Hostels are generally the cheapest accommodation option out there for travelers. If you’re looking to save a few bucks while on the road, Hostels are most definitely an option you should consider. But before you land yourself a bunk, you’ll need to know what to consider when searching for and choosing a hostel.
Finding a hostel in many places is as straight forward as it sounds. Other times, insuring you get a good deal at a quality place can be tricky. Tactics for finding, reserving, and negotiating accommodations vary from city to city and region to region. First, here are a few things to consider when you’re searching for a hostel.
- Get recommendations: The most valuable resource for any traveler is other travelers. Listen to recommendations from people you meet on the road or on online travel forums.
- See the room before you commit: If you haven’t committed ahead of time, it is perfectly reasonable to ask to see the room before you negotiate a price. Always do this!
- Confirm what taxes and fees are included in the price: Make sure there are no hidden costs. Confirm that the price you settle on covers everything.
- Confirm what amenities are available (internet, meals, transportation): Insure you understand what is included and not included in a price. Use these amenities when you negotiate.
- Location, location, location! As with many other things in life, location matters the most. You want to be conveniently located or you may spend more than you planned on transportation to and from the sights. Don’t always go for the cheapest deal on paper.
Many aspects of the hostel search are location specific. Consider where you are going before deciding each of the following.
- Do you need to make reservations ahead of time?
In some countries, specifically, Europe, Australia, and the United States, it is cheaper to book ahead. The cheapest rates can be found on the internet. (Check out our Hostel Search.) In developing countries the opposite is true. You will receive the best rate by showing up with no reservation. This also gives you the option to see your room before committing.
- What is the best resource for locating a hostel?
In some regions, guidebooks can be an invaluable resource. This may be true if the city you are visiting only has one or two hostels. In larger cities with more options it is best to search on the internet or find recommendations from other travelers. In these cities, guidebooks only give a small sampling of your options. Hostelbookers.com is a great site to research hostels and cheap hotels.
- Are rates negotiable?
Almost always rates are negotiable, but this is particularly true in countries where bartering is the norm. Do some research and find out the best way to negotiate in your destination.
- Is a hostel really the way to go?
In some places, hostels are few and far between. Staying in a cheap hotel may be the better option. Consider all of the hotels and hostels available to you before you rule anything out.
Hostels can be a great place to meet other travelers. If you’re new to traveling, don’t be intimidated. Staying at a hostel is usually a fun and rewarding experience.
Bryan has visited exactly one more country than his wife, and she won't let him forget it! Also an avid photographer, he enjoys entrenching himself within the local culture in order to learn more about the people of a place. As a freelance web developer, he co-founded Budget Your Trip and Collective Lens. You can follow him on Twitter at @budgetyourtrip or @bryantighe.
