7 Absurd Myths About Hostels That'll Make You Rethink Them
Hostels Can Be a Great Budget Option
When I talk about staying in hostels on my travels all over the world, many people are intrigued — but there are a few who wrinkle up their noses in disgust. “How could you sleep in a hostel dorm with a bunch of strangers?” they ask, utterly horrified by the prospect.
Usually the people who say this have never stayed in a hostel before, so they are working on inaccurate preconceived notions about what it is like. There are a lot of misconceptions about hostels that scare people away from this great low-budget form of accommodation.
One of the main questions people have about hostels is, “Are hostels safe?” It’s a common assumption that they are dangerous and untrustworthy.
Let’s take a look at some of these myths — and what the actual truth about hostels is.
They Are Dirty
Why is there a notion that hostels are dirtier than hotels or guesthouses? Some hostels are dirty, but some hotels are filthy, too.
Some hostels are spotless and gleaming, with better standards of cleanliness than some guesthouses or hotels I have stayed in. A hostel is a style of accommodation rather than a standard and they can be run to any level of cleanliness.
You Won’t Get a Good Sleep
When you are sleeping in a dorm room with four to 10 other people, the number of factors that might affect your sleep increases. The guy in the bunk below you might be a loud snorer, the girls across from you might come in late and wake you up with their drunken chatter, or the couple next to you might be packing their bags at 5 a.m. to catch an early flight.
However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to sleep. Earplugs work wonders for shutting out the noise, and an eye mask will keep you from hissing like Gollum when someone turns on the light.
Also, many hostels around the world offer private rooms for a slightly higher price — so if you don’t mind the extra cost, you can sleep in peace and quiet.
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They Are Dangerous
I blame films such as “Hostel” for making people think that if they stay in a hostel they will be violently murdered and chopped into little pieces. The truth is that hostels are just a fun style of communal accommodation for travelers on a budget, not horror movies come to life.
I’ve been traveling for the last five years and have stayed at dozens of hostels and I haven’t been murdered once!
Your Valuables Will Get Stolen
Keep in mind that it’s possible your valuables could get stolen anywhere, not just in a hostel, so it is important to be smart about your important possessions. Many people are worried about this because they are sharing a room with strangers, but there are simple things you can do to prevent theft and keep your belongings safe.
Almost every hostel I have stayed in provides secure lockers where you can keep your stuff. Lock up your passports and electronics with your own padlock and explore the city for the day, knowing that they will be there when you return.
They Are Only for Young People
Although hostels are commonly populated by young people, there is absolutely no age limit. I’ve met many fascinating people in their 40s and 50s staying in hostels around the world.
They were friendly, sociable and fit seamlessly into the hostel environment. You don’t have to be a 23-year-old to stay at a hostel, you just have to have a friendly attitude and a love for travel and adventure.
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They Are 24-Hour Party Zones
Okay, some hostels are 24-hour party zones. Drinking and laughing late into the night, sleeping off the hangover during the day, only to repeat it again as the sun goes down.
If you are not interested in this hedonistic experience and would rather get to bed at a reasonable time and get up early to go sightseeing, you might be wary of staying at a hostel.
However, not every hostel is like this. There are so many different types of hostels — some are small and intimate, some are huge, some have a quiet and relaxing vibe, some are loud and social.
You can find a hostel that suits your style where you can relax, have a quiet chat and get a good sleep.
The Only Advantage is Price
Many people think that the only reason you would stay at a hostel is because it is cheaper — if you could afford it you would stay at a hotel. However, I could afford to stay at hotels but often choose hostels when I can.
It’s not just about saving money — they offer a lot of advantages.
I love the social aspect of the shared areas — it makes it easy to strike up a conversation with another traveler and make a new friend. I love having a kitchen to use so we can take advantage of cheap hostel cooking.
Some hostels have group activities and events, such as the empanada cooking classes and wine tasting nights at the hostels I stayed at in Mendoza, Argentina. I love those experiences.
For me, staying in a hostel isn’t just about saving money — it’s about adding more value to my travel experience. So the next time you’re planning a trip and are wondering where to stay, maybe give hostels a chance.
