Are people friendly in hostels?

People on a trip are usually more openminded, social and interested to new cultures, attitudes and people, so there is generaly a welcoming/feel good ambiance in hostels. Of course there are always some bad apples out there, but I believe they are a minority...



In 2026, hostels remain social hubs, though the "vibe" has evolved due to the prevalence of digital devices. While travelers are generally open and friendly, many now spend significant time on their phones, which can make spontaneous conversation feel slightly more difficult than in decades past. However, most people stay in hostels specifically for the social aspect, and you will find that "breaking the ice" is still quite easy in common areas like kitchens or bars. To find the friendliest environments, look for hostels that organize social events like free walking tours, communal dinners, or trivia nights. "Party hostels" tend to be the most extroverted, while "boutique" or "digital nomad" hostels offer a more professional but still communal atmosphere. Overall, if you are willing to put down your phone and initiate a conversation, you will find that the "spirit of the road" is still very much alive.

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While it certainly happens in some types of hostels, party hostels I am looking at you, in other hostels you could easily spend a week without talking to anyone! Making friends in a hostel is not hard or complicated, and it is the best way to meet people when travelling solo.

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Hostels are often shared accommodations, which means that women may be sharing a room with strangers or sleeping in a mixed-gender dorm. This can make some women feel vulnerable and unsafe, but with proper precautions and awareness, women can have a safe and enjoyable experience staying in hostels.

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Hostel: (n) A low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared bathrooms. In short, it's a place to sleep.

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After all, you'll be staying in a dorm surrounded by other people, where the need to make small talk can be uncomfortable and draining. But, as someone who craves their own personal space and the ability to withdraw from social situations, I'm here to tell you that introverts can absolutely enjoy hostel life!

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Hostels are often shared accommodations, which means that women may be sharing a room with strangers or sleeping in a mixed-gender dorm. This can make some women feel vulnerable and unsafe, but with proper precautions and awareness, women can have a safe and enjoyable experience staying in hostels.

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Truth: Hostels are generally open to people of all ages, and I've never been turned away for being beyond my 20s. Do I feel “old” when I stay at hostels? Sometimes, yes. But I've rarely been the only person over 40 staying at one, and I frequently meet travelers in their 50s and 60s who are staying in hostels.

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The typical hostel-goer tends to skew on the younger side. The average age is probably somewhere between 18 and 25, although you'll definitely find travelers much older than that as well! I have even witnessed full families with young children staying in hostels.

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An introvert's guide to making friends while travelling
  1. Get involved. The great thing about hostels? ...
  2. Try out the apps. So you're not up to approaching people in person yet – no dramas at all! ...
  3. Hang around the common areas. ...
  4. Take a deep breath...and just ask! ...
  5. Don't let no company stop you from exploring.


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Life at a hostel is one unique experience that can only be lived once. Moving into a PG comes with anxiety and hesitation. But all that fades away into the thin air as you get accustomed to that life and realise how enjoyable it is. Hostel life changes you and shapes you into a self-reliant individual.

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Many hostellers travel alone. In fact, hostels are the home of the solo-travellers of the world. Solo travel can be exhilarating, but even those who prefer traveling alone sometimes enjoy finding travel buddies.

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Most hotels can fit at least two guests in each room, and don't charge more for the second guest. So, solo travelers can often get a better deal at hostels that offer shared lodging or private rooms designed for just one guest. Some hostels even provide better quality than budget hotels.

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If you are wondering if you are too old to stay in a hostel, you are not. There's this funny thing I've noticed about aging: the older I get, the less I care what people think. If you had asked me if I would still stay in hostel dorm rooms in my thirties when I was 24, I probably would have told you I would not.

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Generally speaking, most hostels will welcome guests of all ages and those over the age of 18 years old are free to book accommodation and stay as a solo traveller in a dorm or private room.

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Truth: Hostels are generally open to people of all ages, and I've never been turned away for being beyond my 20s.

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Can couples sleep together in hostels? The answer is yes! Many hostels offer private rooms with double beds or twin beds that can be pushed together to create a double bed. Couples can enjoy a private space while still being able to take advantage of the social atmosphere of a hostel.

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This depends a lot on what country you are in but most hostels won't allow you to drink in your room anyway. Some will have a bar where you can drink (and maybe have even age restrictions, particularly in the US), some won't. As always, it's important to respect others and the habits of the country you are visiting.

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They are generally clean, safe (provided you take precautions), and full of friendly, interesting travelers from around the world. In this guide, I am sharing tips and pointers I've accumulated for those who may be new to the hostel experience.

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