Noah takes the world

Are Hostels the perfect accommodation for solo travel?

Hostels often get a bad wrap: no privacy and uncomfortable mattresses. Although hostels might seem like a nightmare, they can be a dream for solo travelers.

You should stay in a Hostel for your solo trip because it is the easiest way to save money. Beyond savings in your wallet, hostels offer easy access to attractions and fellow solo travelers to help you feel more connected to the city you are visiting. 

This article will explain why you should always stay in a hostel on your solo trip. Although the most significant benefit of staying in a hostel is the savings, many other positives exist. 

This post may have affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you book a hostel or attraction through my recommended links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me reach my goal of becoming a full-time digital nomad.

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This post may have affiliate links. I receive a small percentage if you book a hostel or attraction through my recommended links. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me reach my goal of becoming a full-time digital nomad. 

How Much Money Can You Save by Staying in a Hostel?

Depending on where you travel affects how much you can save by staying at a hostel. 

If you are traveling internationally, you can find cheap hostels. I have stayed in some fantastic hostels in Japan and Korea for less than $20.

In larger cities in America, you can usually find nice hostels for around $40 a night. 

For example, I stayed at HI Boston for $30 a night when I solo traveled in Boston, Massachusetts. Taxes and extra fees pushed it closer to $40.

Read: Boston Solo Trip: The Perfect Itinerary for a 3-day, Budget-friendly Travel

Had I opted to stay in a hotel, I would have paid at least $100 a night. I stayed in Boston for two nights. So, by staying at a hostel, I saved over $120. 

Accommodation will be one of your trip’s most expensive parts. Staying at a hostel will save you a lot of money. 

You can skip a meal or walk to your attraction instead of taking the train… but those are minimal savings compared to staying at a hostel. 

How Do I Book A Hostel?

You can book a hostel just like you book a hotel. However, I suggest you do more research on your hostel. Pictures are not enough.

That is why I use Hostelworld.com to book my hostels. It is the largest budget and hostel site out there. The site ranks hostels based on location, staff, and cleanliness, making it easy to find the right hostel.

Are Hostels usually located in convenient locations?

Another perk of staying in a hostel is its location. Since hostels usually cater to backpackers, you can generally access hostels without a car. 

You can stay at the city’s center, close to attractions, restaurants, and public transportation hubs. 

For example, I stayed at Apple Hostels on my solo trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Apple Hostels was a 5-minute walk from one of Philly’s most famous sites, Independence Hall. 

If you try staying in a hotel in Philly’s Old City District, you will pay a hefty premium for being in such an ideal location, close to $200 a night. I only spent an average of $35 a night at Apple Hostels. 

Sure, you could stay at a budget hotel to save money. However, you often need a car to reach budget hotels.

You will be staying on the side of the interstate, miles away from the places you want to visit. I have found hostels are much cleaner and safer than most budget hotels. 

Can You Get a Good Night of Sleep in a Hostel?

I sometimes regret booking a hostel around midnight. Constant snores, strange sounds, and unpleasant aromas surround me. 

I have had too many stories to tell about those sleepless nights. One night, I heard what sounded like chains rattling. I woke up to a dog licking my face.

Location can affect how restful your sleep will be. I sometimes have the best night of sleep in hostels in Japan. Most hostels in Japan are equipped with curtains and your own little pod. 

American hostels do not always have the same level of privacy and quietness that Japan is known for. Even if you struggle to sleep, I still prefer staying at a hostel.

Since I know I won’t sleep the best, I don’t run back to my hostel when night rolls around. I explore more and maximize my short time in that particular city. 

I solo travel to see a new city, not to watch the new show on Netflix. 

I had the best time of my life in Washington, D.C., photographing the monuments late at night. I probably would not have done that activity if I had stayed at a hotel. I prefer having the memory of eating cheesecake and admiring the Capitol building to being alone in a hotel room. 

I like to be the last person in my room to go to bed and the first to leave the room in the morning. Staying at a hostel ensures that I complete my extensive itinerary. 

Do Hostels Help You Feel Less Lonely on Your Solo Trip?

If you are a solo traveler like me, you probably like being alone, but I am sure you still feel lonely. 

Hostels are full of people who want to meet people. 

Of course, I prefer to do my own thing, but staying in a hostel is a great way to find fellow travelers to explore with. 

Many hostels host free events, like walking tours and Karaoke nights, where you can easily connect with travelers from around the globe. 

Hostels have different levels of intermixing. Some hostels are more catered to people who want to meet other people. Read the reviews of hostels to find the friendly ones. 

I prefer to keep to myself on my solo trips since I have limited time and want to complete an extensive list of activities. However, it is sometimes nice to be surrounded by people when you are alone. 

I have had fascinating and unique encounters with fellow travelers at hostels and met people from around the world. You can learn about travel hacks you can’t always find online. 

How Else Can You Save Money by Staying at a Hostel?

An overlooked benefit of staying in a hostel is that they usually have a kitchen and a place for storing food.

You can save a lot of money if you cook instead of dining out each meal.

If you stay in a hostel, you will see fellow tenants cooking full-course meals.

I am not this extreme because I do not enjoy washing dishes on my solo trip. However, I do use the refrigerator to store some salads and sandwiches.

I run back to the hostel to grab a quick bite between my activities. I save money this way and chill in the hostel common area for a few minutes. 

When I book a hostel, I make sure the hostel has a spacious common area where I can eat and use the internet with ease. 

I prefer to spend time in these common rooms than to struggle to find space on the small desk usually offered in budget hotels. 

Most hostels also offer free luggage storage before and after you check-in. I recommend utilizing this free perk. Carrying your luggage around a city is not an enjoyable experience. 

You Should Stay at a Hostel During Your Solo Trip

You should stay in a hostel for your solo trip. It is the easiest way on your trip to save money, and you can find hostels in the most convenient locations.

Hostels may provide a less relaxing atmosphere, but they will allow you to make more travel memories. When you are on a solo trip, you will feel less lonely if you are out sightseeing than if you are chilling in bed. 

Another perk of hostels is how you can connect with like-minded travelers who will make your travels even more exciting and eye-opening.