Are you ready for some real talk? Buckle up because this article is about to shake things up. We're diving into some provocative ideas, so if you're easily offended, you might want to click away now. But if you're ready to challenge your beliefs about staying in hostels, let's get started!
Here are some rules for staying in hostels with each accompanied by helpful tips.
Don't leave your belongings scattered around the room
The golden rule of staying in hostels: don't be a hot mess and leave your stuff lying around like a tornado just passed through. I mean, sure, it might feel liberating to toss your clothes, shoes, and toiletries all over the place, but trust me, your roommates won't appreciate it.
Unless you want to be known as the sloppy traveller who can't keep their act together, take a few extra seconds to organise your belongings. Who knows, you might even make some new friends who won't want to trip over your backpack in the middle of the night.
Tip
If you don't want to be the annoying traveller who takes up all the room in the hostel dorm, keep your stuff organised and compact in your assigned locker. That way, you won't have to worry about tripping over your own belongings in the middle of the night or digging through a pile of clothes to find your toothbrush.
Plus, your roommates will love you for not turning the room into a chaotic disaster zone. So, do yourself and your fellow travellers a favour and keep your stuff tidy.
Don't be too loud when returning to your dorm late at night
You know what's not cool? Being that obnoxious person who wakes up the entire hostel dorm by stumbling in drunk and shouting at the top of their lungs. Or the notorious creature - the one who stumbles in at ungodly hours, rustling plastic bags, banging doors, and making enough noise to wake the dead.
Sure, we get it, you're on vacation and want to make the most of your time, but that doesn't mean you should sacrifice everyone else's sleep and sanity. If you don't want to be the talk of the town (in a bad way), be respectful of your sleeping roommates by keeping it down and turning off the lights when you return to the dorm late at night. It's not rocket science.
Tip
So, let's make a deal. If you're planning on coming in late, be considerate of your dorm mates and make an effort to keep the noise down. Avoid rustling plastic bags, slamming doors, or rummaging through your luggage like a madman.
Use a small flashlight or your phone to navigate your way around, and try to be as quiet as possible.
And if you need to pack or unpack your bags, do it earlier or later when most people are awake, or step outside the room to do it.
Remember, a good night's sleep is essential for a fun and energised travel experience. So, let's all be respectful of each other's rest and relaxation, and keep the rustling to a minimum. Your roommates will appreciate it and might even let you join in on their next adventure.
So, be considerate and keep it quiet, okay?
Don't hog the power outlets
Here's a newsflash for you: you're not the only one in the hostel who needs to charge their phone, laptop, or electric shaver. So, if you don't want to be the most hated person in the room, don't hog all the power outlets like they're your personal property.
Few things are more frustrating than trying to charge your dying phone while some self-centred traveller has their entire arsenal of gadgets plugged in.
Tip
But fear not, there's a simple solution to this issue: bring a power strip or a portable charger. That way, you can charge multiple devices at once without monopolising the limited outlets in the common areas or dorm rooms.
Plus, your roommates will love you for not acting like a power-hungry dictator. So, do yourself and your fellow travellers a favour and share the power.
Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink
I have a bone to pick with some hostel guests out there: if you make a mess, clean it up. And that includes your dirty dishes in the sink. I mean, who raised you? Nobody wants to see your half-eaten spaghetti and meatballs floating in a sea of dishwater, let alone clean up after you.
Tip
So, be a responsible adult and clean up after yourself by washing your dishes and wiping down the counters to maintain a clean and hygienic environment. Grab a sponge and some soap and get to work.
Don't be overly picky about your sleeping arrangements
Aren't we fancy? You're the kind of traveller who expects a king-size bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a personal butler in a hostel.
Newsflash: hostels are not five-star hotels. They're supposed to be affordable and communal places where travellers from all over the world can share their experiences and cultures. So, don't be overly picky about your sleeping arrangements.
Tip
Be open to trying different beds or rooms to make the most of your hostel experience and meet new people. Who knows, you might end up making lifelong friends with your bunkmate or learning a new language from your room neighbour. But if you're too busy complaining about the thickness of your pillow or the colour of your curtains, you're missing out on the real fun.
So, check your attitude at the door and embrace the hostel spirit.
Don't forget to lock up your valuables
Hostels can be amazing places to meet new people, but they can also attract the wrong kind of attention from sticky fingers who have their eyes on your valuables.
Tip
So, if you don't want to end up saying goodbye to your passport, camera, or fancy watch, make sure to lock up your belongings in the locker or safe provided by the hostel. And no, a flimsy hair tie or a "do not touch" sign won't cut it.
Use a combination lock or padlock to secure your stuff and enjoy your day without worrying about your belongings. Trust me, it's worth the extra effort, and it will give you peace of mind knowing that your valuables are safe and sound.
So, be smart, use a lock, and have a worry-free trip.
Don't steal
Listen up, sticky fingers of the hostel world. We all know that travelling on a budget can be tough, but stealing or 'borrowing' other people's belongings is not the solution. Whether it's a bar of soap, a carton of milk, or a piece of clothing, taking things that don't belong to you is not only unethical but also a serious violation of personal boundaries and trust.
Nobody likes to have their things pilfered or go missing, and it can ruin the hostel experience for everyone involved. So, let's make a pact to keep our hands to ourselves and respect each other's belongings.
Tip
If you're in a bind and need something, ask politely and offer to pay or trade for it. Or, better yet, bring your own supplies and avoid the hassle altogether.
Remember, what goes around comes around, and karma can be a real b**ch. Let's keep it honest, and make our hostel experience enjoyable and drama-free for all.
Don't ignore the hostel staff
Hey there, party people: the hostel staff is not just there to check you in and out. They're also a wealth of knowledge and insider tips on the best local attractions, events, and hidden gems that the guidebooks won't tell you about.
So, don't be that traveller who ignores them like they're invisible or annoying.
Tip
Instead, take advantage of their expertise and strike up a conversation. Who knows, you might end up discovering a secret beach, a cool bar, or a cultural festival that will make your trip unforgettable. Plus, the hostel staff can also give you advice on how to save money, avoid tourist traps, and stay safe in the city.
So, don't miss out on this valuable resource and make the most of your stay by chatting with the hostel staff. After all, they're there to make your experience the best it can be.
Don't take up all the space in the bathroom
Attention please, bathroom hogs of the world: when you're staying in a hostel, you're sharing the facilities with other travellers who also need to shower, brush their teeth, and do their business.
So, don't be that person who takes up all the space in the bathroom like it's their personal spa.
Tip
Be mindful of others by taking quick showers and limiting your time in the bathroom during peak hours. That means, no singing opera in the shower, no reading a novel on the toilet, and no hogging the sink like you're preparing for a beauty pageant.
Remember, the bathroom is a shared space. So, be considerate, keep it short and sweet, and make room for your fellow travellers. They'll appreciate it, and you'll avoid getting the stink eye from them.
Keep your clothes on
Well, well, well, it seems like we have some free-spirited travellers in the house. But let me tell you, when it comes to walking around in the buff in a hostel, it's not just about expressing your inner hippie. It's also about respecting other people's boundaries and comfort levels.
So, unless you're staying in a nudist hostel, keep your clothes on, please.
Nobody wants to see your bits and pieces while they're trying to enjoy their breakfast or plan their day. And let's not even talk about the hygiene and health issues that can arise from exposing yourself in shared spaces.
Tip
So, keep it covered, and keep it classy. If you need some privacy or alone time, use the curtains or walls of your bunk bed or book a private room. If you must change clothes in a shared space, use a towel or a sheet as a makeshift changing room.
Let's keep it PG-rated and enjoy our hostel experience without making our roommates feel awkward or uncomfortable.
Leave romance out of the dorm room
Lovebirds of the hostel world, listen up. While we're all about romance and passion, there's a time and a place for everything, and a shared dorm room is neither.
Nobody wants to hear your moans and groans, or worse, witness your intimate moments while they're trying to catch some Z's. Not to mention the awkwardness and discomfort that you're causing to your bunkmates who may not be in the mood for a front-row seat to your love life.
Tip
So, let's leave romance at the dorm room door, shall we? If you absolutely must get frisky, book a private room or find a discreet spot outside the hostel.
But please, don't subject others to your lovey-dovey shenanigans in a shared space. It's disrespectful, and it's just plain rude.
Let's keep it classy, folks, and make our hostel experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
Don't be afraid to socialise
Hello, introverts: this one's for you. We know that the idea of socialising with strangers can be daunting, but trust us, it's worth it.
Hostels are not just a place to crash for the night; they're a hub of cultural exchange and a gateway to new friendships and experiences. So, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and mingle with your fellow travellers.
Tip
Strike up a conversation in the common area, join a group activity or outing, or simply offer to share a meal or a drink. You never know who you'll meet, what stories you'll hear, or what adventures you'll embark on together.
Plus, socialising in a hostel can be a great way to learn about local customs, get insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore, and even practice your language skills.
So, put down your phone, take a deep breath, and just say hello to your fellow hostel mates. Who knows, you might just make some lifelong friends and unforgettable memories.
