Ultimate Guide to Hostel Life by a Solo Traveler (2024)

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Are you curious about what life in a hostel is like? I’m here to help!

As a full-time backpacker who has stayed in hostels for the past two years, I can assure you that hostels have changed for the better since my first backpacking trip in 2008.

Staying in a hostel for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating. And to be honest, I wasn’t sure hostel living would be for me now that I’m in my 30s.

• What is it like to stay in a hostel and share a room with strangers?
• Who will I meet in hostels?
• How much will hostels cost?

These are all questions I had before I started this round-the-world trip, and I’m sure you have some of the same questions too.

From busting some hostel myths and to sharing hostel tips, tricks, and hacks to how best to choose a hostel – After staying in 200+ hostels, I’ve got your back!

I won’t just share Hostel 101 – I’ll also share some of my worst hostel experiences as a solo female traveler so that you know exactly what to avoid (and that it’s not that bad).

So let’s get started on this journey to understanding the wonders of hostel life!

What is a Hostel?

Hostels are the best way to travel on a budget and meet other travelers from around the world.

But what does the term “hostel” mean?

A traveler’s hostel (aka backpacker hostel or youth hostel) is an accommodation that offers shared dormitories (often with bunk beds), bathrooms, kitchen facilities, hang-out areas, and more. You typically reserve a bed, rather than a whole room.

Oftentimes hostels will have other amenities such as a laundry room, coworking space, swimming pool, and bar.

It’s also common for traveler hostels to arrange group activities such as sightseeing tours or pub crawls – perfect if you’re traveling solo!

Staying in hostels allows you to make friends with fellow travelers while saving money on accommodation costs.

Without a doubt, staying in hostels is the main reason why I never feel lonely when solo traveling, how I’ve made friends from all around the world, and how I’ve been able to afford to travel full-time for so long.

Types of Hostels

Hostel life can seem intimidating for first-time backpackers.

There are hostels geared toward different types of travelers such as partiers, backpackers looking for chill vibes, or digital nomads who need a place to work.

Some hostels are huge while others are very small, and each hostel has its own unique vibe and personality.

My favorite type of backpacker hostel is social non-party hostels that are geared towards travelers in their 30s (like me!) – these can usually be identified by reading reviews online, and I’ll teach you more about what to look for below.

So if you’re looking to stay in a hostel during your travels, you’re sure to find one perfect for your needs!

What is a Party Hostel?

A common myth is that all hostels are party hostels, where the number one activity is getting drunk. It’s true that there are some hostels like that, but that’s just one kind of hostel.

I stayed in a hostel in Albania that was above a popular bar that had a DJ on weekends, and I hated it, because that’s not my vibe.

But a lot of backpackers like to stay in a party hostel every now and then – they can be a lot of fun! If you are looking for a party hostel, you should be able to tell by the reviews and pictures, and a lot of times the hostel will even note that it’s known for its parties in the description.

How Do I Avoid Party Hostels?

If you want to avoid a hostel that caters to partiers, then look for reviews and descriptions that don’t mention drinking or partying.

I love reading the reviews on HostelWorld because you can see the age of the reviewer, so I can sort by reviewers who are my age and get a sense of what their feelings are.

Another trick I’ve learned is to try to avoid the absolutely cheapest hostel since these tend to attract the youngest backpackers. I’ll usually choose a hostel that is a higher quality and is a couple of dollars more per night, knowing it will attract backpackers closer to my age.

You should also avoid hostels that have huge dorm rooms with more than 12 beds – these tend to attract younger, party-focused backpackers.

There are times when you just have to embrace the party. For example, I happened to be in Cartagena, Colombia for New Year’s Eve, and every hostel in town turned into a party hostel for the week I was there – it ended up being a lot of fun!

Types of Hostel Rooms

Staying in hostels is a unique experience that offers travelers the opportunity to meet new people and explore their destinations on a budget.

But hostels also offer different types of rooms to suit every traveler’s needs, from mixed dorms and female-only dorms to private rooms and family rooms.

So no matter what type of accommodation you’re looking for, hostels have something for everyone!

Read on to learn more about the different types of hostel rooms available so you can find one that suits your preferences best.

Dorm Rooms

Dorm rooms are the most common type of hostel accommodation, and they offer an affordable way to travel in a social atmosphere.

Usually ranging from 4 beds to 16 beds, hostels have dorms to suit every traveler’s needs. The more beds a dorm room has, the cheaper it usually is. I usually aim to stay in dorm rooms that have no more than 6 beds if they’re available and within my budget.

Not only can staying in hostels save on accommodation costs, but it also provides an opportunity to meet people from all around the world while exploring new destinations!

Mixed Dorm vs Female-Only Dorm

While most dorm rooms are “mixed,” meaning both males and females will stay in them, some hostels offer female-only dorm rooms.

I don’t mind staying in a mixed dorm, but when a female-only dorm room is available, I’ll usually go for that one! I find that there are fewer snorers (sorry guys, it’s true!), and I also love meeting other solo female travelers. And getting dressed is a lot easier.

Private Rooms

Private rooms in hostels provide a great way to experience hostel life without sacrificing privacy.

Private rooms offer the perfect balance between staying in hostels and having your own space, allowing you to still meet other travelers in the common areas while also giving you some alone time when needed.

They are often big enough to share between two people if you are traveling in hostels with a partner or friend, and they can even come equipped with an en suite private bathroom.

Private rooms are great when you need some alone time, need to catch up on sleep, aren’t feeling well, or just want to watch Netflix for 20 hours straight without interruption.

For those looking for an affordable accommodation option that doesn’t skimp on comfort, private hostel rooms are definitely worth considering!

One thing to be mindful of is the cost – I find these rooms are in such high demand that the price is higher than a room in a budget hotel.

Family Rooms

While some hostels may have minimum age requirements, many hostels allow families and will offer family rooms. Family rooms usually have multiple beds, and sometimes an en suite bathroom.

These are a good option for families or a group of friends on a budget.

It’s a nice way to experience life in a hostel without sacrificing privacy in a dorm room.

What is hostel life like?

Hostel life is an amazing way to experience new cultures, meet people from all over the globe, and get quality accommodation without breaking the bank. But hostels are not all the same. They range in size, style, quality, and location.

You can find hostels that match your vibe – some hostels have different amenities like pools, rooftop bars, coworking spaces, game rooms and gyms. It all depends on the destination and what’s available around the area. Some hostels are very social while others are full-on party hostels.

During the day, travelers often go out and explore their hostel’s environs. They go sightseeing, take part in adventure activities, or just have some fun. Then they usually return to the hostel in the evening to socialize and make new friends.

The hostel staff also makes a big difference when it comes to hostel life. They create a positive atmosphere, where travelers from all walks of life can come together and have meaningful experiences.

Hostel de Boca en Boca in Granada, Nicaragua offers a different group activity every day – the whole hostel took a salsa class together one night! I was terrible, but it was a blast.

Hostels with kitchens will often have people cooking dinner and eating in to save money – this is a great time to interact with each other.

At Yeah Hostel in Barcelona, they host a big dinner in the dining room every night, so everyone gets to know each other fast.

In Lullaby Hostel in Chiang Mai Thailand, a group of us got foot massages and walked around the night market together in the evening.

Some travelers will explore the city’s nightlife in the evenings, often in groups. Some hostels will even offer bar crawls.

And a lot of travelers will go to bed early (that’s me, usually) because they want to have an early start the next day. I recently stayed at Chili Kiwi Hostel in Pucon, Chile and they have an 11 pm quiet rule since many backpackers get up early for activities each day, and I loved it.

These are just a few real-life examples of what hostel life can be like!

Hostels generally have very friendly and relaxed vibes compared to traditional hotels. The main thing that hostels have in common is that it’s easy to make friends with other travelers, and it’s cheaper than most nearby hotels.

Hostel life can feel a little strange at first. I’m an only child and always had my own room, so staying in a shared dorm and sharing a bathroom with a bunch of strangers was intimidating. But now I love it!

Hostels feel like a big family. You can spend as much or as little time with your hostel family as you want.

If you’re looking for an affordable, unique way to travel, hostel life is definitely something to consider. It’s the perfect way to get off the beaten path and experience new cultures! So go out there and explore hostel life – you won’t regret it!

Are Hostels Safe?

Yes, hostels are generally safe for travelers.

When I first told my friends and family that I would be staying in hostels on my round-the-world trip, I got some interesting and concerned reactions. Especially in the US, and partially thanks to the Liam Neeson movie, the word “hostel” has a negative connotation and isn’t as common as in other parts of the world.

Hostel operators take safety seriously and many hostels have security guards on duty at night to ensure the safety of their guests. Additionally, some hostels employ modern security measures such as key card access and CCTV cameras.

In hostels, there is also a strong sense of community among travelers. People look out for each other and the hostel staff is always willing to help if needed.

Hostels provide a safe environment for solo travelers, so don’t be afraid to stay in hostels even if you’re traveling alone! With hostels, you can guarantee that you won’t be the only one staying there – there will always be others who are in the same boat as you.

And I find that backpackers rarely steal from each other. In two years, I’ve never had anything taken – and I always use the lockers provided for my valuables!

So don’t let anyone tell you hostels aren’t safe – hostel life can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience! Just make sure to read reviews, check out hostel ratings, and use common sense when staying in hostels. That way, you’ll have the best hostel experience possible.

How To Stay Safe in Hostels

– Choose hostels with lockers and bring your own travel lock; Lock valuables away securely in a locker

– Have travel insurance to protect yourself from any accidents or theft

– Make friends in the hostel and look out for each other

– Follow general safety tips like not walking alone at night and not getting drunk by yourself

– Read reviews of hostels before booking, check ratings, and use common sense when staying in hostels (Booking.com and HostelWorld are the best for this)

– Participate in activities hosted by the hostel like dinners or bar crawls – these are great opportunities to get to know other travelers while staying safe

– Trust your gut – if something feels off, do something about it

Pros and Cons of Hostel Life

Pros of Staying in a Hostel:	Cons of Staying in a Hostel:
– Affordable prices for accommodation and activities	– Shared living spaces mean less privacy
– Facilities like showers, kitchens, bathrooms, etc. are not always vacant when you need them or kept as clean as you’d like	– Can be noisy at times
– Chance to explore new cultures without having to stay in a more expensive hotel	– Sometimes you get tired of meeting so many new people, answering the same questions over and over
– Variety of hostels available all around the world with different amenities and experiences	– You don’t get to choose who you share a space with, and you won’t always enjoy everyone’s company
– Inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds are welcome	– Sometimes you get tired meeting so many new people, answering the same questions over and over
– Some hostels provide complimentary breakfast and/or beverages

Who Stays in Hostels?

My biggest fear before starting this 2-year solo trip backpacking and staying in hostels in my thirties was that I would be the oldest backpacker in the hostel. What I quickly realized is that hostels are for everyone and attract people of all ages and backgrounds.

While there are some hostels with age restrictions (typically, 40 and under), most hostels are very open to people of all ages. I’ve been very pleasantly surprised to meet a large number of backpackers in their 30s and 40s, and it’s been fun to hear stories from backpackers who are retirees.

Not all hostels allow children, and children are not common in hostels.

I find that at least half, if not more, of the people I meet in hostels, are solo backpackers. It’s also common for friends to stay in hostels together. Even a few cool travel couples spend time in hostels when they want to socialize.

And a lot of backpackers end up making friends on the backpacker trail and sticking with them for a couple of stops.

How Much Do Hostels Cost?

Hostels range in cost and depend on a number of factors including the destination (popular destinations tend to be more expensive), the season (high-season prices are higher), which room you choose, and if breakfast is included.

Paying less for accommodation has a huge impact on my round-the-world travel budget!

Pro Tip: Read reviews on Hostelworld – one of the best hostel booking sites – to see what the hostel serves for breakfast. 

The fewer beds in the room, the more expensive it will be, and vice versa.

Hostels in the US and Western Europe and Israel are typically more expensive with rates ranging from $25-45 per night on hostels there. The priciest hostel I ever stayed in was in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Prices for hostels in Southeast Asia and Central America are usually much lower due to cheaper living costs. I stayed in some really high-quality hostels in this part of the world for $8-15, with breakfast included. Some parts of Europe like the Balkan countries are also very inexpensive.

With hostels, you get what you pay for. If you can afford it, sometimes spending a couple of extra bucks can get you a lot higher quality accommodation and amenities

Keep in mind that if a hostel includes breakfast and has a fully-equipped kitchen, you’ll save money on food. And some hostels will charge a fee to rent a towel if you don’t have your own.

Booking Hostels: In Advance vs Last Minute

There are two types of backpackers – those who like to have a reservation for their hostel before they arrive, and those who just wing it and show up at a hostel and hope for a bed. There are pros and cons to both!

And I think it really depends on how busy that destination is and how flexible you are. If you don’t mind the risk of the hostel being full, and you know of other hostels you could try if one fails, then be as spontaneous as you want! I know some travelers like to see a hostel in person before they decide to stay there. And sometimes you can negotiate a better rate with the hostel if you do it this way.  

I like to book a hostel at least 1-2 days in advance so that I know where I’m sleeping before I arrive somewhere. I tend to book at least 2-3 nights to start, and then I will extend my reservation in person if I decide to stay longer. I’m not interested in carrying my backpack all around town looking for a bed. And I’m a little bit picky about where I stay, so I always want a reservation.

Bottom Bunk vs Top Bunk in Hostels

When you stay in hostels, you often have the choice of a top or bottom bunk. Choosing between the two can be difficult and it can depend on your own personal preferences. Each has its own pros and cons.

The bottom bunk is usually the most popular as it is super easy to get in and out of bed, you can be closer to your stuff when you need it, and you usually are closer to the electrical outlet. I always request a bottom bunk.

The top bunk is great if you want more privacy because you’re closer to the ceiling and your bed is tucked away. But the downside of the top bunk is that you need to climb a ladder to get in and out of bed, which can be tricky after a few beers! And you don’t always have an electrical outlet near your bed, which is annoying.

17 Tips and Tricks for Staying in a Hostel from A Solo Backpacker

1. Research hostels in advance and read reviews – Know where you plan to stay ahead of time so you have an idea of what the hostel will be like. Booking.com and HostelWorld are the best for this.

2. You get what you pay for. The cheapest hostel isn’t always the highest quality hostel.

3. Where your hostel is located is just as important as the accommodation itself. You don’t want to be too far away from the sightseeing, and you also want to feel safe.

4. Utilize hostel amenities – Make sure to take advantage of hostel facilities such as shared kitchens, lounges, and entertainment areas. You’ll save money and make new friends.

5. Join in on group activities and tours that are offered by the hostel. It’s fun!

6. Bring a padlock for your locker – This is essential for keeping your belongings safe while staying in a hostel; most hostels provide lockers but not locks, so make sure to bring one!

7. Bring earplugs & sleep masks. Dorms have all sorts of sounds – snoring, bags rustling, beds creaking, farts (yes, people often fart in their sleep), and sometimes people coming in late or leaving early. These two items can really help when trying to get some shut-eye!

8. Avoid booking dorms at peak times if you’re on a tight budget – Weekends are usually busy at hostels and if possible, try to book accommodation during quieter periods such as midweek or during school holidays instead. This will often save you some money!

9. Pack light – The lighter your luggage, the easier it will be to move around between locations and save yourself baggage fees on public transport too! Welcome to backpacker life.

10. Socialise responsibly – Hostels are great places for meeting new people but remember that there may also be solo travelers who appreciate some peace and quiet; respect hostel rules, be aware of your noise levels late at night, and always clean up after yourself.

11. Don’t forget the hostel basics – Always bring a towel, toiletries, and padlock so you have all the essentials for hostel life!

12. Bring a travel adapter and extra-long charging cable for the times there’s no plug right next to your bed.

13 Choose a hostel that includes breakfast – it’s easy, saves money, and is a good way to meet other travelers. Some hostels offer free coffee and tea too.

14. Request a bottom bunk when you book and keep your fingers crossed that you’ll get it. Don’t be upset if you don’t.

15. Try to check in before 10 pm so that you can settle in before people start to go to sleep. It’s just easier.

16. Ask fellow backpackers what their travel plans are and for travel advice for the destination you’re in. I get the majority of my travel advice from backpackers who were just where I’m going. They have the most up-to-date information. It’s great!

17. Pro Tip: If you’re in the bottom bunk and there’s no privacy curtain you can tuck your towel under the mattress above you and create a makeshift privacy curtain. #hostelhack

What Do Hostels Provide?

Hostels typically provide guests with clean bedding, a bed, and a locker.

Some hostels may provide towels for free, while others will charge a fee to rent a towel.

Most hostels do not provide any toiletries.

What To Pack for Hostel Life

But what do you need to stay in a hostel?

• Passport – hostels will always check your passport upon check-in
• Lightweight luggage – Pack light so it’s easier to move between hostels and save yourself from paying extra baggage fees on public transport.
• Padlock for hostel lockers – Keep your belongings safe while staying in hostels!
• Earplugs and sleep masks – Hostel dorms can be noisy, so these will come in handy when trying to get some shut-eye.
• Travel adapter and extra-long charging cable – Even if you don’t have an outlet near your bed, you can still charge your phone with a travel adapter and a long charging cable.
• Toiletries & towel – Make sure you bring all the hostel basics with you; most hostels don’t provide free towels or toiletries, so always be prepared for that!
• Reusable water bottle – Fill up a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water every day!
• Packing Cubes – A great way to save space and keep your hostel room organized.

A lot of packing lists recommend bringing a pillow case or sleep sheet/sleeping bag – these are not necessary unless you’re going camping.

Related Post:

Ultimate RTW Packing List: What You Need & What You Don’t

Hostel Etiquette – Do’s and Don’ts of Living in a Hostel

Most backpackers are extremely considerate and respectful of others in the hostel, but not all of the hostel etiquette rules are obvious.

Follow these do’s and don’t’s of hostel life so that you’re not THAT backpacker who pisses everyone off.

• Be nice. Don’t be an asshole.
• If people are sleeping in the room, be quiet. That means no talking or sounds on your phone, not even if you’re whispering. They could be not feeling well or coming from a long travel day, so let them rest!
• Don’t turn on the room lights if people are sleeping. Use your bunk light or the light on your phone.
• Set an alarm if you need to wake up in the morning, but turn it off quickly, and don’t hit snooze. I once had a girl above me hit snooze 6 times and I almost murdered her. Better yet, set an alarm as vibrate-only (with a second sound alarm as a backup). And if you wake up before your alarm, don’t forget to turn it off before you jump in the shower.
• If you have to leave early, get your stuff together the night before so that you are making as little noise as possible in the morning. Bring your stuff into the common area and finish packing there. 
• Don’t rustle paper or plastic bags in the dorm room if people are sleeping.
• Stay tidy. My bag likes to explode all over the floor as soon as I open it, but I always try to keep the mess to a minimum and keep it in my space. These packing cubes help a lot.
• Use headphones if you’re using sound on your phone or tablet. Some people think if they turn the volume down that nobody else can hear it – they are wrong.
• If your clothes or shoes are smelly, wrap them up tight in a plastic bag so that the whole room doesn’t smell. Open a window if you can. Wash them as soon as possible.
• Be reasonable about the temperature. If there’s an air conditioning unit in the room, chances are that people specifically researched for that feature and even paid extra for it. So if you’re cold, ask before you turn it off. Put on a sweatshirt or ask for a blanket. 
• Wear earplugs and an eye mask. Even if everyone in the room is very considerate, chances are there will still be some disturbances, and these items make a huge difference.
• Do not have sex in a shared dorm room. It’s gross and disrespectful. If you can’t afford a private room, then you can’t afford to have sex. 
• Clean up after yourself and remember that other people want to use the facilities. After you make a meal in the kitchen, clean up as quickly as possible so that the next person can use it. Don’t flush tampons down the toilet and clog it for the next person. 
• Have travel insurance, just in case.
• You might be really confident with your banging body and love being naked, but not everyone else feels comfortable. So be respectful, and keep yourself clothed. 
• Have a good attitude and be flexible. Things happen, especially on the road. Definitely don’t take it out on the hostel staff and volunteers.
• Introduce yourself to backpackers you haven’t met yet. Make new arrivals feel welcome.

How Do I Make Friends in a Hostel?

Making friends in hostels is a great way to find out about different cultures and lifestyles.

It’s almost impossible to share a room and bathroom with people and NOT become friends with them. And everyone stays in hostels for socializing, so you can feel confident that they want to be friends with you as much as you want to be friends with them!

The best way to make friends is to introduce yourself and join in on conversations in the common areas like the kitchen, lounge, or TV room.

Here is my tried and true method for meeting people at hostels: first I ask where they’re from, then I ask how long they’re traveling, where they’ve been, and where they’re going next. And bam! We are now friends.

You can also ask other hostelers for advice on what to do around town or for travel tips about their part of the world. Be open-minded, friendly, and willing to try new things, and chances are you’ll have plenty of awesome experiences that will help you connect with others.

Joining hostel events like city tours, pub crawls, barbecues, movie nights, and weekly activities are great opportunities to meet travelers from near and far as well as share stories about your journeys!

One of my favorite things is walking into a hostel and actually recognizing someone from another stop on the backpacker trail – the world isn’t as small as you think. And I find that travel makes friendships grow even faster than back home.

Do Hostels Have Bedbugs?

Time to bust this myth. While any type of accommodation can be susceptible to bedbugs, hostels are usually very careful about checking for them and providing mattress covers that help prevent them. Bedbugs would be very bad for business.

Any signs of bedbugs should be reported immediately so the hostel can take measures to eradicate the problem. As long as travelers take preventive steps such as looking for signs of bedbugs and reporting any they may find, hostels remain a safe place to stay on a budget.

Pro tip: Never put your bag on a bed because that’s how bedbugs spread.

Who Stays in Hostels?

People from all walks of life stay in hostels, such as budget travelers, backpackers, solo adventurers, families on holiday, and students.

It’s an affordable way to explore different countries and cultures while making new friends along the way!

Are Hostels Good for Solo Travelers?

Hostels are the best place to stay for solo travelers!

The majority of people you meet in hostels are solo travelers. It’s so easy to meet other travelers. I love having alone time, but I also love being able to go on an adventure with others or go out for dinner together. 

Are Hostels Good for Couples?

I’ve met so many awesome backpacking couples over the last 2 years who like to sometimes stay in hostel dorm rooms to make friends and save money.

If you’re staying in a hostel dorm room with your partner, you should be respectful, and avoid PDA or anything that might make your dormmates uncomfortable. You should each have your own bed and should save romantic time for a private room.

Are Hostels Good for Groups?

Hostels can be a good option for groups – depending on the size of your group, you may want to book an entire dorm room or family room just for yourselves.

Are Hostels Good for Families?

Some hostels will have minimum age requirements and won’t allow children, so double-check first. Party hostels aren’t a good place for families, but not all hostels are party hostels.

Are Hostels Good in Your 30s and 40s?

I honestly didn’t think I’d like to stay in hostels at this point in my life. I value my own space and a good night’s sleep, and I especially don’t like sharing a bathroom.

BUT I have been pleasantly surprised at how fun it has been. I’ve met a lot of other solo backpackers around my age who I probably wouldn’t have met if I was staying alone the whole time. I’ve gotten really good at picking hostels that are geared toward older backpackers.

The trick to finding other backpackers in their 30s and beyond is to choose a slightly more expensive hostel than the cheapest one, read the reviews to get a sense of who stays there, and avoid large dorm rooms with more than 8 beds (I prefer 4 beds when available).

When I need a break, I either get a private room in the hostel or spend a couple of nights in a budget hotel.

Are Hostels Good for 50s+? 

I don’t see why not! I’ll be honest, I don’t meet that many backpackers 50+ but it does happen, and they tend to be pretty cool. You should try it at least once! Follow the same rules as the 30-40-year-olds above and you’ll surely have a blast.

What is working in a hostel like? 

Working in a hostel can be a great experience, especially for travelers looking to save money and explore different cultures. Depending on the hostel, you may receive free accommodation, meals, and tips in exchange for your work.

A hostel job typically involves welcoming guests at the reception, cleaning the common spaces, restocking supplies, changing bedding, and more.

If you have a special skill, like yoga teaching or graphic design, hostel managers might be willing to offer you free accommodation in exchange for your services. It can be an amazing way to save money while experiencing hostel life!

How To Volunteer in a Hostel

The easiest way to volunteer in a hostel in exchange for accommodation is to find a hostel you are interested in and ask them directly if they accept volunteers. I’ve also heard of some people having success with websites like Worldpackers and Workaway.

Hostel Vs Hotel: What’s The Difference

The difference between a hostel and a hotel is that hostels are usually cheaper than hotels and you share the room with other people. Hotels usually cost more money but they give you your own private room.

What To Look for in a Hostel

I’m quite the connoisseur of hostels after 2 years of solo travel, and my favorite hostels have some or all of these features:

• Friendly and helpful staff and volunteers
• Clean facilities
• Lockers that are large enough to put my whole backpack in
• Reading lights on each bed
• Bedside Outlets on each bed
• Privacy curtains
• Warm water in the shower
• Plenty of bathrooms and showers
• Well-equipped kitchen
• Complimentary towel
• Comfy beds and pillows
• Air conditioning (if it’s hot)
• Cheap and reliable laundry service on-site or nearby

My Worst Hostel Life Experiences As a Solo Female Traveler

After 2 years of full-time travel, most of that time staying in hostel dorm rooms, I’ve had very few bad experiences. When I was getting ready to kick off this round-the-world trip, I had some anxiety about what to expect, and I felt more prepared after reading about other solo female traveler’s negative experiences, so I hope this will do the same for you.

Drunk Guy Making Me Uncomfortable

I was in a fun hostel in a small town called Pai in the north of Thailand. There were about 10 beds in the dorm room, and we all got to know each other quickly.

One night I decided to head back to the hostel before everyone else, getting into bed around midnight and excited to get a good night of sleep. The next thing I knew, I was being woken up by the guy in the bed below me. He was very drunk and trying to encourage me to come back out with the group. At first, I laughed it off and said no, but he didn’t stop, and I felt like he crossed a line.

First of all, I had the privacy curtains on my bed closed, and it was around 1 in the morning. Privacy curtains in a hostel are equivalent to a bedroom door, and a sign that you do not want to be disturbed. For a drunk man to open my curtains and wake me up in the middle of the night was very upsetting.

Then he climbed up on his bed to be at my level, and pull me by the arm in what he probably thought was a funny way – but I did not find it funny. After I repeatedly said no, in an increasingly serious tone, he finally gave up.

But before he left, he “joked” that he was going to crawl up into my bunk when he got back. I believe he meant to be funny. As a woman alone in bed in the middle of the night, having a drunk guy threaten to climb into my bed after he had already violated my privacy, made me feel extremely vulnerable.

Because I had hung out with him earlier in the day and because the rest of my dormmates would be returning soon, I did not feel unsafe. But I felt violated and vulnerable and had trouble sleeping the rest of the night.

He didn’t come back to the hostel until morning and never acknowledged the situation. Maybe he didn’t remember.

Because I was leaving the hostel anyways, I decided not to say anything. In hindsight, I wish I had said something so that he would hopefully learn that his behavior was not right. Next time I will.

Bunk Surrounded by Ants

At a hostel in a remote northern town in Thailand, I accidentally left an open granola bar in my bed. Rookie mistake. When I returned to my bed in the evening, I realized there were thousands of ants crawling all around my bed.

It was late and there were no hostel staff there overnight. So I cleaned up my bed the best I could on my own. And I used my bug spray to spray all around my bed. It actually worked pretty well and the ants mostly disappeared.

But it was gross and I was not happy about it!

Vulnerable in a Room Full of Rowdy Dudes

On my last night in my hostel in San Salvador, El Salvador, I was the first back to my dorm room after a full day of exploring. My hostel friends from the day before had all checked out, and I hadn’t met my new dormmates yet.

I was the only one in the room, which happens a lot to me since I like to go to bed earlier than most people. I didn’t think anything of it and went to sleep.

A few hours later, around 2 am, I was woken up by about 8 rowdy drunk guys returning to the room from a night of partying. They were all speaking Spanish and clearly knew each other. They were either oblivious to me sleeping behind my curtain, or they didn’t care.

I tried to ignore them and go back to sleep, but they decided to keep the party going in the room. They were loud and drunk, started playing music, and even started smoking in the room.

I’ve been the only girl in a dorm room full of guys before and had no issues. But something felt off about this time. I think it was because they were so drunk and loud and it was so late, and I also couldn’t speak their language. And they all knew each other, so it was an uncomfortable dynamic.

I felt very vulnerable, and my sleepy mind started playing through all the worst-case scenarios. At that moment, I decided to trust my gut. My gut was telling me to get out of there. So I quickly packed my stuff and ran out of the room.

I asked the receptionist if I could change rooms, but unfortunately, there weren’t any available. I told him I wasn’t comfortable, and told him I was leaving. I saw there was a hotel around the corner and used credit card points to book a last-minute room.

The receptionist walked me part of the way there and I checked into a really nice hotel room for the rest of the night.

The next morning I walked back to the hostel to get my money back and to complain to the manager. They said they didn’t know they were a group when they booked the dorm, and that if they did they would have put them in the room alone.

Everything is less scary by daylight, and I think I may have overreacted a bit. Maybe I could have just slept in the lobby for a few hours instead. But in the middle of the night, I felt unsafe and vulnerable, and all I wanted to do was get out of the situation. So I did.

P.S. El Salvador was my favorite country in all of Central America!

Alarm Clocks Are My Enemy

This is kind of a silly one, but I have had several experiences with alarm clocks. They are my enemy.

One girl snoozed her alarm 6 times in a row early in the morning and I yelled at her to get up, which she did eventually.

There have been a couple of times when people wake up before their alarms and go to the shower, forgetting to turn off their alarms. Then the rest of us get to enjoy an alarm for 10 minutes until someone decides to turn it off.

Luckily most people turn off their alarms quickly so that the rest of us are not too disturbed!

Traveler’s Diarrhea And No Privacy

If you travel a lot, you’ll eventually get sick. It’s so common, that talking about diarrhea becomes a common pastime amongst travelers.

Even though you know every backpacker has experienced something similar, it’s still awful to get sick when you don’t have a private bathroom.

I’ve been in situations when I know everyone can hear what’s happening in the bathroom, but there’s nothing I can do. It’s embarrassing and all you can do is make a joke about it and remind yourself that you’ll probably never see these people again anyways.

I carry a few different meds for this fun occasion, and luckily it doesn’t happen too often. It’s all part of the adventure!

So there you have it – some of the worst things that have ever happened to me while staying in hostels! I’ve also had an uncomfortable experience with a tour guide in Jordan, but since that didn’t happen in a hostel I left that out.

I hope you will not be put off by these stories, and instead feel confident that even when things don’t go perfectly, you will get through it.

And by knowing some of the potential negatives before your trip, you can get a headstart on problem-solving so that you know what to do when it happens.

Feel free to message me on Instagram @catisoutoftheoffice2 if you have any questions or need an empathetic ear!

FAQs About Hostel Life

Final Thoughts on Life in a Hostel

Life in a hostel can be an exciting and memorable experience. It is the perfect way to save money while traveling, make friends from around the world, and explore different cities or countries without breaking your budget.

Hostels are great for travelers of all ages who want to take advantage of cheap accommodation and get to know other travelers.

It can be an adjustment to sharing a room with strangers, but if you follow my hostel tips and rules of hostel etiquette, you’ll do just fine.

Every hostel offers something different, whether you’re looking for a party hostel or for a relaxed hostel that has quiet hours starting at 11 pm.

Whether you’re staying for one night or several weeks, hostel life offers endless opportunities to meet new people and have unforgettable experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.

So why not give hostel life a try? You never know who or what experiences await!