Hostel Packing Essentials

I’ve written a lot recently about my hostel experiences, what they’re like and some great ones to stay in. One important topic to cover is the essentials specific to staying in a hostel. These are all the things that you should make sure to pack and some that I have ditched along the way. Some of these might already be obvious to you but hopefully you’ll pick up on some new items.

I’ve covered what you should definitely pack and some things that I read on other “must pack” lists that I really didn’t need. These are my hostel essentials only so doesn’t cover the basics for every trip like clothes, adaptors and other travelling essentials for backpackers. Check out this awesome eco-friendly packing list for an idea of everything you should pack.

What to Bring

1) Eye mask

Eye masks are great not just for hostels but also for any travel you might be doing along the way. In airplanes, buses and trains, if you need to do any sleeping, this is a must have! There’s often an unwritten rule in hostels that the light will stay on until a “reasonable” time. I’m usually in bed by 10 pm and am not afraid to just turn it off when I’m ready for bed but if you’re less assertive you might just want to throw your eye mask on and get some sleep on your own time.

Personally, I prefer the ones that don’t rest against your eyes as I can’t stand that feeling but there are loads of options out there. Look for ones that say "contoured" or "3D" for the most comfortable fit.

2) Ear plugs

This one is similar to the eye mask, great to help you get to sleep when everything is happening around or you have a snoring sleep mate or two. I’ve tried a few different brands out but love these ear plugs. They’re the easiest to put in and seem to block out most noise.

If you've got the cashoola you could consider the Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs by Crioxen. Even better, if you’ve got the space and are serious about your head phones, you can get noise cancelling headphones and use the noise cancelling function to block out even more snores.

3) Travel towel

Most places you stay these days will offer a towel during your stay, either free of charge, for a small deposit or maybe for a fee. If you want to save money, then a travel towel can still be a great investment and don't take up much room in your bag. You could also use one as a beach towel when heading out as most places won't let you take the towel out of the room.

They range in price but you can get a teeny tiny one for as little as $10 and I've seen some fancy ones get up to $100+. Look for them in any camping or adventure store and of course online.

They take a little getting used to as they are made out of that shammy-type material but they are super quick dry and pack very small, a lot smaller than an actual towel. My top tip is to get either a Large or X-Large size. It won’t add that much more bulk and there’s nothing worse than not being fully wrapped when needing to run from the shower to the room.

4) Lock

When you stay in a hostel you will usually be provided with access to a locker but will need your own lock. I suggest carrying two strong padlocks with a combination instead of key access. Trust me on this, I’ve travelled with someone who lost BOTH of their keys and had to have the lock broken.

The locks can also be used if you’re leaving your backpack in a luggage storage room after check out or to lock your backpack while in transit. Make sure to use a TSA lock if you’re travelling through the US.

5) Toiletries

As with the towel situation, hostels usually don’t provide toiletries like you would find in a hotel. Depending on your situation you might want to bring along some travel size toiletries or just buy some products when you get there. For me it depends on how long I’ll be staying in a particular place and when my next flight is. I don’t mind carrying around a full tub of toothpaste but as I travel carry-on only I’m unlikely to get it past the airport checkpoint.

You don’t need to go overboard with the toiletries though. If you’re away for 3 months then you probably don’t need to take a 6-month supply of floss with you but DO check what will be readily available for you to buy at your destination. In some places sunscreen is more expensive than crude oil and tampons are the devil so just make sure you’re prepared.

6) Flip flops

So, if you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, then the idea of sharing a bathroom with a group of people must seem very strange. It’s actually not that bad! Sometimes each dorm will have its own bathroom and sometimes there’s be a big shower block for all the rooms to share.

Either way, those showers are seeing more people in them every day than is usual and they might only be cleaned once a day. I’m no hygienist but my personal preference is to wear a pair of flip flops into the shower so I don’t catch any potential cooties. If you’re like me and live in them 24/7 then they probably need a good wash anyway.

7) Flashlight/head lamp

Depending on your trip you might have use for a dedicated torch or head lamp anyway but just in case think about the types of experiences you’re likely to have. Often I’m mixing city stays with off the beaten track activities in jungle and river lodges. There is likely to be some sort of camping or “eco” situation where I will have to use an outside toilet.

Head lamps are awesome for this as you can go "hands-free" if you know what I mean… Ever tried wiping with one hand while directing a torch in the direction of the giant centipede you just saw 2 inches from your face?

At the every least, make sure your phone has a flashlight app that you can use in a pinch. This should be sufficient for rummaging through your stuff at four in the morning for an early departure without waking the whole dorm up.

8) Plastic bags

These are very multi-purpose: to separate your dirty clothes so they don’t stink up the rest of your clothes; to store your muddy shoes in that are still wet from a rainforest like but you have a 20 hours travel day ahead of you; keep your electronics dry during a rainy open water ferry crossing; super cheap way to store your soap so you don’t need a fancy soap case. Just make sure you always have a couple on hand and you’ll always have a use for them, I promise. 

One thing to keep in mind is that plastic bags are noisy as all hell in the middle of the night so try to avoid your immediate demise at the hands of your fellow bunk mates by not rummaging through your plastic bags when all is silent.

9) Bottle opener

Hostels are filled with happy travelers who are having the time of their lives, maybe this is the only two weeks they get off every year and they want to make the most of it, maybe they’re on an extended multi-year trip to find themselves and "every day is Friday” and “every hour is happy hour”.

Whatever the case, when you stay in a hostel, you will make the best of friends if you have a bottle opener on hand. Even better, if you know how to open a bottle with any object on hand. I once saw a guy open a beer with a shoe! How do they even do that??? Why did I not learn this in school?

10) A tupperware container

I learnt this one from a vegan I met traveling and thought it was a very cool idea. If you’re going to be cooking a bit and using those awesome hostel kitchens, then chances are you’re going to have some leftovers to contend with. Rather than throwing it out or leaving it to the other life in the hostel fridge, you can throw it into a tupperware container. This way you can eat it the next day and even carry it with you as a lunch option. The best part is they don’t take up any room, just stuff them with something else and you’re good to go!

11) Bonus - A playlist that reminds you of home

Before I leave on any trip I always put together a playlist of all my favourite songs and my friends’ favourites. Why? When I’m feeling homesick I just pop my headphones in, tune into Spotify and listen to all the music that makes me think of the people that I leave but in the best way possible. You could also try having some photo albums on your phone or even a couple of real life pics if you’re a visual person.

Don’t bring

1) Door jamb

So, this is a tricky one. I’ve never chosen to stay anywhere that I felt unsafe enough that I would use a door jamb. Saying that, I would hate to be the one to tell you not to bring it and then something happens to you so I’ll leave this one up to you. They’re heavy as hell but maybe there are some new solutions that can help you feel safe and not weigh down your luggage.

2) Sink plug

This is used for hand washing and soaking clothes in sinks. If you’re staying in a dorm this is just not practical. You’ll be sharing a room with at least 3 other people and they’re not going to be happy with you using the sink to keep your laundry in. If you’re in a private room it’s a little more practical but I usually just take my clothes in the shower with me to give them a good rinse and wash with whatever I have on hand. I’d wash my clothes like this maybe once or twice and then take them to a laundromat to give them a good wash after that.

3) Clothes hanger

This one is probably a personal choice and depends on how many clothes you’ll be washing at one time or how expensive it is to wash clothes where you’re staying. When travelling through Latin America I found that I was happy to pay the $2-$3 a week to wash, dry and fold a full load of clothes. Laundromats in the US and Canada were also reasonably priced. When I did want to save money, I would usually be washing clothes overnight and hanging them up on my bed or somewhere convenient. I only once saw anyone hanging clothes up on a line but again this could be appropriate for you.

Any surprises for you or is there anything that you would add? Let me know in the comments! 

This post includes affiliate links. When you make a purchase via these links, I receive a small percentage at no additional cost to you. Very small but very appreciated.

Laguna De Apoyo - The Resort For Budget Travelers

While in Nicaragua I was desperate for a break from traveling for a few days. Long term traveling can take its toll if you try to pack too much in and at that stage I was feeling like I needed a holiday. I was indulging in some touristy pleasures in Granada when I learnt about a cool hostel that was supposedly like a resort for budget travelers at a small lake nearby. The dorms also had the best view of any dorm around the world! I booked myself onto the next shuttle.

You can go for the just the day or stay overnight. Once you arrive, there will be a staff member with a clip board to check you in. My group was separated into day trippers and over nighters and were led to the check in area. The hostel is very well run and I was checked in and shown to my bed within half an hour which is pretty great considering there was a lot of people waiting to check in.

I also noticed some travellers who had stayed the night and were hoping to book for longer! I did the same as soon as I saw the view and knew this was where I needed to be.

You’re given a token with an animal on it and this is what you use when ordering anything so they know what tab to put it on. The hostel is completely cash free until you check out! Which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how many $2 cocktails you clock up.

Rooms

Once I was taken down to the dorm I understood why it was so popular. I had heard that the view from the dorm was better than any other room and it was actually quite stunning. The dorm consisted of about 10 bunk beds and where the fourth wall should have been, there is just a large roller cage. This is great for keeping the room cool and also afforded spectacular views out to the lake. Dorms are just $10 a night! 

There are also private rooms that are still quite affordable if you’re not into dorm life and everyone has access to all the resort facilities. A single room with shared bath is only $15 and you can get a double room with private bathroom for $32 a night.

If you’re traveling with a group they even have quadruple rooms! Check out their rates page for more information. 

Day trips

The resort offers a day trip option which is great if you don’t have a lot of time but still want to experience lake life in Nicaragua. Day trippers can access all the facilities from 9 am to 5 pm at the cost of $7 per person. They also get free tea and coffee all day as well as access to restrooms and change rooms.

Eating and drinking

There are two spots where you can order and eat, upstairs near the check-in area has a great view of the lake and is more chilled out. A good spot for reading a book or getting lost in the view. The second and main area for eating is located right on the lake front. This is a more social spot where you can order your $2 mojito and take it right into the lake with you. No one’s judging here!

There’s a wood fire pizza oven and they do pizza nights a couple times a week. The pizza is actual some of the best I had while in Nicaragua so definitely give it a try while you’re visiting.

The menu is available to view online so check out all the awesome options. Meals range from typical Nicaraguan fare to more western treats, like my favourite the Blue Cheese and Walnut Linguine. Drool!

If you have any special dietary requirements you can confirm them with the staff before you arrive. Vegetarians and celiacs should be pretty comfortable here as I stayed 5 nights and didn’t feel like I was lacking variety.

Laguna de Apoyo

Apoyo Lake is a crater lake said to be the result of Volcano Apoyo imploding on itself over 20,000 years ago. It is 48 square kilometres and the deepest point has been measured at 200 metres. If you imagine the big cone that would have been left behind by the volcano you can get a good idea of the shape of the lake.

It gets deep very quickly but is naturally warm and filled with volcano mineraly goodness. Like many beaches in Central America, the lake has a black sand beach. This takes a little getting used to if you've never experienced it before.

Facilities

One of the best parts of Hostel Paradiso is their expansive grounds. It’s basically set into a slope (due to crater like shape described above) so there are lots of levels and lots of stairs. It’s worth taking 15 minutes to just explore the area to see what’s available. I mentioned to some friends that I was going to read my book on a hammock and they didn’t even know there was a hammock area! 

There’s loads of water sports and other games available to occupy your time if you ever get bored of just lounging. These include: kayaks, stand up paddleboards, beach volleyball, beach badminton, pool, ping-pong, or traditional French boules.

There’s a chill out cabana with hammocks, couches and bean bags with a tv and dvd player. Great for rainy days!

There is a floating dock on the lake that you can swim to or grab one of the tires and float there in your own time. My top tip is grab a book or your kindle, wrap it in plastic bad or even better a zip lock bag and take it out to the deck. There is really nothing better than floating along on the dock with a good book.

I also enjoyed some night swims out to the floating dock with my new friends. Hanging out, sharing stories and laughing by moonlight in Apoyo is one of my most treasured travel memories.

There is wifi available but mostly on the very top level and sometimes in the reception area. Be prepared to be a bit off the grid, though, as the signal can be weak and cut out a couple of times while I was there. They’ve advertised recently that they have since doubled their bandwidth so you may be surprised!

The staff are super helpful and friendly. If you have any issues they were always happy to help. Especially the restaurant staff. They created a fun environment for all the guests. 

I had a couple of friends who did the Spanish classes on offer and they really enjoyed it. The classes are in a cute little garden area on the property with lovely lake views so you still feel like you’re in paradise while doing your lessons

You can do single lessons or Paradiso offers a package deal if you want to stay for a few days and do lessons as well. 

The lake and area

The best part of this hostel is the lake. It would be very easy to spend days lounging in a beach chair or floating along in an inner tube. The big surprise for me was that this is THE warmest lakes I have ever been in. 

If you want to get out and explore the area there’s some great birdwatching and also monkey spotting. There are over 200 bird species that you can try to spot in Apoyo including 65 migratory species. Feel like getting out of bed early? Head out of the resort and to the right and you can certainly hear, if not see, the local howler monkeys.

There are also white-headed capuchins in the area, although, you would be very lucky to see those! On the Paradiso property I saw my first anteater in the wild so you should certainly keep your eyes open for all the wildlife that’s around.

There are several hikes to small towns in the area including Santa Catarina which has a flower and handicraft market and a stunning lookout where you can see the lake and Mombacho volcano.

Getting there and away

Paradiso has a shuttle that picks up traveler from different spots around Granada. It is $6 for a round trip and leaves around 10 am and 3pm every day, returning by 4 pm.

You can also catch a local bus heading to Masaya and ask to be let off at the entrance to Laguna de Apoyo. These buses leave from Granada every 10 minutes. The bus drops you at the entrance of the small town so you can either catch a taxi (100 cordobas aprox.) or walk for about an hour. Hitchhiking is also an option and you’ll see the locals doing it.

If there’s a couple of you, consider getting a taxi. You should be able to negotiate a fare for about $15 one way.

The important stuff

Paradiso Hostel

https://hostelparadiso.com

Email: paradisolaguna@hotmail.com

Phone: Mov: (505) 81874542 Claro: (505) 25203571

Skype: hostel.paradiso

Apoyo Tips

• Make sure to book in advance

• Bring enough cash with you for your whole stay

• Try the tipico for breakfast - so good!

• Meals range from $3.50 to $10

• There are smoothies on the menu and you can add a shot of rum for $1 >.<

• If you’re traveling during the off season (September and October) they have discounted rates for longer stays

• Try to get up for at least one sunrise, they're amazing over the lake

Have you ever found a budget resort like this in the world? I'd love to visit more! Let me know in the comments below.

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6 Tips to Choose a Hotel for Your Next Solo Business Trip

Travelling is often a great experience especially for people who don’t like to stay still. However, not everything on our trip is always under our control, there are many factors which affect the overall quality of our trip. One factor which can greatly affect our overall well-being and satisfaction during our solo business trip is our choice of the hotel.

The important thing is that this factor of hotel choice is usually in our control and the major factor which affects this decision is usually the cost. We have a list of tips to help you make the right choice when you stay in a hotel on your next solo business trip.

Location

As opposed to leisure trips, business trips are characterised by some special purpose. The purpose could be to meet a client or to finalise the details of a new business partnership with a foreign business partner. No matter what the final details are, any meeting with a foreign partner or client would require a suitable location. The location is not just important from the meeting’s point of view; a good location can actually help mitigate some travel costs too. Often people go for a cheaper hotel in a foreign location and they realise that it’s too away from the airport and the city centre and they’re going to spend large amounts as taxi fare.

Research

Many hotels spend a large amount of money to make attractive websites which present them in the best way possible and many of us fall prey to this trap of effective marketing. We should be thankful for the internet as it has opened up a wide range of options for us to conduct a thorough research before we part ways with our hard-earned money. There are a number of websites which list hotels from different parts of the world and are ranked by the feedback they receive from the general public. These reviews on travel websites can save you a lot of time and effort when you’re deciding a hotel to stay at on your next business trip.

Service

The quality of service matters a lot when you’re traveling to a new country. You won’t be able to get anything done if the staff at the reception doesn’t speak your language or you would be left hopeless if there is no staff at the reception if you’re coming close to midnight. It’s important to check the internet to see that the staff is present and attentive to your needs. Also, the other services such as laundry etc. need to be timely and up to the par.

Business Facilities

Your entire reason for traveling is a business so it stands to reason that the hotel should provide some of the basic business facilities to ensure that your work doesn’t stay in a limbo all because you didn’t have access to the internet or a printer. Before you confirm your reservation, check that the hotel provides free unlimited access to the internet – it is important that the internet is unlimited otherwise you’ll be large amounts of money for sending or receiving those large attachments. This would also be the time to ask about other business facilities like fax and scanners etc.

Food

Not all countries place too much emphasis on the hygiene of the staff which prepares food so you need to be extra careful in this regard. It is also heartening to know that quality meal can be ordered at a decent price once you’re done with the work for the day. You should also look for hotels where meals are covered in the price of the stay. It is also a good thing if you can get room service for the same price after all it would be nice to have your dinner in peace once you’ve completed your work for the day and are completely tired now.

Leisure

Traveling alone can be tiresome, combine that with the work you’re required to do on our trip and you have a recipe for burnout on your hands. It is often a great thing to be able to relax in a pool at the end of a tiring day or hit the gym to recharge yourself if the gym is the place that makes you reenergised. Check for the leisure options when confirming your stay at the hotel.

This guest post is written by Frank Lee and you can follow him on Twitter at @franklee84.

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What Is It Like Staying In A Hostel?

I am a solo female traveler. That’s how I identify myself when I travel and it speaks to both how I like to travel and also what my limitations are. I’m not independently wealthy, nor do I have the inclination to wait for friends or family to find the time to travel with me so that means that I travel alone and I also try to travel as economically as I can. Check out my article here on how to survive as a solo traveler.

A consequence to my circumstance is that I spend a lot of time staying in hostels.  After over 10 years of hostel life I feel overly qualified to help new travellers who are hesitant about staying in a hostel for the first time. Read on for a guide on what you can expect from a stay in a hostel.

How's this for $12 a night? Zephyr Lodge - Lanquin, Guatemala

What is NOT a hostel?

Sometimes when I speak to someone from an older generation and mention that I’ve been staying in a hostel they get a look of horror on their faces. Recently when visiting family in Toronto, my uncle described the only hostel he knew that was located in a shady part of the city. It was frequented by drug addicts and was often raided by the police. It was known to have a queer smell and respectable people generally stayed away.

Words I would use to describe these types of lodgings include halfway house, flophouse or lodging house. These types of accommodations cater more for transients, people on the fringes of society and more commonly addicts and people with mental disabilities. Modern hostels are not like this.

Cooking dinner in the hostel kitchen. Pagalu Hostel - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

What is a hostel like?

Choosing your right kind of hostel is very important as there really is something for everyone out there. You might not want to stay in an eco-hostel because of the smell from the compost and the marijuana smoking residents but someone else might treasure the opportunity to make a difference to the environment and jamming into the night with a band of makeshift instruments.

A party hostel, on the other hand, is filled with booze-crazed 20-somethings and can be a good time until you’re woken up by the guy across the room throwing up on the bunk below him - true story!

Generally speaking, here’s the experience you can expect from a decent hostel:

You walk in and are greeted by someone at reception. Often this is another traveller like you who has opted to stay a while in the city and is working a few hours a day in exchange for a free bed and maybe some meals. They’ll check you in and probably ask for your passport as identification. They will offer you a map of the city and explain how the hostel works, point out the facilities and show you to your room and your bed.

I usually take this time to either introduce myself to anyone hanging out in the dorm or head to the common area to meet people and feel out the vibe. It’s better to do this sooner so that you know what’s on the cards for that evening and what everyone has planned for the next day. This way you don’t miss out on anything! 

A hostel might offer breakfast and this may as simple as toast, butter and jam with tea or coffee or as elaborate as a fully cooked breakfast with fruit, cereals and fresh juice. Some hostels offer a make-your-own pancake breakfast which is a happy medium. They provide the batter and syrup and you cook it yourself. Generally you will have to do all your dishes yourself in any scenario.

The "smoker's lounge" in my river hostel. Hotelito Perdido - Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Most hostels will have some sort of kitchen access and it can be a fun activity trying to find a knife capable of actually cutting. Even if you don’t plan on cooking, a kitchen is great to store and reheat leftovers the next day. There will usually be a pen or marker to label your food so it’s not thrown out. The hostel kitchen is also a good place to meet new people. Offer to share your meal with a hungry looking backpacker who’s got a sad looking bowl of cereal for dinner and you will have made a friend for life!

There should be some sort of common area and often there are multiple including a living room; tv room; courtyard; balcony; roof top; or terrace space. A good hostel has many places to just hang out and relax, perfect for those days when you are exhausted from a 20 hour bus trip or you’ve had enough of sightseeing.

A good hostel will have at least one activity organised during the week. This could be a walking tour, a pub crawl, a bbq or a trivia night. This will be another great opportunity to meet people!

Lastly, a hostel usually has all the regular amenities that you would expect from a good hotel or guesthouse, including wifi, computer access, book exchange and all the tourist information you can handle.

There are eco-hostels, party hostels, luxury hostels, youth-only hostels, all-inclusive hostels, meditation hostels, capsule hostels and the list really goes on and on. Once you decide what type of hostel you prefer that will dictate the type of people you’re likely to be surrounded with.

Check out my guide to booking travel to make sure you pick the best hostel in each location. 

The Group Dinner menu at Bubba's House in Boca Del Toro

What are the people like?

One of the benefits of a hostel is that you can meet people from all different walks of life who will have at least one thing in common with you; they love to travel! I’ve met people who are well off in their careers and could easily afford a nice hotel but choose to stay in a hostel because of the unique opportunity to meet new people.

There will be a mix of solo travellers, couples and groups of friends. You’ll meet people who are travelling for years, months or just a couple of weeks. I’ve stayed in dorms with people as young as 17 and one gentleman who was 75 and everyone in between. I'm almost 30 but have been staying in hostels since I was 18. There are lots of 20 years olds but also a fair number of people in their early 30's.

There will always be the night owl, who is incapable of going to bed before 3 in the morning, the early bird (usually me!) who quietly creeps out of bed at 6 am, the open-mouthed snorer and the guy with the smelliest pile of clothes you ever thought possible.

Some people you won’t click with and sometimes you get the opportunity to meet a new friend. I am lucky enough to have several people that I have met while staying in hostels that I consider to be some of my closest friends. At the very least you might meet someone who offers you a couch for some future destination.

Hostel in the middle of the jungle with infinity pool and sundeck. Zephyr Lodge - Lanquin, Guatemala

What are the rooms like?

In a hostel you often find dormitories and private rooms. In each option you might have an ensuite or separate shared bathrooms. Costs are dictated by the level of privacy involved, for example, a private room for 2 people with a private ensuite would be more expensive than an 8-bed dormitory with a separate shared bathroom located down the hall.

In a dormitory you will commonly find bunk beds of varying quality. Sometimes it will be the stock standard bunk bed that you can find in the shops and sometimes you will find some custom made bunks. These days I’ve started to expect the latter from my hostels, as a cheap bunk bed that squeaks and sways when someone gets in doesn’t cut it anymore. Some hostels will do only separate beds but that’s a rarity.

Sometimes they expect you to make your own bed and hand in the sheets when you leave. You should always be provided with sheets and blankets if you need them. You will often be offered a towel either for free, a deposit or a small fee.

Better hostels will often have some extras built into the bunk including a lamp for reading at night, your own power outlet, a bedside locker, small shelf or cubby and the ultimate indulgence - a privacy curtain! 

Dorms can have anywhere from 4 beds to 12 beds and above. I’ve stayed in a 20 bed dorm and heard stories of whole floors of bunk beds! They will often be priced based on how many beds are in a room. For female travellers traveling on their own, there are often female only dorms available to give you a greater sense of privacy and you get to avoid the smelly boys at night.

Most importantly, is the epic struggle for the bottom bunk. Bring it up when you first check in and if there isn’t one available make sure to find out when you can switch!

A hostel with a sloth nest?! Bambuda Lodge - Isla Solarte, Bocas Del Toro, Panama

What about the facilities?

You should either have a locker in your room or somewhere in the hostel to keep your electronics, cash, cards, passport and whatever else you want to keep safe. Most of the time you will need your own lock so make sure to bring a couple with you but often the hostel will rent or sell locks.

If the bathroom isn’t attached to the room, then you can expect a separate male and female shower area. As I mentioned, towels are not provided and the it’s likely that shower soap won’t be either.

Often the hostel will have some sort of honesty system for snacks and beer. This is basically a fridge where you can take a drink when you need one and write your name down on a tab and pay for everything when you check out. Some hostels also have a bar or cafe within or attached.

Luxury dorms and hostels

There are more luxury and up-market hostels popping up for those who still want the hostel environment but enjoy the finer things in life. I’ve stayed in some hostels that offer a separate wing, floor or area for VIP-style accommodation where you have access to faster wifi, fancy bathrooms, a separate common area and nicer dorms and private rooms. You can still mingle with the common folk but can retire to your nicer digs at night and when you want a break.

Check out this great post for some of best hostels in Australia.

This hostel had it's own deck for boat access. Bubba's House - Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Hostel Pros and Cons

Cons

• Potential to share with smelly/noisy/snorey people
• May have to wait for a toilet or shower
• Certain etiquette to be followed e.g. lights out at a reasonable time, no chatting in the room too late etc.

Pros

• Drastically reduced accommodation costs
• Breakfast often included
• Increased opportunity for meeting people
• Access to a kitchen
• Access to common areas
• Bar or café located on the grounds or connected

Are hostels for everybody?

Hostels are not for everyone. Sometimes even the private rooms can be below expectations and sleeping in a dorm with a group of strangers can certainly take some getting used to. That said, if you can get past the dramatic loss of privacy, staying in a hostel is a great option for those looking to stretch their money out and has the extra benefit of being the perfect place for solo travellers looking for temporary travel buddies.

A nap with a view! The hostel pet getting in the picture.

Have you got any advice for first timers staying in a hostel or have any extra questions? Let me know in the comments below!

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The Ultimate Guide to Booking Affordable Travel On Your Own

I’m just going to throw it out there. I love to travel. I love actually traveling and I love all the parts that come before, the planning, researching and booking. I could spend hours just planning the perfect route for the perfect price. This is no secret to people close to me and they take advantage of my madness by using me as their personal travel agent. There’s nothing more satisfying than helping someone who previously thought they couldn’t afford a trip to plan something  that fits their budget.

I truly believe travel can be achievable for most people and you don’t need to fork out loads of cash to get someone to plan a trip for you. With a little bit of time and effort you can plan your own dream holiday yourself!

Over the next few weeks this travel series will highlight the most useful travel websites, apps and the process I personally use to book affordable flights, hotels and accommodations. Don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter to be notified on new posts! I also provide travel planning and travel coaching services so please get in touch if you need some help or are happy to let an expert take care of all of this of for you!

Part 1 - Top Travel Websites

Part 2 - Top Travel Apps

Part 3 - How to Find The Best Travel Deals

Part 4 -  How to Plan a Trip on Your Own

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Solo Travel Tips - How to meet people while traveling

Traveling on your own can be very daunting. For some people, it’s the one thing that stops them from getting out there and visiting the places they want to. As an introvert, I still get anxious when I get to a new place and I have to make friends all over again.

Solo travel can be tough but it also has it’s benefits. Funnily enough, one of the main benefits is how easy it is to meet people!

When you’re travelling in pairs or as a group, you don’t naturally tend to include other people in your conversation and likewise, a group of solo travelers are less likely to reach out to big groups of friends. Some of my closest friends are people that I have met while travelling and sometimes have even met up again to visit new countries together.

To help you get over your own inhibitions about travelling on your own, here are some tips that has helped me over the years.

Group excursion to a small weaving community, Antigua, Guatemala

1) Choose the right hostel

On my travels I have found myself in some hotels that attract certain groups of traveler. There’s the all hippie, fire-twirling, crystal carrying crew with questionable hygiene and a focus on “eco” practices over all else. There was the all French Canadian hostel where the conversation was predominantly in French. Some places are just popular with certain groups of traveler because it meets that particular need. There’s even some hostels that mostly attract couples, not much fun for a single female!

To circumvent this, make sure to do you research when choosing where to stay. Read reviews online using either TripAdvisor or a hotel booking site and look for key phrases and guidance on where will suit your particular personality.

A lot of hostels these days also put on events, like free drink nights, Sunday BBQ's and movie nights. If you have a choice, I also highly recommend staying in a hostel that provides breakfast. A communal breakfast is a a great opportunity to chat to other travelers. 

Christmas picnic with some new friends

2) Stay in dorms

Depending on your budget, you might think that a dorm room is the last place you want to sleep. They can be noisy, smelly and personal space is at a minimum. If you do your research though, you can find some very nice dorms. The benefit of staying in a dorm is you have some automatic friends, people to chat with during the day and discuss travel plans.

I am currently staying in a "Deluxe Dorm" that has brand new orthopaedic mattresses, privacy curtains and personal outlets and lights as well as hotel-style bathrooms and a balcony. I can still sleep in comfort and take the opportunity to hang out with my fellow room mates.

3) Force yourself into the middle of the action

Just last night I arrived at a new hostel in San Cristobal, my all-female dorm was on the quiet side and everyone seemed to be hanging out in the garden by the bonfire. Even though it made me feel physically ill, I forced myself to go take a seat by the fire and say hi to everyone loudly. Once that was over with, everyone introduced themselves to me and I was instantly part of the conversation.

If being confident doesn’t come naturally to you, the best thing to do is to just pretend. Choose someone in your life that you admire for their assertiveness and pretend to be them. I pretend to be a good friend from home who is the most extroverted, confident women I know. When I’m on my own I just think, how would she assert herself into this conversation?

Hanging out with some new friends on an excursion to cerro del cruz in antigua, guatemala

4) Do some group activities

Just because you’re traveling on your own doesn’t mean you have to do everything by yourself. Sign up for some half-day or full-day trips that interest you, and you have some automatic friends for a few hours. If things work out, you then have some people to have dinner with or share a long bus trip with to the next destination. You might even end up with some travel partners for days or even weeks.

Cuba was one of the hardest places to meet other travelers because of the lack of hostels, but somehow I ended up with a great bunch of travel buddies after a horse riding trip. 

Have you got any advice for traveling on your own? 

How To Have a Successful (Temporary) Travel Partnership

Meeting other travellers on the road can be one of the most enjoyable parts of travelling. As a solo traveller, it can also be a great opportunity to band together for a time, giving each other company and sharing costs.

I am naturally quite introverted at home and really enjoy my own company and a good book but when you're travelling for weeks at a time even the most hermity of all hermits will eventually crave some human interaction. I generally find myself travelling with other people for at least 20% of my time away. That could just be hanging out for a couple days at a time or my record was two whole months (on and off) with a lovely couple from Alaska.

I've learnt ALOT from my experiences with my temporary travel buddies; made some poor decisions and also let my temper get to boiling point a few too many times. There are definitely some do's and don'ts when it comes to partnering up while on the road.

Here’s some advice to help you succeed in your new travel duo! 

Talk about your budgets

This is extremely important! Arguments about where to stay and eat can ruin friendships. Some travelers like to stay in the cheapest local hotels available and cook very low cost foods for every meal, choosing instead to spend money on activities or just extend their trip for the longest time possible. Others spare no expense, staying in 4-star hotels and eating out. The majority, like myself, sit somewhere between these two extremes.

At the very least you need to understand where your travel buddy sits on the spectrum and I highly recommend agreeing ahead of time on daily budgets for accommodation and food.

Discuss interests and priorities

Once you’ve made sure you’re on the same wavelength money-wise, it’s a good idea to talk about what your “must-sees” and “must-dos” are. If these don’t match up at all then it might make for some frustrated conversations over how to spend your days or in which towns you want to stop.

Make sure it’s clear to each party what the priorities are so you don’t get too far before realising your priorities aren’t aligned.

It’s also important to make sure you are somewhat similar in your travel habits. Are you a party animal or do you get up to watch the sun-rise? Would you be annoyed if someone was never on time and kept you waiting, or are you happy to keep things flexible?

Figure out what’s important to you in a travel partner and make sure to figure out if this new person meets your minimum criteria. Opposites can attract, but you don’t want to be stuck with someone who has completely different values.

Give each other space

Regardless of if you are travelling together for one day or one week, make sure that you’re aware of your own need for space as well as your travel buddy’s. Making new friends, seeing new things and having new experiences is exhilarating, but can also be tiring and sometimes emotional.

There’s likely a reason you’re travelling on your own in the first place and if the reason is that you like your own space then make sure to communicate that to your new travel buddy.

Plan your time together in chunks

I recommend against planning extended time together. Once you’ve figured out that you have some similar travel plans, I suggest tentatively booking only a few days in advance. Our feelings towards people change as we get to know them and that’s fine, but it’s worth keeping in mind.

Remaining flexible and not booking accommodation and travel too far ahead can help you avoid feeling trapped with your travel buddy if you need space or your feelings about them change.

Photo by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar / CC BY

Maintain your level of security

One of the benefits of setting out with a temporary travel partner is sharing the cost of accommodation. If you would usually stay in a dorm bed you might be able to share a private room instead for a similar or slightly higher cost.

This means that where before you might have had your own locker you will have to trust this person with all your valuables. As you travel together you will start to gain each other’s trust, but make sure to keep your things safe, ultimately they are your responsibility.

Keep up the communication

After being on the road together a while it could be a good idea to have a chat and make sure your travel plans are still what you both want. Bring up anything that you think you want to hear as a travel partner.

Not getting along so great?

Know when to call it quits

There could be many signs that it’s time to part ways:

• you’re no longer enjoying each other’s company;

• you’re headed in different directions; or

• if your travel plans or goals are not quite aligned

Having this conversation with your travel buddy can be difficult, but the key is to be respectful and honest. Don’t take the easy way out and leave them with a lot of maybes. “Maybe we can meet up in this town” or “Maybe we can do this together in a couple of days”. Just let them know that you’re ready to move on and you’ve enjoyed the time you have had together. Keep it simple and try to give them enough notice so they can make other plans.

Note: If the reason you want to head off solo is because the other person is just not a great mate for you then no need to tell them all the reasons why!

Make the most of your time together!

This is the fun part. It can be great having another person to share special experiences with and to talk through the events of the day.

While you are together make sure to also take advantage of having another person to help you with all those little things that could get annoying when you’re solo. No longer do you need to take your backpack into the gross toilet at the bus station. No more awkward selfies at important monuments. No more solo surcharges on tours or getting knocked back because there’s only one of you.

Summary

Travelling on your own is great and I would never have it any other way, but when you find someone you enjoy spending time with and getting to know, that also  happens to have similar plans as you, rejoice! This could be just the break you need from being on your own.

Do you have anything to add? Ever met up with someone new on the road and figured out too late that they were not the right fit for you? What are some other advantages of finding a temporary travel buddy on the road?