My Honest Guide to Hostel Life (and Why I Still Love It Even After the Toenail Incident)

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Heads up: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—like “hostel bar happy hour” money—if you buy something I recommend. I only share gear I’ve used (or desperately wish I had when things got gross, hot, or too loud).

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Before I left for my first big solo trip, my mom made me watch the movie Hostel—just to be “prepared.”

Meanwhile, I’d already worked until sunrise in NYC, braved the subway at all hours, and once scared off two guys about to knife fight at a bar I was working in Ybor City—with nothing but an empty checkbook and a no-nonsense Southern Hospitality bark.

So yeah. I’ve felt way more unsafe on shift than I ever have in a hostel.

Bad things can happen anywhere. That’s just life. But with a little prep and a clear sense of what you need, hostels can actually make your trip. They’re affordable, social, and when you find a good one way more fun and functional than most hotels or Airbnbs.

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The trick?

Know what you like.

Know what you need.

Know what you can’t live without.

For me, that means:

• Privacy curtains

• My own charging station

• A fan (bonus points)

• And absolutely aircon—non-negotiable.

  (Insert American joke here: we like our ice and we love our a/c)

But when there’s no aircon in sight? I’ve learned to come prepared.

This industry-strength neck fan is lightweight, foldable, and cools 360°. It’s not cheap—but it’s the one thing I desperately wished I had during a heatwave in Croatia. If you’re heading somewhere hot, don’t sleep on this.

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So if you’re curious, skeptical, or just not sure what hostel life is really like, here’s everything I’ve learned after living out of them—what works, what doesn’t, and why you should absolutely try it at least once.

Quick Note - I don’t always stay in hostels, and it took me time to feel truly comfortable in them. But now? They’re often where I find the most connection—especially on solo trips or long stretches abroad.

I’m drawn to hidden gems and deeper conversations wherever I go, and the best hostels offer exactly that.

This post leans budget, but my travel style isn’t defined by the price tag. I’m in it for the story, the energy, the feeling a place gives you.

Proof that not every hostel bathroom looks like a scene from a horror movie. Clean, safe, and yes—female-only with keypad entry.

Hostels aren’t just for budget travelers. They’re hubs for connection, local discovery, and new friendships—whether you’re traveling solo, staying long-term, or just love a good social vibe. For many of us, hostels are less about saving money and more about traveling differently.

Types of Hostels (and What to Expect)

Hostels have personalities. Knowing what you're booking makes all the difference.

This rooftop was part of a coworking and party hostel I didn't even stay in- just followed some friends back to.

Party Hostels

Usually capped at ages 18–35, these spots attract social travelers—think pub crawls, rooftop parties, and chaotic 3am dorm returns. There’s often a bar on-site, cheap drinks, and tons of group activities.

They’re a blast when you want to meet people fast, but don’t expect much sleep. Ideal for a weekend, not so much for a recovery day.

Tip: Some hostels partner with local bars or clubs to get you free entry and drink specials.

Not every party hostel is chaos—some are surprisingly charming, with just enough buzz to feel alive without ruining your sleep schedule.

No-Age-Cap Hostels

I used to think hostels were just for 20-somethings. But I’ve shared rooms with travelers in their 50s and 60s, students, business nomads, and folks on sabbatical.

One time, I woke up in a two-bunk room with a man older than my dad in the bottom bunk. Nothing creepy just unexpected. After that, I started booking female-only dorms when I could, and always checked reviews before booking.

There’s no age limit on affordable travel. Just be honest about your comfort level and book accordingly.

Cheap, Last-Minute Hostels

I’ve ended up in a few of these—usually because a plan fell through or I forgot it was high season and rolled into a packed city mid-summer.

You know the ones: Tiny rooms with too many beds. Broken A/C. Co-ed showers that haven’t seen a mop in weeks. Bunk beds that look haunted. Hardcore backpackers who haven’t showered in days.

Sometimes you just need a place to crash. But if you can help it? Book early and skip the trauma.

And if you do end up in a 20+ bed dorm with flickering lights, midnight FaceTimers, or loud snorers? My go-to sanity saver is this Bluetooth sleep mask It blocks light and noise, plays music or white noise, and has helped me knock out on bunk beds, buses, airport floors—you name it. Game changer.

(Yes, I once slept hungover in a park during a Sunday market while switching hostels in Portugal. I've evolved… but I’ve been there.)

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What Kind of Rooms Can You Book?

Hostels are more flexible than people think:

• Small dorms (2–6 beds): My favorite—easier to get sleep, less foot traffic.

• Large dorms (up to 30 beds): Surprisingly can be okay if it's a nicer place with pod-style beds, curtains, and charging stations.

• Female-only dorms: Extra peace of mind—usually cleaner and quieter. Book early, they go fast.

• Private rooms: Still social, just with more space. Great for couples, friends, or anyone needing a break.

Pro tip: Some hostels provide towels, but not all. I always bring two microfiber towels. One for beach days or sweaty hikes, one for a post-travel shower. They dry fast, pack light, and don’t feel like sandpaper. Win-win.

Not every day needs to be an adventure. Some of my most essential hostel memories are quiet ones.

Kitchens, Common Areas & Backpacker Bonuses

Most hostels offer perks you just won’t find in hotels or Airbnbs—especially if you’re budget-conscious or staying a while.

Shared kitchens: My go-to for saving money and eating something green. (Tacos, pasta, veggies—easy wins when you’re posted up for a few days.) Bonus points for the “freebie shelf” stocked with spices, snacks, or weird surprises left by past travelers.

Common areas: Living rooms, game rooms, patios, rooftops—these shared spaces are the heart of hostel life. Whether you're making plans, swapping stories, or recharging solo, this is where it happens.

Extras: Laundry rooms, luggage storage, book swaps, coworking setups, rooftop pools, walking tours, beach shuttles, pub crawls—every hostel has its own vibe.

I always pack a few laundry detergent sheets—Cheap, TSA friendly, and so small you'll forget they're in your bag. I never thought I'd end up doing my laundry in the sink but life comes at you fast.

Tip: The kitchen is where half your hostel friendships begin. The other half? Usually over a free drink or a game of cards in the common room.

Solo & Safe: For the Female Travelers

I’ve traveled solo through multiple countries and stayed in more hostels than I can count—and I’ve only ever walked out of one.

It was in Manchester, England. No toilet seat. No lockers. Above a sketchy unmarked minimart. I trusted my gut and left.

Everywhere else? I’ve felt safe.

Have I been annoyed? Of course. Have I shared rooms with guys? Definitely. But I’ve never felt unsafe—and I’ve always had a strong enough bark to scare off anyone who needed it.

You learn fast what feels off—and even faster how to protect your peace.

Most travelers are just trying to sleep, charge their phones, and find the nearest market. I’ve shared food with bunkmates, swapped beach tips over coffee, and been walked home by people I’d only just met—pure kindness, no agenda. I’ve also said ‘no thanks’ and put in my headphones without explaining a thing.

It’s about reading the room, knowing your comfort level, and setting your own tone.

Me in my curlers on the top bunk of my first hostel stay. Spoiled myself without even knowing it—apparently this place set the bar very high.

My Worst Hostel Moment?

Split, Croatia. It was 95°F and I booked the only available bed in town with a kitchen. Five Eastern European guys, one fan, and no one willing to turn on the air or put on clothes. One of them sat in his underwear clipping his toenails into a pile on the bed. I wish I was joking.

Gross? Yes. But it didn’t ruin hostels for me. You learn how to advocate for yourself fast.

POV: You booked for the kitchen and stayed for the toenail pile. My villain origin story.

Quick Solo Safety Tips–

• Read reviews from other solo female travelers

• Bring your own padlock (keyed, not combo, medium sized)

• Book female-only dorms early—they go fast

• Don’t overshare your itinerary

• Trust your gut. Always.

  

  YHA Ambelside, The Lake District, England

The Real Magic: The People You Meet

Some of my favorite memories started in hostels:

That first stay in the Lake District at YHA Ambleside where I wandered through cow fields, wrote by the lake, and found real peace alone.

Or the chaotic, joy-filled pub crawl in Athens, where travelers from across the city came together to dance, laugh, and cheers in five different languages.

I didn’t plan those moments. They just found me. And that’s kind of the point.

I’ve never left a hostel without at least one good story—and most start with a night like this.

This is what keeps me coming back.

You meet people from all walks of life:

• The British teacher on summer break

• The 60-year-old man finishing the bucket list he started with his late wife

• Kids on gap years who remind you how magical fresh eyes can be

• The fellow solo traveler who—like me—comes alive in new cities

Some become lifelong friends. Others just pass through.

But they’ve seen parts of me that even people back home haven’t—and I’ve done the same for them.

That’s the magic of hostel life: a shared meal, a quiet understanding, a story you carry with you long after checkout.

Some of these strangers become friends. Some just pass through…

Hostel MVPs I Actually Travel With (or Wish I Had):

These small but mighty items have saved me more times than I can count:

• Bluetooth Sleep Mask – My go-to for bunk bed chaos. Blocks light, plays music or white noise, and helps me knock out just about anywhere.

• Laundry Detergent Sheets – TSA-friendly, perfect for last-minute sink laundry.

• Microfiber Towels – One for beach days, one for post-shower peace. Quick-drying and packable.

• Neck Fan – Pro-level upgrade. Saved me in hostel beds, sweaty buses, and Pompeii in July. Small but fierce.

• Collapsible LifeStraw Water Bottle - Packs flat, filters tap water anywhere, and gave me peace of mind where water wasn’t free (or clean). From hostel sinks to airport fountains, this thing earned its spot.

Coming Soon: My Free Hostel Packing Guide for Beginners

From towels to tech, locks to laundry hacks—I’m putting together a free downloadable checklist of everything I actually bring to hostels.

Whether you’re backpacking Europe or just trying to survive public transport in July, this guide’s for you.

Like my neck fan—she’s not glamorous, but she looks like headphones and has saved me on packed trains, in overheated bunks, and mid-summer ruins. She comes on every trip.

No fluff. No overwhelm. Just a beginner-friendly list to help you feel prepped, not panicked.

(I’ll be sending it to email subscribers first—so if you want it early, make sure you’re on the list.)

Let’s Keep the Story Going

Did this bring up a memory? Got a hostel question I didn’t answer? Still unsure if hostel life is your vibe?

I’d love to hear from you.

💬 Message me over on Instagram @TheTipsyVagabond or drop a comment below. Seriously I’m always down to swap stories, trade tips, or just hear your version of the toenail-bed horror.

Never stayed in a hostel? Tell me what’s holding you back.

Been to one (or twenty)? Drop your best tip or wildest memory—I’d love to hear it.

We all start somewhere—and this might just be yours.