How To Survive In A Hostel
So, what’s so awful that requires writing an entire manual for survival? Eight strangers in the room, whatever. Someone is rustling with a plastic bag, and an administrator is drunk and doesn’t care about anything, whatever.
If resistance to stress is not about you, we can offer a few tips that hopefully will be helpful.
Reviews
Before booking a place, explore the website of a hostel. Sometimes, in addition to the location and pictures, you should pay some attention to the comments left by those who stayed here before. Of course, there is a tendency to leave more negative reviews, because when a person is satisfied with a certain choice, there’s no time for commenting left. However, they help you evaluate all the pros and cons and to understand how big the difference between expectations and reality can be.
Arrange priorities
Pay attention to the location and price. Then look at the services and amenities. Usually, every hostel has something special. If you want to communicate with new people – looking for a big spacious place with many roommates. If you want to sleep and relax, such place won’t be the best option.
Footwear
Shared showers may be in good condition, but do not forget about hygiene. Rubber slippers don’t occupy much space in your bag, take them with you.
Plastic bags
Nobody would argue, it is very convenient to store everything in separate packages and bags. However, if you’re going to go somewhere early, please, prepare everything in the evening. No noises from 12 p.m. to 8 a.m.! Do not spoil the sleep and mood of others before their day have started. Moreover, retribution may wait for you later.
Rescue
Headphones. The way out of any situation. Someone is snoring? No problem. Someone avoided reading the previous paragraph and starts rustling? That’s okay. Shouts, slamming doors, laughing? And what where you expecting, that’s a hostel! But there’s a way out: headphones.
The bandage on the eyes. Do not forget to take it with you if it is hard to sleep with the lights on.
Security
You need to trust people, but you also can’t refuse the common sense. Many hostels have lockers. When you put your stuff there, the responsibility for the storage falls entirely on the administration. Some people recommend buying a special lock for a bag. It is up to you to decide.
Flashlight
This is for those who loves to read. If you have insomnia, or you are an administrator deciding to devote some time for education at 3 a.m., use a flashlight to read. It is convenient, cheap, it does not take up much space or interfere with other people’s comfort.
Be brave!
You never know what can be found in an unfamiliar place. This actually happens not frequently, but it’s not bad when you don’t start to panic when you see a cockroach, a mouse, a strange neighbor…
Do not expect anything extraordinary
As they say, hope for the best but prepare to the worst. Perhaps, it doesn’t sound very positive, but it certainly will help you to avoid getting disappointed. Or avoid getting disappointed too much. Because, honestly speaking, what can you expect and require from an inexpensive room shared with almost a dozen of other travelers?
Traveler Mug
Well, it is convenient to have one, which doesn’t take up much space either. It helps to feel comfortable.
Don’t be greedy
Always try to help others. Even if they aren’t going to help you in return, karma, perhaps, will remember you someday. This is the whole essence of the traveling – seeing new cities, meeting new people, sharing emotions, experiences, and everything that you can share.
Hostel is, actually, one of the best options for budget accommodation in journeys. And you shouldn’t complain about the noise, talks or stress. Whenever you leave your own comfort zone, you set a new record.
Множество путешественников вообще предпочитают вставать рано, чтобы везде успеть и посмотреть как можно больше. Ложатся они, соответственно, тоже очень рано. Учтите и такой вариант, и будьте внимательнее к окружающим.