What is a hostel?

It is not uncommon in the US to hear someone that doesn’t travel much ask “what is a hostel?” or “what are hostels?”

The fist hostel movement is credited to a German teacher named  Richard Schirrmann. This evolved into an international peace movement with hostels as places where students and other young people from different countries could meet other like minded individuals and have a place to stay for extremely cheap.

The concept of hostels are much more popular throughout Europe and Australia where long term travel is an expected rite of passage for a young person to gain life experience.  There are some hostels in large cities and near national parks in North America, but nowhere near the density found in places like Amsterdam, Prague, or Berlin.

The typical hostel arrangement is a dormitory which can be from 4 - 18 beds (the less the better for you!) in a room connected to a shared bathroom which has many shower and toilet stalls. Travelers live together, cook together in a communal kitchen, and sacrifice a little luxury and privacy to spend far less than they would in even an average hotel.

Hostels range in experience and quality from nightmare to paradise.  Many are clean, respected, and very enjoyable places to stay with lots of character and personality built into the decor of a place. Others can be dirty, run down, and noisy - the management makes all the difference in a place.

Some hostels offer single sex dorm rooms, but most are mixed with males and females sharing the same sleeping area.  Communal rooms usually offer lockers for your valuables like IPODs and laptops to stop theft.  The common areas in hostels make a world of difference in your enjoyment of a place as well, you will meet many interesting and fun people from all over the world - and possibly new travel and adventure mates.

Some basic tips for the first time hostel goer:

  • Any food put into the communal fridge is fair game - so watch out!
  • Most hostels offer internet access and wireless
  • Try to time your showers, there are never enough stalls and never enough hot water!
  • Top bunks offer a little more privacy and keep people from sitting or stepping on your bed
  • Use lockers for expensive valuables - don’t create temptation be leaving an IPOD on your bed
  • Check if there is a curfew, some countries lock the outer doors at night!
  • Always take a card with you if you go rambling, you can always give it to a taxi to find your way home in the dark
  • Many hostels will hold your bags for you the next day while you go explore, book passage, or find a new place to stay

Hostels can be noisy places, especially on the weekend when party goers are coming and going late.  Earplugs are one piece of standard issue gear you should never be without!  The food and drinks in hostel bars are usually more expensive than that found on the street or in local places, don’t feel like you have to always have dinner close to home!

Hostels offer a great budget way to crash and meet new travelers, some of whom you will remain lifelong friends after you have both parted ways.  Everyone should experience this communal way of life!