10 types of people you can find in a hostel

The low-down on who you will be likely to meet when staying at a hostel

1 - The Lurker

They are in the reception on your arrival, probably playing table tennis against the wall or sitting on one of the beanbags in the corner. A few hours go by, you’ve done your sightseeing for the day and come back for a quick shower… there they are, in the same place as before, and it seems they haven’t moved an inch since you last saw them. Later on you are brushing your teeth, and there they are again, lurking behind you in the mirror, with a small, but definite grin. After dinner, after drinks, after you come back ready to crash for the night, they are still there, lurking in the doorway of the kitchen...

2 - The Partier

It seems as though this person never actually sleeps… and that would be sound judgement. You’re woken up to the sound of keys struggling to fit in the keyhole, then a big bang, followed by a loud cry, followed by a laugh as they hit their head on the bunk above them. It’s light outside, they’ve only just got back, and the smell of cigarettes and booze is never far behind them.

3 - The Clinger

When travelling solo, it’s probably best to be confident enough to go out and explore the city on your own. However, it is true that many people do end up meeting others in hostels and decide to sightsee in a group. But, what some fail to realise is that not everyone is there to make best friends for life, and they genuinely want to go at it solo when it comes to seeing certain places that interest them. Steer clear of The Clinger if you like to have your alone time… but more often than not this one isn't a problem, as they usually find a fellow clinger to cling to and the crisis is solved!

4 - The Sweethearts

These guys arrive alone and leave as a pair. They get to know each other at the free group dinner on the first evening, and as the night continues and the bar crawl begins, drinks are downed, compliments are flung this way and that and before you know it they are the hostel's next "Brangelina". If you happen to be the unlucky soul staying in the same room as these young lovers, we suggest popping those ear plugs in before getting into bed! The next day, they are joint at the hip, and either one or the other prolongs their stay in a hopelessly romantic attempt to keep the flame alive. But, alas, come two weeks when they are both back home, the quality time spent together seems nothing more than a distant memory of what could have been...

5 - The First-timer

They have never left their home-town before, and they set off keen as can be to see the world. Bags filled with maps and sun cream paired with that fresh-faced youthful look makes it clear to others that they are a newbie to the travelling life. Introducing themselves to every single person they come across, over-enthusiastically shaking hands and taking slightly too long to let go. However, a week of living on crisps and sugary sweets, drinking too much every night and running out of that scented shampoo their mum packed takes its toll. You don’t want to be around The First-timer when those bags start to appear under their eyes.

6 - The Settler

This one (usually a dude) is nearing on thirty, probably has a beard and is wearing a t-shirt saying “I give free hugs”. He struts around like the cock of the walk, swerving this way and that as he shows you round the hostel with absolute ease. Does he work here, you ask? You'll never know for certain, but he is very eager to tell you about the group activities taking place later on, as he has been preparing a new drinking game all morning. No one quite knows why he’s still here when he only planned to stay for two nights, yet here he is, five years later, with a slightly longer beard and a slightly shabbier shirt.

7 - The Gap Yahhh

At first sight, they look like they have been brought up on a deserted beach somewhere in the Caribbean as dreadlocks, beads and feather tattoos cover them from head to toe. They sit in the lobby in front of an audience of about four people, either playing the guitar or explaining how they 'found themselves' at a festival in Cambodia. The reality, however, is that they have been travelling for no longer than 2 months max, their parents are probably funding the entire trip, and all they really do is smoke weed and have ‘deep’ conversations about whether or not ants have feelings.

8 - The Snorer

Its midday, and a noise that resembles a small engine is coming from the bunk across from you. Its midnight, and its still chugging away, at a steady, rythmic pace. Even the ear plugs and the pillow over the head trick won’t work for this one. If you open the door slightly too loud, or zip your suitcase slightly too quickly, they offer a deep sigh or a decisive grunt to let you know you are interrupting their precious beauty sleep. Let’s hope The Snorer isn’t room sharing with The Partier!

9 - The Scrounger

They ask if they can borrow your shampoo and conditioner, well aware of the fact that they are travel sized and likely to be in low supply. They are always hanging around the fridge when that sandwich from earlier mysteriously disappears. They are first up for the free biscuits and coffee in the morning, cramming into their mouth as many as possible before others wake up. If you are fortunate enough to experience a night out with The Scrounger, rest assured they will be the one to say ‘I’ll get the next one’ and promising to pay you back for the taxi home tomorrow morning.

10 - The Blogger

Up at the crack of dawn, camera charged, with a worrying amount of lipgloss on and no doubt a brightly coloured dress to match the colour of the smoothie she plans to order at the brunch place serving skinny matcha avocado toast. Unless you want to be designated personal photographer for the day, its best to avoid The Blogger in the early hours of the morning until she kidnaps another poor soul who made the mistake of looking too alive at breakfast. Be sure to like her Instagram posts within the first few minutes, unless you want to sleep with one eye open, and don’t be surprised if after a few tequila shots The Blogger and The Gap Yahhh turn into The Sweethearts, as this is usually the case.

So there you have it! The low-down on the 10 types of people you can find in a hostel. All jokes aside however, no matter how many questionable people you may meet along your travels, you will come away from time spent at a hostel with great memories and even greater friends. Check out our hostels now and see if you can identify all of the above!