Hostel Survival Guide for Beginners: A First-Timer’s Guide to Staying in Hostels when Traveling

If you’re traveling solo on a budget, chances are you’ll end up staying in a hostel at some point.

For solo travelers, hotels can be painfully expensive. Most rooms are priced for two people, which means you’re often paying for space you don’t even use.

Personally, I’d rather spend that money on food, experiences, and actually exploring the place I came to see.

But hostels aren’t just the cheaper option. They offer something hotels rarely do: the chance to meet other travelers.

Solo travel can be peaceful and freeing, but it can also get lonely sometimes.

In hostels, conversations happen easily. One minute you’re brushing your teeth next to a stranger, the next you’re sharing travel stories over cheap beer in the common room.

If you’re nervous about your first hostel stay, that’s completely normal. Here’s everything you need to know to make the experience easier.

How to book a hostel

Years ago, I used to arrive in a new city with no booking and just hope I’d find a bed somewhere.

These days, things are so much easier. Most hostels are listed on booking platforms where you can compare prices, read reviews, and see photos before you even arrive.

The best websites for booking hostels include:

• Booking.com
• Agoda
• Hostel World
• Hostelling International
• Hostel Geeks
• Hostelz
• Hostelsclub

These platforms let you compare ratings, amenities, and locations so you can choose what suits your travel style.

👉 I personally use Booking.com most often because it usually offers free cancellation and good filtering options.

What to look for when choosing a hostel

Location

Many hostels are located near city centers or backpacker districts, but not all of them are.

Before booking, check:

• Distance from major attractions
• Public transport access
• Whether the neighborhood is safe at night

Saving a few dollars on accommodation isn’t worth it if you end up spending more on taxis.

Price

Price is obviously a big factor when choosing a hostel.

But be careful with places that seem much cheaper than everything else nearby.

Check things like:

• How many people share the dorm room
• Whether breakfast is included
• If towels or linens cost extra
• Whether free cancellation is available

Some of the cheapest hostels require full payment upfront and don’t offer refunds.

Type of hostel

Not all hostels have the same atmosphere.

Some are lively party hostels designed for people who want to socialize all night. Others are quieter and feel more like guesthouses.

You’ll also find:

• independent family-run hostels
• larger international hostel chains
• boutique hostels with stylish designs

None of these are inherently better. It simply depends on what kind of environment you enjoy.

Room types

Hostels are usually associated with dorm rooms and bunk beds, but there are actually several options.

You may find:

• mixed dorm rooms
• female-only dorms
• male-only dorms
• capsule or pod beds (not for the claustrophobic)
• private rooms with shared bathrooms
• private rooms with en-suite bathrooms

If it’s your first hostel stay and you’re feeling nervous, pick a smaller dorm (4–6 beds).

Cleanliness

Hostel standards have improved a lot over the years, but cleanliness can still vary depending on the destination.

Reviews are your best friend here. Look out for comments mentioning:

• bedbugs
• dirty bathrooms
• poor housekeeping

Personally, in more than a decade of traveling, I’ve never encountered bedbugs in a hostel.

But if you’re concerned, check the mattress seams and corners when you arrive. Bedbugs leave egg shells, shed skin, and fecal stains, which look something like this:

Facilities & services

Hostels sometimes offer more amenities than people expect. Common facilities include:

• 24-hour reception
• lockers in dorm rooms
• luggage storage
• laundry facilities
• shared kitchen
• free WiFi
• communal lounge areas
• free breakfast, coffee, or tea (I know a hostel that offers free beer every night!)
• organized tours or activities
• bike or motorbike rental

If you’re traveling long-term, a shared kitchen can save you a surprising amount of money on food.

What to pack for your first hostel stay

Packing for hostels is slightly different from packing for hotels. Hotels usually provide toiletries, towels, and other extras. Hostels often don’t.

Here are a few items that make hostel life much easier:

• Toiletries – Some hostels might provide shampoo and shower foam, but don’t count on this. Always bring your own.
• Toiletry bag – Preferably a waterproof one with a hook or strap that you can hang on the bathroom door.
• Towel – A microfiber travel towel dries quickly and doesn’t take up much space in your bag.
• Padlock – Most hostels provide lockers, but they don’t always provide locks. Either way, you might feel more confident using your own. I recommend a TSA-approved travel lock.
• Money belt – A money belt is a good option if you don’t want to leave your valuables in the locker when you sleep or go to the bathroom. It can be worn discreetly under your shirt.
• Earplugs – Dorm rooms can get noisy. People snore, arrive late, or wake up at 5am for flights. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
• Eye mask – Hostels usually practice a lights-off policy at night. But if you need to go to bed early or wake up late, pack an eye mask for your own comfort. It can also be used on flights or bus / train rides.
• Flip-flops – This is a personal preference, but I don’t like the idea of going barefoot in communal bathrooms. So, I always bring a pair. It’s the best footwear for tropical weather anyway.

Are hostels safe?

Without a doubt, safety is one of the biggest concerns people have about staying in hostels, especially solo female travelers.

We’re often told not to trust or talk to strangers, and yet here we are, sharing a room with them!

But interestingly, I often feel safer in a dorm room with several people than alone in a hotel room.

Think about it.

The chances of everyone in a dorm being dangerous are extremely low. And with multiple people around, there’s always someone nearby if you need help.

That said, basic precautions still matter.

Hostel safety tips

Research the neighborhood

Before booking, read reviews and check if the area is safe and well-connected to public transport.

Hostels are usually not as prominently located as big hotels. Some may be hidden in back alleys or in dodgy areas.

Use lockers

Always store valuables like passport, electronics, and cash in a locker when you’re not using them. If you can, use your own padlock. Or better yet, avoid bringing valuables altogether when you travel if they’re not essential to your trip.

Consider female-only dorms

If sharing a room with men makes you uneasy, many hostels offer female-only dorms.

They sometimes cost a bit more, but some travelers prefer the extra peace of mind.

Learn to say no

It’s common for hostel guests to go out for dinner, drinks, or sightseeing together. But don’t feel obligated to go with a roommate if they make you feel uncomfortable. It’s okay to say no politely but firmly.

Trust your instincts

If someone makes you uncomfortable, don’t ignore that feeling. You can always:

• switch rooms
• talk to hostel staff
• move to another hostel

Your safety matters more than losing a booking fee.

Staying in a hostel as an introvert

Hostels are famous for being social places, but that doesn’t mean you have to talk to everyone.

Being a social-phobic introvert myself, I’ve learned a simple trick that makes things less awkward: when you see someone new, just smile and say hi.

That’s it.

You don’t need to start a full conversation. A simple greeting breaks the tension and makes it easier to talk later if you want to.

And if you don’t feel like socializing at all?

That’s fine too.

Grab a book, put on headphones, or close your bed curtain if the dorm has one. Most travelers understand the need for downtime.

Read: The Introverts’ Guide to Solo Travel

Staying in a hostel as a mature traveler

When people hear the word hostel, they often imagine a place filled with 20-somethings partying late into the night.

While that stereotype exists, it doesn’t represent every hostel—or every traveler. Plenty of older travelers stay in hostels, and not all young travelers are loud or rowdy.

That said, some hostels do cater specifically to a younger crowd. Certain “youth hostels” may have age limits, and some party hostels feature bars and music that lasts into the early hours.

If that’s not your scene, simply choose another place. When researching hostels, avoid listings that emphasize words like party, fun, or social unless that’s the vibe you’re looking for.

There are many quieter, more relaxed hostels that welcome travelers of all ages.

If you feel self-conscious sharing a room with younger travelers, remember that most people are far more focused on themselves than on anyone else.

I’ve shared dorms with travelers in their 50s and 60s and never once thought about their appearance. Like most people, I’m too busy dealing with my own insecurities.

In fact, some of my favorite hostel conversations have been with travelers decades older than me. And as you meet younger travelers, you may be pleasantly surprised by how mature, curious, and well-traveled many of them are.

Hostels bring together people from different backgrounds and generations, and that’s part of what makes them such a rewarding travel experience.

For another perspective, read this article by Leyla from Women on the Road who writes about staying in hostels as a traveler in her 60s.

Coping with your roommates

If you’ve never shared a room with strangers, staying in a hostel can feel like a bit of a culture shock. Not everyone will share your standards for cleanliness, privacy, or personal space.

Try to see it as a lesson in patience and tolerance. Hostels attract travelers from all walks of life, and most people don’t intend to be inconsiderate.

Sometimes differences in behavior simply come down to culture or upbringing. Keeping an open mind can make the experience much more enjoyable.

However, if someone’s behavior makes you genuinely uncomfortable, it’s okay to speak up—politely and diplomatically.

If the situation doesn’t improve, talk to the hostel staff. They can often help resolve the issue or move you to another room.

Don’t be that person

In return, you should also do your part and follow basic etiquette. Most of these rules are common sense, but a quick reminder never hurts.

Sometimes we just don’t realize that habits that seem normal to us can be irritating to others. Simply put: don’t be the person everyone dreads sharing a dorm with.

• Don’t take anything that isn’t yours.
  This should go without saying, but if it’s your first time in a hostel, it can be confusing to tell what’s communal and what belongs to someone else. A tube of toothpaste on the sink? A jar of marmalade in the fridge? Some hostels do provide shared items, but when in doubt, just ask.
• Share hostel amenities.
  Facilities are meant for everyone, and there may not be enough for all guests at once. If there are limited power outlets or a small supply of hot water, avoid hogging them and give others a chance to use them.
• Keep noise to a minimum at night.
  Use earphones when listening to music or watching videos. If you need to make a phone call or chat with audio, step outside the dorm so others can sleep.
• Pack the night before an early departure.
  The sound of someone packing at 4 a.m.—especially with lots of plastic bags—can be incredibly disruptive.
• Avoid turning on the main lights late at night or very early in the morning.
  Use your phone’s flashlight instead.
• Keep your belongings contained.
  Store your things on your bed or within a small area so they don’t block walkways or become a trip hazard. If you’re in the bottom bunk, avoid placing items on the ladder.

• Clean up after yourself.
  Whether you’re in the dorm room, bathroom, or common areas. Everywhere, basically. For as long as you’re alive.
• Follow the hostel’s rules.
  These are usually explained at check-in. Some hostels have curfews or quiet hours. Others may prohibit outside visitors, shoes indoors, or food in dormitories. Respecting these rules helps keep the hostel comfortable for everyone.

Final thoughts

Hostels can feel intimidating the first time. I should know. As an only child who’s used to having my own space, sharing a room with others doesn’t come naturally to me either.

But over the years, hostels have also given me some of my favorite travel memories.

Conversations with strangers who became friends. Travel tips from people who had just come from the place I was going next. Late-night talks about life with people I would never have met otherwise.

For me, the small inconveniences are worth it.

Because many times the best part of travel isn’t just the places you see. It’s the people you meet along the way.

If you found these hostel tips helpful, check out my other travel tips and guides to help you plan smarter, smoother trips.