Things Needed for Hostels
So you are thinking about staying in a hostel but you don’t know what you need to bring. No worries! I have stayed at hostels many times and can tell you all the things needed for hostels. If you’ve been around my blog for a while you know that I’m a big stickler for saving money while traveling. The thing about traveling on a budget is that you cut the fluff where necessary. And sometimes that fluff is in the type of lodging you choose to stay at.
Keep reading for a free printable checklist so that you don’t forget any of the essentials!
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Why Stay at a Hostel?
There are many reasons to choose to stay in a hostel. As a teacher traveling on a budget, cost is one of the biggest considerations but it isn’t the only factor that influences my choices. There are many reasons to choose this type of accommodation even when budget isn’t an issue.
A Hostel is Different than a Hotel or Airbnb
A hostel is different than a hotel or airbnb because in a hostel you can rent a bed in a shared room with a shared bathroom and pay for only your bed rather than the whole room. This usually allows you to save a considerable amount of money, but you should expect a different experience than a hotel. Some key differences to keep in mind are:
- Usually hostels do not provide soap, shampoo, towels so you will have to bring your own.
- Most have lockers where you can keep your items but you must bring your own lock.
- You will hear people moving around while you are trying to sleep unless you bring earplugs (sometimes they are provided) or a sleep mask with headphones which allows you to drown out sounds.
- Snoring can be an issue.
- Hostel bedrooms are called dorms. Some dorms are mixed gender and some are female only (these cost extra).
- Usually the price of your bed depends on how many beds are in the dorm. The more beds the lower the price you will pay.
- Hostels usually also have private rooms available for people who need more privacy. These will cost similar to a hotel room.
Click play in the video to see a glimpse of Pariwana Hostel where I stayed in Lima, Peru in 2020.
Benefits of Staying in a Hostel
I can think of two main benefits of choosing to stay at a hostel rather than a hotel: cost and the ability to meet other travelers.
Cost
So I’ve already reiterated several times that cost can be a big factor in choosing to stay in a hostel. But how much exactly can you save?
It depends on the location. I am planning a trip to Ireland soon and my hostel there is significantly more expensive than the hostels I stayed at in South America. Most of the hotel rooms in Dublin seem to be around $150 per night but my hostel is around $45 per night. The money I save in lodgings here can help me pay for the tours I want to go on!
I am planning a trip to Colombia soon and my hostel there will be significantly cheaper, around $10 per night.
Meet Other Travelers
Solo travel can be lonely. Hostels can help. If you are traveling alone you may wish to stay in a hostel rather than a hotel because it gives you a greater opportunity to meet and socialize with other travelers! You may meet people with whom you can go out to dinner, or travel on tours with. At the very least you will always find someone open for a friendly chat and to give travel recommendations.
I remember staying in Cusco, Peru at an Airbnb high on the top of a hill. I had been traveling with my then-boyfriend and he had to leave town for a while. I felt incredibly lonely after several days alone in the Airbnb. This would have been mitigated had I been staying at a place with the opportunity to meet other travelers.
Staying at a hostel also has the benefit of providing its own nightlife. I’m not much for this, but each have their own preferences! Even if you don’t like the party life you might enjoy having a beer with a new friend.
Things Needed For Hostels – What to Bring
Since a hostel does not offer the same amenities as a hotel there are a few certain things you need to bring if you decide to stay in one. Below is a handy checklist for hostel essentials. Click the links below the image for specific recommendations.
ear plugs – flip flops – towel – sleep mask – lock – sleep mask with bluetooth headphones – power strip – headphones – universal travel adapter.
Keep in mind that you will still also need to bring clothes. I will not be held responsible for any streaking or misdemeanors related to public indecency! The specific items you pack in regards to clothing/shoes will have to vary depending on where you are going. Also bring an open heart and an open mind because you will need those too!
If you’re new to traveling alone I recommend this article What I Wish I Knew Before My First Solo Trip which contains some lovely advice for new solo travelers!
UPDATE: I spent basically all summer traveling and I just wanted to mention that for both Ireland and Colombia I took the universal travel adapter above. I did not need a travel adapter in Colombia BUT it was nice to bring because it has USB ports and you can plug several things into it at once!
I would also add personal, portable fan to the list above! It was truly great to have this in Amazonia!
Free Printable Hostel Essentials Checklist
Are you worried about forgetting some essential item? I made a printable version of this handy checklist so that you don’t forget the essential things needed for hostels. Click below to download the free PDF!
