If you’re planning to go on a globetrotting journey and don’t happen to have a fortune, chances are you’re basically going to be relying on hostels as your primary accommodation. In this modern day and age, hostels have loads of cool amenities, from on-site libraries to bowling alleys to swimming pools. Many also provide breakfast facilities and non-communal rooms if the backpacker is willing to spend a little extra.

If you’ve never resided in a hostel across Europe, Asia, Americas, and other continents, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to have a memorable experience, from the basics to advice on picking a great hostel.

What’s a Hostel?

Sometimes referred to as ‘youth hostel’, a hostel is a bastion of low-cost travelers. They have a similar look and feel to a hotel expect that each room is typically filled with enough beds to house 5-20 people. Also, nearly every hostel offers private rooms for couples. While privacy is a bit limited, the thriving social scene and low-cost help to outweigh the negatives. Most rooms in a hostel are unisex, but there are some that also offer female-only rooms.

Popular Hostel Rooms

The most popular rooms in backpackers’ hostels are dorms and bunk ones. Dorm contains 5-8 beds either as single beds or as bunk beds in a single room. It’s normal for these beds to do feature bedding and linen. The outliers also offer beds at low prices without linens. Other facilities to expect are lockers, joint toilets, trash bin, and chairs.

Advance Booking

If you’re going to be hostelling for the first time, it’s probably wise to book in advance so that you know you have a guaranteed place to sleep. Worldgoo highly recommends doing this as you’d be disoriented and jetlagged after a long journey. Almost all hostels allow bookings to be done over the internet. If you can’t find a direct website, book through hostelbookers.com or hostelworld.com.

Discounts? Browse the web to see if there are any discounted accommodation cards present for your hostel. The IH (International Hostelling) card, for instance, applies to all of YHA hostels around the globe. It also gives backpackers other deals like 10 percent less at Millets and other travel shops. Also, plane fares, bus tours, and even city attractions can sometimes have a slight discount if you hold a card like IH.

Check-In Routine

Most hostels have a standard check-in routine. Here’s what you’ll be doing upon arrival:

• If you pre-booked a room, you’ll have to give your name and passport
• If you didn’t book in advance, you’ll have to pay according to the daily room rate (online bookings are usually cheaper)
• The receptionist will then direct you to the room
• The receptionist will also tell you about ground rules and go over the hostel’s facilities
• After the check-in, you’ll be given your room’s key card

The State of Hostel Security

Ask the receptionist about the best place to stash valuables such as travel documents, passwords, and hard money. It’s ideal for backpackers to store such items in a money belt, but carrying a money belt around is a hassle in itself. Hence, it’s a good idea to inquire about safes if you’re planning to spend a reasonable amount of time in hostels.

Escape routes? Get familiar with escape routes like fire exits (these will be a blessing in disguise in case of an emergency. You might have read about the fire that occurred at Childers Hostels; 15 backpackers died that night.  Depending on the local there may not be many safety regulations in hostels. What you’ll need to do is look after yourself. A few good questions to ask in this aspect are as follows:

• Does the hostel have emergency exits and smoke detectors?
• Are the windows closed for security and can I open them in case of an emergency?
• Does the hostel have pets? (comes in handy in case you’re suffering from an allergy).

Laundry

Many hostels have laundry rooms, which feature multiple tumble driers and washing units. Ask the hostel staff how much this cost. The typical cost is $3-$4 per wash or cycle. You might need to buy a token from the hostel’s reception, but most machines are operated by coins. When you see a good laundry facility, use it! However, avoid overloading the unit with your clothes. In fact, your clothes are unlikely to try if you put in too many together. Old drier and washing machines are usually present in hostels, so you might need 2 cycles to have your clothes properly washed and dried.

Communal Lounge

TV, PlayStation, bean bags…hostels can have cool communal rooms for backpackers to de-stress. There’ll often be a lounge area with tables, board games, book exchanges, and more. External communal areas may also be present. A few, but not all, hostels will also offer free computer access. WiFi is usually free inside hostels. Extras might include free to use bicycles, spa pools, game rooms, and sauna.

Bathroom

Where does a backpacker go for a shower? For those of us not residing in en-suite rooms, there are communal bathrooms and exclusive showers. Most hostels separate the female and male ones. Usually, the washrooms are going to be on the same floor as the private or hostel dorm room. Cubicles often separate the toilets and showers, and a row of sink basins with a few mirrors behind will be present. For blow drying hair, hostel bathrooms provide a power outlet. However, soaps and shampoos aren’t usually present in these shared bathrooms.

Free Things

Free items are awesome, and if you’re smart with bookings, you might be able to land free stuff like free breakfast and beverages. In places like Australia and Western Europe, that can save you $10-$15 per day alone. Not every hostel offers free amenities but if you keep tabs on these things, your saving account will be thanking you.

Get Going!

There’s everything you need to know about living in a hostel as a backpacker. It won’t be long until you make a bunch of new friends as you talk with fellow youth hostellers.