefer to avoid tours and explore a city on my own, these activities are fairly unique to hostels and you’ll find like-minded people within a similar age demographic which is always a plus! It’s also a great way to connect with cool people you may run into in your hostel room.

10. CON: Less Standardized Info
Like I said previously, you never know what you’re going to get when you show up at a hostel. Despite now being able to book and find pictures online, hostels tend to ‘surprise’ (negatively) more than traditional hotels do so mentally prepare yourself.

A FEW FINAL TIPS for anyone looking to take the plunge!
Reliable Hostel Chains: Generator Hostels, Plus Hostels (ex. Berlin Plus, Prague Plus)
– Make an account and book through Hostelworld! They often offer deals and have the best selection of hostel offerings in one place. Best part is they show important details such as facilities, proximity to city, and reviews.
– I’ve used Hostelling International less than Hostelworld but it is very very reliable!
– READ THE REVIEWS! I’ve avoided many a sketchy hostel (that looks fine at first glance) by perusing reviews. Not only will this save you much travel angst but it will also afford you endless amusement.


**I am not sponsored or paid to promote any of these companies (I wish!) 
A special thanks to my friends Haley & Laura who contributed thoughts/suggestions to this list!

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