What Is A Hostel? The Answer Will Change Your Travels Forever
What is a hostel?
Even if you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, you probably know that hostels are a type of shared accommodation that helps your travel budget go further. But what you may not know is that the uniquely social nature of hostelling will transform your trip.
We think this quote from travel blogger @glographics sums up the hostelling experience rather nicely:
“With a hostel, you get to pay half the price for twice the fun.”
If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, allow us to debunk some crazy myths and answer all the questions you might have around what is a hostel. Here’s everything you need to know about hostelling and hostel life. Buckle up, because your travels will never be the same again…
No two hostels are alike, but we can promise you one thing: it will never be dull. So what is a hostel?
In a nutshell, a hostel is a budget-friendly type of accommodation that focuses on a shared social experience. Check out the video below for a more in-depth introduction:
Who Stays In A Hostel?
One of the best things about hostelling is that you get to meet people so many different kinds of people from all over the world. You never know who you’ll meet while staying in a hostel, which adds an element of excitement that’s hard to get if you’re holed up on your own in a hotel room.
Our travel blogger friend @amybaker writes sums up the type of people likely to stay in a hostel quite nicely:
“You never know who you’re going to end up sharing a beer with – I’ve met people cycling from Chile to Alaska, a dude who survived a crocodile attack, a professional touring clown, an 80 year old born again backpacker. I’ve hung out with metal bands, sports teams, politicians, and ex-soap actors.
Hostelling gives you a chance to meet people you’d never enｃounter in your day-to-day life. It’s what makes it unique, and it’s why it’s always my top choice when I travel.”
Where Can You Find Hostels?
EVERYWHERE. The amazing thing about hostels is that you can stay at the heart of some of the world’s most exciting cities in an exotic paradise with its own private beach or even under the majesty of the Northern Lights – all on a backpacker’s budget. Check out the location ratings for each hostel on our site to make sure you pick the neighborhood that’s right for you.
What’s The Difference between a Hostel and a Hotel?
There are two main differences between hostels and hotels: the price, and the people.
Staying in a hostel will save you huge amounts of money, whether it’s a six month backpacking trip through Southeast Asia with your mates, or a long weekend in Berlin with your bae. But the main reason people stay in hostels isn’t the price, it’s the people. The social atmosphere in hostels is totally unique, and it’s what makes hostelling so addictive. It can transform your trip from a sightseeing tour into a more meaningful experience. You’ll meet new friends from all over the world. You’ll cook together, drink together, and go on adventures together. You’ll get tips from the hostel staff, some of who might have exclusive local knowledge and others who are travelers just like you.
In terms of facilities, location and safety, hostels can easily give hotels a run for their money. They’ve got rooftop pools, king-sized beds, 24/7 security and en-suite bathrooms.
How Much Does It Cost To Stay In A Hostel?
As a general rule of thumb, hostels cost much less than other types of accommodation, because you’re sharing your space with other travelers. Even if you opt to stay in a private room, hostels can still save you money both on the basic price of the room as well as all the added extras such as events, communal kitchen, and free wifi.
The exact price of a hostel will depend on where in the world you’re travelling, how many people you’re sharing a room with and when you’re travelling. Roughly speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from £6 to £30 per night to stay in a hostel in Europe. One way to keep the cost down and ensure you don’t miss out on an awesome hostel is to book in advance, especially during peak season, when lots of hostels get fully booked.
Are hostels safe?
Hostels are as safe if not safer than many other types of accommodation. The fact that you’re sharing a space with lots of other travelers means there will always be people around, and if you don’t return home from a night out, your new friends will notice your empty bed and raise the alarm. That doesn’t happen in a hotel or private apartment.
Most hostels have 24/7 reception, security staff and card keys for the rooms to make sure only guests can get into the hostel. Nearly all hostels come equipped with lockers in the dorms for you to lock away your valuables at night or if you go out during the day. Provided you take the same safety precautions you would anywhere else, there’s no need to be anxious about staying in a hostel.
Article Source: http://www.hostelworld.com/blog/what-is-a-hostel/?doing_wp_cron=1495789640.1174449920654296875000
Image Source: http://wmhostel.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/newbunk-2.jpg
VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. DEBUNK
To expose or excoriate (a claim, assertion, sentiment, etc.) as being pretentious, false, or exaggerated:
2. BUCKLE UP
to attach someone or something securely with straps that buckle together. (This emphasizes the completeness andsecureness of the act.)
3. HOLE UP
hide oneself. (informal)
4. ANXIOUS
full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune greatly worried solicitous:
5. BAE
(slang) an affectionate term used to address or refer to one’s girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse,
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What is a Hostel?
2. How are hostels different from Hotels?
3. What are the advantages of staying in a hostel?
