5 reasons why staying at hostels rocks

Discover all the pleasures of staying at hostels

Here at HostelsClub we have no doubt: HostelsClubbers know exactly how much hostelling rocks. You probably know that communal sleep make your travels both social and inexpensive. This is only the tip of the iceberg, however. Here are the top 5 resons why hostelling rocks, some of which may come as a surprise to you:

1. Travel Discounts

When you’re hostelling, you can save money on more than just accommodation. Especially with our Membership Card, which offers numerous deals for members including discounts for car rentals and public transportation, restaurants, attractions and more. Of course many partner hostels set up discounts with us too and there's a long list of all places worldwide where you can find a bargain. If you still don't have one, get your FREE Membership Card here!

2. Local Information

Any hostel worth its salt has an abundance of local travel information. Hostels go beyond maps and pamphlets, often employing a lending library for guests filled with the latest editions of Lonely Planet, Frommer’s or more local attraction and walking guides. Many even offer detailed instructions on getting to key destinations via public transportation.

Most of the time, hostel staff and guests are given the opportunity to contribute to the body of local knowledge. Bulletin boards of ‘staff picks’, guest books, online communities, front desk staff and common room conversations are great information sources.

3. Help on the Road

Like any form of education, travel can be difficult. Gear gets lost or stolen, budgets get blown and funds get delayed in the morass of international banking. Because of this, travelers – especially the young – can find themselves in tight spots while on the road. The good news is that most hostel owners and their staff have been in similar tight spots and are in the position to help.

Many hostel kitchens have ‘free food’ shelves where guests can relieve themselves of excess groceries, or score groceries when money is tight. Similarly, ‘free bins’ or ‘free boxes’ are a common sight at hostels. Backpackers often over-pack at home and are forced to pare down once they’re on the road, so hostel free bins are generally chock-full of good gear and clothing.

A good number of hostels officially or unofficially offer work-for-stay programs, in which hostellers on tight budgets can stay for free in exchange for volunteer work. In many parts of the world, the free bed night includes free breakfast. Food, clothing and shelter – not bad for a few hours work.

4. Lots of great facilities

Many hostels now are so luxurious they can be compared to 4-star hotels! Just choose hostels according to the facilities you're looking for when making a search. You'll be surprised at how many facilities hostels can have: some feature exclusive amenities such as tropical swimming pool, hot tub, SPA or even a sauna, not to mention roof top gardens, hammocks, games room with fussball and pool tables, TV lounge rooms with comfy couches and plenty of DVDs, party bars with nightly activities and drink specials, inexpensive restaurants, and the list could go on for ever! Freebies and welcome drinks are also extremely popular within hostels all around the world and free WiFi throughout the hostel's building is also becoming a trend.

You may forget to go sightseeing when staying in such hostels!

5. Forward Thought

Hostellers and hostel staff are by and large a passionate lot – young-spirited, educated, open-minded and socially conscious. Shared accommodation is more environmentally sustainable than private accommodation, and sharing your living space with people from all over the world, of all creeds, religions, races and material backgrounds, gives you access to a wide range of insight.

Whether they are private or non-profit, hostels are more likely than other establishments to be on the cutting edge of green infrastructure and recycling programs, to be involved in their communities, and to have mandates that focus on environmental and social education. Many can also facilitate your cultural and natural history education, offering walking tours, information sessions and live local music, as well as access to field guides and other educational tools.

So not only do hostels save you money on bed nights and provide you with the opportunity to meet fellow travelers, they also help stretch your budget, guide your itinerary, survive emergencies and expand your mind. They’re usually good for a party, too – what more could a traveler want?