Backpacker hostels are an unforgettable part of the budget travel experience. But introverts beware- if you overdo it, hostel burnout could be right around the corner!
By definition, hostels are more than just a place to sleep. Travel hostels are meeting places, and for many on the road, they provide a place of refuge, fun and friendship.
I’m a huge fan of hostels. It’s fair to say I’ve spent some of the best and worst nights of my travelling life in a foreign dorm bed. Love them or hate them, hostels undoubtedly have the potential to really enhance your trip, and I’d recommend them to anyone to try.
Maybe its the introvert in me, but one thing I’ve come to experience particularly on longer trips is the phenomenon of hostel burnout. There are only so many nights that you can spend living in close confines with total strangers in a foreign land before you start to long for the simple luxury of playing music in your room, uninterrupted sleep or just being able to loaf out totally undisturbed.
So as a hostel veteran, here are my 5 tips to avoid hostel burnout:
1. Book within your comfort zone.
The complete hostel experience isn’t for everyone- and that’s ok! If you’re not sure you’re comfortable staying in a 24-bed mixed dorm (a size that guarantees at least one person will be going in and out at every hour of the night), pay those extra few euros and book a 4-bed single gender room. You’ll feel more comfortable, get better sleep, and probably even get a few hours of private time during the afternoon when others are out doing activities. And that will make you a much happier camper.
2. Book great hostels.
There’s a huge variation in hostel quality- some are much trendier and cleaner than nearby hotels, while others just look like a lot of bunk beds jammed in a small apartment in a construction zone (looking at you, Dubai).
For me, I gauge quality by the pictures on the websites, and particularly the reviews on booking.com and hostelworld.
I look for modern bunks with individual bed curtains and electrical plugs, large lockers for security, wi-fi and, importantly, a large welcoming common area where can relax, plan your onward journey and cook a meal. If you want real insight into what a hostel can be like, make sure you read the bad reviews too- if complaints like ‘the shower is cold’ or ‘the room is too noisy at night’ might be a deal-breaker for you, its best to know that before you arrive.
And different hostels can be great for different people depending on your style- so be conscious of whether you’re booking a party hostel, a quiet hostel, or even a place where low-paid local labourers might live. Reading the comments will give you a good idea of what kind of people you’ll be mixing with, so try to choose what suits your personality best.
3. Be friendly and be ready to be spontaneous.
My favourite memories of hostels are always of the times I met fun fellow travellers there- if you get invited to try Argentinean concentration tea, or go get tapas with a new Spanish friend, just roll with it! Even for an introvert like me its easy to meet people and have wonderful experiences, so keep an open mind and a big smile on your face. And don’t be a recluse- if you don’t want to speak to anyone or consider being social, you’ll definitely be at risk of hostel burnout- and probably should just book a hotel!
4. Be prepared for the realities of hostels.
You know that when you share a room, you might have your sleep interrupted, so pack an eye-mask and earplugs to minimise disturbance. You know you’ll be sharing a shower with a ton of different people, so pack a pair of thongs (flip-flops) to avoid funky toe fungus. And although the hostel community is generally a great bunch, be prepared to be security conscious- bring locks for your bags, use lockers and consider taking a underclothes travel wallet for your passport- nothing is going to ruin your trip faster than having your stuff stolen.
5. Mix it up.
Budget travelling doesn’t mean every single night must be spent in a hostel. Often in cities, Airbnb prices can be just as good, and you can get a whole room or apartment to yourself.
And if you are getting a little sick of the communal hostel lifestyle and think you might be facing burnout, treat yourself to a private hotel room every now and then. You will never appreciate solitude so much, and you’ll feel recharged and ready to socialise again by your next hostel stay!
Further Info
If you’re after more travel tips, check out the travel page!
Or if you’ve got a question, leave a comment below or contact me anytime!
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