Suitcase zippers and plastic bags become the loudest noise in the world for sleepers who wake up in the middle of the night. Trust me, I had a lot of early mornings thanks to a crumpled plastic bag. First time in hostels? You might have a lot of doubts. We have gathered a lot of information about hostels to help you: otherwise, don`t worry, good listeners will also be greatly appreciated. Remember that a hostel is there to help you meet people, meet you and have fun. Nobody likes negative nances! Sure, the water is good or a quick, non-messy snack, but that`s usually a rule most hostels have anyway with the threat of a fine. If you need to eat or drink, at least make sure it`s something that doesn`t stink of the place. Want to know that hostel dorms are unwritten rules? Here are our tips for staying in hostels and how to be a good hostel buddy. I think it`s great that you`re already considering other travelers and opting for private rooms if possible. I also think it depends on the degree of snoring. In my example of the snorer in Chiang Rai, it was far from normal snoring and it looked like an earthquake for hours! There are no official or legally binding rules for customers.
But if you want to be the best bunk companion possible, these are a few ways to make a good impression. When I book a hostel, I always try to choose one that has certain features. And while beggars can`t always be chosen, or it`s sometimes hard to tell from the lists, there are a few basics I`ve come to appreciate. The best hostels have: You can`t escape an eccentric reputation when you cross an established backpacker trail. Most of the people you meet are on the same path and are not afraid of gossip. In the worst case, you could be banned from future hostels. Also good to know: If you already know you`ll be arriving very late, you should stay in a private room. Late check-in may even cost extra at some hostels.
Plus, it can be extremely uncomfortable for you and all the other guests if you arrive in the dorm at 4am. Hostels are many things (from meeting places to party clubs to charity brothels), but an important purpose for their existence is a cheap bed. No matter how good the party is, always stick to the quiet hours — or face the rage of a sleepless traveler. One thing you should always include in your hostel packing list is good manners! Also, many hostels have donation boxes where you can leave an old cut and choose a stylish new suit. And even though fewer people travel with physical books these days, exchanging books is still one thing. Don`t abuse kindness: if you take one, leave one. Many modern hostels also have super cool bunk beds with their own lockers in their little capsule, so to speak. To see? Surely you can guess most of the unwritten rules because they are common sense. While I agree with everything, I have to say that it`s not fair to tell snorers to stay away. O snoring and I`m a full-time traveler.
I stay in private rooms as often as possible, but sometimes I just can`t do it. Are you saying that a traveler who snores and can only force the doors should not travel? Snoring was my nightmare. I even asked for a very painful operation, but gave up at the last minute. I`m always worried and stressed when I stay in the dorm because I know I can upset someone. But like I said, sometimes I just can`t make the effort to find a separate room. I wonder, what do you think? Should I just not travel to places where I can`t make an effort? Hostels usually have their rules written on room doors. Hostels accept places that primarily attract open-minded travelers. Most people won`t be against showing a little skin. However, you need to be careful, especially if you are in mixed dorms.
Personally, as a hostel maid, I never felt insecure sleeping with a group of strange boys. But it certainly gives me an even safer feeling when I know that most of the time they stay dressed. Some nudity is expected, but not specifically desired. The number one unwritten rule for hostels and also for life is: respect! Every hostel is different, but it`s not often that hostels allow visitors, and if they do, there will likely be a specific space and time for it. Hostels that don`t allow guests usually point out that they`re not welcome (i.e. notes outside and inside). You pay to stay in the hostel like other people. No one wants a coincidence at the party. The hostel staff do their best to keep things clean and tidy, but much of the hostel`s cleanliness is on the broad shoulders of the good old hostel guests. Hostels are wonderful places where adorable wanderers gather for games before parting again in different sunsets.
Some of my best travel memories come from hostels (and some missing memories – those welcome photos get me every time). Given the social nature of hostels, many host exciting events for guests. For example, I`ve seen hostels host night hikes, family-style dinners, pub crawls, and seasonal events. Many hostels have specific rest periods for the dorm and their common areas to ensure that people who want to sleep can actually sleep. And in hostels that don`t have these guidelines. Well, the unofficial etiquette for dorms says that objects that sleep at night should sleep if they wish. While these are things to keep in mind, I want to point out that hostels are generally extremely safe! The crime recorded in hostels is very low and I have never had a problem in my many years of budget travel. Speaking of age limits, some hostels even have a maximum age limit. That is, only people between the ages of 18 and 40 can stay. Backpacker life can be fleeting and temporary, but that doesn`t mean you don`t have to deal with apocalyptic music for bad behavior. If you hit drunk through the TV in the common room and escape into the night, you have NOT only committed the perfect crime. Most hostels have cameras to know it was you (they can also see you limping dry in the pool).
Usually, the hostel also has your credit card on file, and they may charge for damages directly from you. Here are my top tips on how to stay at hostels and be the featured guest that staff and fellow travelers love. This includes hostel booking sites – check out which ones we recommend. Okay, enough negative. Let`s talk about how you can make friends while staying in a hostel. They do their best to help you have the best stay possible, but they are just mortal beings. The staff doesn`t have much control over the behavior of other guests. If you have any problems with other people at the hostel, be sure to report it to the staff – especially if you don`t feel safe or uncomfortable – but please be nice if you do. A good hostel label says it`s very uncool to judge your fellow backpackers. There are strange superiority complexes even among travelers. As if you couldn`t be a tough explorer if you crossed with a suitcase instead of a backpack or if you had “only” visited three countries instead of 60. Don`t judge your travel companions unless they eat your food or steal your passport.
An ideal hub for digital nomads and backpackers, this very special hostel is finally open. Many hostels have quiet hours, which are usually between 10pm and 8am, giving or taking an hour. If you still feel uncomfortable sleeping in hostels, I recommend booking a room in a gender-separated dorm, a hostel with no worrisome reviews, and/or traveling with a friend for the first time! Our own story: We once stayed in a hostel where the common area was right in front of the dorms.