What It’s Really Like to Stay in a Hostel for the First Time

Let’s be honest: staying in a hostel for the first time can be intimidating.
Shared dorms? Strangers? A kitchen full of mystery spices and someone’s leftover chili?

But here’s the thing they don’t tell you in guidebooks: it’s human in the best way.

☕ Day One: Awkward Hellos

You check in, stash your backpack in a wooden locker, and nod politely to the person two bunks over. You don’t know their name yet—but you will.

🥘 Day Two: Pasta, Dutch Backpackers & That One Guy

You end up cooking pasta with a Dutch backpacker and a train-hopping ex-barista from Atlanta. You bond over burnt garlic bread. Someone puts on music. You laugh.

🛌 Day Three: You're Not Just Staying Here. You Belong Here.

By the third night, you're swapping playlists. Talking about places you didn’t plan to go. Starting to feel like this isn’t just a stop—it’s a turning point.

✊ What You Learn in a Hostel

  • People are good.

  • Conversations matter.

  • Travel isn’t just about seeing places—it’s about being in them.

🧭 Ready to Try It?

Find your first U.S. hostel on Hosteling.US and let the weird, wonderful ride begin.

Previous
Previous

The Best Hostels in Towns You’ve Never Heard Of

Next
Next

What NOT to Do in a Hostel (Trust Us)