When I was in Paris and Amsterdam, I made sure to stay at hostels. I was really happy with my decision, as they’re just brimming with a sense of excitement and possibility. There are people from all over the world, with the common goal of exploring and gaining new experiences. When traveling, people are much more open to connecting, so it’s a great way of meeting new people and possibly even getting a travel buddy. Even if you’re shy, just being in that environment makes you feel less alone when exploring a new city.
Here are five reasons you should stay at a hostel:
1. They’re cheaper
It’s a fact, staying at a hostel costs a lot less than a hotel, or even an Airbnb. You can save a lot of money by choosing this cheaper option.
2. They’re more social
Hostels are full of people from all over the world, and since you’ll be sleeping in a shared dorm, your chances of interacting with them are pretty high! Hostels are a great way of meeting new people, especially if you’re backpacking by yourself.
3. Group tours
Hostels have free group activities, like guided walking tours and pub crawls. Staying at a hostel automatically gives you access to these cool opportunities. There are also free city maps at the front desk with a bunch of useful information!
4. Work opportunities
You can actually stay at a hostel for free, in exchange for working there for a few hours a week. Many of the workers there are backpackers themselves.
5. The adventurous spirit
Staying at a hostel gives you a sense of community and adventure. Hostels are filled with people just enjoying life and chasing their travel dreams. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people and will have plenty of opportunities to make new friends in the common areas of the hostel.