Most of us will be looking for and staying in dirt (literally) cheap places to crach so that we can budget the rest of our money for other things. Mostly - if you look properly - you can find a descent place to stay even if its a dollar or two more than the real bad ones or better yet, the same price!
If there's a group of you, you can get a much nicer private room and once you've split the cost it is the same as what you'll spend in a dorm.
Here are some of my tips about hostel staying:
·· Always ask to see the rooms before agreeing to stay (duuuh).
·· Location is always important, if you can walk to some places then you save a little bit of money.
·· If you are travelling in a group and are staying in a dorm, check to see if they are same sex or co-ed dorms. It's nice to stick together.
·· In room lockers are a must and bring your own padlock.
·· Seeing as we are in the 21st century, most of us - including me - can't live without the internet.
How the hell did people used to survive without it?
·· Lounge areas are a great place to meet fellow travellers and this way you can tell each other wheres good to go etc. It's also amazing when you arrive after a 12 hour night bus at 6AM when the staff aren't even there yet... hammocks make everyone happy! (As seen below. Sorry about the fuzzy early morning photo - it looks like even my camera was struggling that early in the morning). Catching those Z's at Monkey Republic, Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
·· If staying in a private room, check little things like if the rubbish bin has been emptied or the bathroom and this is usually a good indication if they have cleaned the room. Maybe try to check the sheets for hair or questionable stains.
·· In some cities, if you are travelling in a small group, staying in a budget hotel room might be cleanner and actually be the cheaper option. Also will include extras like hot water and air-conditioning, luxury! Plus maybe after staying in dorms for a while, it will be nice to have your privacy back.
·· Are any meals included? breakfast and/or dinner will save you some dollar.
Some hostels might have a guest kitchen. If you are planning on making your own dinner then maybe check to see how much equipment they have and try and get there early to make your dinner, everyone will be making dinner at the same time.
·· Some hostels include some trips or cooking classes on certain days so if you are there on those days then score!
·· If you are really strap for cash then some hostels let you volunteer there and in return let you stay for free.
Do you have any hostel must haves or tips?
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