When people think of hostels they often associate it with something unsafe and dirty. However, if you do your research, hostels can actually be a great option. When I first studied abroad in Italy, I wanted to travel as much as possible throughout Europe. Since I was a college student with a very limited budget, my friends and I always stayed in hostels. Now I have to admit that I do not chose hostels as often for my personal travels, but there have been, nonetheless, occasions where a hostel was the best option. If you are planning a trip to Europe, and are still uncertain about whether or not you wish to book hostel accommodation, keep reading for my guide to hostels in Europe.
BENEFITS OF STAYING IN A HOSTEL
Although most immediately think of the disadvantages of staying in a hostel there are many benefits as well. Hostels in Europe especially tend to be an attractive option when it comes to accommodation.
Cheaper
Of course price is the main selling point of a hostel. Hostels sell individual beds as opposed to rooms (unless it is a private room). Therefore, the price of your bed will be quite inexpensive per night. If you are planning on sightseeing and exploring the city, you most likely will not spend much time in your room, and really just need a bed to sleep on. Spending less on your accommodation allows you to use that pocket money for that special souvenir or deliciously expensive meal.
Centrally Located
Yet another draw to staying in a hostel, is the location. Most hostels in major cities are located in the center, or easily accessible to the center via public transport. In comparison to hotels or even apartments which tend to be much more expensive the closer they are to the center of the city. If you prefer to be walking distance from most major attractions then I highly recommend considering a hostel stay.
Organized Tours and Excursions
Another benefit of staying in a hostel are the numerous organized activities. Many hostels offer walking tours, dinners and pub crawls. Depending on the hostel the excursions can vary in price, however several of them do offer daily walking tours for free. This is a great added value to your stay that a hotel or airbnb wouldn’t necessarily offer.
Ability to Meet New People
One of the reasons I enjoy staying at hostels is the social atmosphere. Most hostels with bars offer happy hour specials, and social events that allow you to meet fellow travelers. This is perfect for all of you solo travelers! I have actually made a handful of friends in hostels that then ended up becoming travel companions throughout my trip!
TIPS FOR BOOKING A HOSTEL
Whether it’s your first time booking a hostel or you consider yourself an expert, below are a few pointers to help make the booking process easier.
Use Booking Platforms
Websites such as Hostelworld and Hostelbookers allow you to search exclusively for hostels in any given city. My recommendation is to filter the results by rating, and chose between the top five. I usually use both websites to compare prices, and reviews. You can also find a detailed description of the hostel services and amenities.
Consider Amenities
Some things to always look out for are breakfast, linens and towels, and if they are included in the price. Other elements I usually keep an eye for are if the hostel has a bar or social area, and if they offers walking tours or other excursions. These are all things to keep in mind when comparing prices. For example one hostel may be cheaper but not offer breakfast or linens. Whereas, another hostel may be slightly more expensive, but have many more included amenities.
Request Rooms for Groups
f you are traveling in a group of 6 or 7 a hostel is a great choice. Usually the larger rooms are less expensive and you can essentially book the entire room for you and your friends. However, keep in mind that if you do book 7 beds in a 7 person room this does not guarantee that all beds will be in the same room. Therefore, my suggestion is to immediately email the hostel after booking, and request all beds to be in the same room. Sometimes these larger rooms also come with private bathrooms which makes it ideal for when you are traveling with a large group of friends. Whenever I would travel with a group of 5 or 6 we would always have our own hostel room to ourselves.
Book an All Female Dorm
Despite my long list of benefits, you may still not feel 100% comfortable with the idea of sharing a room with strangers. If this is the case then you can book an all-female dorm room. Sometimes these rooms are also located on all-female floors. This is a great option for solo female travelers, or even if you are traveling with one or two other girl friends.
I’ve stayed in my fair share of hostels throughout the years. There were definitely some hostel nightmares but for the most part my experiences were positive. Out of all of the hostels I’ve stayed in, I certainly have a list of my favorites. If you are planning a trip to Europe soon, and are considering staying in a hostel then I hope my guide to hostels in Europe has clarified any doubts.
Safe Travels,
Vip <3
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