Trifter

Did you miss part 1? Read it here http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Budget-Travel/Hosteling-101-Finding-the-Perfect-Hostel-1.429121

Safety is very important at hostels. Some countries are not as safe as home, some are safer. Be very conscious of safety when you first arrive at the hostel. Don’t check in until you’ve been thoroughly convinced of the security of the hostel. Safety at a hostel means security from the outside and security on the inside. Here is a quick checklist to keep in mind when scouting out the hostel.

Does the front door lock? Do you have to buzz in the door?

Can you lock your room?

Is there a 24hr receptionist?

Is the area in front of the hostel well lit?

How will you secure your bags while your not there? Are there lockers?

What type of neighborhood are you in?

Is there a way for anyone not staying at the hostel to easily get in?

Keep these questions in mind at check in time. Answering them to yourself will leave you feeling much better when you fall asleep at night or return after a long night of partying.

Worried more about germs and showering than strangers and locals? Ask the receptionist before you check in about the shower to guest ratio. If they don’t know, ask them how many people are in the hostel and how many showers there are. A rule of thumb, there should be AT LEAST one shower for every six people. 1:6 shower/people ratio. With a 1:6 shower ratio, you won’t be standing in long lines all day to wash yourself. I’ve been to hostels with over 120 people that had 4 male and 4 female showers. That’s a 1:15 ratio.

Staying at hostels can be a great experience. Use the receptionist knowledge and the information provided by the hostel. Unlike hotels, tour companies and guides are usually getting kickbacks. Use the resources you have at your disposal. Many times the travelers in a hostel will be better informed on things to do in a city than the locals. The reason for this is that you have the travelers who’ve been in the city for weeks to ask what to do and what not to do. Guide books many times will tell you the “best” place to go, but it’s actuality another tourist trap.

Keep these tips in mind so your next hostel is everything you want it to be. Remember there is usually more than one hostel, find the one that works for you.