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| Four seats to myself. Thanks Vietnam Airlines! |
First off, the price is a amazing. Hostels are typically cheaper than the star rated hotel options. They offer single beds or single rooms at a range of prices. I stayed at the Zleep63 in Don Mueng for less than $11CDN a night! This allows me to save money to spend on tours, in the markets, and at the restaurants, museums and other attractions. I also have money to live off of and to have for my annual trip to Vegas (the most lavish trip at the lowest price). How can anyone hate on saving money? What is wrong with realising that you don't need to be spoiled on every trip? Sometimes its just good to have a place to stay and store your luggage.
I also like the access to airports while on stopover without having to stay at one of those high priced airport hotels. In fact, I enjoy having access to all attractions that hostels inexpensively give you access to. Think about it. If you want to stay in a central area most hotels cost a significant amount of money. That cuts into my budget (yes I plan a budget...that's what budget travel means). Hostels can be found anywhere therefore providing access to all the same attractions and features at a fraction of the cost.
Is not just about saving money, though. It is a great way to meet travel friends. Recently, I stayed at
the Glocal Beachside Hostel in Da Nang. There were a few backpackers there on long term working holidays. I got to meet them at the Utopia Rooftop bar in the Hostel. I ended up doing a day trip to Hoi An with them (I do not ride bikes, so one of them volunteered to take me). I am still friends with these people and I'm sure if any of us are all in the same place again we will meet up.
It is also great to have people to bounce travel ideas off of and hostel people usually have some insights that others will not. Anyone can read a Zagat guide to find out top places to eat or visit, but nothing beats talking to someone that experienced it and went to the places that will never be featured on TV. Sometimes the owners will show you around or the local staff will lead you to the non-touristy paths. If you think about it, hostelling builds social networks.
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| My view from my trip to Marble Mountains,Da Nang |
I have to say I also like the idea of me bringing my own items. Many hostels do not provide toiletries and this works for me. I can buy my own little bottles of stuff I like and bring them along or buy reusable bottles and go from there. I do not need to waste what is out there. Sometimes it also feels nice to bring my own towel. I don't know about bringing other linens...I worry about people carrying around bed bugs, but I guess if it is clean it does not matter.
The key in hostelling is knowing what you want and that there are options. I stay in the dorms if it is for one or two nights, otherwise I'll opt for a single room . I do not mind sharing a bathroom or kitchen, but the privacy and ability to just be myself in my room (watch videos late, walk around naked, etc) is amazing. You can also find ones that are super low maintenance and ones that are practically hotels. There are hostels that are an experience on their own-- such as the floating ones in Serbia and Denmark. I have also been to some family friendly ones. The experiences and potentials are endless, but one common thing is that you will sleep under a roof (or some version of it) and still have money to spend.
So, in the end, I am not ashamed to work full time, be 38, travel alone, and stay in hostels. Should I be?
side note: I do not couch surf--I'm a solo, black, female traveller...but that's a story for another time.
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