Over the years I have stayed at plenty of backpacker hostels and we still use them from time to time.

Low Cost

In Australia it can be $20 – $30 for a bunk in a dormitory, and much lower in a developing country.

These days it’s not all dormitory beds and in most hostels you will find double rooms, some even with an en-suite, but expect to pay around 2-3 times as much.

Other Advantages

With most hostels having kitchens you can make considerable savings on a holiday by cooking some meals, and preparing a packed lunch.

I have found it much easier to start conversations in hostels than hotels,which can make solo travel less lonely.

You can also pick up a lot of great knowledge about your location, particularly places that you can eat cheaply.

Some Hacks for Backpackers Hostels

Protect your Feet

I would really recommend having footwear that you can wear in the shower if there are communal bathrooms.

The plantar wart, or verruca, can be contracted by walking barefoot in warm, moist environments, such as shared showers.

Protect your Possessions

In a hotel I generally think your possessions are relatively safe as the staff will be protective of their jobs.

In many hostels its common to give other guests free nights in exchange for housekeeping duties . . . so the person cleaning your room may be less worried about the consequences of being caught stealing.

Make sure you put anything of value:

• In a locker, with your padlock on the door.
• Locked in the boot of your vehicle.
• In your pocket.
• In the Hostel safe.