11 important principles of living in a hostel
In the hot summer season, when hotel prices are skyrocketing, hostels become a lifesaver for those who value budget vacations. Moreover, hostels in the world have long been in demand not only among penniless students, but in terms of safety and comfort they are not inferior to hotels (and are not associated with hostels from horror films of the same name). But what if there is no experience, but you want to live in a hostel? It's simple: follow 11 important principles.
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What is a hostel
Hostel (from the English hostel - inn, hostel, hotel, camp site) - an economical and democratic institution, a cross between a hotel and a hostel, where you can find an inexpensive overnight stay with the ability to cook your own food in a shared kitchen. Hostels usually provide rooms for 4, 8 and 16 people. There are also double rooms, but they cost the same as in an inexpensive hotel. The toilet and bathroom are in common use.
1. Get rid of prejudice
You must immediately understand that even an average hostel in any European capital is not a hostel with bad linoleum and a suspicious smell. This is a clean and safe place where cultured people spend their time. So if you decide to settle in a hostel, then get rid of such prejudices as soon as possible.
2. Have at least basic knowledge of English
Hostel is an international concept. Therefore, when staying in it, it is advisable to know at least a few common phrases in English and understand what they will say to you. When booking a hostel, knowing the language will also help. After all, the sites of the hostels themselves, on which the most favorable prices, discounts and promotions “live”, are usually not translated into Russian. Therefore, for those who have completely forgotten even the school minimum, it will be useful to refresh it. You don't have to worry about good pronunciation. The main thing is to express yourself in such a way that you are understood, and not guessed about what you want to say.
3. Choose only recommended hostel
Sources of recommendations are word of mouth or the Internet. Of course, friends and acquaintances will not lie and will tell everything as it is. You can definitely listen to their recommendations. Trusted sites primarily include Hostelworld.com and Hostelbookers.com. On them you will find a lot of unbiased opinions that will help you draw the right conclusion. Looking through user comments, it is important to learn how to weed out professional complainers who are always not satisfied with something, and, excuse me, radiant idiots who like everything everywhere. Remember that both are equally dangerous.
4. Book in advance
The question "When to start looking for a hostel?" is one of the most difficult. You can't guess here: you may be lucky and get a place in your dream hostel two days before arrival. Or it may turn out that all good and even average places will be filled for many months in advance. This is especially true of the most peak periods - the summer months and the New Year. In this case, the main thing is not to panic and not despair. There will definitely be an option that you have not thought about. And it will surely be the best.
5. Consider location
It is desirable that the hostel is located in the center or within walking distance of the city center. Usually hostels stand on the site of the main tourist "paths". And yet it is worth clarifying how close the hostel you have chosen is to the “places of power”. After all, you do not want to spend time and money on the road, which will violate the next important principle.
6. Take a cheap hostel
Probably the most important principle that guides those who decide to choose a hostel. After spending 15 minutes and looking at several options, you will know how much your “bed” should cost. The price depends on the number of people with whom you will share the room, and on the popularity (i.e. class) of the establishment. At the same time, you should not buy into "exclusivity", unless, of course, this is a hostel that you have been dreaming of for a year. Of course, everyone has their own ideas about what is considered cheap and what is expensive, but if you are offered a place even in a designer hostel for the price of a good four-star hotel, this is definitely too much. And, of course, the principle of cheapness does not exclude the previous principles. So a cheap hostel should be close to the center and recommended.
Hot Five World Hostels:
I. Lisbon Lounge Hostel, Portugal
Everything is perfect here: location (a stone's throw from the heart of the city - Lisbon Cathedral and St. George's Castle, a ten-minute walk from the oldest district of Alfama), interiors created by local artists, great atmosphere and cleanliness that amazes even the most fastidious. The highlight of this hostel is Portuguese food evenings, where for 9 euros they offer three courses plus wine.
II. Wombats City Hostel Berlin, Germany
Democratic in Berlin, the most popular in the city and almost in all of Europe, this huge hostel attracts travelers with its light and cheerful “temper”. At the bar, during happy hours, they give out a large mug of excellent beer for 1 euro. Plus, the perfect “location”: the party district of Prenzlauer Berg is no more than 10 minutes on foot from here. The same amount to the Museum Island, only in the other direction.
III. Nomads Queenstown, New Zealand
Super-modern kitchen, brand new beds, a lounge with a fireplace, a magnificent view of the mountains and the lake - it's hard to believe, but it's all a hostel. Plus parties in the pleasant company of instructors from the Mad Travel Shop.
IV. Montreal Central, Canada
Free breakfast, a night light by every bed, polished bathrooms. Plus, the location in the very center and wonderful employees who will show you all the cool hangouts in the city. All in all, the best hostel in North America.
V. Mushroom Point, Cambodia
Round bungalow huts with en-suite bathrooms and private patios, nearby beach, ever-changing menu… Sounds like a five-star ad, but no, this is the Mushroom Point hostel in Cambodia. The bonus is excellent service and unity with nature.
7. Live in a hostel with Wi-Fi
Many of us can no longer part with a laptop, even on trips in which it is customary to take a break from everything. "From everything" doesn't mean not checking your email, talking to your friends on Skype, and not letting your parents know you're fine. Usually Wi-Fi is included in the list of services that the hostel provides by default. But in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is worth checking its availability in advance. It is also important to remember that it is not customary to use file sharing sites in hostels.
8. Be vigilant
If you are going to live in a hostel, you should understand that there will be many people around you from different countries, different cultures and habits. So being vigilant won't hurt. It is very important to keep your belongings in a safe or in a locker located in the room, and always carry the key with you. It is also worth being observant and reporting if the hostel violates the rules. But in no case do not overdo it and do not suspect everyone and everyone.
9. Behave adequately in emergency situations
Troubles, alas, happen even when everything seems to be going well. No exception is hostel accommodation. If something does not suit you or you are very annoyed, and even if you feel at the same time that you are one hundred percent right, you should not make a fuss. Just explain to the administrator that you expected something else. For example, to a quieter room where you will not hear noise from the lounge area on the ground floor. Or the larger room you saw on the site. And also the fact that in the shower there will be a normal pressure of water. And if there is an opportunity, they will definitely meet you halfway: they will change the room and quickly call a plumber.
10. Be contact and sociable
It is clear that people who come to this or that city for a few days and stay in a hostel do this primarily for the sake of the trip itself. But almost everyone has a need for communication. And a hostel with its democratic atmosphere is the best way to satisfy this need. Therefore, it is quite possible to make friends here, to whom you may visit next time. It will be useful to make friends with the staff, who can give a lot of useful advice.
11. Feel the atmosphere of the hostel
A hostel is not just a place where you share an overnight stay with people from different countries. This is a special atmosphere that you need to feel. You will definitely understand what is at stake when, after walking around Stockholm or Bangkok, you find yourself in the company of friendly people from all over the world. And in front of you in the bar, a local rock band will perform for free.
Keywords: Principles | Tourism | Hostel