who knows about hostels?

Question

are they bad, good, dangerous, dirty? how much? my dad doesnt think its a good idea to stay in one when traveling. are they really that bad?

p.s.- any other ideas on where to stay cheaply while traveling would be great!

Answer 1

Hundreds of thousands (probably more) of backpackers stay in hostels.

Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, America, Asia, Almost EVERYWHERE.


They're usually pretty clean and safe.
Some have locks, curfews, security - some don't.
Some are in good areas - some aren't.
Some are clean - some are not.
There are some party ones. Some non party ones.
Most have lockers in the rooms - you'll have to bring you're own lock - (take a combination one - not a padlock.)

But most people don't use them.

Don't take anything really valuable travelling unless you are prepared to lose it. There are petty thefts, but not often.
Like i said - most people don't take anything valuable with them. And keep your passports with you most of the time.

You'll know as soon as you walk in the door whether it is right for you

There is usally wireless internet, computers, a kitchen - rooms vary from single (which are the most expensive - not worth it) to 12 bed dorm rooms which are cheap and not that common.
There are usually 4-6 people in a room.
More often that not - single sex rooms. Not always though.
Sometimes ensuite - but mostly quite a lot of shared toilets and showers on that floor.
Some have pools, most have washers and dryers.
And people are in the same circumstances as you.
Like minded peope tavelling the world.
There will always be people around and close - so if there is any trouble which i'd say 99% of the time - there won't be - just scream and there will be people there within minutes.

They are sociable places - expect to meet and socialise with people.

DON'T stay in hotels - one - it's going to be VERY expensive. Wouldn't you rather spend less on accomodation, and more on actually seeing the world?
(the budget in Australia is usually around £700-1200 a month if staying in hostels - you can expect to TRIPLE that (maybe more) if staying in hotels)
Two - it'll get very lonely. Like i said - hostels are sociable. one of the amazing things about travelling is meeting so many new people - so many different nationalities.

Ask them what hostels they've been to, they'll tell you which ones are good, which ones to avoid. First hand experience rather than a website.

One thing i will say though is - Take ear plugs and an eye mask.. Nothing worse than being kept awake by snoring or bag rustling or someone turning the light on during the night.
And wear flip flops in the shower.

They are AWESOME places to be though.
And it's not your dad travelling - it's you.
Your experience will not be the same if you stay in hotels all the time.

Visit http://www.gapyear.com/ Go on the messageboards. So many people planning to go travelling - it's an awesome site.

Hostel sites -
http://www.yha.org.uk/
http://www.hostels.com/en/index.html
http://www.hostelbookers.com/
http://www.hiusa.org/

Plus many more if you google around.


Why not go with your dad to one in your home country to show him that they are not as bad as he thinks they are.

Answer 2

lol...don't listen to the first poster. It depends where you're going. if you're planning to stay at a hostel outside of the U.S (ie. Europe), I wouldn't do it...since most tend to be dirty and unsafe. However, if you want to stay at a hostel in some major US city, I would recommend what the second poster said (Hostelling International). I've stayed at a H.I hostel twice while in NYC and in D.C., and they are all both clean and safe. You have to swipe in to get into the main part of the hostel, and then again to get into your room. A hostel is good if you're traveling alone since you'll be cutting down a lot in costs and meet new people from other parts of the world. Just get a room that have the least amount of bed. I tend to stay out all day and only come back to the hostel to sleep, sleep there's no need to pay 5x as much just to have your own living room/kitchen and such.

Answer 3

It depends where you're staying. Look for one that's a member of HIUSA (if you're in the states). Here's their website:
http://www.hiusa.org/
If you're going international, check here:
http://www.hihostels.com/

Most are basic and clean. They are very aware of security.

Answer 4

I think first you should watch the movie Hostel then decide if you would want to stay in one. Anyway its always better to stay in a safe, secure, and clean hotel.