Student travel tips - it's all about the hostels

Whether it’s a bed in Berlin or a room in Rome, youth hostels (also known as ‘backpackers’ hostels’, or just plain old ‘hostels’) are the logical choice for the student traveler or budgeting backpacker.

No matter where you want to go, you’ll find a hostel. From partying in the capital to trekking through forests, to bumming out on the beach for a few days, you’ll find a hostel in almost every conceivable destination.

Unlike hotels (which offer just expensive private rooms), hostels generally have a range of sleeping options. If it’s a bed in a dorm room, or a more comfortable private room for couples, there’s bound to be an option that suits your needs and your budget.

Hostels also have the benefit of being full of people who are probably looking for the same things from their trip: a combination of a good time, sightseeing and making new friends. There are usually parties on most nights, and most hostels offer facilities to cut down on costs, such as kitchens and libraries.

Hotels on the other hand, rarely if ever have a community spirit; you’d probably never meet another guest for more than another few seconds, and the chances are their budget per day is triple what yours is.

Fellow guests

Hostels are fun-filled places. Travelers are open-minded and want to meet new people. Being hundreds, if not thousands of miles away from home, new faces can be comforting and part of the experience. 

Most people on long trips may continue on to other places with their newfound friends, which makes the prospect of moving on less lonely. This can be especially good if long bus or train journeys are required between destinations.

And it’s always good to have a few people about to keep an eye out for each other. Whether you’re a loud outgoing party type, or a culture vulture, you’re bound to meet someone you have a connection with.

And if you’re in an area for a special activity, for example cycling or kayaking, the hostel will probably offer some kind of pre organized trip or offer equipment for rent.

What to expect

Generally speaking, most dorm rooms will have shared bathroom facilities. Some of the double rooms will have en-suite bathrooms, but this isn’t always the case.

Most hostels will offer ample toilet and shower facilities – the days of cold shower blocks are thoroughly consigned to the past, with hot showers available even at 9am! A lot of places also have gardens and patios where they provide BBQ equipment, and some even have hot tubs!

Friendly, young staff will also help out with booking onward travel, or tours around the country at reasonable rates. The staff will also know great places to eat, and many places will have special deals with other local bars and restaurants.

And the prices?

Obviously one of the biggest costs when traveling is the price of accommodation. And this is where hostels really come into their own! Prices vary all over the world: Hostels in Western Europe tend to start at about £12, while if you travel further afield,  hostels in Southeast Asia or South America can go as low as a staggering two or three quid a night!

Considering that’s less than the cost of a drink in many hotel bars, it becomes quite clear that there’s only one type of accommodation that will do for the student traveler: the humble hostel!