How to behave in a hostel

Hostels are one of the most affordable options for travelers who are looking for budget-friendly accommodation during their trips. Hostels are known for their social atmosphere, as they offer a communal living experience where travelers from different parts of the world share a common living space. However, living in a hostel also comes with its own set of rules and etiquettes that should be followed by everyone. In this blog post, we will discuss some dos and don’ts of how to behave in a hostel.

Dos:

1. Respect others’ privacy: In a hostel, you will be sharing a room with several other people, so it is essential to respect their privacy. If someone is changing their clothes or needs some alone time, it is best to wait outside the room or turn your back towards them.
2. Keep it clean: Keeping the living space clean and tidy is crucial in a hostel. If you use a shared kitchen or bathroom, make sure to clean up after yourself and leave the space as you found it, or even cleaner.
3. Be friendly and open-minded: Hostels offer an excellent opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. Being friendly and open-minded will help you socialize and create a community feeling, making your stay more enjoyable.
4. Keep noise levels down: While hostels are known for their social atmosphere, it is essential to keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours. Be mindful of your roommates’ rest time and try not to disturb them, even after a party.
5. Respect others’ property: It is never okay to use someone else’s property without asking for permission. Sharing a washing gel or a shampoo is not a big deal, but it is best to ask for consent before using it.
6. Keep your belongings safe: Hostels are generally safe, but it is always a good idea to keep your belongings secure. Most hostels offer lockers where you can store your valuables, so make use of them.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t be rude or disrespectful: Being rude or disrespectful to your roommates or hostel staff is never acceptable. It can create a hostile environment and ruin your stay.
2. Don’t hog common areas: Common areas such as the kitchen or the lounge are shared spaces, so it is essential to be mindful of others. Don’t hog the space or leave your belongings lying around, making it difficult for others to use the area.
3. Don’t have sex in shared bedrooms: While it is entirely normal to engage in sexual activities, it is best to avoid doing so in shared bedrooms. It can make your roommates uncomfortable and ruin the communal living experience.
4. Don’t use drugs or alcohol excessively: While hostels are known for their social atmosphere and parties, it is crucial to be responsible and not use drugs or alcohol excessively. It can lead to unsafe behavior and make others uncomfortable.
5. Don’t smoke inside: Most hostels have a strict no-smoking policy indoors. Smoking inside can make the environment uncomfortable for others and lead to fines or even eviction from the hostel.

Conclusion:

Staying in a hostel is an excellent way to meet new people and save money while traveling. However, it is essential to be mindful of others and follow some basic etiquettes to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. By respecting others’ privacy, keeping common areas clean, being friendly and open-minded, keeping noise levels down, and not engaging in inappropriate behavior, you can ensure a pleasant and memorable hostel experience. Remember, everyone in the hostel is there for the same reason as you, to have fun and meet new people, so let’s make it a positive experience for everyone.