How can I live a good life in a hostel?

Either way, we asked our Base Blogger Katie for her 10 Tips to Surviving Hostel Life...
  1. Train your Nose to turn bad smells into good smells. ...
  2. Make Friends with the Hostel Staff. ...
  3. Make the most of Free or Cheap Stuff. ...
  4. Take the Stairs. ...
  5. Find a Washing Buddy. ...
  6. Keep Watch Over the Free Food Shelf. ...
  7. Get Creative. ...
  8. Plan Ahead.




People Also Ask

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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Hostels can be hard to sleep in, but that's not always the case. The best thing you can do is set yourself up for success by incorporating practices to help you sleep better, such as good sleep hygiene and wearing products like ear plugs, eye masks, and breathable pajamas.

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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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Hostels are just fun. I miss them when I'm not staying at them. There's usually a bar, events going on, activities, people hanging out, a pool table – there are lots of ways to connect with other travelers in a hostel. The common areas are meant for people to interact.

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Even more so, hostels are safe because of their social nature: they tend to be good vibes only. It's super easy to meet friends and travel buddies when staying in hostels, and due to that social nature, you are always around other people.

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First of all, hostels are great places to make friends while traveling and to have a more social experience. Plus, they're one of the cheapest types of accommodation, so you get to save money during your travels. Most hostels have dormitories where you would share your room with other people.

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If you're wondering if you're too old to stay in a hostel, you're not. Nobody is ever going to kick you out of a hostel because you're over 35, showing signs of ageing, or because you make a small “oof” sound when you slide your tired bones into bed. I've never been asked to confirm my age when checking into a hostel.

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Many people think of staying in hostels as an option specifically for young travelers. But as someone who travels longterm, on a budget, I can tell you it's an option you may consider, and even enjoy at any stage of life.

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Don't be embarrassed If you're in your 30s, you may well be one of the older people in the hostel – and that's cool! You may find yourself apologising for being older or hiding your age but you should be proud of it.

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While most hostels don't have age restrictions, some sites may be unsuitable for young children or guests with disabilities. It is always good to check beforehand by viewing the relevant hostel page. You must be 16 or over to stay in YHA accommodation without an adult.

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Most hostels have a communal bathroom with private shower stalls. So while they're technically “communal”, you'll still have a sense of privacy. It's worth investing in a nice toiletry bag, since communal showers mean you'll be toting your toiletries back and forth from your room.

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