4 Tips to Find Happiness in a Hostel

Happiness in a Hostel: If you love traveling around the world and you don’t have a huge budget, you will probably have to spend time in a hostel. These are usually the most inexpensive and flexible places to sleep and make friends, and you can find them anywhere. Some people actually prefer staying at hostel not due to financial constraints but because these places are much better for socializing than typical hotels. If you’ve never stayed at a hostel, here are some general guidelines to ensure you have the best possible time:

Be friendly and approachable

You will likely meet interesting people during a hostel stay… but only if you remain approachable and open. This is not the kind of place where you can go hoping to get lots of privacy! Much the other way around… it’s where you to go mingle and chat and learn about the adventures of other travelers, their recommendations and stories. To get the most enjoyment from a hostel you need to stay open and remain communicative… there’s no point in being shy when you visit a place like this!

Learn about the local etiquette

Happiness in a Hostel: When checking into a hostel, you should take a few minutes to learn about local etiquette. Make sure to ask about common leisure areas, lights out periods, acceptable noise levels and any habits or customs which are typical of that hostel. Do you best to blend into your surroundings; be curious, get involved and learn about what’s expected of you as well as everything that’s offered to you during the time you spend on a hostel.

Be practical and safe

There are certain luxuries that you may be used to from typical hotel stays that simply aren’t part of the hostel lifestyle. For example, you may want to bring your own shower kit that includes a small towel and flip-flops. When it comes to valuables, you should be practical and safe; keep everything organized and be discrete about your gadgets and money. 

Be mindful of the room types

Within a hostel, you’ll get to choose from different room types so make sure to pick the room type that suits you most. Individual rooms can be pricey but may be worth it if you require some privacy. If you’re a female you may want to ask about rooms for girls only. If you pick a shared room with bunker beds, we recommend always taking the lower bunk whenever possible since it will be much more practical and comfortable. 

If you’re visiting Amsterdam this year we recommend staying at Hostel Uptown. There, you’ll find all the comfort you want without breaking your budget. It’s also a great place to meet friendly travelers, since there will also be a relaxing atmosphere comprised of happy like-minded people.