Choosing Hostels as a Solo Traveler
- K. Guest
- Mar 5, 2024
- 3 min read
When you tell people you are staying at a hostel the reaction you may receive can be anything from shock to wonder to disgust to confusion! Hostels are a very misunderstood breed of accommodations! Here is a video tour of a recent hostel I stayed in.
I have been staying in hostels since I started solo travelling as a young woman in my early 20's. They were the only way I could afford to travel and I quickly learned what to look for when choosing my hostel ahead of time. I like to have my accommodations selected and booked before I arrive to places so that I know for sure I have a place to sleep at night. I do not like to be out looking for available rooms after dark at prices I cannot afford.
Enter hostelworld.com the hub that I do all my research on about hostels and where I like to book through! The ratings and reviews section is the most important part. You can quickly determine the style (city hub, party central, historic house, wilderness cabin, etc.) from the reviews and pictures so you can pick your preference!
Personally, cleanliness is my number one thing I need. Clean bathrooms and reviews by other women that the place is clean. I mean we are talking about places that are often just dorm rooms so I want to take comfort in the fact that despite living with a bunch of strangers (soon to be friends) that there is a clean space I can make my own while I live there.
Next I check prices which will determine if I want to stay in a mixed dorm, women's only dorm or a private room. Many hostels offer private rooms which are commonly chosen by couples staying there. Bedsharing ain't allowed in these places!
One of the pros I love about staying in hostels is that there are kitchens and fridges. I know on trips that I am going to eat out a lot but I am a huge proponent of eating simple meals like breakfasts and lunches from the grocery store. Especially if I have an adventure lined up the next day - I would love to go grab some food from the grocery store and prep a lunch for myself. This saves money and gives me peace of mind that I have food with me for a physical day ahead.
Some of the best hostels I have stayed in have girls bathrooms that look and feel like the opening scene of Legally Blonde. I was not a sorority girl but there is just SUCH comradery in a girls bathroom when everyone is getting ready together. It is peak girlhood and so much fun, whether its morning or before going out at night!
Lastly, security. I look for hostels that have baggage storage if I am going to be checking my bags in early (before rooms are available). I look for code-lockers (with electronic locks) if I know I will have all my camera equipment with me. And I ALWAYS bring a lock. I have never had a bad experience but it just is asking for trouble to leave valuables out or on your bed when you are not there.
I have stayed at so many hostels around the world as a solo woman and never had a problem or an uncomfortable situation arise. Everyone staying there is kind of in a similar boat of either saving money, looking for a social setting, or just needing a place to rest their head for the night. This does not mean I do not have my guard up or ever give trust where it has not been earned!
I highly recommend hostels to young women travelling alone for the first time because of the social environment that they provide. You will make friends, you will find people who know the area (usually front desk staff are super helpful) and you will not be alone in a new place.
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