When I fell in love with hostels.
This photo was not taken on my first trip to a hostel - though the community and vibes were identical. During my first hostel stay, I had a tiny digital camera (hi 2014!) and the photos are on a drive somewhere forgotten.
I remember my first-ever hostel stay like it was yesterday. I had just turned 20 and was setting out on my own, brimming with a mix of excitement and nerves. The hostel I stayed in (now sadly defunct) gave me a little key and a pile of sheets at check-in—a sort of DIY bedding situation. I’d dress my mattress myself, a humble yet oddly satisfying ritual. My room had three other girls in it: two travelers from China and one from Sweden. Despite our vastly different backgrounds, every night we’d somehow find our way back to the room around the same time, exchange sleepy goodnights, switch on a white noise machine, and turn out the lights.
That first hostel experience set the bar high for me. It wasn’t luxurious—far from it—but it had a magic all its own. The community was the star of the show. Any time of day, I could find someone to share a meal with, explore the city, or even join on a last-minute ghost tour. There was this unspoken understanding that everyone was in it together. Whether it was the staff cheerfully stocking oatmeal for breakfast or a casual conversation with a roommate while brushing teeth, the connections were endless.
And let’s not forget the adventures! One night, a group of us bonded over beers at a bonfire, swapping stories from our respective corners of the world. The next morning, we were hiking trails together, sharing tips about where to find the best coffee.
Hostels are a gateway to affordable adventure travel!
Hostels are so much more than a budget-friendly bed. They’re gateways to affordable adventure travel and cultural exchange. If you’ve never stayed in one before, let me paint you a picture:
Imagine waking up in a cozy bunk bed and sipping coffee with a view of the mountains, your new friends planning the day’s hikes beside you.
Picture yourself in the heart of a bustling city, where the hostel staff double as your personal tour guides, eager to share their insider tips.
Envision a lively common room where languages mingle, guitars strum, and laughter echoes late into the night.
A hostel stay is like a passport to spontaneous friendship.
Travelers who stay in hostels are adventurers at heart. They’re solo backpackers, groups of friends, couples on a budget, and even families looking to introduce their kids to the wonders of the world. What binds them together is a shared desire for authentic experiences and meaningful connections. Hostels facilitate those connections in ways that hotels simply can’t. (When was the last time you made a lifelong friend in a hotel lobby?)
The Evolution of Hostels
If you’re picturing cramped dorms and rickety bunk beds, think again. Today’s hostels have leveled up. Many offer private rooms alongside traditional dorms, sleek coworking spaces, and even rooftop bars. Some are housed in historic buildings with quirky designs, while others feature eco-friendly setups that will have your inner environmentalist swooning.
And then there’s the community factor. Most hostels curate events to bring travelers together: pub crawls, yoga classes, cooking nights, and local walking tours. These activities aren’t just fun—they’re opportunities to meet people from around the globe and share stories you’ll tell for years to come.
Hosteling in the USA: An Underrated Gem
The USA might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of hosteling, but let me tell you—American hostels are worth the hype. From vibrant urban hubs like New York City and San Francisco to outdoor havens near national parks, there’s a hostel for every type of traveler.
Pro Tip: Many hostels in the U.S. partner with local businesses for discounts on tours, bike rentals, and more. Be sure to ask at the front desk!
What Makes Hostels So Special?
Affordability: Let’s get real—traveling can be expensive. Hostels offer budget-friendly accommodations, leaving you with more cash for experiences.
Community: The communal vibe is unmatched. Where else can you strike up a conversation with someone from another continent while cooking dinner?
Flexibility: Whether you’re staying one night or a week, hostels are designed to cater to travelers on the move.
Local Insights: Hostel staff are often locals who know the area like the back of their hand. They’ll steer you toward hidden gems that don’t make it into the guidebooks.
Hostels are like a choose-your-own-adventure book—every day brings a new story.
Tips for First-Time Hostelers
If you’re ready to dive into the world of hosteling, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
Pack Smart: Bring earplugs, a sleep mask, and a padlock for lockers. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.
Be Open-Minded: Hostels attract a diverse crowd. Embrace the differences and learn from them.
Participate in Events: Whether it’s a group hike or a trivia night, getting involved is the quickest way to make friends.
Respect Shared Spaces: Keep the kitchen tidy, lower your voice late at night, and be mindful of others in dorms.
Final Thoughts
That first hostel stay of mine sparked a lifelong love for travel and community. It inspired me to open my own hostel in my late 20s and eventually launch Hosteling.US. My goal? To share my passion for hostels with as many people as possible and help others discover the joy of affordable adventure travel.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of hostels and experience the magic for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, there’s a hostel waiting to become your home away from home.
Remember: hostels are more than just a bed—they’re where the best travel stories begin.