Introduction
We have to make dozens of choices while traveling: should we see this or that, eat here or there, take a taxi or a bus, attend the concert or visit the museum, stay here or there etc. While some of these choices can be obvious depending on our preferences, choosing the right accommodation is always a huge question mark. Some people opt out for cheap and affordable hostels, while some people prefer to pay more and stay in hotels. Most of the times staying in hostels is underrated and considered as the worst experience, but it is not always like that. In this article we will tell you 5 reasons why staying at hostels is better than staying at hotels. So, get ready and join us down this road.
What Are Hostels?
Hostels are cheap, temporary accommodation for travelers. They are usually located in the city center, close to public transportation, and provide you with a lot of amenities such as free breakfast, WiFi, and laundry facilities.
Hostels offer travelers a chance to save money on accommodation by providing them with an affordable option. They also provide travelers with the opportunity to meet new people and explore the cities they’re visiting. Usually, hostels provide dormitory accommodations from 6 to 8 people in one room. However, some hostels also provide private rooms for group of 4 and twin rooms.
Hostels are not just for backpackers and travelers looking for a cheap place to stay on the road. They are also popular among students who want to save money while studying abroad.
If you are planning the trip to Europe for next year, make sure to check out ETIAS Website for updated travel information and EU entry regulations.
Why Staying at Hostels is Better Than at Hotels?
Finding a proper accommodation can be a real trouble, especially in huge touristy cities, that are always full of international travelers. Due to high demand hotels are always very expensive and the ones that offer fair price are quite far from the city center. I remember I was still inexperienced traveler when I found myself in this kind of situation in Amsterdam. I was looking for the accommodation for 3 nights and I couldn’t find anything cheaper than couple of hundreds euros. Well, that may not sound too much for some people, but as an international student, trying to save on everything to afford traveling, that was too much for me. This is when I came across the cheap hostel near the city center that really saved my trip from breaking the bank.
Since then, I get used to staying at hostels so much that I have never considered any other accommodation option. While some people hate hostels without any purpose, here in this chapter I will tell you why staying at hostels is better than staying at hotels:
Hostels are Cheap.
Hostels provide cheap and affordable accommodation for budget and backpack travelers. Depending on the city hostel prices vary from 5 euros to 20 euros. This is a great possibility for those who want to travel effectively and spend as little as possible.
They are located in the City Center.
In most of the cities, hostels are majorly located around the central area of the city. This enables you to save not only on the accommodation, but also on public transport. You can easily walk from your hostel to certain landmark and back.
Hostels Keep You Social.
While you can meet many locals in the city, hostels are the place where the magic happens. Usually, hostels unite hundreds of people from different countries, continents and backgrounds. This helps you to stay social and meet new, cool people and have fun with them during your time there. I have met many interesting people at hostels with whom I still keep in touch and I am forever grateful for that.
Hostels are Locally Owned.
By staying at hostels, you are helping local business to evolve, instead of funding the international corporation. This way you become more socially responsible traveler with an idea of sustainability on your back. Besides, if something goes wrong, be sure that it is in the interest of hostel owners to help you at all costs.
Each of the Hostel Has Its Own Character.
Yes, this is very much true. I have stayed at hundreds of different hostels and I can’t say that any of them looked the same. This is one of the greatest features of hostels. Each of them has their unique characteristic that develops alongside hosting people and the guests (yes, you too) become the contributor of this development. What else might be more pleasing than knowing that there is a place on the earth that reflects your presence in a positive manner?
Conclusion
To sum it up, staying at hostels is not as bad as people try to describe it. Most of the times it is fun experience with many advantages, like affordability, diversity and great locations. All you have to do is to be brave and take that first step of becoming a traveler, not a tourist. We hope that this article will contribute to this process a little and you will enjoy next European getaway with your fellow hostel-neighbors.
