The Ultimate Hostel Guide is for anyone new to hostels or just looking for more information about budget accommodation options. This guide is for you if you are: -Planning your first hostel stay -Backpacking Europe -Studying abroad -Worried about your kid staying in hostels -Wondering WTF is a hostel because you’re an American This guide contains everything you need to know about hostelling. You’ll learn how hostels work, how to stay safe, how to be a good guest, what to pack, and how to meet people.

2. About this e-book
Hostels 101 is an e-book for first-time hostel-goers and those new
to hostelling. In this e-book, you’ll learn:
What is a hostel? How does it differ from
a hotel?
Are hostels right for you?
Which type of hostel should you book?
How can you stay safe while at a hostel?
What do you need to bring when staying
at a hostel?
How can you make friends at your hostel?
Hostels 101 was created by WeHostels, the travel company behind
the social, hostel-booking app of the same name. We made this
e-book to answer the most common questions we hear from first-
time hostellers. Hostels are our business,,so we know them well.
And, as backpackers ourselves, we have stayed in every kind of
hostel imaginable.
You can learn more about WeHostels on our website, WeHostels.com.
You can find the contents of this e-book online via this link
(http://blog.wehostels.com/hostel-guide).

3. About the Authors
Fred Perrota
jessie festa
Jessie Festa, a New York native, is
a world traveler always looking for a
new adventure. Some of her favorite
experiences on the road have been:
teaching English in Thailand, working
in an orphanage in Ghana, hiking her
way through South America, studying
in Australia and backpacking solo
through Europe. You can follow her
travels online at Jessie on a Journey
and Epicure & Culture.
Fred Perrotta is the director of
marketing at WeHostels and the
founder of Tortuga Backpacks.
He’s worked in India and Australia,
backpacked Eastern Europe and
visited over a dozen countries. His
favorite meal abroad was spicy beef
ramen in Tokyo.

4. Table of Contents
Hostels 101: What is a Hostel? ................
Dispelling Hostel Myths ..........................
Are Hostels Right For You? .....................
How to Stay Safe at a Hostel ....................
Which Type of Hostel is Right for You? ..
What to Pack for a Hostel .........................
Hostel Etiquette 101: How To Be A Good
Hostel Guest ..............................................
How to Make Hostel Friends ....................
Ready for Your Trip? ................................

5. Hostels 101: What is a Hostel?
When you’re traveling on a budget,
hostels are an excellent accommodation
choice. Not just affordable, they tend to be
more social and experiential than hotels,
with common areas, group activities and
shared living spaces. But not all hostels
are created equal.
To pick the best hostel for you, you need
to understand what a hostel is and what
to look for before you book.
they tend to be
more social and
experiential than hotels,
with common areas,
group activities and
shared living spaces.
“
Wombats City Hostel Budapest

6. What is a Hostel?
Myths about hostels or the
horror movie, Hostel, often
confuse people as to what a
hostel even is. We say: Picture
a college dorm.
You’ll have roommates and will
share spaces like the bathroom,
kitchen and common room.
The more social hostels can
also have bars and restaurants,
and sometimes even movie
theaters, rooftop lounges and
pools.
Most of all, hostels are a great
place to meet people.
Wombats Hostel

7. Hostels vs. Hotels
If you’ve only ever stayed in hotels, it is worth taking a closer look at the
differences between hotels and hostels.
Social
First, hostels are more social.
While in the lobby of a hotel,
guests tend to read the paper or
work on their laptops in peace
and quiet. Hostel common
spaces are livelier. Guests
share stories, watch television,
play guitar and plan upcoming
travel with new friends.
Privacy
Another major difference is privacy.
While you’ll be paying much less at a
hostel, you’ll sacrifice some privacy.
Most spaces are shared -- like bedrooms,
bathrooms, kitchens and lounges. If you
are planning to have some alone time, a
hostel is probably not the best choice.
But one way to get more privacy is by
trying to stay in single or double rooms,
smaller dorms or by splitting your stays
between hostels and hotels to get both
experiences.Price
Price is also a big difference.
Because hotels typically
provide luxurious amenities,
complete privacy and a polished
ambience, you pay a much
higher price. Even budget
hotels are more expensive
than hostels. Sharing a room
and bathrooms with others
lowers the price dramatically.
Toiletries
Hotels always include the “little hotel
bottles” amenities: soap, shampoo, and
lotion. These items are rarely offered in
hostels, so you’ll need to pack your own
toiletries. Check with your hostel to see
whether towels are provided for free, rent,
or not at all.

8. Activities
Both hotels and hostels usually have tour
desks, but hotels tend to act as a middleman
for tour companies while hostels offer their
own activities, put on by staff. Hostels often
offer experiences like city tours, comedy
nights, pub crawls and live music shows for
free or a small fee.
At check in, hostels give their guests a map,
detailing where to go and what to see in the
city. Because hostels tend to be run by locals
and backpackers who fell in love with the
city and didn’t want to leave, you’ll have city
experts available to you at all times.
Hans Megabutze

9. Sharing a Room with Strangers
Many first-time hostel-goers are concerned
about sharing a room with people they
don’t know.
Picture the college dorm scenario. You
didn’t know your roommate the first
day but you soon became friends (or at
least acquaintances who could talk over
breakfast). Hostels are similar. You will get
to know the people in your room, giving
you the opportunity to make new friends if
you want to. Hostel mates are an especially
valuable resource for solo travelers. You
can find a companion for sightseeing or
dinner.
Dorm sizes vary, so you can choose how
many people to share your room with.
Some hostel dorms have just two beds
while others have over 100. Most dorms
range from four to sixteen beds.
Hostel culture is social. Travelers staying
in budget accommodations are friendly
and enjoy interacting with their hostel
mates. Don’t be surprised if a complete
stranger invites you to go hiking or
clubbing. That’s just the personality of
the hostel traveler.
If you want to socialize with other
travelers but still want your own room for
sleeping, book a single or double room.
Private rooms are more expensive than
dorms but are still cheaper than a hotel.
Mark Hill Photography

10. Modern Hostels
Hostels lack the polish and grandeur of a
hotel, but modern hostels are making the
experience more luxurious. Along with
offering private rooms, rooftop lounges
and hot tubs, some boutique hostels
showcase some of the following: stylish
interiors, saunas, fitness centers, scenic
balconies, private rainshowers, orthopedic
foam mattresses, lavish toiletries, Turkish
baths, swimming pools and more.
While they aren’t the norm, you can find
luxury hostels. For example, Plus Hostel
in Florence offers indoor and outdoor
swimming pools, a Turkish bath, a steam
room, a sauna, a fitness room and a scenic
rooftopterrace.EcoResortChiangMaiisso
luxurious they sometimes host weddings,
offering an in-ground pool surrounded by
palm trees, private and small dorms, free
Wi-Fi, a movie theater, a gym, a library,
cooking classes and the option to dine on
an outdoor patio immersed in lush jungle.
PLUS Florence
PLUS Florence
Eco Resort Chiang Mai
Eco Resort Chiang Mai

11. What To Look For When Booking
Amenities
When choosing a hostel, look for the following amenities:
• Hot Water
• Air Conditioning
• Lockers
• Luggage Storage
• Towels
• Linens
• Breakfast
• 24-Hour Reception
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Computer Room/Wi-Fi
• Kitchen
• Tour Desk
• Organized Activities
• Bar/Club
• Restaurant
• Game Room
• Airport/Train Station Pickup
• Laundry Service
• Book Exchange
• DVDs
• Security Guard
You may have to pay a fee for certain amenities. But
others are offered for free. Offerings like lockers,
linens, towels, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and breakfast
are often complimentary. It is best to think about the
facilities and amenities important to you and book a
hostel that offers them.

12. Location
If possible, book a hostel in a central
location close to attractions and public
transportation. A hostel that’s dirt cheap
but a taxi ride away from the sights won’t
save you money in the long run.
Safety
Safety is a major concern when staying at
hostels. Nothing is more important when
traveling. Sharing a room can be great
for making friends but it also adds some
worry about keeping your belongings
secure. Always make sure your hostel
offers lockers.
Hostels often offer women-only dorms to
relieve any anxieties a female traveler may
have about sharing a room with men. In
fact, while it’s not the norm, some hostels
are women-only.
Twenty-four-hour reception usually adds
more security — as does a security guard
and a password-protected front door.

13. Curfews
Curfews were once the norm for hostels. You were
required to be back at a certain time or you would be
locked out. While not common anymore, some hostels
still have curfews. Most travelers find them to be an
inconvenience as you may get held up past curfew or
want to stay out late exploring the nightlife. Check
with your hostel to see if it enforces a curfew.
Reviews
Visitingthehostel’swebsitecangiveyouinsightintowhatisoffered,but
you’ll get a snapshot into the real story by reading reviews. Remember,
the photos on the hostel’s website are edited. Reading online reviews
will allow you to gauge if that “centrally-located” hostel is actually
near the sites and if the “immaculate rooms” are as clean as claimed.
Now you know the basics about hostels. You can differentiate them
from hotels and know
what to look for when
choosing a hostel.
Next, let’s explore
some common myths
about hostels to learn
what is and isn’t true.

14. Dispelling Hostel Myths
Hostels get a bad rap. Whether because of a bad experience, fear of the
unknown, or the horror movie, many false rumors about hostels have
spread.
It is claimed that hostels are dirty, unsafe, and full of loud, drunken
teenagers. Those hostels are a minority and easily avoided if you read
reviews before booking.
Read on to find out what else you’ve heard about hostels is a myth.

15. Hostels Are Unsafe
Like most things in life, each hostel is different. Some
hostels take more safety precautions than others.
Most hostels do everything in their power to keep
guests safe by providing maps and lockers, code-
locking the front entrance or rooms, giving guests
individual room keys, having a 24/7 receptionist and
not allowing outside visitors into the hostel.
Check your hostel’s website and read reviews to see
exactly what it offers and how well its management
follows through on its promises.
Graham Walton

16. Hostels Are Dirty
Hostels are cleaned on a daily basis.
Though, you are more likely to find a mess
of other people’s belongings since you’re
sharing common spaces with them.
Hostels have a relaxed, lived-in feel
different from the polished ambiance
of most hotels. Unlike hotels, they have
personality. Staying at a hostel feels like
hanging out in a friend’s living room.
Hostels Have Bedbugs
Nothing would ruin a hostel’s reputation
like bedbugs. As with hotels, hostels
wash their linens between every guest.
To prevent bedbug infestations, many
hostels do not allow outside sleeping
bags.
Katie Brady

17. Hostels Are Rowdy
Party hostels do exist. Although, “rowdy”
behaviorisusuallykepttothebar.However,
many hostels have a low-key vibe.
If you’re worried about staying somewhere
loud and rambunctious, choose a small
hostelwithoutanonsitecluborbarinstead,
as these tend to be more relaxed properties.
Larger hostels attract more partiers. Lastly,
read reviews to get a feel for a hostel’s style
and guests.
Backpackers Like to Drink and Smoke All Day
Backpackershavebeenunfairlystereotypedaspartiersbecausealoudandembarrassing
minority likes to get wasted. But the truth is that backpackers, like any other travelers,
want to explore the city, see the sites and sometimes just relax. Many hostels are very
quiet during the day as people are either napping or sightseeing.
You Must Be A Student To Stay In A Hostel
Hostels began as student accommodations, but they have evolved over time to be an
affordable, safe and social haven for travelers of all ages. You can book a hostel even if
you’ve never stepped foot in a classroom. Having a student ID could get you a discount.
Barnacles Budget Accommodation

18. Hostels are Only for Poor People
Hostels are for anyone — rich or poor — who wants a budget-
friendly, social place to stay. Long-term travelers are the main
clientele in hostels as being on the road for weeks on end can be
expensive. Hostels are a great way to save money while traveling.
You can put the money you save on accommodations toward
activities, food, flights and gifts.
You Have to Share a Room in a Hostel
Shared dorms are the norm, but
hostels offer private rooms too.
Although more expensive than
dorms, private rooms are still
cheaper than hotel rooms.
When booking a hostel, search
for private singles or doubles,
preferably with an en suite
bathroom.
Cocomama Hostel
Christol Hostel Safestay London

19. Hostels Have Nothing
To Offer
One of the major selling points of hostels
is free and cheap entertainment. Game
rooms, city tours, pub crawls, comedy
nights, live music and happy hour specials
are often available.
Hostel staffers are backpackers or social
locals who enjoy planning outings and
sightseeing tours for guests. These
activities are a great time to make friends.
Hostels Have
No Amenities
Hostels are full of worthwhile amenities,
say some. In fact, some hostels offer
more free and inexpensive amenities than
hotels: WiFi, buffet breakfasts, lockers, city
tours, concerts, pub crawls, game rooms,
DVD libraries, restaurants, bars and book
exchanges are all common.
High-end hostels have more luxurious
offerings, like hot tubs, pools, fitness
centers and rooftop lounges.
Hostels Have No
Concierge Service
Hostels don’t have dedicated concierges,
buttheydohavetourdesks.Hostelstaffers
are passionate locals or backpackers
who loved the city so much they decided
to stay. They will happily help you plan
your stay.
Hotels promote tour companies, but
hostel workers give more personal
recommendations, providing you with a
way to have a more authentic experience
in a city.
Hopefully this chapter has dispelled
some of the myths you may have heard
about hostels. In the next chapter, we
pose 6 questions to determine if hostels
are right for you.

20. Are Hostels Right For You?
Hostelsofferbudget-friendly,socialaccommodations.Butarethey
right for you? Before booking, answer the following questions.
If you answer yes to any of the questions, you’re an ideal hosteller.
Are You Traveling on a Budget?
Are You on a Long Trip?
Are Tou Traveling Solo?
Do You Enjoy Spending Time in Groups?
Do You Want to Feel at Home?
Do You Like Getting to Know Locals?
If you answered yes to any of the questions
above, you might enjoy staying at a hostel.

21. Safety is the #1 concern of hostel
rookies. Hostels aren’t less safe
than hotels, but they do require a
few extra precautions.
You’ll be sharing living space with
strangers. So choose the right
hostel, pack with safety in mind,
and use common sense during
your stay.
How to Stay Safe at a Hostel
Nicole C. Engard

22. WhattoLookforWhen
Choosing a Hostel
Read Reviews
Research your hostel before
booking.
Both hostels and hotels make less-than-accurate claims
on their websites. Guest reviews will be more honest.
If the hostel claims to be “centrally-located” but online
reviewers say it’s in a bad area, trust the reviews. They
will give you a great window into the real story about
a hostel.
Stay at a Centrally-
Located Hostel
Choose a Hostel
with Security
Choose a hostel with a 24/7 reception desk,
security guard, or code-locked front door.
A 24/7 reception desk doesn’t just mean
you can check in at any time. It also means
someone is always watching the door.
A security guard or code-locked front door
also adds to safety but are less common
than 24/7 reception.
Make location, not price, your first
priority when booking. A dirt cheap
hostel in a seedy location isn’t worth
the savings.
You’llsavemoneybystayinginacentral
location by not needing to rely on taxis
to visit sites or to get around the city.

23. Upgrade to Smaller Dorms
Logically, the less people in your dorm, the less people you need
to worry about stealing your stuff. You’ll also be able to get to
know each of your roommates better in a 4-person dorm than
one with 12 or 20 people.
When an item goes missing in a smaller dorm, the list of suspects
is shorter. The small difference in price is worth the extra security.
Women, Consider Female-Only Dorms
Many hostels offer women-only dorms. They can reduce anxieties
of female travelers from sharing a bedroom with guys they don’t
know. Mixed dorms aren’t necessarily less safe, but a women-
only dorm can give females more privacy and keep them out of
any uncomfortable situations.
Peretz PartenskyYHA Auckland International

24. WhattoPack
Bring A Lock
Before booking a hostel, make sure it has
lockers. You can store your belonging there
for free or sometimes for a small fee.
Bring your own lock so you don’t have to
rent one from the hostel. A combination
lock works well, because you won’t need
to worry about keeping track of a key.
Don’t Bring Anything Irreplaceable
This advice is wise whether you’re staying in a budget hostel or a luxury hotel. If you
can’t bear to lose something — your grandmother’s pearls, a Rolex, a wedding ring —
don’t bring it. You’ll have less to worry about knowing your valuables are safe at home.
Items like cameras and passports can be staples for your trip. Make sure to keep these
secure or hidden, even when you’re in your hostel. Don’t tempt any would-be thieves.
foeoc kannilc sudarshan vijayaraghavan
hardwareelf
See-ming Lee

25. Don’t Carry Too Much Cash
While you can easily cancel a stolen credit card or debit card, you’ll never get stolen
cash back. Remember, the less cash you carry, the less can be stolen. Any cash you do
carry should be kept concealed in a locker or a hidden pocket.
Instead of carrying lots of cash, make smaller, more frequent withdrawals from the ATM.
If possible, use a debit card without foreign ATM fees to avoid the costs associated
with frequent withdrawals.
Make Copies Of
Important Documents
Before leaving, make two sets of copies
of your passport, driver’s license, credit
and debit cards, birth certificate and any
important travel documents. Leave one set
of copies at home with your family and
keep the other with you in a safe place
apart from the originals. Replacing these
documents will be much easier if you have
the copies.
Keep Credit On Your
Phone
If you’re bringing a phone, make sure
it has credit and is charged, so you
can make emergency calls if needed.
Find out the numbers of the local
authorities and store them in your
phone.
epSos .deJ Aaron Farr Warren Rohner

26. After You Check In
Ask For A Detailed Map
Usually, the first thing you get when you walk into a hostel is a
map. You can carry the map with you so you don’t wander into
any sketchy areas. Instead of just taking the map as is, ask the
front desk to circle the areas safe to explore and to put an “x”
through the neighborhoods to avoid.
Carry The Hostel’s Contact Info
Carry the business card or brochure of your hostel with you at all
times. If you’re ever lost or feeling unsafe, hail a taxi and hand
the driver the address. Even if you don’t speak the language, you
can always get back to your hostel.
Make Friends But Stay Alert
You and your roommates are all in the same boat in terms of
lack of privacy and wanting to stay safe. Generally, hostel-
goers are respectful of others’ space and belongings but they
are still strangers. You should be social and enjoy sightseeing
and nights out together, but there is no need to give away too
much information. Nobody needs to know how much cash you’re
carrying or that you brought your iPad.
Don’t ask anyone to watch your purse or camera when you go to
the restroom. Instead, bring it with you or lock it up.

27. Make Sure Someone
Knows Where You Are
Always keep your family and friends updated on your
whereabouts, including the name of the hostel where
you are staying. While you may feel the need to run with
the wind and be a free soul, do so without jeopardizing
your safety and let your family know where you are.
Don’t Feel Bad
About Relocating
If you feel uncomfortable in a certain hostel, move. If
something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Speak Up
If you see something illegal or suspicious, tell a hostel
employee. Don’t second-guess yourself thinking you’re
overreacting. Speaking up ensures everyone’s safety.
The hostel owner will appreciate your coming forward
so he/she can make the space as safe as possible for
guests.
Staying safe at a hostel takes a bit of common sense
and some planning. If you choose a highly-rated hostel
and lock up your stuff, you’ll avoid 99% of all potential
problems. Don’t let a few rumors or a silly horror movie
deter you from a fun, low-cost place to stay.

28. Which Type of Hostel
is Right for You?
Not all hostels are created equal. Hostels
come in all different shapes and sizes and
cater to different people.
Some hostels cater to luxury travelers
and flashpackers while others are geared
toward partygoers. Moreover, there are
“green” hostels, family-friendly hostels,
historic hostels, hostels with happening
rooftop scenes and others.
For the complete guide to navigating the
different hostel types, read on.
Timothy Tolle

29. Luxury Hostels
Luxury hostels offer amenities like individual rooms,
rooftop pools, fitness centers, hot tubs, spas, flat-
screen TVs and sleek designs rivaling even the most
stylish hotels.
For example, Eco Resort Chiang Mai is an upscale
hostel in Thailand with a contemporary Thai design,
an oversized, in-ground pool surrounded by glistening
palms, free WiFi, cooking classes, outdoor art, a gym,
movie theater, library, tour bookings and private and
small-dormrooms.Theyevenofferweddingpackages.
The Siem Reap Hostel in Cambodia offers both
private rooms and dorms and has a poolside bar
and restaurant, well-manicured gardens, free WiFi,
complimentary airport pickup, a game room, a tour
desk, daily happy hours, a $2 gourmet all-you-can-
eat breakfast and on-site spa offering sumptuous
treatments for $35 or less. Not bad!
Eco Resort Chiang Mai

30. Party Hostels
These properties feature bars,
nightclubs, a full social calendar, no
curfew and an energetic atmosphere.
So if you want to party on, pick one
of these hostels.
The Loki Hostel in Cuzco, Peru is a
legendary party hostel. Loki’s South
American properties are home to
some of the wildest parties on the
continent. The Cuzco property is
notorious for hosting lively flip cup
and beer pong tournaments as well
as parties with themes like “Anything
But Clothes” and “Gender Bender.”
Other world-renowned party hostels
include Kabul in Barcelona, Spain;
Balmer’s in Interlaken, Switzerland;
Millhouse Hostel in Buenos Aires,
Argentina; Flying Pig Downtown in
Amsterdam, Netherlands; The Rising
Cock Hostel in Lagos, Portugal; and
Tekweni Backpackers in Durban,
South Africa.
Flying Pig

31. Chill Hostels
Not all hostels are for partygoers. Some hostels have
a very low-key, chill vibe.
Unlike party hostels, these properties typically do not
serve alcohol but instead promote socializing through
a common room, TV room and kitchen. The common
rooms have comfy couches and chairs that promote
lounging, as well as other relaxing activities like video
games and a book exchange.
At Hostel of the Sun in Naples, Italy, you’ll always find
backpackers snuggled up on the couch or melting
into the plump beanbag chairs, playing Nintendo Wii
and watching the latest movies. AlterNative Hostels
in Cuenca, Ecuador features comfortable furniture, a
relaxing balcony, a DVD library and calming colors to
set the mood.
Hostel of the Sun

32. Family-Friendly Hostels
Although hostels started out as student
accommodations, many hostels are
designed for families. These hostels
typically offer rooms large enough for
groups with en suite bathrooms and self-
catering kitchens as well as game and TV
rooms for kids to enjoy.
The Villa Saint Exupéry Gardens in Nice,
France offers private, en suite rooms, onsite
eateries, babysitting services and activities
for the whole family like horseback riding,
sailing, hiking, yoga and canyoning. Nadi
Bay Resort in Fiji offers family apartments,
a movie theater, day spa, two pools and
island tours that cater to all ages.
Villa Saint Exupéry

33. Beach Hostels
Just like there are beachfront hotels, there
are also beachfront hostels located right
on the water.
In Kokrobite, Ghana, you can stay at Big
Milly’s Backyard, a laid-back, bamboo
hostel on the beach with waterfront rooms,
restaurants, bars and activities. Guests
can browse crafts from local artisans, learn
how to play the drums and take in a cultural
dance and fire show on the weekends. In
Sydney, Australia, stay at Coogee Beach
House, located only 30 meters from Coogee
Beach. And at Geko Hostel in Paraty, Brazil,
enjoy beach access and complimentary
breakfast in the sand.
Geko Hostel

34. Eco Hostels
Hostels aren’t just about socializing and
saving money. Many hostels are committed
to helping the environment and community
through green practices and outreach
programs.
The Backpack in Cape Town, South Africa,
is not only luxurious but also holds a Fair
Trade in Tourism trademark. The hostel
uses biodegradable cleaning products,
recycles food waste to feed their worm
farms, has a waterwise garden and runs
a color-coded recycling program. It also
supports local craftsmen with a community
shop.
ThePortlandHawthorneHostelinPortland,
Oregon is another great eco-hostel,
offering cheap bike rentals, a recycling and
composting program and self-sustaining
“ecoroof” that soaks up stormwater and
returns it to a natural water cycle. Bonus:
Guests arriving by bicycle get a $5 per
night discount.
Eco Resort Chiang Mai

35. Quirky Hostels
Then there are those hostels
that are just unusual. These
hostels feature unique designs
and one-of-a-kind experiences
worth the trip alone.
In Stockholm, Sweden, Jumbo
Stay allows backpackers to get
some shuteye in an airplane
equipped with flat screen TVs
and WiFi. Santos Express Train
Lodge in Santos Beach, South
Africa, is a train-style hostel.
Other unusual hostels around
the world include The Das
Park Hotel drainpipe hostel in
Ottensheim, Austria and the
Auberge Griffon Aventure in
Quebec, Canada, where you
can sleep in a charming old
fishing boat.
Jumbo Stay

36. How to Pack for a Hostel
Light.
The less you bring, the less you’ll have to
worry about. A few strategic items will be
very beneficial without taking up much
space.
Pack the right things, not everything.
What to Pack
for a Hostel
Packing for a hostel is different than
packing for a hotel. You’ll need a few extras
you wouldn’t bring were you staying at
another type of accommodation.
If you’re planning your first stay at a hostel
or forgot a few things during your last one,
read on for a checklist of what to pack to
make your stay comfortable.
Steven Coutts

37. Passport:You can’t have too many reminders.
Many hostels require you to show your passport at
check in so make sure you can reach it easily.
Toiletries: Most of the hotel amenities
missing from a hostel are from the bathroom. Very
few hostels provide toiletries like soap, shampoo, and
lotions. Make sure to bring your own.
If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, you
can often buy toiletries at your destination cheaper
than you can at home. Buying toiletries after you
arrive will save you the hassle of packing carry-on-
sized liquids and trying to get them through airport
security.
Travel towel: Hostels are split between
offering towels for free (like a hotel), providing them for
a fee, and not having them at all. Check your hostel’s
policy before you leave.
Ifyou’llbestayingatmultiplehostels,considerbringing
a small travel towel. I recommend a microfiber towel
that will dry quickly and can fold up very compactly.
You can find travel towels on Amazon or at REI.
Sean MacEntee
drive by shooter
Travel Towel

38. Padlock: Staying in dorms doesn’t
provide much security. Most hostels offer
private lockers so that you can store your
stuff while you’re exploring a city. Make
sure to check your hostel’s list of amenities
to confirm this.
You can rent a lock but will need to leave a
deposit and pay a daily rental fee.
Buying your own lock will pay for itself
within a week. To avoid the extra weight,
you can opt for a small, TSA-approved
padlock. Buy a combination, not keyed,
lock. Small keys are too easy to lose but
don’t forget your combination.
Eyemask and earplugs:
Even if you have very quiet hostel mates,
sleep aids can be helpful in a dorm,
especially if you go to bed early. An
eyemask and a set of earplugs can help
you sleep when someone turns the lights
on and stumbles in loudly at 5 a.m.
Shower shoes: Whether you
call them thongs or flip flops, they’re
useful at keeping your feet clean in the
shower. They’re also lightweight and
easy to pack.
Power converter
and power strip: Each
region has a different style of plugs and
electric voltage. Do your research before
you leave.
If you’re only traveling to one country
or within a region with the same style
of plugs, you can buy a simple adapter
for your electronics. For longer, multi-
country trips, opt for a universal plug
adapter that will work anywhere.
Rather than buying a converter for each
of your gadgets, you can buy one and
pair it with a small power strip like the
Belkin Mini Surge Protector.
Mini Surge Protectorsputnik erules123 David Goehring

39. Unlocked smartphone:
Mobile carriers’ international fees are still
prohibitive. Use an unlocked smartphone
and buy local SIM cards as you travel.
Most importantly, you can use your
smartphone on your hostel’s WiFi network.
Hostels are way ahead of hotels in Internet
connectivity. Nearly every hostel provides
free WiFi. Bringing your own smartphone
or tablet is more convenient than waiting
to use one of the hostel’s (usually ancient)
computers.
Large hostels’ WiFi connections are slow and spotty when overloaded. If
you need to get important work done or to have a Skype call that won’t be
dropped, do it during the day when most guests are out of the hostel. It is
also often possible to pay a few dollars to use an expensive hotel’s WiFi if
you are in a country or area with extremely poor Internet download rates.
Alpha

40. WhatNottoPack
for a Hostel
Valuables: Don’t make
yourself a target for theft. Leave
your jewelry, wads of cash, and
priceless keepsakes at home.
You’ll still enjoy your trip without
them. You’ll travel lighter, both
physically and mentally, because
you won’t have to carry or worry
about them.
Electronics:Keep your
electronics to a minimum. They
take up space, attract thieves,
and distract you from your trip.
A smartphone can replace a
laptop, iPod, point-and-shoot
camera, and e-reader. An extra
battery for your phone is more
useful than another device.
Tony McNeill
Corey Marshall
George Rex

41. Sink stopper and detergent:
If you’re on an extended trip, you will need
to do laundry either at your hostel or a nearby
laundromat. Hand washing in a hostel sink is a
great stopgap solution that allows you to pack
lighter. You don’t need a dozen t-shirts if you can
wash yours weekly.
Detergent is easy to find anywhere so don’t pack
and carry it. Sink stoppers are unnecessary for
hand washing clothes. If you bring any soap, make
it Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap. This organic, fair
trade soap can be used as body wash, detergent,
and even toothpaste – and you only need a few
drops for most jobs. When packing light for
hostel traveling, try to make everything you bring
multipurpose.
Sleep sack: Sleep sacks are nice but
unnecessary. If you’re worried about cleanliness,
read hostel reviews to make sure you don’t stay
anywheregross.Ifyou’recold,askforextrasheets.
Some hostels even forbid outside linens because
of hygiene issues (read: bedbugs).
Clean Wal-Mart
Eli Duke
Travel Sheet

42. In a hotel, having your own room means you can do as you
please. A hostel’s shared living spaces mean you’ll need to
be respectful of your roommates.
Follow the hostel etiquette guidelines in this chapter to be
everyone’s favorite guest.
HowToBeAGoodHostelGuest
morguefile

43. Respect Personal Space
You’re sharing a dorm with other people. Your
space is not the entire room. Your bed and locker
are your personal spaces, so keep your belongings
on, in or near them.
You can’t be a slob at a hostel. Without daily maid
service, you must clean up after yourself. Keep
your stuff in your backpack, locker or suitcase.
Limit In-Room Activities
Playing guitar, drinking games, personal phone
calls. Unless your roommates are joining you, these
are not room activities in a hostel. There is always
the common room if your roommates become an
issue.
Only Eat What’s Yours
Hostels often have a community kitchen where you
can store food that you’ve labeled with your name
and check out date. Only eat your food or the food
from the community cupboard (it will be labeled as
so).
Your hostel mate’s Brie cheese or fresh fruit salad
may look good, but go buy your own.

44. Keep Common Spaces Tidy
Nobody wants to see your dirty underwear
or clean up your dinner plates. If you cook a
meal in the kitchen, wash your dishes and
any pots and pans you used.
When you take a shower, clean up your dirty
clothes as well as any hair, gunk or other
unpleasantness. Which leads to…
Wash Up
You may feel great about the money you
save on laundry by not washing your clothes
but your roommates will surely not. You’re
sharing a room. Other people have to smell
you.
And bathe and wash your clothes, especially
if you want to make friends.
Keep Your Shower Short
You’re sharing a shower with other people
who want to use it. While a hot, 45-minute
shower in the morning may be nice for you,
it’s inconvenient for everyone else wanting
to start the day.
Respect Sleep
Schedules
Some people are party animals who
like to stay out late. Others live by the
mantra “early to bed, early to rise.”
You don’t have to change your sleeping
patterns. Just be mindful that not
everyone’s are the same as yours.
If you enjoy staying out late, leave
your pajamas and toiletries out on the
bed before you go out, so you’re not
rustling around in your bag at 3 a.m.
Most importantly, don’t throw on the
light switch and wake up everyone.
Instead, carry a small flashlight with
you or download a flashlight app on
your smartphone.
Early risers can be guilty of similar
problems. If half the room is still
sleeping, don’t throw open the curtains
and put on your morning music. Be
respectful of others’ schedules.

45. Pack the Night Before
When you’re on the road, you will undoubtedly need
to leave at 5 a.m. some mornings. Instead of packing
up then and waking your roommates, get everything
together the night before. You can grab your bags and
hit the road without disturbing anyone in the morning.
Be Social
Meeting other travelers is part of the hostel experience.
Youdon’thavetospend24/7talkingtoyourroommates,
but being friendly with the staff and other backpackers
is part of being a good hostel guest.
Thinkofahostelasacommunity.Thelivingexperience
is better if everyone gets to know each other. Once
you do, you’ll also be more comfortable at the hostel.
The Bottom Line
Clean up after yourself, don’t wake people up, and get
to know your hostel mates. If you do those 3 things,
your roommates will love you and the hostel will beg
you to come back.
Being social is an important part of being a good
guest. In the next chapter, we’ll discuss how to make
friends at your hostel

46. Hostels are great places to stay if you want to meet new people. The shared space of
a hostel creates a friendly culture where anyone can talk to anyone else. Striking up a
conversation over breakfast or inviting a stranger for a beer is totally normal.
Whether you’re traveling solo or just looking to meet new people, here’s how to make
friends at a hostel.
How to Make Hostel Friends
Barnacles Budget Accommodation

47. Stay at a Small Hostel
Staying at a smaller hostel sounds
counterintuitive. Why stay somewhere
with thirty beds when you can stay at a
giant hostel with hundreds of beds and
people?
Larger accommodations are more
anonymous. With hundreds of people
coming and going, you may never see
anyone twice. At a small hostel, you’ll
bump into the same people repeatedly and
naturally get to know them.
Stay in a Dorm
A dorm ensures you are interacting with
people constantly, not hidden away in a
private room. You’ll make small talk with
your roommates and become friendly after
a few conversations.
Hostels are like college dorms. Your
roommates become the people you eat
meals and go bar hopping with.
Ari Helminen
Barnacles Budget Accommodation

48. Don’t Sleep
Through Breakfast
Breakfast is a great time to make
travel friends and to get ideas
about things to do around the city.
Guests choose food from a buffet
then dine together at communal
tables.You’llfallintoconversations
about the food, where someone
went out last night or what people
are doing that day.
Use the Kitchen
Travelers can save money by
making their own meals in the
hostel kitchen.
Everyone can chip in for a big
meal and enjoy a community
dinner, a common practice in
hostels. Even if you cook your
own meal, eating with the group
makes starting a conversation
and making new friends easy.
Share Your Stuff
Having something to offer is a great
conversation starter.
If you’re making spaghetti bolognese for
dinner make extra and ask everyone else
if they’d like some. Instead of buying wine
just for yourself, offer to share the bottle.
Giving is an easy way to win over your
hostel mates
TAke Part in Hostel-
Organized Activities
Hostels organize free and cheap activities
to entertain guests and introduce them
to the city. Walking tours, concerts, pub
crawls, happy hours, pizza-making classes
and comedy shows are just some of the
events put on by hostels.
Guests attend these events to save money,
enjoy themselves and meet other people,
so go ahead and do the same.

49. Organize Your
Own Outing
Don’t like the hostel’s itinerary? Organize
an outing yourself. Post a note on the
community hostel board (usually in the
lobby) inviting other guests out to dinner,
to go for a hike or to rent a car and drive
somewhere for the weekend.
Use word of mouth to get your invitation
out. Having a planned activity is a great
reason to talk to people.
Mingle With the Staff
Hostel staffers are often locals
themselves or backpackers who fell in
love with the city and didn’t want to
leave. They’re a wealth of information
and enjoy showing hostel guests
around.
Talk to the staff and ask where they
usually go for dinner or to hear some
music. Then ask them if they’d like to
join you at one of these venues.
Sherry Ezhuthachan

50. Jump in the Conversation
Don’t be afraid to jump into others’ conversations. If you hear
people talking about the Vatican and you just visited yesterday,
or how they’re heading to Barcelona tomorrow and you are
too, say something.
Socializingwithstrangersispartofthehostelculture,sobutting
into a conversation isn’t considered rude, it’s welcomed.
Ask Questions
People love talking about themselves and their travels. Asking
others about their trip or for recommendations is sure to start a
conversation.Fromthere,youcaninquireabouttheirupcoming
plans and try to coordinate some sightseeing.
La Pierre Roule

51. Ready for Your Trip?
By now, you should know enough to confidently book your next (or first)
hostel stay. If you have any questions, email us at
support@wehostels.com.
When you’re ready to search for a hostel, download the WeHostels app.
Happy Travels,
The WeHostels Team