When I first started traveling, the word “hostel” conjured up images of cramped rooms, noisy bunk beds, and questionable cleanliness. I’d seen the horror stories in movies and read the exaggerated reviews online. The idea of staying in a hostel felt like something I’d only do if I was desperate or broke. But during my first solo trip through Europe, my budget forced me to reconsider. I decided to book a few nights at a hostel in Berlin, convinced it would be a short-lived experiment.
To my surprise, that hostel stay turned out to be one of the best decisions of my travel life. It wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was a hub of laughter, spontaneous adventures, and friendships that I still cherish years later. Since then, I’ve stayed in hostels across Thailand, Mexico, Portugal, and New Zealand. And you know what? I prefer them over hotels. The friendships, the fun, and the incredible savings have made hostels my go-to choice, no matter where I travel. Here’s why.
The Friendships You Can’t Put a Price On
Walking into a hostel for the first time can be intimidating. You’re sharing a room with strangers from all over the world, and the idea of socializing when you’re tired or jet-lagged can seem daunting. But the beauty of hostels is that everyone is in the same boat. We’re all travelers, exploring new places, and looking to connect.
In that first Berlin hostel, I met a group of fellow travelers while making a cup of instant coffee in the communal kitchen. Within minutes, we were swapping travel stories and making plans to explore the city together. By the end of the week, we had danced in Berlin’s nightclubs, marveled at street art in the East Side Gallery, and shared countless meals. One of those travelers, Sofia from Spain, has since become one of my closest friends. We’ve met up in three different countries since that trip.
Hostels are designed to foster connections. Many have common rooms, game nights, pub crawls, and group tours. You can walk into a hostel alone and leave with a network of friends from every corner of the globe. In a hotel, I might have privacy, but I’d miss out on the spontaneous camaraderie that makes travel so rich.
The Fun and Spontaneity of Hostel Life
One thing I love about hostels is that you never know what’s going to happen. Hostels buzz with energy and spontaneity. You might plan for a quiet night in, only to end up at a rooftop barbecue or a live music night. The possibilities for fun are endless.
In Lisbon, I stayed at a hostel that offered free walking tours during the day and wine tastings at night. One evening, the staff organized a “fado night,” where a local musician performed traditional Portuguese songs. We sat in the cozy lounge, sipping wine and listening to hauntingly beautiful music. The night ended with all of us dancing in the kitchen, cooking a midnight feast of pasta and garlic bread.
Another time in Chiang Mai, Thailand, I stayed in a hostel that had a pool and a makeshift outdoor cinema. One night, after a day of exploring temples, I found myself floating in the pool on an inflatable unicorn, watching The Lion King projected on a white wall. The laughter, the sense of community, and the sheer randomness of it all made for a memory I’ll never forget.
These kinds of experiences just don’t happen in hotels, where the atmosphere tends to be more reserved and less communal.
The Savings That Let Me Travel Longer
Let’s be real: travel costs add up quickly. One of the biggest reasons I prefer hostels is the incredible savings. A bed in a dorm room can cost as little as $10-$20 a night, depending on the destination. Even private rooms in hostels are usually half the price of a standard hotel room.
When I traveled through Thailand, I spent an average of $12 per night on hostels. In comparison, hotels in the same areas were charging $50 or more. That difference of $38 a night meant I could extend my trip by several weeks. The money I saved on accommodations went toward experiences like scuba diving in Koh Tao, taking a Thai cooking class, and visiting an elephant sanctuary.
But the savings don’t stop at the room rate. Hostels often provide free or low-cost perks like:
- Free Breakfast: Simple but filling meals like toast, fruit, and coffee.
- Kitchen Access: Save money by cooking your own meals instead of eating out.
- Discounted Tours: Hostel staff often have connections to local tour operators and can get you deals on activities.
- Laundry Facilities: Washing your clothes for a few bucks beats expensive hotel laundry services.
In Mexico City, the hostel I stayed at offered free salsa lessons and a communal taco night. I paid $15 for the bed and got a night full of fun, food, and dancing included.
Flexibility and Freedom
Another reason I love hostels is the flexibility they offer. Many hostels allow you to book just a night or two at a time, which is perfect if you’re a spontaneous traveler like me. I don’t always know how long I want to stay in a place, and hostels give me the freedom to extend my stay or move on without hefty cancellation fees.
In New Zealand, I booked a two-night stay at a hostel in Queenstown. The town’s stunning mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and endless adventure activities had me hooked. Because I was staying in a hostel, I easily extended my stay to a week without breaking the bank.
Hostels Are Not What You Think
I know hostels have a reputation for being loud, dirty, or unsafe, but the reality is very different. In recent years, hostels have stepped up their game. Many now offer:
- Clean and Modern Facilities: Some hostels are as stylish as boutique hotels, with sleek designs and spotless rooms.
- Private Rooms: If dorms aren’t your thing, many hostels offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms.
- Security: Lockers, key-card access, and 24-hour reception make hostels safe and secure.
- Quiet Zones: Some hostels have dedicated quiet areas or “lights out” policies to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Why I’ll Keep Choosing Hostels
Hostels have given me more than just a place to sleep—they’ve given me friendships, adventures, and the ability to travel longer than I ever thought possible. They’ve taught me to be open, adaptable, and to embrace the unexpected. Sure, there are moments when I crave the privacy of a hotel room, but the trade-offs are worth it.
The next time you’re planning a trip, consider staying in a hostel. You might just find that the friendships, the fun, and the savings make for an experience that no luxury hotel can match. And who knows? You might meet someone who turns your journey into an unforgettable adventure.
