5 Reasons You Should Stay in a Hostel
1) You Meet Awesome New People.
One of the reasons why people travel is to meet new people and make new connections with others. What better way to meet others than to stay in a lively hostel, filled with travelers just like you? Hostels are designed for young travelers on a budget, so you’ll meet people from all over the world, who are doing the same exact thing you are. Some will be beginning their adventure, while others are finishing up and going home. You’ll get to talk to different people from all spectrums of experience. I’ve stayed at nice resorts and five star hotels, and while they may be nice and luxurious, I didn’t enjoy them half as much as I did a backpackers hostel. Why? Resorts are filled with vacationers, honey-mooners, and families. Nothing against them! But fellow travelers are a little more intriguing to me.
2) You Gain More Opportunities to Stay in Different Places.
SO, as I’ve stated above, you’ll meet awesome people. These awesome people live in awesome places all over the world. What are the odds that they’re willing to let you spend a few nights with them if you ever wander to their side of the world?! I’ve met such wonderful people in hostels that were more than enthusiastic about lending me a place to stay whenever I pay them a visit. And their a local in their own towns, so they’ll be able to give you a tour and tell you the sweet spots around.
3) It’s a Humbling Experience.
People say you can’t fully appreciate something good until you’ve experienced something bad, and I totally agree. I’m not saying that hostels are bad in any way, but it’s definitely not like staying at home in your own bed. You don’t realize that you’ve taken your own hot shower for granted until you’re in a dodgy stall, taking a lukewarm shower. Or that you’ve gotten too comfortable sleeping in your queen-sized bed with a fluffy mattress topper until you have to sleep on a twin-sized foam pad on the top bunk. Some hostels are homy and possibly even cleaner than your own room at home, and some will make you wish you never left home. But they’ll make you appreciate all the small things.
4) It’s Cheap.
Enough said. Everyone knows that while you are traveling, every penny counts. Backpackers and hostels will be among the cheapest accommodations that you will be able to find while on the road. While it may be nice to wake up in a beachfront hotel room, or a presidential suite, how much time do you actually spend in your room? For me, I’m out all day exploring and I just come back when I’m tired and ready bed. Hostels are cheap; they give you a place to keep your luggage while you’re out and about, and a place to lay your head when you get back. What else do you need?
5) They’re Designed Just For You.
Backpacker hostels are designed for travelers on a budget, and therefore the reception desk will have plenty of information for any day trips, activities, and transportation that are more affordable for you. The staff is normally very knowledgable because they have seen backpackers come in and out, so they’re experienced with working out your schedule, and helping you work out activities that fit your budget and interests.
Also, most hostels have a bar within, and they are usually pretty freakin’ awesome. They’re an awesome spot to hang out and socialize, with locals and fellow travelers, even from other hostels.
