Hello! I'm going to Europe in less than a month and will be staying in hostels. Some of the hostels rent sheets for a charge. Does anyone know if I'd be able to bring my own sheets to avoid paying for sheets? Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Michelle,
As the previous reply mentioned, packing along a Sleep Sack is probably the best idea. These typically include a "pouch" for the pillow, thus providing a pillow case as well.
While you could take sheets on the trip, they'd be more bulky and would add to the weight. A good solution would be the Silk Sleep Sack from the Travel Store on this website or this Sleep Sack from Magellans. The cotton versions are less expensive.
AFAIK travellers are able to bring their own Sleep Sacks, however Sleeping Bags are usually prohibited. As you've noted, some Hostels charges for these while others provide a Sleep Sack with the cost of the bed.
Happy travels!
Posted by
San Francisco
14960 posts
Michelle,
No need to bring a sleep sack in order to stay in hostels,...that was 30-40 years ago. I stayed in both HI and independent hostels in my last two trips of 67 and 32 days, in 2009 and 2010 respectively, in Munich, Wien, Dresden, Duesseldorf, and in both these types of hostels sheets are included in the price...no extra charge. That was in the old days. What makes a hostel different from another is whether the price includes breakfast, but the price includes the linen. Bringing your own sleep sack made up of linen sheets adds real weight to the luggage...I know. I don't really believe that much in packing light, but I do know what not to bring.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, United States
873 posts
I agree with Fred -- are you sure you need to bring/rent sheets? We just booked 6 hostels in 5 countries and all of the provided sheets. I didn't see any hostels that didn't do so during my search process either.
Posted by
the Middle Coast
292 posts
To add on to Fred and Anna's comments, it really seems to depend! I've noticed that German hostels seem to be awesome at providing sheets included in the price, but there are definitely hostels out there that charge you! It seems to be pretty standard to pay extra for sheets throughout Scandinavia in particular.
I've brought a set of cheap sheets before, and it was okay because I donated them at the end. If you go that route, the best combo is something like square pillowcase/fitted sheet/duvet cover. I think next time I might invest in a sleep sack I intend to keep though!
Posted by
San Francisco
14960 posts
Just as Amy pointed out, the HI and independent hostels in Germany gave out free linen upon checking in, which has been my experience most recently.
True, my experience and research on hostels are limited only to Germany and Austria; in Scandinavia you may very well have to rent the sheets...I don't know. The alternative is carrying the extra weight of a linen sack stitched in such way as to slide yourself in as per HI instructions.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I'd say sleep sacks are useless. In almost all cases, sheets are included - I haven't found the hostel yet that doesn't include sheets. If they do exist, the cost for sheets will be less than the burden of carrying a sleep sack for your entire trip.