Things You'll Need:
- A guidebook about your destination
- A computer and Internet access
-
Step 1
Research hostels in your destination city online. Several websites offer hostel booking services with ratings and reviews from travelers who have stayed at the hostels.
-
Step 2
Look for a hostel in a central location, near major city sights. Because hostels are inexpensive accommodations, they are sometimes located in unsafe neighborhoods. Be sure to read about the city’s neighborhoods before making your choice.
-
Step 3
Check the security features offered by the hostel. Do they have lockers for your belongings? Do you need a key to enter the sleeping rooms? Do they have a 24-hour reception desk?
-
Step 4
Research the hostel’s policies and amenities. Do they have a lock-out time during the day for cleaning or a curfew? Do they offer a restaurant, lounge, kitchen or Internet access?
-
Step 5
Try to find photos of the hostel that show both the interior and exterior. Use a search engine to find the hostel’s website. This site may provide more information than the hostel booking website.
-
Step 6
Find out if a bed is available when you want to visit. Dorm rooms vary in size, from 4 beds up to 18 or 20. Women may prefer to book an all-female room. Find out if the hostel offers private rooms. A private room for 1 to 4 people often costs only a little more than a dorm bed.
-
Step 7
Book a bed. Use a credit card to make an online reservation. Your credit card will likely be charged for the first night or for a small percentage of the entire bill. Find out how you will be required to pay the balance at the hostel. Some hostels only accept cash.
