By Alexa 
Traveling and finding accommodations is half the battle. There was a point in time when hotels were considered the main source of accommodation for many. Then Airbnb came onto the scene. It was a great alternative to staying in hotels because you don’t need a credit card to stay in one unlike hotels and you’re helping put money into the locals’ pockets on the side.
For me, Airbnb’s are still a good alternative to a degree. You can book them at the last minute, you have a space all to yourself, and you can get affordable accommodations in certain countries. However, there is also a downside. Sometimes, if you’re staying in an Airbnb, the hosts can be more annoying than helpful, depending on your temperament. You’re not going to get along with or like all the hosts and they may not like you either. Sometimes the Airbnb’s aren’t as clean as I’d like, or they can be in a rundown area.
Hostels
However, a third alternative that I really come to appreciate is hostels. Hostels are collective rooming in a hotel-like building. You share a room with other people in dormitory style settings. Hostels are (usually) cheaper than hotels and Airbnb’s. Some hostels also offer private rooms. They all vary, but they can come with amenities like a collective kitchen so you can buy food and cook, coworking spaces, bars, and swimming pools.
Pros of Staying in Hostels
There are so many positives to staying in hostels. One is the social aspect, especially if you’re traveling alone. Hostels have common areas where you’re able to meet and socialize with other travelers. Many times, if you feel inclined, these turn into people that you can explore the surrounding area with.
Hostels sometimes arrange excursions to local attractions, or they facilitate and link you with people that conduct the excursions for a discounted price. If you don’t want to visit attractions alone while traveling solo, this is a great option for finding ways to explore safely with a group.
They’re more affordable. Hostels usually have great rates, especially if you book well in advance, or if you’re traveling in the off-season. Also, since they do have kitchens, you don’t have to eat out all the time, you can buy groceries, keep food with you, and not break the bank in restaurants.
Cons of Staying in Hostels
However, not all hostels are created equal.
I’ve seen some reviews for hostels that were little more than homeless shelters for the locals. I’ve seen some hostels that were a mix of travelers along with long-term rentals for locals that couldn’t afford the rent in the area that they lived in. However, there are some hostels that truly cater to travelers only. They are kept clean, the facilities are quality, and the people that stay there are above board.
I pick hostels based on the reviews (recent reviews at that) because businesses can change over time. You should also know that you get what you pay for. Sometimes a hostel may seem like a great choice because of the cost but then you get there, and the facilities aren’t that nice or they have roaches running around and the service isn’t that great. Sometimes shelling out a little more money so that you can be in a better ambiance is way more important.
When to Book
You can also usually book a hostel at the last minute. The only time I’ve seen hostels sold out is when it’s peak traveling season and the area is very touristy. Other than that, it’s rare for me to find hostels that are sold out.
How to Book
There are apps and sites that make it easier for people to find hostels and see their reviews. Hostelworld is an app that helps with finding hostels to book in locations all over the world. You can see pictures, reviews, and what amenities the hostel offers when booking a hostel. However, sometimes, the rates can be more than going directly to the website or booking on booking.com. Booking.com also offers the same feature. You can select all types of accommodations; you just select hostel on the right-hand side for the location that you’re looking for. Then you can book without putting down a deposit. Hostelworld makes you put down a deposit and when you arrive at the place sometimes there’s extra fees included that wasn’t listed on Hostelworld, which can be annoying and a drag.
Why Hostels?
Hostels are a great alternative for people that want all the perks of exploring a new destination on a budget. It gives the opportunity to meet people, have fun, and not break the bank at the same time.