I see that some hostels have lockers. Are these big enough for backpacks? Are they in the rooms or someplace else. Any other advice would be appreciated. Can you trust the customer ratings/comments posted on the hostel web sites. got and Eagle Creek 65 backpack. should i bring my own sheets. should I bring my laptop? thanks, John
Arriving 10/22, staying 30 days.
John
john,
All Hostels are a bit different in terms of the Locker facilities they provide. Some will be large enough to accommodate a Backpack, but others only have room for smaller items. Note that users normally have to provide their own Padlocks for Hostel Lockers. I'd recommend a small to medium size Padlock with fairly robust construction. Buying from a Locksmith will provide a better quality product than from other types of stores.
Sometimes Lockers are in the rooms, and other times close to the front desk. Again, this varies. If you have an item that you're particularly concerned about, you can usually leave this at the front desk for safekeeping.
I don't usually check the Hostel ratings on websites, so can't comment on those. I often use HI / YHA Hostels as they're part of a chain so the facilities tend to be somewhat consistent from one location to another.
I wouldn't bother packing along a Sleep Sheet, as these are most often provided by Hostels. However, if I plan on staying in Hostels I sometimes pack along one of Rick's silk Sleep Sheets, in case it's needed.
Whether or not to bring a Laptop is a topic that's debated here quite frequently. I've avoided travelling with one so far for a variety of reasons. I'm not willing to pack along my MacBook Pro as it's heavy and also very expensive (therefore it would have a serious impact if it was lost, stolen or damaged). However, I'm seriously considering buying a Netbook prior to my next trip as it would provide much easier access to the Net for E-mail and photo storage and would also be much easier to carry. Some of the foreign keyboards are very awkward to use due to the key layout and that's another reason I'm thinking of taking a computer next time.
Happy travels!
John,
each hostel is different, but I can tell you that majority of the hostels have lockers and they are big enough. Your backpack seems to be "huge". i stayed in a hostel in Florence and the lockers were a bit skinny. My backpack fitted in because it was only 2000 cu in.
You can trust those ratings on the hotels' web site, but you have to undertsnd how people react to different features of the hostels. Some people would leave a poor rating becasue the hostel was far away or hard to find.Well, if you read the directions you know how far it is. So I don't believe some of them are fair, but I always read them. Sheets and pillows are provided.
About the laptop. I always carry my laptop with me. A few months ago I got a 10" netbook. I love it.It's smal and light
thank you both for the information and advice.
john
I have stayed in many hostels and never had a problem fitting my backpack in it.
I find that the ratings on hostelworld.com are fairly accurate.
I bring a netbook and love having it as most hostels have free wifi. Bringing one is a love or hate it opinion however.
Sleepsheets aren't really needed and I have never needed one. If it isn't included in the bed price you can rent them for a very low cost. You can check this information out on hostelworld as well.
I just returned 2 days ago from 9 weeks backpacking Europe, so I am happy to help you out!
Lockers: Most hostels have them; some do, some don't. Sometimes your pack will fit inside, sometimes it won't, sometimes hostels only have small lockers for essentials like passports, etc at the front desk. Regardless, if a hostel doesn't have a locker or it's not big enough, I wouldn't stress too much. Simply do two things: Carry all your valuables in your daypack and/or moneybelt (passport, cash/credit cards, iPod, etc) and take them with you while you're outside the hostel, and realize that in your pack you likely have replaceable things - besides, no one wants your dirty clothes, you know? Adopt that mentality and you'll be fine. I had nothing stolen from me in the 30ish hostels I stayed in, but with that being said, it's all about common sense.
Hostel ratings: Take them with a grain of salt. Trust me. People sometimes leave ridiculous comments - "the showers were cold!" Think about it - that person probably showered at 10am when everyone else was, so of course there was no hot water left. Read through them, but if it seems good just go with it. Every hostel is different, some are great, some aren't so great but hey, at least you had a bed for the night.
Sheets: Definitely bring a sleep sheet/sleep sack. I wouldn't haul around actual sheets - too heavy. Buy or make one and you'll be golden, especially when some hostel sheets look a bit... suspect.
Laptop: Eh, your choice. For 30 days abroad, I don't think it's necessary. They are simply too heavy most of the time and you definitely risk it being stolen (odds are you won't want to carry it whe you're in a hostel without a hostel, you know?) Yet they are definitely convenient. I would just rely on internet cafes for how long you'll be there.
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions, happy to help out!
