Hi there! I'll be a first time backpacker in April and I'm starting to look at various hosteling options in cities I'm visiting. I plan to book at least my first one, mainly because I don't want to walk off of a flight with no place to go. But what about the rest? Should I book before I leave the USA, while I'm traveling since I'll know my time frame should any changes arise, or when I get to the city?
What do you guys suggest? Thanks!! :)
Wild guess is that, since you're backpacking, you'll meet kindred spirts and whatever you thought was your itinerary won't be. You'll tag along, change your plans, stay longer one place, skip others.
My recent experience in hostels has been in the far beyond, rather than in the cities, but the folks I've talked to very seldom reserve ahead and have no trouble finding a place to stay in Hostel B if Hostel A is full.
Wing it.
I think it depends on where and when you are travelling.Cities like London and Berlin have lots of hostels so you shouldnt have any problems. I agree that we generally make sure we have accommodations for the night of arrival and ,if you have a confirmed departure date, also the night before. Travel safely...
Depends how picky you are. There are lots of hostels, but the highly rated ones do get booked up fast. I am picky and wanted the higher rated hostels and prebooked. When I was there they were sold out and were turning people away. If you are going to Vienna I would prebook as that city for some reason has very few hostels. Munich books up quick. If you have access to a computer I would reserve a few days before so you don't get off the train and have to search for a hostel. I winged it once and sometimes it was really frustrating wearing your backpack, tired and keep getting turned down by hostels.
Look on sites such as hostelworld and see how many hostels are in each city. If there are lots, wing it!
Given that you will be traveling in April which is not peak season, wing it. You shouldn't have problems finding a place to sleep.
Thanks guys! I figured since it will be April, I shouldn't have too much of a problem, but I thought I'd see what everyone else does.
Do a lot of hostels stick the "two night minimum stay required" thing? I keep seeing it on hostel world and that may cut into our plans if we want to stay one place one night, but not there the next.
I'll be in Amsterdam for a Thursday and Friday night. I see many options available for Thursday, but Friday is blocked out because of the minimum stay requirements over weekends. Any suggestions?
Try another place. My experience is that they stiff you for the two nights, use the second one or not. The other option is to negotiate upon arrival, and depending on occupancy, they might go for it.
We booked in advance and reconfirmed a couple of days in advance or according to their instruction regarding confirming reservations.
We carried web sites of alternates.
Check:
Bug Europe
Hostelz
for reviews, web sites, etc.
Jenny,
Even though you're travelling in April (just prior to the start of the "spring shoulder season"), I'd suggest booking in advance where possible, especially since you stated that "I'll know my time frame".
One advantage of pre-booking either Hostels or Hotels is that I don't have to waste any time trying to find a place to sleep when I arrive in a new (and unfamiliar) city, which can waste valuable touring time. In addition, that provides me with choices in both the area of the city I want to use as a "base", and in the case of Hotels the price range / rating (ie: two star, three star or whatever).
In addition to Hostel World, you might find it useful to have a look at This Website. These are a "chain" of Hostels and I've found that the properties are fairly consistent from one property to the next. They usually provide breakfast as well, but how "substantial" that is varies a bit between locations. One final point is that having a membership in these (very reasonable cost) provides not only a better rate but preferred booking over non-members.
If you need any Hostel recommendations for specific cities, post another note. I'm sure the group here will have lots of ideas.
Happy travels!
For April travel, you shouldn't have too much trouble booking as you go.
I think it's a good idea to book something for your first and last night. First night since you won't have to find a place while jet lagged. Last night because you're going to have to get up and get to the airport, so you might as well find a convenient place ahead of time.
There are a few places I like to stay that reservations are often necessary, even in shoulder season. Burg Stahleck, overlooking the Rhine, is one. It's a great place but is likely to be full if you don't book ahead.
