Hostel Accommodation: 9 Things I Have Learned

I have to admit I am a late entrant into the world of hostels. Having never stayed in a hostel dorm before, I was nervous about it before the Russian leg of our Trans Siberian adventure. When that went well, Kapil and I didn’t hesitate to book hostels in a few other cities around Europe if the location, facilities and cost worked to our advantage. We have now sampled every room type there is—from 12-bed dorms, to double rooms and everything in between.

Here are 9 things I have learned from these experiences:

1. Bottom bunks are best: Apart from being easier to get in and out of, they allow you more room to settle in with your things near by. Plus, you won't be worrying about waking others in the dorm as you try to noiselessly come down from and climb back into your bunk. 
    
2. If the hostel offers a safe/locker for valuables, use it and be stress free. 
    
3. Eliminate elaborate routines and rituals for starting your day: Be considerate to fellow travellers in your use of shared facilities such as showers, mirrors, and even plug points (for hairdryers, straighteners and chargers). 
    
4. Bring earplugs and eye mask if you are a light sleeper: Not all hostels are noisy but then it is possible that not everyone in your dorm keeps the same hours as you do, so bring whatever you need to ensure you get your rest even when there is light, sound and activity around you. 
    
5. Make good use all common facilities: Including but not limited to laundry facilities, cheap breakfast options, and common rooms that have TV, free wifi, books, magazines, movies and games. 
    
6. Most hostels in Europe offer their own free walking tours or serve as pick up points for companies that run daily free walking tours in the city. 
    
7. Many hostels in Europe also offer their own food and nightlife tours. 
    
8. Chat to friendly hostel staff: Doesn't matter if hostel staff are travellers or locals, almost always they will give you great tips on all the must-dos and must-sees in the city (even ones that have not made it into the latest guidebooks yet). They can tell you where to find deals and steals for food, drink and sight-seeing. They sometimes even have vouchers for discounts on activities in the city.
    
9. Say hello to fellow travellers in the common areas of hostels. Most people are friendly and will gladly share their travel experiences with you. You may end up making new friends or simply get great advice about what not to miss and the tourist traps to avoid. Also, if you are going to be on the road for a few weeks or months, it more than likely you will see some of these people again in other cities. It’s always great to run into friendly faces in a new place.
   
   
   (Both pics in this post were taken in Generator Hostel Mitte in Berlin. One of our best hostel stays!)