Alright guys, so your first backpacking trip is looming and whilst you’re mega excited about buying your weights worth of elephant pants, drinking an inhuman amount of buckets on a Thai beach and oh yeah, actually seeing some cool shit.
You’ve got one major hurdle to cross… Staying in a hostel for the first time.
Or ya know, maybe you stayed in one when you went camping with school and it left you permanently scarred? Maybe you think you can bum around the whole of Southeast Asia without setting foot in one!? Or, and this is most likely, you’ve been told by your Nan that they’re “not very nice”!
Well, sorry Nan but the times they are a changin’!
After spending a solid 5 years on the road, let me tell you this, if there’s one thing I’m well versed in, it’s hostels!
And you know what, I bloody love them!
They’re fan-fucking-tastic!
Forget the stereotypes because this is where it’s at and with my YEARS of experience, I’m gonna give you the low-down on staying in hostels for the first time, including the BEST tips, tricks and must-know info.
So, you wanna know all about staying in a hostel for the first time, let’s get to it then!
What is a Hostel?
Alright, I’ll start off with the basics here because I feel like a lot of folks have got off on the wrong foot due to a classic case of misunderstanding. It’s easily done, Shorty once thought a tyre on a street in Yangon was a toilet, but that’s another story!
So, the humble hostel is most well known as a form of budget accommodation where most of the rooms are shared “dorm rooms”. These are usually in the form of bunk beds, and most dorm rooms have between 4 and 8 beds.
Now, here’s the thing if you are considering staying in a hostel for the first time. Most hostels also offer private rooms.
Sure, you’ll pay for the privilege, but you’ll usually pay a lot less than for a hotel room.
But hostels are so much more than this.
They can offer shared kitchen facilities, laundry, common areas, even swimming pools, and gyms.
But more than that, they offer a place to connect with other travellers, which is super important if you’re travelling solo. The staff in hostels (plus other guests) are so much more knowledgeable and willing to share local and budget tips.
In the end, they usually end up feeling like a real home away from home.
Are Hostels Worth It?
HELL YEAH!
Ok, check this out.
I’ve stayed in a hostel in China where I had a memory foam mattress in a custom-built dorm bed with plug sockets, a light, a fan, a locker and a privacy curtain. The rest of the hostel had a massive kitchen and an outdoor pool with views of the nearby mountains.
Do you know how much I paid each night? £2!
So they’re not all that cheap, but backpackers’ hostels offer amazing value for money, especially compared to hotels.
Affordable prices for accommodation (Even private rooms)
Usually have a kitchen (Not so much in SEasia)
Easy to organise things like laundry, transport and tours at great prices.
Get unbeatable travel tips from local staff and fellow travellers
Meet some of the coolest people in the world.
Top 5 Hostel Picks for First-Timers
If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, you wanna hit up the best spots!
5 Best Hostels In The World
Best Boutique Hostel – Steel House, Copenhagen, Denmark.
If you’re looking for a sleek and sophisticated hostel that’s gonna blow those misconceptions away, it’s Steel House in Copenhagen. Featuring a massive kitchen, swimming pool, gym, bike rental, breakfast and even shuffle board, it’s an unbelievable place to stay.
Best Chilled Hostel – Issara by D Hostel, Bangkok, Thailand.
If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, Issara by D Hostel in Bangkok is a super chilled spot that offers curtains on bed, yoga and a swimming pool. The location is also ideal for public transport.
Best Party Hostel – Sant Jordi Hostels Rock Palace, Barcelona, Spain.
So, you wanna rock out at your first time in a hostel. The best spot is here in Barcelona with this rocking hostel with a rooftop pool, club themed common areas, bar and kitchen.
Best Adventure Hostel – Adventure Queenstown Hostel, New Zealand.
Queenstown is an adventure lovers paradise and what better way to embrace it than to be surrounded by likeminded travellers. This adventure hostel also makes it mega easy to organise things like bungee jumps, snowboarding, rafting and much more.
Best Digital Nomad Hostel – Tribal, Bali, Indonesia.
If you’re working whilst on the road Tribal in Bali (A digital nomad hotspot) is ideal. With custom pod beds, dedicated work areas, a swimming pool, pool table, bar and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to get a work life balance.
So let’s get to it with my first-time hostel tips so you can get back to booking your first stay!
1. Research, research, research!
Thoroughly read the description and reviews before booking, especially if you are staying in a hostel for the first time.
For example, make sure it’s not a party hostel if that’s not your style, check that the reviews are recent, and look for comments on things like the lockers, bed comfort, wifi and social scene.
Try to get a general feel for the vibe through what people say about the place and check on a few different sites (Hostel World/ TripAdvisor/ Booking)
As you get more experienced, you’ll usually get a good feel for a place without it taking too long. But for your first time… make sure it’s a top-tier hostel for travellers!
If you get the Genius discount on Booking, it can often be cheaper, it’s easier to see when your payment is due, and more properties have free cancellation.
Hostelworld can be great for deals and features some properties not available anywhere else. I have found it annoying when you pay the deposit, but it doesn’t tell you exactly when the rest of the money will come out! If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, either is a solid shout.
3. Speak To People and Get Involved!
The main reason (besides the price) you wanna stay in a hostel is to meet new people, whether that is chatting with fellow backpackers or even hanging out with the staff.
Hostels are MADE to be social places, and interacting with each other is both encouraged and expected. If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, you might be surprised to know that you’re not to only one.
Backpacking for me is not just about the places I go, but the people I’ve met and become friends with.
Jump on any free walking tours, go to events the hostel is putting on, hang out in the common areas and just chat with people in your dorm or at reception. Get involved in hostel life.
Many hostels also arrange or even put on their own tours; this is another good way to get to know people. Most are also in the most popular backpacking destinations, too, so there are always places to visit with your new mates.
You often get the best tips by talking to other travellers and the hostel staff. If you’re gonna stay at a hostel for the first time, you should embrace the social side.
We met in a dorm and became friends for life after this trip out. Image: The Roaming Renegades
4. Hostel Etiquette, Changing In The Dorm Tips!
Alright, one of the big questions people ask me about staying in a dorm is getting changed!
Sure, it can be a bit awks. But after a while, you just get used to the sitch as a whole, sharing a room, getting changed… all of it. It might not feel like that when you’re contemplating staying in a hostel for the first time, but trust me!
Of course, no matter how comfortable you are in a dorm, there are still some rules for hostels!
For getting changed, I am fine doing it quickly in my bunk if I have decent curtains or am in a pod. If not, I will just take my things to the bathroom and get changed there.
No one will bat an eyelid if you’re knocking about the hostel in your jammies, but don’t get changed in the middle of the dorm!
5. Tips For Staying in Hostels: Showering In Shared Bathrooms
Another common question when it comes to hostel tips and tricks.
Usually, you will have to get changed in the shower cubicle, and it can be a bit of a juggling act! I take my stuff into the cubicle in a plastic bag to keep everything dry, as well as my hanging toiletries bag.
Whilst some top-end hostels do have shampoo and shower gel dispensers in the showers, not all of them do. So always bring some, and I’m careful not to leave them in the bathrooms… because they usually go walkabouts!
Another tip is to wear flip-flops inside the shared bathrooms and showers! Trust me, this is a travel lesson you don’t want to learn the hard way.
Bear in mind that every hostel bathroom is different. Some are cubicles, and some have a whole bathroom.
So the experience can differ quite a bit! When you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, try to get a good bathroom!
6. Take Advantage of Hostel Kitchens and Free Food!
Hostel living is all about saving those $$, so if you find a hostel with free brekkie, grab it!
Some hostels even have events where you can get in on a free or budget-friendly meal, so keep an eye out.
I’ve stayed in some that put a “family dinner” on, and they are also perfect for meeting people and trying local food for cheap.
Hostel kitchens are another lifesaver in expensive regions like Europe, Australia, NZ and North America.
Here you can save a ton of money by cooking your own meals, and you can even get in with other guests if they’re making a big meal. When I was staying in a hostel for the first time, this was a real game-changer for me when it came to socialising.
7. Be Respectful, Have Appropriate Expectations and Pick Your Battles.
Hostels are mixing pots of different people, all looking to have new experiences and see the world. They are pretty inclusive places where being open-minded and having a live-and-let-live attitude is going to make all the difference.
Hey, as much as hostels can be amazing, you’ve got to have realistic expectations!
You’re not in a hotel; you’re sharing a space with other people. So it might be a little noisy, and you might have to put up with people being a touch messy.
The best thing to do is to just chill and go with it. Pick your battles. If someone is being a dick night after night, then tell the staff (confronting someone who you’re sharing a dorm with can be super awkward!)
Don’t complain about things you should already be aware of. People getting drunk at a party hostel is your problem, my friend! Read the reviews and descriptions carefully!
How much does it cost to stay in a hostel? It depends on the type and the facilities. Image: The Roaming Renegades
8. Pick The Right Kind Of Hostel
There are many different types of hostels out there, each of which offers something different.
This is awesome because often you can find people that match your vibe if you know what type of hostel you wanna stay in. I think this is especially important when you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, because you don’t want to start off with the wrong impression!
Some of the different hostel types are:
Party Hostel – These can get pretty rowdy and chaotic!
Digital Nomad – Made for people working on the road, usually pretty chilled and not the most sociable.
Eco Hostel – Mega chill with a focus on sustainability
Home Style – Often in a converted house, family-run, amazing for local interaction and cosy vibes.
Adventure – Great for organising adventure trips and finding companions for your adventures.
Relaxation Hostels – Ideal for those wanting to take a break from the road.
Boutique Hostels – Usually have facilities like pools, gyms and amazing rooms. They can often be a lot nicer than budget hotels in a similar price range.
When booking a hostel, be sure to check what type of hostel it is and look at what facilities and events each one has.
For example; Party hostels might have a bar and organise pub crawls. Digital Nomad hostels might have a dedicated co-working space, and homely hostels might put on evening meals and do local tours.
This co-working hostel in Bali suited us to the ground. Image: The Roaming Renegades
9. Select Your Bed Wisely
Not all dorm beds are equal!
As a newbie, you might end up being left with the worst bed in the room if you’re not savvy about it… and that’s not gonna give you a good impression when you’re staying in a hostel for the first time!
Some hostel tips for selecting a bed are:
Most people prefer the bottom bunk for obvious reasons – but I love the adventure of a top bunk!
If lockers are in the corner of a room, stay away as they will be a busy area of the dorm!
Windows and doors are also best avoided. Too much noise and light.
Think about how close you wanna be to the AC. Find the sweet spot in the room!
Find the bunk that’s furthest away from the other beds and avoid those that have been awkwardly placed together.
I think I know which one I’m picking for my Hostel – first time! Image: The Roaming Renegades
10. Location, Location, Location.
The cheapest hostel might be in a pretty shitty part of town, where you might feel unsafe or just miles away from anything. This is especially true in some of the worst countries I’ve visited.
In the end, the location of your hostel might make or break your trip, and you could even end up spending more on transport than what you saved.
That’s not to say you need to always be in the city centre, it might be that the backpacker hub is in a certain neighbourhood, but that’s where you wanna be!
It also goes without saying that if you want to stick to a budget, then make sure to pick the cheaper travel destinations, where you usually get better digs for your money, too.
Imagine you’re staying in a hostel for the first time and this is your view! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Other Essentials for First-Time Hostel Stays
Whilst you can easily just rock up to a hostel with your standard backpacking gear for Southeast Asia or elsewhere, my top tips for hostel stays include packing a few key items. These will make life a bit easier when you’re staying in a hostel for the first time.
5 Hostel Packing Essentials
So, you’re staying in a hostel for the first time? Make sure to pack the following things to make your time even better.
A Good Backpack With Packing Cubes
A good backpack is essential for any backpacking trip, but if you’re staying in a hostel, you’re going to want one that is both compact and easy to access the contents.
The Osprey Farpoint opens up in a clamshell style (like a suitcase) and is ideal for rummaging around without having to pull everything out.
Add in packing cubes, and you can keep your stuff neat and tidy!
When I’m staying in a dorm, I live out of my backpack and make sure to have it organised. If you’re living in hostels for the first time, you will want to keep everything neat and easy to lock up.
Our Favourite Backpacks
Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview
We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
Most hostels will have a plug right by your dorm bed, which is a godsend! But just like anywhere else, you’ll need an adapter. When I was staying in a hostel for the first time, we had one plug and an extension cord across the room – not ideal! Thankfully, things have changed these days.
You’ll also need to be a little more strategic about charging your gear, and you’ll want to do it when you’re in your bed. Get an adapter with multiple USB sockets.
Another good idea is to get a good portable power bank just in case you don’t have a personal plug, or it isn’t working.
Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).
So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
Hostel Etiquette: The Unwritten and Not-So-Unwritten Rules
You’re almost ready for your first stay in a hostel, but there are a few things you need to know before you do. Here are some unwritten rules and hostel etiquette.
How to live in a hostel for the first time: Don’t be the dickhead in the dorm!
Don’t bang the big light on – If you’re coming back when everyone is in bed, it’s no big deal, just use your phone light.
Don’t rustle around late at night – If you need to do some packing/ unpacking or general rummaging, then leave it until morning or take your bag out into the common areas. Plastic bags are particularly annoying!
Keep your phone on silent and use headphones – This surely needs no explaining!
Keep your area clean – Don’t be that guy whose bag looks like it exploded all over the room. Keep your shit on your bed and don’t hang your gear on someone else’s!
Don’t bonk in the bunk! – If you wanna hook up, then get a private room, folks!
Socialise outside the dorm after dark – By all means, stay up until midnight hanging with your new mates, but take it outside once it gets late.
Take your calls outside – Yeah, we can all hear you whispering to your boyfriend, and it’s super cringe!
Don’t sleep naked – No one wants to see that! If you’re wondering what to wear to sleep in hostels, I usually wear an old T-shirt and comfy shorts, but underwear is fine.
Don’t do your laundry in the sinks! – Firstly, no one wants your undies hanging to dry in the dorm, and secondly, most hostels (in Asia at least) can get your shit washed and dried for a few quid in a matter of hours!
Clean your dishes – You don’t have maids, or your mum, to clean up after you!
So, if you’re still wondering how to survive staying in a hostel, you’ve at least learnt how not to get yourself killed by your roommates! Trust me, sticking to these is going to make staying in a hostel for the first time a lot easier.
Only hostel dogs are allowed to roam the halls naked! (The blue was from an antiseptic for a cut) Image: The Roaming Renegades
Are Hostels Safe?
Yes! They are, and I have never felt anything other than safe.
The key thing is to read reviews and make sure it’s a hostel that fits your vibe and your comfort levels. If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, really do put the effort into double-checking the reviews.
In terms of keeping your stuff safe, most hostels have lockers, but be sure to bring your own combination lock. Some even have lockers big enough for your big bag too!
I’ve never known anyone to have a locker broken into, but of course, it can happen. But, I have known people who have their stuff taken from hotel rooms, so there is that!
Overall, the same tips go for travelling in general: use your common sense and follow what your gut tells you. If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t be afraid to leave. There are plenty of other hostels out there and you won’t miss the few £$ you wasted in the end. But yeah, you still need to make sure you’ve got yourself some good travel insurance still!
What Are Hostels Like?
Aha, right, so you’re thinking, this is all well and good, but Nic, what’s it actually like to stay at a hostel?
Ok, so here it is.
I am a bit of an introvert at heart, but having ADHD, once you get me started, I don’t shut up! So, I can get a bit self-conscious at first and staying in a hostel for the first time was a big deal, I’m not gonna lie.
But you know what, it was sick as!
Sure, I’ve had some annoying experiences in hostels with people being loud or switching lights on. And yeah, I have been awkward (and still am at times) here and there.
But I’ve met some of the best people on my travels because I stayed in hostels, and also some of the funniest anecdotes from my trips come from hostel shenanigans!
Overall, if you get a good group of people in a sick hostel, it kinda feels like a big sleepover, and honestly, I don’t have any real hostel horror stories!
Bet you didn’t expect that when you thought of a hostel! Image: The Roaming Renegades
Are There Options For Private Rooms or Female-Only Dorms?
Yeah, for sure! And honestly, if you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, this might be a good entry point.
Most hostels offer private rooms. They can be a bit less sociable, but they’re a good compromise and usually cheaper than a budget hotel.
Plenty of hostels also have female-only dorms. This is especially common in more conservative countries, where you might even find single-sex dorms are the only option (this is pretty rare).
Be sure to use the filters option on Hostelworld for private rooms or single-sex dorms.
If it doesn’t specific it will be a mixed dorm, meaning you’re sharing with everyone!
Hostelworld
Book Your Hostel At Hostelworld
For backpackers the humble hostel is their home from home. There are many amazing ones out there, but a load of rubbish too!
Get onto HostelWorld where you’ll find the worlds best hostels, great prices and honest reviews!
Staying in a hostel as a couple isn’t all that much different to anyone else in the hostel!
Like those travelling with a friend, it means you won’t be alone, but I’ve found you do have to make more of an effort to socialise.
Of course, when it comes to erm, cough *relations*, make sure to do yourselves and everyone else a favour and book a private room for a night or two!
Other than that, if I’m honest, I like having my own bed and space, and when you’re travelling together 24/7 – sometimes it’s good to have!
The biggest bonus is that when you’re travelling with another person, it can sometimes be just as cheap to get a private as it would be to get two dorm beds.
Though I really don’t mind sleeping in a dorm!
The other thing is, if you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, doing it with a partner makes it a bit less scary!
Are You Ready for Your First Time Staying in a Hostel?
Ok, so there you have it. Honestly, I love staying in hostels, and it’s been a true revelation whilst travelling that they are some of the best accommodation options out there.
Truly, if money weren’t an issue and I could stay anywhere, I’d still pick hostels. Ok, I’d get a private in a boutique place, but I just love the atmosphere. To be honest, it never really feels like a proper backpacking trip unless you’re in a hostel, either!
What do you think? Are you ready to give it a go and stay in a hostel for the first time now?
Let me know how you go on if you do.
What about this fancy pants room… it was a private btw! Image: The Roaming Renegades
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It’s best to check the description of each hostel. Usually, they are included with private rooms but with dorms you’ve got to either pay or put down a deposit.
No! In fact, I’ve met some of the dopest older folks whilst staying in hostels and let me tell you, those guys have some crazy stories to tell! The hostel backpacking scene is mega diverse.
Just be sure to research your hostel well if you don’t want to be surrounded by drunk 18-year-olds. Classier establishments tend to be where you’ll find the older hostel traveller!
When it comes to the more expensive parts of the world, you have to be a bit pickier where you stay and make sure to read the reviews and descriptions properly as some mega-cheap hostels end up housing mostly foreign workers.
Also, make sure your hostel has a kitchen and free brekkie so you can really save some money especially if you’re backpacking in London or another super expensive city in Europe.
Basically, you forgo many of the comforts of a traditional hotel room in that you’ll be sharing a dorm with other people for the cheapest rooms.
Some private rooms might be cheaper because you have a shared bathroom. But on the whole, I reckon you get much better value for money.
For transparency’s sake:Many of the links we have on our site are affiliate links. This means that when you click one of these links and make a booking or purchase, for example: accommodation, gear, insurance or transport, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).Also, know that as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Most importantly, know that we still only recommend services, gear and products we believe in and our earned commission helps us keep travelling and bringing you high-quality posts and content.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia!
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, south America and Eastern Europe all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work, I dunno, but my back hurts and I still collect Pokemon cards! Who wants in?!
If you’re looking for the best romantic European city breaks for you and your partner, then I’ve put together this EPIC list for the perfect trip away.
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