The Honest Truth About Hostels
A backpackers guide to choosing the best hostel
Introduction
When people ask me how I travel so much without going broke, I usually give them one answer: hostels.
While hotels and Airbnb might be the go-to option for a lot of people, they don’t offer everything that a backpacker might need. It is not only about the price, but also the community and amenities they provide. If you’re new to travel or the idea of hostels, or still think they’re just grimy, chaotic dorm rooms, let me break it down for you. Here’s everything you need to know about staying in hostels.
Hostels vs. Hotels or Airbnb: What Makes Them Different?
At their core, hostels are social hubs. They’re often buzzing with solo travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads from around the world—people who are usually open, curious, and looking to make connections. Hostels don’t work without the community— whether you’re there for a night or a week, chances are you’ll walk away with a lifelong friendship.
They’re also way cheaper. You’re usually looking at a fraction of the cost of a hotel or Airbnb. Many hostels come with kitchens (another money-saver if you want to cook instead of eating out every meal), laundry, communal areas, and even free events or walking tours.
At their core, hostels are social hubs. They’re often buzzing with solo travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads from around the world—people who are usually open, curious, and looking to make connections. Hostels don’t work without the community— whether you’re there for a night or a week, chances are you’ll walk away with a lifelong friendship.
They’re also way cheaper. You’re usually looking at a fraction of the cost of a hotel or Airbnb. Many hostels come with kitchens (another money-saver if you want to cook instead of eating out every meal), laundry, communal areas, and even free events or walking tours.
The Good, the Bad, and the $3 Dorm Beds
I haven’t had any horror stories, thankfully—but let’s just say, when you’re paying $3 per night, you’re not getting hotel-level luxury. Still, I’ve stayed at plenty of surprisingly great ones, places that felt closer to boutique hotels than shared bunk rooms:
- Baan Mai Kradan Hostel (Chiang Rai)
- The One Hostel (Hanoi)
- iHome (Hoi An)
- Onederz (Koh Rong Sanloem & Siem Reap)
These places had the perfect mix of cleanliness, comfort, and that special energy only hostels seem to capture.
- Baan Mai Kradan Hostel (Chiang Rai)
- The One Hostel (Hanoi)
- iHome (Hoi An)
- Onederz (Koh Rong Sanloem & Siem Reap)
These places had the perfect mix of cleanliness, comfort, and that special energy only hostels seem to capture.
Ironically, one of my worst hostel experiences was in what was considered ‘one of the best hostels’ on the west coast of the United States. The US isn’t particularly known for its backpacker scene. They often don’t hold hostels to the same standards as Europe, Australia, and Asia. I felt unsafe, the room was dirty and stinky, and I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
My worst hostel experience in Asia was somewhere I paid $3 per night for, so I got what I paid for. Despite the lack of A/C in one of the hottest months in Laos, and the less-than-ideal bathroom situation, the place still had good food and a fun vibe.
Debunking the Myths About Hostels
I can’t tell you the amount of time I’ve gotten into a conversation with someone about hostels and they proceed to tell me how unsafe, dirty and rowdy they are—only to find out they’ve never stepped foot in one. Here’s what I tell them:
- “Aren’t hostels unsafe?”
Not at all. In my experience, hostels are full of respectful, like-minded travelers. I’ve never once felt unsafe (except in the US). Most hostels have lockers, security codes, and staff around the clock. - “Aren’t they dirty?”
Not if you do your research. Sure, some travelers are messy, but hostels are cleaned daily. If the reviews mention dirty conditions, best to find a different one.
- “Aren’t they loud and full of partiers?”
Some are — but not all. In places like Southeast Asia, each city usually has one or two known party hostels. If that’s not your vibe, they’re easy to avoid (but still fun to visit once in a while). - “Don’t you have zero privacy?”
A bit, yes — but there are tricks. I always try to book a bed with a curtain. If that’s not an option, I improvise with a towel or shirt and will always opt for the top bunk in this case.
- “Aren’t hostels unsafe?”
Not at all. In my experience, hostels are full of respectful, like-minded travelers. I’ve never once felt unsafe (except in the US). Most hostels have lockers, security codes, and staff around the clock. - “Aren’t they dirty?”
Not if you do your research. Sure, some travelers are messy, but hostels are cleaned daily. If the reviews mention dirty conditions, best to find a different one. - “Aren’t they loud and full of partiers?”
Some are — but not all. In places like Southeast Asia, each city usually has one or two known party hostels. If that’s not your vibe, they’re easy to avoid (but still fun to visit once in a while). - “Don’t you have zero privacy?”
A bit, yes — but there are tricks. I always try to book a bed with a curtain. If that’s not an option, I improvise with a towel or shirt and will always opt for the top bunk in this case.
Hostels Around the World: Not All the Same
Hostels vary a lot depending on where you are.
- Europe: Generally cleaner and more professional, but often less social and more expensive. Many feel like budget hotels, although I’m not saying this is always the case.
- Southeast Asia, Australia, Central America: More communal and social — hostels are the heart of the travel scene. You can still find a few hotel-worthy hostels.
- United States: honestly, just avoid them if you can. The standards are a lot lower and you often won’t have many options.
My Hostel Essentials
Everyone’s needs are different, but if you’re not sure what to look for when choosing your hostel, here are the standards I like to go by:
- A well-equipped kitchen (unless I’m in SE Asia — street food wins)
- Curtains on beds for privacy
- Big lockers (especially with camera gear in tow)
- A good common room for relaxing or getting work done
- Laundry facilities (Because let’s be honest — you don’t want to rewear your socks)
- Bonus: A pool table. It’s a great way to make friends.
Safety & Roommate Etiquette 101
First time hostel-goers take note:
- Bring a solid padlock
- Don’t leave valuables lying around (hide cables, tuck things away)
- Make friends — someone you trust nearby makes everything feel safer
When sharing a room:
- Keep quiet, especially in the mornings and late nights
- No strong smells (leave the perfume and nail polish for the bathroom)
- Respect others’ space and belongings
- Use a flashlight if you come in after dark
- Don’t eat or drink (besides water) in the dorms—no one likes bugs in their beds
- Take the romance to the bathroom—this isn’t Love Island
Co-ed or female dorms?
I usually book co-ed dorms because they’re cheaper and more social. That said, if I’m somewhere I don’t feel super safe, I’ll opt for a female-only dorm for peace of mind. If you’re also a light sleeper, I’d also recommend the female-only
dorm to avoid some loud snorers, although eye masks and earplugs are essential, regardless.
Co-ed or female dorms?
I usually book co-ed dorms because they’re cheaper and more social. That said, if I’m somewhere I don’t feel super safe, I’ll opt for a female-only dorm for peace of mind. If you’re also a light sleeper, I’d also recommend the female-only dorm to avoid some loud snorers, although eye masks and earplugs are essential, regardless.
How Hostels Build Community
Hostels thrive on community. Whether it’s a cozy common room, a nightly pub crawl, or a trivia night, these spaces are designed to help people connect. Most hostels have a list of activities to help backpackers meet each other and explore the area.
I’ve made so many incredible friends in hostels. I’ve made some of my closest friends in just a few days, but at the end of the day, we all head in a different direction. Regardless, I find social media to be one of the best tools for backpackers. The travel community is oddly small and you never know when you might end up in the same city again or else find out you have a friend in
common on the other side of the world. I also love to keep other travelers on social media for inspiration for my next trip and for travel advice and itineraries. Even if we never see each other again, I know that if I showed up in one of their cities, I’d have a couch to crash on and a friend to catch up with.
I’ve made so many incredible friends in hostels. I’ve made some of my closest friends in just a few days, but at the end of the day, we all head in a different direction. Regardless, I find social media to be one of the best tools for backpackers. The travel community is oddly small and you never know when you might end up in the same city again or else find out you have a friend in common on the other side of the world. I also love to keep other travelers on social media for inspiration for my next trip and for travel advice and itineraries. Even if we never see each other again, I know that if I showed up in one of their cities, I’d have a couch to crash on and a friend to catch up with.
Finding the Best Hostels: Platforms & Red Flags
Where to book:
- Booking.com
- Hostelworld
- Actual site of the hostel
Always check a few sites to find the best deal.
What to avoid:
- Hostels in sketchy areas — do a bit of research on the neighborhood
- No lockers or security
- Dirty facilities or consistently bad reviews
For the Introverts
Even as a more outgoing traveler now, I still have introverted days. My go-to move? Head to the pool table. Nine times out of ten, someone will come ask to join. Boom — new friend. You don’t always need a big personality to meet people. Just show up, and let the environment do the rest.
Final Thoughts
Hostels aren’t for everyone, but if you’re looking to travel affordably, meet incredible people, and dive into local scenes — they’re unbeatable. Sure, there’s less privacy and sometimes questionable roommates, but the tradeoff is a richer, more connected way to experience the world.
Whether you’re traveling solo for the first time or just want to stretch your budget, give hostels a shot. You might just find your next adventure—and a new travel buddy— in a bunk across the room.
Hostels aren’t for everyone, but if you’re looking to travel affordably, meet incredible people, and dive into local scenes — they’re unbeatable. Sure, there’s less privacy and sometimes questionable roommates, but the tradeoff is a richer, more connected way to experience the world.
Whether you’re traveling solo for the first time or just want to stretch your budget, give hostels a shot. You might just find your next adventure—and a new travel buddy— in a bunk across the room.