What is the point of a youth hostel?


What is the point of a youth hostel? Sometimes called backpacking hostels, they offer budget accommodation that is usually of a decent quality. They allow you to get to know a country at low cost, make friends with other travellers, and pick up insider tips on where to go and where to avoid.


Is it safe to stay in a Youth Hostel?

Personal safety isn't much of a problem in hostels - everyone, including the staff, look out for each other. The community spirit in many backpacker hostels makes them even safer than hotels. For sure, staying in a hostel is much more fun than a hotel room!


Can you have your own room in a youth hostel?

While most HI USA hostels do have private rooms, staying in a shared dorm is your best bet if you want to meet other travelers and make your travel budget go further.


What is the age limit for youth hostel membership?

Although in most people's minds, Youth Hostels are connected with young travellers, there is no maximum age for staying in a Youth Hostel. Youth Hostels are open to all travellers of all travelers , from students to retirees by way of families with children, who wish to experience a social adventure.


What do you do at a youth hostel?

They are located in many parts of the world, usually in scenic areas, and are spaced at intervals so that hostelers can hike, bicycle, or canoe from one to the next in a day. Hostelers often cook their own meals, make their own beds, and do other light work to help maintain the hostel.


What is a person living in hostel called?

[ hos-tl-er ] show ipa. noun.


Do you share showers in a hostel?

Most hostels have a communal bathroom with private shower stalls. So while they're technically “communal”, you'll still have a sense of privacy. It's worth investing in a nice toiletry bag, since communal showers mean you'll be toting your toiletries back and forth from your room.


Why are hostels not a thing in the US?

Hosteling began in Europe over a century ago and has grown with the cities there. Hostels entering the US market now have less prime real estate and more red tape than abroad, and compared to the well established hotel industry. New York City has been especially unwelcoming to hostels.


What are the disadvantages of hostels?

Cons of Staying in a Hostel
  • Inconsiderate Roommates Can Ruin Your Stay. Some roommates are great, others aren't. ...
  • Unhygienic Room. ...
  • Lack of Privacy. ...
  • Your Experience Depends a Lot on Other Travelers. ...
  • Shared Bathrooms and Showers. ...
  • You Need to Provide Your Own Toiletries. ...
  • Security Can Be an Issue. ...
  • Bunk Beds Are a Nightmare.


What are the rules of living in a hostel?

14 easy rules for hostel living:
  • Respect sleeping hours. ...
  • Keep your things to yourself. ...
  • Careful where you hang your towel. ...
  • Say hi to everyone you see. ...
  • Don't have sex in dorms. ...
  • Don't sit on other people's beds. ...
  • Smelly clothes & shoes go outside. ...
  • If you're sick, avoid dorms.


How old do you have to be to sleep in a hostel?

Some hostels have age restrictions. In most countries, 18 years old is the minimum age to book accommodation as the primary guest (secondary guests can be younger than 18 if the primary guest is older than 18).


What should you not do in a hostel?

10 Things To Never Do When You're A Guest In A Hostel
  • 4 Leave Your Belongings Lying Around.
  • 5 Leave Your Dishes Around. ...
  • 6 Use All The Food In The Kitchen. ...
  • 7 Disrupt People Who Are Sleeping. ...
  • 8 Have A Wild Party Inside The Hostel. ...
  • 9 Forget That People Can Hear You Do Everything. ...
  • 10 Expect Others To Look After Your Belongings. ...


Why do hostels have curfews?

Curfew. A lot of hostels impose a curfew for safety and to make sure travelers aren't interrupting others' sleep by coming and going at all hours. If you're planning to stay out late and want access to your room at any time of the night, a hostel probably isn't for you.