Most people, who have never stayed at a hostel before, often associate them with run-down facilities, sleepless nights, sleeping next to strangers, and late night parties. They think most people who roam hostels are young people in their early 20s, who love to party and make noise late at night.
This could not be further from the truth. If you have never thought to stay at a hostel before, it’s time to give it a try the next time you plan your getaway. Let’s explore some real pros and cons of staying in a hostel so that you have a clearer picture of what to expect.
The Pros
First of all, no one can say no to low prices, great locations, free WiFi, free use of kitchen facilities, and a friendly atmosphere. If you travel solo, staying in a hostel will help you feel more connected and not lonely. After all, who can feel alone when the next person available for a conversation may be sitting on the bed opposite or next to you? Most people who come to a hostel are prepared to make friends or at least have friendly conversations with others, so you just have to start first if you want to talk to them.
The Cons
First of all, if you are a person who requires a lot of privacy, you may find yourself feeling weird staying in a hostel the first time. Your personal space is restricted to your bed and locker, and unless the bed has a privacy curtain, you may feel uncomfortable with the presence of others in the room.
The most important thing to bring with you to a hostel is a pair of earplugs. People will be coming and going due to early or late flights, or having parties, or they may be snorers or sleep talkers. These noises may keep you up all night if you are a light sleeper. However, with a pair of earplugs, all problems solved.
The communal bathrooms are shared among guests, which can lead to long waits and dirtiness which you dislike. To avoid this, consider having a shower a little bit earlier than everyone else. You can inform the hostel staff if you feel the bathroom facilities need a cleanup.
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