Traveling alone as a woman can be extremely empowering and thrilling, but to stay healthy and comfortable you do need to keep your wits about you. Were they secure hostels? Here are our tips to help women live in hostels!
I like to fly while living in budget hotels so I can splurge in on restaurants, museums and historic site entrances. I stayed in some bad places that would have ruined my holiday, but I've always got the best stories from staying in hostels, bed and breakfasts and budget hotels.
Europe's Budget and what Westerners term the "budget" are two things. Think way less, with less advantages. We are not talking about towels, soap or even hangers.
A hostel is shared dorm accommodation between you and other travelers while private rooms are available in hotels. Hostels are cheaper and appear to draw a younger audience while hotels are more desirable to adults seeking a private, relaxing experience.
A hostel is more budget-friendly, since the idea of a dorm room uses more travelers in less space. Some hostels are small and start at 4 people per dorm room, while larger hostels can accommodate up to 50 people in an extremely large space.
Some dormitories have ensuite bathrooms while others have large shared bathroom facilities (usually segregated by men and women).
Also read: What is a Hostel?
The social environment, lower prices and improved facilities are the advantages of staying at a hostel. If you're a solo traveler, you can quickly build new friends and travel buddies, which is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the experience of solo travel.
While a hotel is costing more money, they are not providing the same free facilities as hostels. Many hostels range from $5-$50 a night for one bed and provide free wireless access, free breakfast, laundry facilities, travel booking services and the opportunity to meet people.
In general, hostels are relatively secure, but there are a range of things you can do to make sure you have a good experience, such as drinking responsibly, being respectful of dorm mates, locking your valuables, and wisely packaging.
Numerous boutique hotel-like hostels are available today. They're younger, heavier, cleaner and a little more expensive. The news about the products is that there is something appropriate for everyone, just do your homework to find the right one.
If the hostel is right for you, always read the reviews before booking to get the best idea. Some of them are quiet and family friendly while others are known for the atmosphere of their group.
There are also several hostels where you can book a private room and we suggest this as opposed to living alone at an Airbnb. Airbnb's can be good but they don't give you the ability to communicate with other travelers, which can really enhance your travel experience.
If you're traveling with another person, staying at an Airbnb might be cheaper but if you're alone, a hostel will also be more cost-effective and enjoyable. Hey, if you're looking to meet others with your travel partner, you may opt to stay at a hostel regardless.
I've seen all while staying within my budget and I'm here to give you the best tips for a relaxed stay in the hostel.
If traveling with valuables, electronics or living in a small to large dorm-style room with up to 15 beds per room, always use the lockers. Never leave anything of interest, even for a moment, on your pillow.
While I've never been a robbery victim in a hostel (except for refrigerator items), I've met people on my travels who've been robbed in the hostel from all their cash or passport — by a bunkmate, no less. Typically, it is one person who targets the unfortunate few. (This is a very unlikely occurrence but it's safer to be safe than sorry.) Use a small, steel cable cord to lock your bag into a post at times when you can fall asleep on a train or leave your bag unattended. Lock your backpack inside a hostel room and have an extra lock on you in case there are lockers too.