Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tion to their cancelation policy because most will charge you for the first night if you
don't give them ample warning and you need to cancel your reservation.
• Some hostels charge for linens. I've never encountered this but I have had to pay a re-
fundable deposit on sheets.
• I've never met a front desk worker who didn't speak at least fairly good English.
• Many hostels have pub-crawls and the guides know where to get the cheapest drinks.
This is a great way to meet other travelers.
HOSTEL ETIQUETTE
There are a number of unwritten rules to hostel etiquette and, after spending a few weeks in
a hostel, you'll start to pick up on the little annoying/rude things people do. I think most “in-
fractions” boil down to being inexperienced with hostel living, but there are a few cardinal
rules that hostellers should be remember.
Your mom won't do the dishes for you.
Clean your own dishes.
Hostels with kitchens are great, but many people just leave their
dirty dishes in the sink. This isn't cool. Even if you only use a cup—wash it. It only takes two
minutes so there are no excuses.
Pack your crap early.
When I have to check out of the hostel super early, I always get
everything ready and shower the night before. I make sure everything is packed, and I set out
my outfit for the next day. The next morning, I get dressed, stash my sleeping clothes, and I'm
out of the room in five minutes. I do my best to keep as quiet as possible. This concept is lost
on many people. There aren't as many things as annoying as someone spending thirty minutes
loudly packing all their belongings at 5 a.m.
Keep the lights off.
Every hostel has that jerk that barges into the room and flips the lights
on at 3 a.m. Most rooms aren't pitch black, so just take thirty seconds and let your eyes adjust
to the light before finding your bed. Use a key chain flashlight or the light from your phone if
you really need light.
No parties in the dorm room.
The dorm room isn't for drinking games—it's for sleeping.
Almost every hostel has a room for parties. Keep it there.
