When you decide to travel, as a group or individually, one of the initial decisions you have to make is on where you are going to be spending your night. All travellers, no matter how excited they are to explore destinations, need a central place during their journey.
You could decide to use hotels, rentals, or hostels. The choice of facility you choose is dependent on the pricing, level of comfort, and style.
Hostels offer shared accommodation for travellers who do not mind sharing amenities and space. They are also great for solo travellers who are looking to meet new people and interact during their journey.
Deciding to stay in a hostel will not only save you money through shared accommodation, but it also offers you subsidised meals. Hostels are secure and fun options.
Services Offered in Hostels
While hostels are a good decision when travelling, you need to get acquainted with what you expect to get and what you do not. There are things that you will get to hotels that are not in hostels. Although hostels do not have a 24/7 cleaning service, they are clean.
Some of the things you should expect to get include;
- Multiple beds
- Shared restrooms
- Dining facilities or/and cooking areas
- Lockers
- Libraries
- Bars
The extra perks you might get, such as WIFI, a personal socket, and complimentary breakfast are dependent on the type of hostel you choose.
What you Need When Going to a Hostel
It is crucial to understand before booking a hostel that you will meet all sorts of people with diverse courtesy traits. Thus, be aware of the shared space, the disadvantages, and how you can ensure to get the best out of the experience.
Book a hostel through a booking site that allows you to view the reviews they have received. Go through photos and determine whether the services you will get will be worthwhile for the money you are spending.
Below are a few guidelines what you need to do, and carry when going to a hostel
- Take up a short stay – you could book the accommodation for one or two nights to allow yourself time to gauge the services. However, only do this when you are sure to get alternative accommodation if you decide to leave the hostel. Be cautious about peak seasons.
- Bring your toiletries and flip flops – this is to avoid any hygiene issues such as fungi infections.
- Carry earplugs and blindfolds – there are party hostels where people stay up all night and sleep during the day. Even though you might not mind the noise, ensure that you have the option of blocking out the noise and activities when need be.