Living & Housekeeping Tips for 3 Hostel Newbies

Doing laundry: have coins. You can't always get change easily at the front desk in smaller hostels that don't have change machines in the laundry room. Security: Bring a cable lock, small padlock and a luggage lock. While some hostels have lockers that will fit a backpack, others have no lockers at all. In that instance, you'll want a cable lock so you can lock the bag to a fixed object (like the leg of the bunk beds), and lock the zippers on your bag. Don't leave anything laying on your bed you wouldn't want to risk being taken (iPod, phone, etc) More Comfortable: Bring earplugs and a sleep mask if you are a light sleeper. Flip flops for the showers (not always the cleanest). A small flashlight is also good if you want to read or need something out of your bag without turning on the overhead lights & waking roommates. If your hostel won't provide a towel (most do, but not all), a quick drying pack towel for camping is good to have. Read as many reviews as you can before you book a hostel. Websites like Hostelworld.com will have more than TripAdvisor and you can avoid places when you see a pattern of the same complaints over & over on something that could be a deal breaker for you (excessive noise, bad location, etc).

Hostels can be grouped into two groups; HI/YHA hostels (http://www.hihostels.com/web/index.en.htm) which are rather uniformly dorm-like, well-run, efficient and subdued, and....everybody else. Anyone can buy a lot of bunk beds and call themselves a hostel. Some of those are quite nice, some are quirky and small, and some are poor. Use http://www.hostelz.com or http://www.hostelworld.com/ for reviews. Generally, we have found hostels to be much more quiet and pleasant than their reputations suggest. We enjoy the atmosphere of camaraderie. However, as a family, we have always filled an entire room and not had to share with a stranger. That introduces another layer of camaraderie that you may or may not enjoy. They usually have some laundry facilities. Usually $2-3 for a wash and another $2-3 for a dry. Often there are lockers with locks, but not always. I would not plan on leaving anything of value (aside from clothes) in the room while I'm away. Keep your electronics small enough to be able to take it with you in a small backpack or shoulder bag. Other than that, there is not much to know. It's like college, but without studying and likely with less alcohol/drug use. (And with more older people like me) The other nice part is that they are full of suggestions about what to do, how to do it and how to do it cheaply. Plus you might meet some interesting people. There is no certainty that it will be cheaper than a cheap hotel. Sometimes the big city hostels can be pricey - like $40/bed - and at those prices x3 you might be able to find a hotel room for 3.

Good advice above. I would substitute a reading light for the flashlight, it can also double as a flashlight in a pinch but is nicer for reading. If you can afford it, a sleep sack is a nice investment. I have definitely encountered some terrible bedding in hostels (not dirty, just itchy and uncomfortable). If you do decide to go to the south of france, this "hostel" in Cassis is one of the nicest places I've ever said at, period, and Cassis is a lovely beach town that is also very convienent to the rest of France, being only 30 minutes by train from Marsielle, which is served by high speed train. http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/Cassis-Hostel/Cassis/49839?sc_sau=sfab

Hostelworld is an excellent source of user reviews from hostels. Reading them, plus checking the hostel website (I'd never stay in a hostel that didn't have a website when I used them) can give you an idea of the "vibe" of the place. I've done my fair shair of hostels before "graduating" to hotels and mostly car-based travels, and I'd not, at age 29, accept the idea of sharing a bathroom anymore. But hostels do offer a nice experience for the 20-30 crowd. Bring padlocks and a small chainlock, just for safety. Never, ever leave valuables like notebook, documents or else in the hostel while you get out for the day. Bring an easy-to-dry towel. Finally, consider not all hostels are the same. Don't go for the cheapest one. Try (via reviews and websites) to figure out those that are more like temporary shelters for newly arrivals in the city and avoid them altogether. Don't go to the "cheapest in town", and beware of hostels out of the way requiring long and complicated trips in public transportation if you plan on clubbing or going out late. In some hostels, you might get a room for 4 and sleep just your 3, if you are willing to put in a little more money.

Everything so far is good advice. I'd add don't leave anything of value alone ever, even to go to the bathroom. Petty theft is an issue in hostels. A cellphone, camera, ipod, purse, wallet, etc. will disappear in a heartbeat if not in your physical possession - get in the habit of locking things up any time you're not using them. Some hostels don't have lockers but the vast majority offer something similar to a gym locker. Pack a decent combination gym lock. Don't let that scare you away from hostels though. They offer decent affordable beds for travelers. You will likely meet interesting travelers from all over the world.

Karen, it has been mentioned, but want you to really watch this,, with three of you,, sometimes a hotel may be as cheap or cheaper.. hostels charge per head, hotels by room.

Yes, a budget hotel or B&B is often cheaper for 3 than a hostel, but if you go that route, just make sure everyone is really locked in for the trip. If one of your friends has 2nd thoughts about the trip and decides not to go at the last minute, the price of a hotel room or B&B just increased for the remaining two which, for some people, can break their budget. B&Bs often won't let you cancel without a penalty (so in that regard, a budget hotel which lets you cancel up to the last possible moment might be best if plans change).

Karen, I just glanced over the other replies, so hopefully I'm not repeating too much. Here's a few suggestions..... > Bring your own Towel. The micro-fiber towels work great and pack small. There are some shown in the Travel Store (click the link at the top of this page). > Flip-Flops are a good idea for those Hostels that still have communal showers. Many Dorm rooms these days have en-suite, so not as much of a concern in those. > Especially in HI Hostels, sleep sacks are provided, although some people prefer silk models and bring their own - your choice. Sleep Sacks also listed in the Travel Store. > DO NOT bring a Sleeping Bag, as many Hostels won't allow them (possibility of cross-contamination). > As the others suggested, having small Locks for your luggage and perhaps a Cable Lock is a good idea. These won't totally prevent theft, but tend to discourage "opportunistic theft". > Each of you should pack a small but robust Padlock for Hostel Lockers, preferably one with "heel & toe" locking (visit a Locksmith in your town). DON'T use the small Luggage Locks for Lockers, as they're simply not strong enough. I use a keyed model, but combination locks can also be used. > DON'T leave Passport or other valuables in the Hostel. Wear a Money Belt! Although I'm 60+, I still use Hostels on occasion and haven't yet had any theft issues. If you choose 4-bed Dorms, you'll have fewer worries, especially if there's no one staying in the fourth bed. > Laundry tends to vary from one location to another. The Hostel staff will let you know what the options are. Some Hostels have laundry facilities and in other cases guests use local facilities in the area. Happy travels!

Another nice thing about hostels. The staff are budget conscious. When you ask about food, laundry, etc. they have a built in assumption you don't plan to spend an arm and a leg. That's not usually the case with hotels, even small hotels, who may assume you want to eat at a fancy restaurant (unless you specifically tell them different). Travelers I've met in hostels always have budget saving tips. Some are now part of my normal travel, others were a little further than I'm willing to go.

Great suggestions above, in regards to portable lighting, I strongly suggest a camp style "headlamp". These little lights strap on your head and are hands free. Some are waterproof. Many models allow you to direct the light down for reading. Most offer a bright and dim setting, some offer a red light mode, so you don't wake up everyone. You don't have to wear them, you can always carry it as a flashlight. I suggest the LED withAAA battery models, as they last for ages and the batteries are readily available. I pack one every time I travel. I throw it in a pocket and have it handy when rooting in luggage, walking dark alleys and have even used it to augment photo taking. Great little tool!

Thank you, everyone, for the helpful tips and suggestions! They are going to make a huge difference to our trip!