Hostel 101

Along with all of the traveling you do while you are abroad, many people experience things for the first time. Hostel life is usually on that list because hostels aren't as popular in the States.







7 Tips to make your stay at a hostel go smoothly

1. Be open minded - Know right now that staying in a hostel is nothing like staying in a hotel. You often share a room with people you do not know, and that can kind of be overwhelming at first, but it just takes getting used to. 

2. Wear shower shoes - Communal bathrooms are gross. No matter if it is in the room or on the floor you are staying in, I do not recommend acting like the bathroom is yours at home. 

3. Clean up after yourself - There is no maid service. You are sometimes responsible for even making the bed and bringing the bedding downstairs when you check out. You are always responsible to bus your own dishes at breakfast. The workers in the hostel are there to provide insight and check you in, not do your dirty work. 

4. Bring a luggage lock - When I stayed in hostels, I always stayed with someone in my tour group so it was a little easier to trust them, but if you are staying with strangers, lock up your bags. I am not saying that all people are thieves, but I do not want you to get your stuff stolen and regret the whole experience of staying in a hostel. Take precautions and you will not regret it. 

5. Ask the people who work there for advice - Some of my favorite things that I did were things that the people who worked at the hostel suggested. If you have any questions, they are there to help. Don't know a lot about the city you are in? Ask for sightseeing advice. Want to find a restaurant? ASK.  Want to do some crazy activity? Sign up through your hostel. Its the perfect hub to customize your experience. 

6. Be considerate - The room with the most beds I stayed in was 16, that means that I had to worry about not waking them up after a night out. I have been the person sleeping when a bunch of loud drunk people come back in the middle of the night and it is not okay. I know that sometimes it's hard not to be kind of loud but just do your best. 

7. Have FUN - Staying in a hostel is a one of a kind experience. Many people are skeptical of hostels because of stereotypes and such but it is a must if you are traveling through Europe. It really gives you a different perspective of traveling because you are exposed to many types of people with many different stories. TALK TO THEM. Enjoy your time you are having with different people. It makes the experience. 

Hostels I've Stayed in 
1. Nice, France - Villa Saint Exupery Beach
2. Berlin, Germany - Industriepalast Hostel Berlin
3. Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg
4. Paris, France - Plug-Inn Boutique Hostel
5. Barcelona, Spain - Equity Point Centric
6. Interlaken, Switzerland -Funny-Farm Hostel
7. Vienna, Austria - Wombats City Hostel Vienna - at the Naschmarkt

Other Accommodations
1. Munich, Germany (Oktoberfest) -  Stoke Travel Campsite
2. Budapest, Hungary - Hotel (Name Unknown) :[ 
3. Prague, Czech Republic -  Hotel (Name Unknown) :[   
    






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