An American Abroad

Do you want to travel in Europe but you’re not quite sure how to go about it in a cost-effective way? Well, then, this article is for you! Drawing on my years of travel, I’ll explain all of the pros and cons, good-to-know fun facts, and even some good websites to use to find hostels.

Staying in a Hostel

In the US, booking accommodation for a trip usually means a hotel, motel, or Airbnb. While plenty of people book an Airbnb for travels in Europe, staying in hostels is actually the more normalized form of accommodation.

So, if you’re not used to hostels, I’m sure what you really want to know is…what is it like?

Well, here is the honest answer based on my personal experience:

1. Your first time staying in a hostel will probably be a little uncomfortable. Sleeping in a room with others when you’re not used to it can be a little strange, but it gets better quickly!
2. 99% of the people staying in hostels are really friendly and are probably big travelers. I’ve met some really cool people from all over the world!
3. If you’re a female, there are typically female-only rooms that you can book! I use these all of the time.
4. All hostels have at least one full kitchen (if not more) that everyone shares. It can feel a little awkward at first, but it’s there for everyone to use! I make sure to label my food with my name and check-out date so that I can keep track of it.

Advice/Tips

• Pick hostels that have privacy curtains! You’ll be thankful for them when you’re exhausted and want a little nap during the day 🙂
• Chains like Youth Hostels and Backpacker Hostels are usually quite nice and reliable!
• Always bring a lock for your locker! Not all hostels provide them and they’ll charge you a fee to borrow or buy one
• Shower-shoes are a must! You’re sharing showers with other people. Although they’re cleaned every day, it’s better safe than sorry
• 24/7 reception is NOT at every hostel, so be sure to check your arrival time!

• Not every hostel has laundry facilities, so be sure to check if you need them!
• You will always need identification in order to check-in, so be sure to have that on hand.
• Hostels typically have events every night or a few times a week, which I really recommend joining!
• If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing get-away, beware of party hostels! They can be fun, but loud.
• Private rooms are also available at most hostels and cost less than a hotel, but they book up quite quickly.

Where to book?

My #1 Recommendation:

My favorite website to use when traveling is Hostelworld (linked here). Similar to Booking.com, this website is like the encyclopedia of hostels for nearly any location across the globe!

I’ve used Hostelworld countless times, and it has always been incredibly reliable. My trips to Barcelona, Belfast, London, San Juan, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Split, and Liverpool have all been booked through Hostelworld, and the accommodations have all been great!

My #2 Recommendation:

Disclaimer – I have not used this company yet, but I plan to!

However, the popular company for traveling everywhere from Southeast Asia to Australia is Mad Monkey Hostels (linked here). It is quite similar to Hostelworld, and values providing opportunities for travelers to become immersed in the culture of local communities.

While I have not traveled to that area of the world yet, Mad Monkey Hostels is definitely the hostel company that I would use when I do plan a trip to that area of the world.

If there is anything else about hostels that you want to know, drop a comment below!