Comments on: 7 reasons hostels rock and how to really enjoy them

By: Josh

Josh — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:09:01 +0000

Great episode. I think your #1 point (“Hostels are sociable”) is the main advantage that hostels have over hotels…

By: Migration Mark

Migration Mark — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:56:23 +0000

If the hostel has awesome staff, (most of the hostels I’ve stayed at, a few not) I think it would be my favorite reason for staying at a hostel. I always try to get the inside scoop about the town from the staff while chatting. This is often because my number one question is, where can I get the best local food to eat, and where do local people eat?

By: Tim L.

Tim L. — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:31:52 +0000

But just remember that in really cheap countries, much of the above applies as well or better to a step up in accommodation. You can stay in a real hotel or guesthouse for about the same price as a hostel bed and two of you can share your own double room. With your own bathroom and yes, Wi-fi. This applies to most of the countries featured in The World’s Cheapest Destinations (yes, it’s my book). In these places the hostels are often not well-located either, but are in odd spots out of the way.

If you’re spending a lot of time in super-expensive Europe though, a hostel is often the only way to go.

By: Craig and Linda

Craig and Linda — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:26:58 +0000

@Stephanie Working on it!

By: Carmen

Carmen — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:49:54 +0000

Nice post. I think hostels are a lot like any accomodation in that you have to do a little reading between the lines to see if one is a good fit for you. In other words, if you’re a family traveling with kids, you probably won’t want one near the nightlife that boasts its own bar, but another hostel that’s designed for families could be great. I recenly hosted a friend here who was doing 5 nights in a very luxurious resort and then I arranged his last 3 nights in a hostel once his business trip was over. He had never traveled outside the U.S. before and he was amazed at how much value the hostel offered for so much less money than he had spent in the resort. If he returns – he’s returning to the hostel.

By: Stephanie Lee

Stephanie Lee — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:51:11 +0000

Craig I think you need to do us all a favour and list down all these hostels with free beer. I have never encountered one!

By: Casey

Casey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:46:57 +0000

#7 could win in a landslide, haha. It really helps support #1.

By: Nomadic Matt

Nomadic Matt — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:34:27 +0000

I enjoy 6 and 7 the best!

By: Sosauce Blog : The Saucy Side of Travel.

Sosauce Blog : The Saucy Side of Travel. — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:23:38 +0000

[...] A core part of our mission at Sosauce is to use travel as a window to cultural learning. We believe in traveling with a purpose, leaving behind a positive impact on the world. That’s why we joined in the effort to aid natural disaster victims in the Philippines with our friends the Wayward Winos for Maya’s Hope Project. They take care of orphanages in the Philippines and are in dire need of monetary funds, clothing, and food to pull through the latest typhoon strikes in Manila. We’re glad to see that our donations served well, but there is still more to be done. Chip in and help this holiday season. Indie Travel Podcast | 7 Reasons Hostels Rock [...]

By: brian from nodebtworldtravel.com

brian from nodebtworldtravel.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:01:14 +0000

I’m a big advocate of hostels. The social aspect is great, especially when you’re traveling by yourself. You’re not striking up too many conversations in the hotel lobby are you?

Cheap events, cheap food, and great open minded people. All great reasons to stay at hostels.

By: Shannon OD

Shannon OD — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:20 +0000

You definitely hit on all of the high points! I think that, for me, the sociable and wifi aspect are pretty much the deal clinchers for me! When you travel solo the social aspect really helps fight the occasional blues.

By: Karol Gajda

Karol Gajda — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:12:06 +0000

hehe I’m definitely into 1, 2, and 5.