How to Make the Most of Hosteling

Hosteling is a great way to travel. You will make friends, save money and get to the heart of local culture and nightlife wherever you end up. Here are some hints to help you make the most of a hostel vacation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Musician's Earplugs
• Money Belts
• Travel Guides
• Sheets
• Backpacks

1. Find out about the house rules and follow them. There may be a lockout period during the day or a curfew at night. If you know in advance what's expected of you, you won't have any nasty surprises.
2. Use the golden rule at all times: Keep your stuff in your own living/sleeping area, keep the noise level down after lights-out, wash any dishes you use in a communal kitchen and don't eat anything that isn't yours.
3. Try to connect with other like-minded guests for sightseeing and meals, if you are traveling alone. You don't have to run with a pack throughout your trip, but you'll have the option of going out with a group if you feel like it.
4. Be friendly, but be careful. Introduce yourself to people you meet in your sleeping area and in the hostel's common areas, but avoid giving out too much personal information.
5. Keep an eye on your stuff. Nothing spoils a vacation faster than having your valuables lost or stolen. Wear a money belt or neck pouch at all times and lock up your personal belongings when you leave the hostel.
6. Bring your own sleep sheet so that you don't have to rent or buy one at your hostel. It's easy to make a sleep sheet by sewing a couple of single-sized sheets together at the bottom, along one side, and about halfway up the other side.
7. Find out if the hostel offers tours, bike rentals, discounts at local restaurants and attractions or other benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of the free breakfast, if you are lucky enough to stay at a hostel that provides one (this service varies from place to place). The meal will probably be very basic - toast and coffee or tea - but it could save you quite a few dollars over the course of your trip.
• Bring earplugs - a lifesaver if you happen to share a room with someone who snores, or if your hostel is located in a noisy part of town.
• Get an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) if you're a registered student. This, combined with your hostel membership card, should get you lots of discounts just about anywhere in the world.
• Wear your money belt or pouch at all times, even when you sleep. Some people choose to put money belts under their pillows, but this can be risky in dorm-style rooms if you're a heavy sleeper.
• Take your valuables with you whenever you leave the room, even just to use the bathroom or shower (bring a large plastic bag along to keep everything dry).