Staying in Hostels: The Ultimate Guide to Safety, Types & Booking (2026)

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The very first time I went to Europe, 18-year-old me was excited beyond belief. I was also unconcerned with anything to do with accommodation and didn’t bother to look up tips for staying in hostels.

Instead, I made a lot of newbie mistakes as a first-time hostel goer. Mostly, I booked the wrong places, putting budget above comfort like any student would do. Honestly speaking, I’m embarrassed to admit some of the situations I’ve found myself in!

In the years since, I’ve stayed in all sorts of hostels from private rooms in hostel-hostel hybrids like the Hostalin Madrid with my mom to mixed dorms with 29 other people along the Camino de Santiago. Needless to say, I’ve learned a ton. Thus, I’m pleased to say that I am now well versed with all the tricks of the trade for staying in hostels.

To save you from making the same mistakes, I’ve put together this hostel guide with everything you need to know about hostels — from how to choose the right one and what to expect, to safety concerns, mixed gender dorms, how to book a hostel, and more!

Think hostels might be for you? Read more details on how to choose one in this guide to hostels.

What Is a Hostel & How Do They Work?

Before we begin, we should start by answering the question, “What’s a hostel?”

A hostel is a budget-friendly accommodation option available to travelers worldwide — although less common in the United States. Unlike hotels, they are communal: they offer shared dorm rooms, seating areas, community kitchens, and shared bathrooms.

To be clear, you do not book a room at a hostel. You book a bed inside a dormitory. These dorms may have as little as three or as many as 30 beds!

But don’t let that scare you! These days, there are hostels for just about everyone. From luxury hotels to social hotels to private rooms, anyone on a budget or looking to socialize can benefit from staying in one.

Choosing the Right Hostel for Your Trip

Choosing the best hostel certainly takes a little bit of research. Here are 10 things to take into consideration when choosing a hostel.

1. Location

Location is key when visiting any city, town, or country. The first thing to look for when researching hostels is the location. 

Most likely, everything you want to visit is going to be concentrated in the downtown area. Find a hostel that’s either in walking distance, or a quick bus or metro ride away. You don’t want to spend time and money on transportation day in and day out.

Sites like Booking.com and Hostelworld.com allow you to search by map, which is super helpful! Once you’ve narrowed your search by map, you can also read the reviews to see what guests say about the location on a scale from 1-10.

Read through the reviews to get a feel for how easy it is to get to/from the train or airport and all the sites you’re interested in seeing.

2. Noise level

It’s a fact of life that hostels can be super noisy. They can also be quiet.

This is where reviews come in.

If you’re sensitive to noise at all, scour the reviews for descriptions of the noise level of a place. Party hostels in particular can be super loud. At these type of hostels, people are up late into the night drinking, dancing, and opening/closing doors.

In my opinion, these are the worst type of hostels. So, I look through the reviews to be sure I’m staying in a quiet place.

Aside from people making noise, sometimes hostels are located on busy boulevards or in very old buildings. Paper thin walls do not make for a good night’s sleep!

3. Amount of beds per dormitory

One of the top things to consider when choosing a hostel is the amount of bunks per room. 

This can range from 2 to 16 to 40 in the most extreme cases!

But normally, you’ll see rooms with around 4-12 beds.

We will also note that some hostels offer a handful of private rooms. We’ll talk more about the pros and cons of booking a private room in our How to Book a Hostel section, below.

4. Room gender

If you’re worried about sleeping in a mixed dorm, you’re not alone.

But, wait, “What’s a mixed dorm?”

At hostels, you choose a female only, male only, or mixed (co-ed) dorm room.

Although this might feel odd for Americans, mixed dorms are common. And sometimes, they are the only option.

Many of my friends and I were—and still are—anxious about sleeping in the same room as men we don’t know. So, I prefer to book women-only dorms when available.

Book the room that makes you feel comfortable, personally. Need more help deciding? Read all about mixed-gender dorms in the section below.

5. Bathrooms

Bathrooms are typically shared in hostels. Although showering at hostels may sound intimidating, it’s really not a big deal in the end.

When choosing a hostel, the key here is to look to see where the bathroom is located. Hostel showers and bathrooms will either be in the hallway or ensuite (in your room). On the whole, the are very clean.

If it’s located in the room, you run the possibility of people making noise as they shower or get up to go to the bathroom in the night.

If it’s located in the hallway, it’s a bit harder to go to the bathroom at night. But, it’s quieter inside the room and people aren’t turning lights on, either! For someone who likes to sleep in darkness, that alone prompts me to choose this option, when available.

If you want some [relative] privacy, ask the front desk staff when the showers are least busy. Also, don’t forget to bring shower shoes and a hanging toiletry bag, and you’re all set.

Also, keep in mind bathrooms may or may not be designated by gender.

6. Amenities

While hostels are known for the basics, there are some amenities to look out for.

Communal kitchens are one of the most sought after amenities by tourists. The ability to save money by cooking or even storing leftovers in a refrigerator is a great draw for guests.

Just be sure to clean up after yourself.

For digital nomads, good wifi signals and coworking spaces are key.

Other hostels offer game rooms stocked with board games, common areas where you can make friends, and laundry facilities, for instance.

Determine what’s important to you, if anything, and look for it when booking your hostel trip.

7. Events

Some hostels offer events for travelers. If you’re traveling solo, these can be a great way to If you want to get to know the local area, enjoy your favorite activities, or meet other people, you may be in luck!

Many hostel offer free tours, classes, or organize meals together.

If you’re staying alone, this is your opportunity to interact with locals and other travelers. Take El Granado in Granada, Spain, for instance. They organize get togethers so guests can get to know each other.

Plus, the more people you know, the more comfortable you’ll feel. It’s nice to know there is someone watching out for you, too. 

For the most part, the quiet, hotel-hostel hybrid properties don’t offer any events.

In any case — event seeker or not — make sure you do your research to choose the ideal hostel type for YOU!

8. Cleanliness

When finding a hostel, or any hotel or vacation rental for that matter, read the reviews on the cleanliness of the property.

And, just because it’s a hostel doesn’t necessarily mean it will be dirty.

Some of the cleanest places I’ve stayed have actually been hostels! By and large, property owners want to provide a clean place to stay.

9. Price

Last but not least, let’s talk about the price tag. Presumably, that’s why many people stay in hostels, right? So, how much does it cost to stay in a hostel?

It really varies by country, but hostels can cost as little as $5 per bed to upwards of $65.

So, sometimes it’s a no-brainer to stay in a hostel if you’re looking to save money. Other times, it’s well worth it to investigate staying at an AirBnb or hotel.

Varies by everything we mentioned above, there are even private rooms

10. Social Life

Whether you want to save money by cooking or need to work, hostels offer many different types of common areas that may interest you.

Not only will you pay for these areas, but they are also where you might meet some new and interesting people from all over the world. 

Finding a global, like-minded community of people to eat with, tour with, or simply share tips on how to get to the airport is sure to be a highlight of any backpacker’s trip!

Some hostels offer amazing common areas including:

• Kitchen
• Patio or rooftop terrace 
• Lounge
• Game room
• Pool
• Café/bar
• Coworking space

With these things in mind, one of my favorite hostel tips is to take advantage of this hostel-specific feature.

12 Types of Hostels: Which is Right for You?

There are over 10,000 hostels in Europe alone, and over 15,000 worldwide. With all those hostels to choose from, there’s certain to be a hostel type just for you! Here are some types of hostels to search for.

1. Budget hostels

Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t all hostels cheap?

Yes, hostels are typically cheaper than staying in hotels. This is because you’ll rent just a bunk—not an entire room.

But, not all hostels are made alike. Some are even more basic than others: enter the budget hostel.

Budget, or cheap hostels are your most basic, no-frills type of hostel.

In these hostels, you can expect plastic mattresses, dormitories filled with beds (think 14-16), and zero lockers. While sheets are more or less standard in hostels these days, budget hostels may charge extra to use their sheets, so bring your own sleep sack.

They likely offer little to no common space (or at least not the type of inviting area you might enjoy). So, these are usually just for sleeping, not for lounging, journaling, cooking, or meeting others.

Since they are cheap, you’re likely to find a lot of students in budget hostels.

All in all, the budget type hostel is ideal if you really want to save money and don’t mind super basic accommodations.

2. Activity hostels

A type of hostel that fits wonderfully with travelers who are looking for experiences where they stay are activity hostels.

Activity hostels are centered around certain themes like digital nomad hostels, women-only retreat centers, or solo traveler hostels.

A bonus to staying in activity hostels is that they are perfect for finding people just like you!

Plus, accommodations, events, and classes will be arranged for your liking.

For example, digital nomad hostels offer coworking spaces and (hopefully) good Wi-Fi. (If you’re worried, bring your own TravelWiFi device.) Women-only retreat centers may offer luxurious handmade soap, yoga classes, or nights out on the town.

In other words, the owners of activity hostels desire for like-minded people to come to their place. They’ll orient everything around making hostelers feel safe, welcome, and productive.

3. Party hostels

Party hostels are exactly what they sound like: they are all about providing an outlet for people to go out and have a good time, drink, dance, and meet other people.

Sometimes, this means that the hostel itself has a bar and live music late into the night. Other times, party hostels arrange for people to go out together and party. The popular Sant Jordi Sagrada Familia is a mix of both.

In any case, you can party all night long—or until the bars close.

For me personally, this is exactly the type of hostel I try to avoid. My ideal hostel is one where I can get a good night’s sleep before venturing out, all day every day!

Whether you’re looking for a party or trying to avoid it, look for keywords like these to alert you to whether it’s a party hostel or not:

• Free shot with stay
• Bar open until 2 am
• Live music
• Pub crawl

Insider Tip: No matter what type of hostel you prefer, check the reviews when booking a hostel. The descriptions and pictures may tell one story, but reviews will tell another!

4. Unique hostels

Unique hostels—like party hostels—aren’t for everyone.

At this type of hostel, the property IS the stay. Much like cruise ships are the destination, not the ports they visit, if you really think about it.

Want to stay in a unique hostel?

Here are some suggestions:

• Pipe House Playa Grande in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a unique hostel situated near the beach.
• Cinco Tulum Beach & Glamping: Set in the national park and steps from the beach, each glamping tent features a king size bed and it’s own lounge area. If you’ve never glamped (the glamorous version of camping) before, this could be the perfect type of hostel to book!

Since the unique hostel is the stay, it might be more expensive than your typical stay. But hey, you’re in it for the experience, right?

5. Eco conscious hostels

For those interested in eco-friendly living, there are a number of eco conscious hostels (aka eco hotels, eco hostels, eco-friendly hostels, etc.) to stay in all around the world.

Eco conscious hostels not only run off sustainable practices (in part or in whole) but they are often educational and offer an experience, not just accommodation.

• The Alter’hostel in Lyon, France operates a communal compost system, collects rainwater for their plants, and installed environmentally-friendly toilets. They also offer tons of activities, bike rentals, and more. What a great way to enjoy the city while also participating in sustainable living!
• Even more eco conscious is the Bodrum Ecofarm Camp & Hostel in Turkey. On this farm, enjoy a fresh breakfast, fruit and nuts from the garden, and lots of relaxing activities steps away from the sea.

What’s better than once in a lifetime experiences, friendly neighbors, and cheap accommodation that’s eco-friendly?

Very little, we think.

6. Historic hostels

History buffs will marvel at any number of historic hostels around the globe.

Just as the name suggests, the historic hostel type gives you the opportunity to stay somewhere that’s steeped in history.

Castles, old firehouses, and newspaper offices are just a few places that come to mind.

Let’s check out a few more…

• In Dubrovnik, Croatia, the Hostel Angelina Old Town is located in a 400-year old building inside the city walls!
• The Kex Hostel in Reykjavik is located inside an old biscuit factory. Even better, much of the hostel is furnished with salvaged materials and found objects giving this hostel in Iceland the industrial-chic feel.
• BUNK Hostel Utrecht aims to be keep church alive with lots of community events as an old sanctuary turned backpacker’s hostel.

Whatever hostel you choose, we are sure you’ll have fun stepping back into time!

7. Quiet hostels

By this point, you’ve heard all about the lively experiences you can have in a hostel.

If you’re an introvert, you might be ready to call it quits on the hostel search.

But, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered…

For those seeking solitude, there’s a hostel type for you, too: quiet hostels.

Quiet hostels or “hybrid” hostels fit right in the gap between traditional student hostels and budget hotels.

For example, I never heard a peep from my neighbors when staying at Hostallin, a centrally-located hostel in Madrid. (I still always bring ear plus, just in case!)

But, how can hostels be quiet?

Well, they usually offer smaller room sizes. You can find private rooms, doubles, triples, or quads at these types of hostels, with or without shared bathrooms

They might also be family-run (or have that feeling). 

Quiet hostels may or may not offer shared amenities and likely don’t offer some of the more communal aspects that some hostels thrive on. Basically, they are set up for you to rest, not to interact with others.

This type of hostel is great for families, those over 50, and really anyone who wants a quiet, calm stay.

8. Adventure hostels

Adventure hostels, like activity hostels, are centered around activities for adventure travelers. These hostels offer not only great rates, but access to ski, surf, and other popular outdoor adventures.

• Whether it’s a stay at the Adventure Hostel Interlaken (the adventure sports capital of Europe) or the Take Hostel Conil in Cádiz, Spain (perfect for water sports enthusiasts) adventure hostels give wonderful access to whatever activity you’re up to on your vacation.

Also, these hostels are great for groups, but we particularly love them for solo travelers. Don’t have a friend that likes to ski? Head to the hostel, and meet other ski fanatics with whom you can travel and ski with for years to come!

If you’re ready for an adventure, this might just be the type of hostel for you!

9. Youth hostels

Youth hostels only allow people between the ages of 18-26 (typically) to stay and use their facilities.

The goal of youth hostels is to provide safe, supervised, and affordable housing for younger travelers.

If you’re a young traveler, perhaps traveling on your own for the first time or with a group of friends, you might feel comfortable starting out at a youth hostel.

There, you will stay with staff who are used to catering to the younger crowd and can answer any questions and quash any fears. In my experience, these hostels are clean, offer tours or other group activities, and are well-organized, too.

Or maybe it’s not you who’s worried about staying in a room with strangers—it’s your parents. Let them know about youth hostels, and it might ease their mind.

Another great thing about youth hostels is that you’ll be around other people who are in the same boat as you. So, you can be nervous together and perhaps make some friends with whom you can explore.

Lastly, these hostels tend to be inexpensive. This gives students and other young professionals to experience the world within their budget.

Hosteling International is a great resource for youth travelers. (Send the link to mom, too!)

10. Luxury hostels

Perhaps you weren’t expecting to see luxury hostels on the list.

Luxury hostels (sometimes referred to as design hostels) can cost more than a budget hotel room.

So, why stay in one?

The advantage to staying in a luxury hostel is all about the details—luxurious decor, artisanal soaps, shampoo, and clean, fluffy comforters abound.

Plus, you’ll still get the communal aspects of staying in a hostel, perhaps with free yoga classes, pools, on-site cafés, or similar.

• The Selina Tulum in Tulum, Mexico advertises a 4-star stay complete with a restaurant, bar, and shared lounge. Oh, and did we mention its beachside?

In addition to amenities, you’ll find other like-minded travelers to swap stories and adventure with.

All these aspects make luxury hostels a win-win for us!

11. Pod hostels

Originating in Japan and made popular in Asia, pod hostels are turning up around the globe.

Pod hostels are just what they sound like: tiny, individual capsule rooms.

In other words, at pod hostels, you book your own pod instead of a bed or room.

Not all pod hostels, or capsule hotels as they are also called, are futuristic looking portals with locks. Some are simply hostels with wall dividers or curtains like the Decklodge in Peniche, Portugal. They all serve the same function: to give guests a private area to relax, sleep, even read at night (!) without disturbing other guests.

Another example is the St Christopher’s Village in London. It’s a good choice for backpackers who want some privacy, yet love to socialize. This hostel offers Japanese-style capsule beds. Each pod comes equipped with USB power points, electric plugs, and reading lights.

Not only are you afforded some privacy at pod hostels, but may also sleep soundly at night knowing you are safe and sound from pickpockets inside your pod! (Just because you are staying in a pod doesn’t give you license to make noise, though. You can still hear people in the pods nearby.)

12. Cozy or homey hostels

Hosts really make you feel at home in cozy or homey type hostels.

Now, these can overlap with quiet hostels, hybrid hostels, or even historic hostels. They may also be called guest houses or B&B’s. (What differentiates hostels from typical accommodations, for example, is the shared facilities.)

The point is, these hostels really do feel like a home away from home.

They are often homes that have been converted into hostels.

For example, I’ve stayed at several converted brownstones in Madrid, Spain. Each room in the home is rented separately, and guests share the hallway bathroom. (You really have to wonder what the kids think about mom and dad converting their family into a hostel, don’t you?)

• La Casa Encantada is a an restored, early 20th century colonial house. Stay in this home to experience staying in a home, history (it was once a school), and all that La Palma, Spain has to offer!.
• In the town of Nicosia, Italy, the Sicilian Mountain Oasis is run by a family, and is a bucket list stay, for sure!

If you’re ready to book your home away from home, look no further!

What to Expect: Your First Time in a Hostel

Staying in a hostel for the first time is an interesting experience, to say the least.

If you’ve never been outside your home country or never traveled alone, you may be terrified at the idea of sleeping in a room with strangers. Then again, maybe you’re super excited!

When I first started traveling solo, I looked forward to staying in hostels. I was in my early 20’s and felt such a sense of accomplishment whenever I planned a trip, booked my own accommodation, and made it to all the tourist hot spots with nothing more than a paper map.

But, nervous or excited, you’ll quickly discover when you try a new experience, it’s almost always worth it.

Here’s a list of what to expect for first-timers staying at a hostel.

1. Locating and checking-in to your hostel

Upon arrival at your hostel, the first thing you may notice is that it is hard to get in.

That’s because some hostels are located in older buildings where the entrance may be on a side door, or the lobby may be on a higher floor.

Moreover, hostels tend to be locked, though not always during the day. Although this is a minor annoyance, it’s for the safety of everyone who’s staying inside and prevents theft, which does happen inside hostels sometimes.

Regardless, don’t panic. Simply locate your hostel, press the buzzer, and the staff will let you in!

Once you’ve made it to the front desk, you might be surprised to find out that the staff is international. When I first started staying in hostels in Spain, I was excited to use my second language: Spanish. Instead, I quickly learned that many hostels employ staff from all over the world.

Next, have your booking number, passport, and payment method ready. Depending on the location, not all hostels have high tech booking systems. If you can show them your confirmation, that can go a long way if there’s any confusion.

Along with your booking information, get your passport and payment method ready. Some hostels will hold your passport during your stay. If this makes you — rightfully — hesitant, see if they’ll accept a color, laminated copy. (Check out my women’s packing guide for Europe to see what else you need.)

Note that some hostels are still cash-only. Others prefer cash to avoid booking and software fees. If you haven’t prepaid, find out what the preferred payment method is.

Traveler Tip: You can get cash at ATMs. Although ATM fees and exchange rates are sometimes more expensive at airports, we usually take some cash out immediately upon arrival to have on hand. You just never know when you might need it

While many hostels operate 24/7, not all do. If you’re going to be late, notify the hostel. This courtesy will be appreciated. Moreover, your bunk won’t be given away!

Lastly, check-in is your opportunity to ask for the bunk you want if you didn’t do so during the booking process. See how to choose and book a good hostel.

2. Choosing your bed takes skill

Some hostels allow you to choose any bed you prefer once you get into the room. Unquestionably, this is when it’s nice to be the first to arrive!

On the other hand, some hostels will assign you a bed number. When you get to the room, match the number they gave you (often on your room and/or locker key) with the corresponding bed. (Check out the photo above of the Hostal Número Trece in Alicante to see an example of how beds are numbered.)

Honestly, I’m always bummed when the beds are assigned.

I’d much prefer to see the room and then decide which bed to take depending on my preferences: away from the door or bathroom, for example.

Even if the hostels assigns beds, you may get to the room and see that your bed is taken. Despite a little confusion, it’s not a big deal. Perhaps that person didn’t understand that the beds are numbered, wanted to move to be closer to a friend, or didn’t want to catch the draft.

Just choose another bed. As a courtesy, let reception know which bed you’ve chosen so they can plan for the next visitor.

If you do get to choose a bed, think about what’s important to you. Is it a lower bunk or a bed next to the wall, perhaps?

Getting excited for the hostel experience, yet?

Insider Tip: To prevent getting a bad bunk assignment, in your opinion, note your bunk preferences while booking on a site like Hostelworld. Then, kindly mention the preference again at check-in. There’s no guarantee the property will honor your request, but you can try.

3. Not all hostels have lockers

One of the biggest safety risks in hostels is petty theft. Valuable items like passports and cash are at particular risk.

Surely, it’s nice when hostels have lockers where you can store your things, but not all of them do. And the ones that do may or may not have locks included.

In any case, it’s best to come prepared with your own travel lock. This way, you can lock the locker and/or your luggage to prevent petty theft. See more essentials in my hostel packing list.

We love this cable lock since the cord is super versatile. In addition to locking your locker or luggage, you can lock your bag to something. For example, attach it a chair leg while sleeping!

If you forgot to bring a lock, check the front desk to see if they have any for sale or rent.

4. Bring earplugs and a mask if you want to sleep

If you want to get some sleep, an excellent hostel tip is to bring ear plugs and a comfy sleep mask. It is almost certain that people will snore, sleep talk, and mill about the room around the clock.

Specifically, people often come in very late, or leave super early in the morning to catch their next train or flight.

Other noisy and light-inducing things to consider when finding a hostel: creaky beds, old buildings, location of bathrooms, and street noise.

If you snore, people will understand. That’s par for the course when staying in a hostel. On that note, you may want to let others know you snore as a courtesy. Passing out individually-wrapped ear plugs is well received, in my experience.

In the end, pop in your earplugs, and don your eye mask, and you’re good to go! (By the way, I’ve tried many ear plugs over the years, and the Flents ear plugs are my favorite. I do recommend giving them a try!)

5. There may be people living at the hostel

Something very disconcerting on my first solo trip to London was the amount of people living at the hostel.

I quickly learned why.

Hostels often employ staff in exchange for room and board. If this is something you’d like to do check out Worldpackers’ job board.

Additionally, some travelers stay long-term or are digital nomads. Therefore, they really are living out of a suitcase in the hostel.

Regardless, when you get stuck in a room with people that have moved in, is the worst. In several hostel experiences, I’ve found that long-term guests tend to trash the rooms out.

To avoid this, check the reviews before you book on a site like Hostelworld. You can also request that reception move you to a different room.

6. Hostel breakfast is likely going to be minimal

If you’ve opted for a hostel with breakfast, don’t get too excited.

In our experience, hostel breakfasts are usually minimal, especially at the cheaper backpackers’ hostels in Europe.

You can expect:

• Toast and jam
• Boxed milk
• Corn flakes (if you’re lucky)
• Instant coffee

If you’re on a budget or in a hurry, by all means, have a piece of toast! Coupled with some yogurt, fruits, and nuts from the local grocery store, you’ll be all set.

All in all, If breakfast is really important to you, go out for breakfast! Or, pay close attention to the reviews so you can find a place with a healthy, filling breakfast.

7. Travelers of all ages stay in hostels

Although commonly be referred to as youth hostels (at least by Americans), travelers of all ages are invited to stay in dorms — and they do.

Lately, it’s becoming more common for the over 50 crowd to stay in hostels. Why not? Hostels are great for people of all ages who love to travel, save money, and live communally.

Families also stay in hostels, often in rooms advertised as triples, quads, or family rooms. We love to see families traveling together and making memories that last a lifetime, wherever they choose to stay!

Thus, don’t be surprised when you see hostel-goers of all ages. Embrace the hostel life, and strike up a conversation about each others’ perspective on life, travel, and what it’s like to stay in a hostel. You never know what you might learn or what connections you might make.

8. English is typically the common language spoken at hostels

One of the neatest things about staying in hostels is interacting with travelers from all over the world. To describe, one moment you’ve never met someone from Slovenia. The next, she’s your bunkmate.

Since there are lots of international people (both staff and guests), English is typically the language spoken at hostels.

If you’re like me and love to learn other languages, this is particularly disappointing.

That said, don’t let it get you down. Make friends in English, and the two of you can explore Athens together. Don’t forget to brush up on your Greek!

9. Kitchen and other amenities

One of the nice features of hostels is the amenities. These might include:

• Communal kitchen
• Living room or shared lounge
• Laundry room
• Patio or outdoor space 
• Café or bar

If you want to save money and cook for yourself, book a hostel with a shared kitchen. 

There, you’ll find everything you need to prepare a simple meal: bowls, spatulas, pots and pans, etc. Basic ingredients will often be available such as olive oil and salt and pepper.

Inside the fridge, there are usually containers and bags with people’s names on them. (Simple hostel etiquette tells us not to use food that isn’t ours.)

Whatever the case, always read the rules, which hostels post in the host language as well as English.

Rules typically include fridge clean out dates, communal items, where to store clean items, kitchen opening/closing hours, etc.

There are actually lots of hostel styles. Whatever is important to your hostel experience, look for it in the description when booking.

10. Not everyone will be respectful

Hostels run on mutual respect and community. A good hostel will make that clear in their rules, property, and by the way they treat guests.

Likewise, guests will almost always respect other guests and their belongings.

But not always.

Let’s face it: some people are just rude. If they need to do laundry, they’ll just take your laundry out of the washing machine, for example.

This type of behavior is not cool in any way shape or form, and we know you won’t act like this. 

Notwithstanding, there really are just cultural differences and misunderstandings at times.

For example: appropriate amount of time to spend in the shower, volume at which people speak, and the time people go to bed or get up can all vary based on culture.

In this case, take these as a learning lesson for life and for how to be a better hostel guest.

11. Shared spaces are a part of the hostel experience

If you need your own space, the hostel experience may not be for you.

Immediately, you’ll notice space is really tight. 

In other words, lobbies are tiny, staircases are narrow, and some rooms have entirely too many beds!

At the property, you will usually share a bathrooms. Depending on the property, you will find like-gender or mixed restrooms. Sometimes they are in hallways, on entirely different floors, or ensuite.

Getting dressed in the shower stall is aggravating. Likewise, getting ready (hair, ironing, or makeup, for example) can also be an issue when you have no mirror or outlets nearby.

In any case, you can’t just spread out like at home. That’s why it’s important to pack things like lightweight, wrinkle-free items and let your hair air dry (if you can!)

To reiterate, you’ll be in shared, and often tight, spaces.

As an illustration, sometimes there are no seats left at the breakfast table. Other times, all 14 beds are booked in the room, and you’re smack dab in the middle of all those eyes!

And as for outlets, there never seem to be enough. Luckily, travel plug adaptors are great for charging multiple items at once as well as sharing with other hostel-goers.

Have you come to realize you really are just renting a bed? Well, the bed and the hostel experience, of course!

12. Bed bugs are a thing

Bed bugs are a reality no matter where you stay. Albeit being disgusting, they aren’t an indication of bad hygiene or lack of cleaning.

In fact, they can be found in five-star hotels just as they’re found in hostels.

When you get to your room, check for signs of bed bugs before you do anything else. 

If you spot any signs, ask to be moved to another room.

Don’t feel bad, hostels want to know if there are bed bugs so they can fix the problem!

Besides, it’s better to be safe than itchy!

Furthermore, you might be requested to put your luggage inside a black trash bag. In France, this is fairly common. There’s no need to panic. The hostels are just trying to prevent bed bugs.

But wait, don’t let the threat of bed bugs scare you off from the hostel experience. In all likelihood, you’re going to be just fine (In over 30 countries I’ve only encountered them on one trip). Do, however, consider treating ALL your items with Permethrin spray before travel.

13. You can’t control the heat or a/c

Realize you have virtually no control over the thermostat.

In the winter, you might need to bundle up. In the summer, you might wake up in a pool of sweat.

Why, you wonder?

On the one hand, many hostel buildings are older, historical even. Your building might not have central air or heating, for instance.

On the other hand, there are cultural differences over what’s considered an ideal temperature.

French people believe that air conditioning will make them sick, for instance.

Don’t be surprised if you battle over the window, fans, or any other factors with a dial! We’ve definitely encountered people who have strong opinions about those!

14. You might need your own sheets

Almost every hostel I’ve stayed in has included sheets and pillows at no additional costs.

In the winter, they usually provide blankets. Even so, just like the top covers at hotels, the blankets aren’t always washed after every guest.

If you’re unsure or easily grossed out, bring a lightweight sleeping bag liner that’s comfy and easy to pack.

Are Hostels Safe? Practical Security Tips

When you stay in a hostel, the biggest threat you face is petty theft. That is, having your property stolen from you in a location where a thief that is legally allowed to enter.

Cash, wallets, purses, U.S. passports, and smartphones are among the most common items stolen at hostels.

Why? Aside from their obvious value, they’re small. This means it’s easier for thieves to go undetected when committing their crime.

Larger items are a bit harder to hide in a thief’s pocket, but I’ve also heard of people’s brand-name sneakers, laptops, and specialized sports gear going missing.

All this being said, it’s important to understand that petty theft is a crime of opportunity.

It’s your job to use common sense and take precautions to prevent theft. In other words, don’t give thieves the opportunity to steal from you. (Although, it’s not your fault if you’re robbed.)

Violent crime is rare, and travel is very safe in this regard. Actually, European countries like Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway boast some of the lowest violent crime rates in the world. Of course, it’s prudent to stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

Now that we’ve gone over how safe hostels are, let’s get into 10 practical ways you can protect yourself and your belongings in hostels.

1. Keep valuables on you at all times

Knowing that petty crime is a risk at hostels, plan to keep your valuables safe around the clock.

First, never leave money, passports, or other small valuables lying in plain sight.

Even tucking them under your pillow isn’t the best idea, unless you’re sleeping on it!

It’s best to keep your valuables with you while cooking, doing laundry, showering, and especially when sleeping.

To accomplish this, start by purchasing some sort of small security pouch or other bag that you can keep with you at all times.

You can also securely store your valuables in lockers, if provided. More on that in the next section.

2. Use hostel lockers and bring luggage locks

When staying in a hostel, it’s best to bring a way to lock your luggage to prevent theft.

For me, the best travel locks for hostels are these small, TSA-approved cable luggage locks. I appreciate that the cable loops through different sizes of openings on backpacks, suitcases, and lockers!

Often, there are lockers in hostels. Sometimes they even provide keys or combinations. Other times you need to provide your own lock.

“But, thieves can easily cut locks, can’t they?” you say.

Of course, thieves can cut locks. But it’s not likely a thief is going to have the time. He or she is more likely to grab things that are easy targets that can be absconded with quickly.

Plus, they don’t want to draw attention to themselves.

If they went around cutting locks and slashing bags, people would notice!

Another idea is to leave your valuables in the hostel safe. Many hostels have them if you just ask at the front desk.

3. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings

When you’re wrapped up in the excitement of travel, it’s easy to forget to pay attention to your surroundings.

This is why pickpockets strike at crowded tourist areas: because tourists are busy looking at the sights, taking pictures, and chattering away. They aren’t expecting someone to pass by and steal something with a quick slide of hand. However, it happens.

Here are a few things to remember:

• If you wear headphones, keep the volume low or turn on ambient sound to avoid getting lost in another world!
• Make sure you lock the room door when you leave.
• Don’t let people into the hostel. The front desk staff can do that.
• Drink responsibly and never—under any circumstance—take drugs in a foreign country.

To sum up, make smart decisions, and use common sense.

While anything that happens to you is not your fault, it’s best to avoid risky situations and keep your wits about you.

4. Keep your items out of view

Since hostel theft is typically a crime of opportunity, try not to flash your belongings around complete strangers.

First, keep your pack organized using packing cubes. This way, you’ll know where everything is and won’t need to dump out the entire contents of your pack in front of strangers.

Next, a sarong or microfiber towel can be used to cover items or give you some privacy.

Hang them in front of your bunk like a curtain. For instance, when you need to count your money or want to zone out using your noise-canceling headphones, curtains create some division.

You can simply throw them over your things, too.

5. Keep an eye on your things

We’ve already established you should keep your valuables with you at all times. But, you should also keep any eye on your other belongings as best you can.

For instance, when you’re charging your phone with a plug adaptor, stay until it’s done charging.

This is one of the reasons I prefer to bring a lightweight portable charger. I can charge my phone on the go or overnight using my battery pack. Besides, if you do need to step away while charging, what would you rather risk getting stolen: your phone or a battery pack? I know my answer.

Another example is laundry. If you’re doing laundry, stay in the laundry room. If the washing machines and dryers lock, set an alarm to get your clothes. This is a courtesy to anyone else who is waiting to wash, not just a safety thing!

Lastly, when you leave your hostel room for the day, pack up, and lock up. Don’t leave anything in plain sight for someone to grab.

6. Make friends, whether you’re staying alone or not

Whether you’re staying in a hostel alone or not, introduce yourself to hostel staff and other hostel-goers, and strike up a conversation.

You can do this in the common room, kitchen, or at events. Note that dorms are for sleeping, so avoid chatting too much in your room if others are resting. (That reminds me, I have an article with 10 tips for staying in hostels you might find useful.)

Not only will you feel safer (and maybe that’s the most important part), but you can also watch out for each other. For example, you could ask someone to keep an eye on your mini flat iron.

You can also find friends before you go. It’s nice to know you have someone waiting for you when you arrive, even if its just to grab a coffee. In the past, I’ve found travel groups on Facebook. But, now you can even connect with global travelers within the Hostelworld App!

Making international friends is always a fun, eye-opening experience. We recommend communicating with others to learn something new, if nothing else.

7. Avoid foot fungus

Okay, there’s the really gross reality of staying in hostels: foot fungus (like athlete’s foot).

Take the same precautions you would in a gym locker room: avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and showers, and wear shower shoes.

But, don’t be deterred. Overall, hostels are clean and safe. And if needed, you can pick up a topical ointment at the pharmacy (often without a prescription) for any rashes.

8. Choose a hostel wisely

One of the ways to avoid problems is to choose your hostel wisely. Look for details that will help you make your decision:

• CCTV video cameras
• Amount of beds per room
• Lockers
• Cleanliness
• Electronic key cards, keys, codes, or no locks at all

Whatever is important to you or will put your mind at ease, look for. These sites have almost every detail available for you to see!

9. Be realistic, but listen to your instincts

Seeing that you’ve learned more about the types of crimes that do occur in hostels and the small chance of them occurring, we hope you’ll be realistic on your next trip.

Regardless of everything you do to prepare and guard yourself, realize some things are out of your control. For example, you can get to a hostel that advertises lockers, but when you get there at 1 am, you find out they have removed them.

Additionally, listen to your instincts. If something feels off, but you can’t quite put your finger on it, alert a staff member. 

If the situation isn’t handled, don’t be afraid to walk away. Sometimes paying a bit more or losing your deposit is worth it.

Also, note that most hostels are staffed 24 hours and have security cameras installed. If you are ever uncomfortable or don’t feel safe, then tell the staff and ask for a room change!

10. Get travel insurance

No matter if you’re staying in a hostel or a five star hotel, unforeseen events can happen while traveling.

The good news is, travel insurance can cover you — from cancelled flights that makes you miss your first night’s stay at the hostel, to theft, and injury.

Trip insurance an essential for hostel safety (and general peace of mind). We like to use World Nomads which. Don’t go on a trip without it!

Safety for Solo Female Travelers

Fortunately, tourism is such a big industry that governments, establishments, and locals want travel to remain safe so that tourists — including solo women — continue to visit them.

That being said, if you’re a woman, especially one traveling solo, it’s normal to be a bit anxious about staying in a hostel for the first time.

While we’ve established that violent crime is rare and your biggest threat is petty theft, here are some extra precautions to consider that can help you feel more comfortable and confident:

• Book hostels with women-only dorms or floors.
• Book early so that you can get a female dorm in a location of your preference within your budget. If female-only rooms aren’t available, consider budgeting for a private room.
• Book a female-only hostel like the Hostelle in Amsterdam, a female-only hostel that aims to decrease the stress of your stay so that you can focus on sightseeing and enjoying Amsterdam.
• Communicate at check-in that you do not want to be the only women in a dorm room, if you’ve booked a mixed dorm. (Many hostels will try not to assign a woman alone to a dorm, anyway.)
• As with any solo travel situation, stay aware of your surroundings and be mindful with alcohol, especially in heavy party hostel environments.
• Sleep with a personal alarm and your phone nearby if it would help you feel more comfortable..

To end, don’t let fear control your emotions or decisions. Be wise, use common sense, and control the things you can control.

And most of all — trust you gut. If you feel unsafe or something just isn’t sitting well, inform a hostel staff member. They can help to investigate and make things right—which might include changing your room.

Hostel Etiquette: How to Be a Respectful Guest

Hostels work surprisingly well when everyone follows a few basic courtesies. You don’t need to be perfect, but being aware of how your actions affect the people around you goes a long way in shared spaces.

In essence, hostels run on mutual respect and a sense of camaraderie.

Keep Noise and Light to a Minimum

One thing you learn quickly in hostels is that everyone has a different schedule. Some people are arriving on overnight buses, others are leaving for early flights, and someone is almost always trying to sleep.

If possible, pack and organize your things during the day instead of rustling through your backpack at 5am. Packing cubes really help here — not only for organization, but also for avoiding the infamous plastic bag noise that somehow sounds ten times louder in a dorm room.

The same goes for alarms, phone calls, and lighting. If the room is dark, avoid turning on the overhead lights unless absolutely necessary. Most travelers use a phone flashlight or small reading light instead. And if you’re scrolling in bed late at night, dim your screen brightness so you’re not lighting up the entire room.

In Spain especially, hostel social life usually happens in the common areas, rooftop terrace, kitchen, or out in the plaza — not inside the dorm room. If you want to FaceTime family, take a call, or keep chatting after quiet hours, head outside the room so people can sleep.

Respect Shared Spaces

Hostels stay clean and comfortable when everyone does a little bit to help. You don’t need to deep-clean the kitchen, but wiping down the counter after cooking, washing your dishes, and clearing hair from the shower drain are all part of good hostel etiquette.

The same goes for common areas. Try not to spread your belongings across multiple chairs, leave laundry sitting in machines for hours, or take over every outlet with your devices.

Most travelers are happy to share spaces when everyone is making a reasonable effort to keep things functional and pleasant.

Respect Other Travelers’ Space and Boundaries

Even in the most social hostels, your bunk becomes your little personal space. Avoid sitting on someone else’s bed, moving their belongings, or unplugging devices without asking first.

It’s also worth remembering that not everyone staying in a hostel is looking for a party or instant friendships. Some travelers are introverted, working remotely, jet lagged, or simply exhausted after a long travel day. A quick conversation is always welcome, but don’t take it personally if someone keeps to themselves.

In my experience, the best hostel environments happen when people strike a balance between being friendly, respectful, and aware that shared spaces work best when everyone feels comfortable in them.

Navigating Mixed-Gender (Co-ed) Dorms

Staying in a hostel is a budget-friendly way to see the world, make international friends, and experience the world outside your comfort zone.

One aspect of staying in hostels that may be out of your comfort zone is staying in a mixed dormitory room. That is, a room where men and women bunk together.

Although this concept is foreign — and perhaps uncomfortable — to many Americans, mixed dorm hostels (aka coed hostels) are quite common in Europe and many other parts of the world.

In the end, you’ll have to decide if you feel comfortable booking a mixed dorm room. If you’re not comfortable or just don’t want to, that’s totally okay! There are female-only and male-only dorms available in most hostels as well.

We’ve put together his article to help you decide if staying in a mixed dormitory room is right for you.

1. Women’s dorms might be cleaner

For women, one of the first things that comes to mind when potentially staying in the same room as men is the cleanliness factor.

Smelly socks and shoes, farts, and snoring are just not enjoyable things to deal with.

For this reason alone, women may want to choose female-only dorms.

Interestingly, I’ve heard men cite the same reason for preferring mixed dorms over men’s dorms!

Before you decide, do take into account that women can be just as messy as men. Make-up, clothes strewn about, and women’s feminine hygiene items are not a nice sight, either!

2. Mixed dorms are cheaper

When you book, you’ll see the mixed dorms are typically bigger rooms with more bunks: 10-14 beds per room is not uncommon. In comparison, single-sex rooms typically contain 4-10 bunks.

Since mixed dorms often have more beds in the room (and are less likely to have an en-suite bathroom), it also makes them cheaper.

Therefore, if budget is your top concern, move forward with booking a mixed dorm room.

However, this isn’t always the case, so do your research.

3. Your own safety

Is it safe to stay in a mixed dorm?

For the most part, yes.

Most people are at the hostel to do the same thing you are: see the sights and sleep.

That being said, there’s always a chance for something to go wrong—no matter where you stay.

To protect yourself, always keep your wits about you, and trust your gut. Say something if you feel uncomfortable.

For example, if you end up being the only woman in the room, you could ask to change rooms. Staff is usually understanding, but there aren’t always open bunks. Try to head this off by requesting to not be alone with all men when you check in.

Also, accept that you may need to pay more to “upgrade” rooms or move to a different hostel. It’s okay to do this if you feel unsafe.

4. The bathroom and shower situation

Although you’re sharing a dorm room with the opposite sex, some hostels have gender-specific bathrooms in the hallway. (Don’t forget to bring flip flops to wear in the shower!)

Other times, the bathroom is ensuite (in the room). Obviously, it’s a little harder to keep private in this situation. But, you usually have a curtain, door, or other type of divided changing area.

If you choose a same-sex room, it’s more likely that the bathroom will be ensuite.

5. Privacy, modesty, and personal space

You’ll quickly notice that every culture views privacy, personal space, and modesty differently.

Some are fairly liberal in that aspect, and others are more conservative.

I’m not going to lie: this can lead to some hilarious cross-cultural encounters!

Wherever you fall, pay special attention to respecting the privacy and modesty of both yourself and others when staying in a mixed room.

This includes:

• Change in the bathrooms, not in front of others in the room.
  
• Wear appropriate pajamas. (Lounge or athletic wear like comfy tops and capri pants that double as “regular” clothing work well.)
  
• Hang a sarong or microfiber towel between bunks to create some division. This works especially well when bunks are close together. Some hostels even include individual privacy curtains.

In the end, remember to respect others’ choices and culture. Although you might find someone’s sleepwear inappropriate or wish they’d stop invading your personal space, don’t worry about it. You will sleep well knowing you’ve done the best you can to make others feel comfortable.

6. The type of hostel

Not every hostel has lots of bunks in mixed dorms.

As mentioned previously, there are many different types of hostels.

While cheaper, budget hostels may offer rooms with 10-14 beds. Others offer private rooms, doubles, triples or even family rooms. These offerings are often akin to budget hotels.

Thus, it’s important to take into consideration the type of hostel when deciding whether or not you want to stay in a mixed dorm. For instance, the awkwardness might be different at a youth hostel than a 50+ retreat hostel, don’t you?

You might even find that under certain circumstances, a mixed dorm isn’t awkward at all!

7. Do it for the experience

Next comes your comfort level: Do you feel comfortable staying in a mixed dorm?

If so, give it a try!

If you’re nervous or morally opposed to sharing a room with the opposite sex, that’s equally valid. Go ahead: choose a same-sex room.

On the other hand, if you want to get out of your comfort zone and try booking a mixed dorm (or if there aren’t any same sex dorms available) here are a few ideas to consider:

• On lower bunks, you can drape your sarong as a privacy curtain.
• Ask for a bunk bed that faces a wall to avoid the dreaded middle-of-the-room bunk: Who wants a strager facing you when you sleep?!
• Try a pod hotel (like the Sunset Destination Hostel in Lisbon, Portugal).

8. Consider availability of female dorms

Female dorms aren’t always available.

For example, there are very few women’s dorm rooms along the Camino de Santiago. In that case, my only choice was to stay in mixed dorms. Fortunately, I made some friends, and we booked together for much of the trip. It made me feel more comfortable knowing at least one person in the room.

Next, if you book last minute, sometimes the only option left is a mixed dormitory room. In this case, the choice will be made for you! To avoid this, book in advance, especially during the high season.

9. Pay attention to cultural differences

By the way, remember what I said earlier about different cultures having different perceptions of modesty? I’ve gotten surprised looks over the years that fretting over a mixed dorm is even an issue for women — from other women, too!

Then again, I’ve met people that are extremely uncomfortable with the ideas of staying in a mixed dormitory room (hence, the idea for this blog post.)

Whatever the case, take some time to do some research on the culture of the place you’re visiting. You may learn some surprising, yet useful, lessons. And remember, you are allowed to express concerns over staying in a mixed dorm. Don’t let anyone dismiss your feelings on the matter.

How to Book a Hostel

One of the best ways to avoid a bad hostel experience is to book carefully from the beginning. Not all hostels are the same, and choosing the right one can make a huge difference in how comfortable, social, or safe your trip feels.

When I first started staying in hostels, I mostly booked based on price — which, honestly, led to a few questionable experiences. These days, I pay much more attention to reviews, room setup, location, and overall atmosphere before booking.

I usually start my research on Hostelworld or Booking.com, since both platforms allow you to compare reviews, amenities, photos, and room types in one place.

When comparing hostels, pay close attention to:

• locker availability
• room size and number of beds
• cleanliness reviews
• whether reception is 24-hour
• keycard or coded entry systems
• noise levels
• location and neighborhood safety
• social vs quiet atmosphere

Sometimes a hostel that costs just a few euros more can dramatically improve your experience.

When Should You Book a Hostel?

How far in advance you should book depends heavily on:

• destination
• season
• local events
• your travel style

If you’re traveling during peak summer season in Europe or visiting major cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, or Rome, I’d recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead — especially for highly rated hostels with strong reviews.

For slower travel or shoulder-season trips, you often have more flexibility.

Personally, I usually book farther ahead when:

• I’m arriving late at night
• I’m visiting during festivals or holidays
• I want a specific hostel
• I’m traveling solo and care about safety and location

What Are the Best Hostel Booking Sites?

For most travelers, the two best hostel booking platforms are:

• Hostelworld — best for hostel-focused reviews and social atmosphere
• Booking.com — helpful for comparing hostels, hotels, guesthouses, and apartments together

While you can sometimes book directly through a hostel’s website, I personally prefer booking platforms because:

• reviews are easier to compare
• cancellation policies are clearer
• support is easier if something goes wrong

What Should You Look for in Hostel Reviews?

Reviews can tell you far more than the official listing ever will.

Instead of only looking at the overall score, I recommend paying attention to:

• how recent the reviews are
• whether travelers mention cleanliness consistently
• comments about noise levels
• safety concerns
• whether the hostel feels social or quiet
• reviews from solo travelers or women traveling alone
• location feedback
• whether staff are helpful and responsive

I also pay attention to the type of traveler leaving the review. A party backpacker in their early twenties may evaluate a hostel very differently than a remote worker, couple, or first-time traveler.

The more you understand your own travel style, the easier it becomes to choose the right hostel experience for you.

Hostels Can Be One of the Best Parts of Travel

For many first-time travelers, staying in a hostel feels intimidating at first — especially if you’ve never shared a room with strangers or traveled independently before. But in my experience, hostels can also become some of the most memorable parts of a trip, whether that’s through the people you meet, the places you discover, or simply the confidence you gain along the way.

The key is choosing the right type of hostel for your travel style and knowing what to expect before you book. And there’s likely a hostel experience that fits you much better than the stereotypes suggest.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you can also explore my Guide to Budget Stays in Spain for more destination-specific accommodation advice.