10 Reasons why you should choose a Hostel

Do you have a gap year or just 2 weeks of time? Or do you look for budget accommodations because you want to travel a little bit longer ? You are looking for a low cost bedroom during your travel ? Or do you travel together a group of friends ?

10 reasons you should choose a hostel - Carribean Beach

Carribean Beach

If your answer is yes for one or more of the questions above, then a hostel will be the right decision for you. And I will explain you why !

Hostels are the best choice for travelers, who do not stay at the same place all the time. And they are perfect for people, who have a lot of time and try to travel as long as possible. In addition, hostels are the perfect solution for groups of people.

A hostel is a meeting point for people who try to learn something about the country they are traveling in. Because you can meet so many other traveling people in a hostel, it is the best place to exchange travel related information, stories and experiences. The good and the bad ones. The typical hostel guest is willing to share his experience with you and is happy to hear what you can tell him.

I don’t want to miss the many talks that I had in various hostels during my travels around the world. I have met many more people, than I would have met in a hotel. I found a lot of new friends that I am still in contact with, even after years.

The main advantage of a hostel is, that people in hostels are happy to get new contacts. This makes the difference to a common hotel, where you usually will meet people who stay there for a fixed time during their vacation. Couples or families with children who are there to relax at the beach and usually are not very interested in getting new contacts.

And here are the “10 reasons you should choose a hostel” instead of a hotel, that I found while traveling the planet.

10 Reasons why you should choose a Hostel

  1. Rates

    Hamock in front of a hostel

    Hamock in front of a hostel

    Hostels are cheaper than Hotels or Bed & Breakfasts. The perfect choice for people who travel on a budget. You will save money and you will be able to afford a longer stay, excursions, outings or visits to other towns.

  2. Different kinds of rooms
    Hostels offer different kinds of rooms. Beside the usual three, five or even ten bed rooms you can get a single or double room. Sometimes these rooms have private sometimes shared bathrooms. It depends on your budget and if you prefer privacy or not.
  3. Traveler’s Meeting Point – Make new friends
    The main reason for me to choose a hostel is to get together with other travelers. Hostels have certain areas that can be shared by guests from all over the world. You will meet people with broad travel experience and have the possibility to exchange information or simply play pool and table football, watch movies, go dancing or go on excursions with them.
  4. Independence
    You don’t need to book your hostel 6 month in advance.
    From my travel experience this works very well. I usually stay for a couple of days at the same place, visit the interesting places or just recreate at the beach. Then I plan for the next days, book my next stay in another town and move to this place. This flexibility is perfect for me.
  5. Action
    Many hostels offer organized activities like site seeing trips to  travel destinations, watch temples, pyramids, ruins, castles and so on. Some organize horse riding tours or are specialized for diving activities. Sometimes they organize barbecues or parties.
  6. Services
    There is a broad range of services offered by the most hostels. It includes WiFi, luggage storage, a kitchen for the guests and a room service.
  7. Timetable
    If you are respectful of other guests and you do not make any annoying noise, you are free to stay in the shared areas or enter and leave the premises at any time.
  8. Multicultural
    In a hostel you will get in contact with people from everywhere in the world. This allows you to practice and improve your Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian or German with guests of different nationalities while staying at the hostel or going out together.
  9. Promotions, discounts
    Many hostels offer special conditions if you stay for longer. Sometimes they have partnerships with local bars, cinemas, discos or restaurants.
  10. Location
    There are Hostels in the main neighborhoods of any kind of travel destination with easy access to the points of interest.

Please don’t misunderstand. Hotels and B&B’s or apartments have their value to. During my travels I usually mix it a little bit, depending on the place, how much time I will spend at the same location or how much money has left in my travel budget.

What is your experience with hostels ?
Do you think there are disadvantages, that I didn’t consider ?

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