When I first started my adult gap year, I worried I was too old for hostels. When I was in college, studying abroad in London, I remembered hostels being just a step above squatting with extremely basic metal bunk beds and lots of late-night debauchery and very little sleep. As a 30-something, I was convinced this style of traveling was no longer for me. I was worried about maximizing my budget with hotel rooms and feeling isolated on my travels. But I shouldn’t have worried. Hostels are a great option for 30-something travelers, even solo females like me. Here are my top 5 reasons older travelers should consider hostels for their next adventure:
Affordability
One of the most compelling reasons for me to look at hostels again was their affordability. Since I left my career and wanted to see some expensive places, like Copenhagen, Oslo and Berlin, I knew I needed to keep my daily budget in check. I set a $75/day a budget for my adult gap year and knew my accommodations could quickly erode my daily spending. Hostels offer budget-friendly options without sacrificing the essentials… and now many of them come with some pretty great perks. Cheaper nightly rates at a hostel means I can allocate more of my travel budget to experiences, taking guiding tours, dining out and signing up for local adventures like bungee jumping, glacier walks and scuba diving. When a 30-something chooses a hostel, we can extend our trip or even plan more getaways throughout the year, making travel more accessible and frequent.
Community and Socialization
Even though I’m traveling solo, I still have a desire for deeper connections and meaningful experiences. Hostels provide a unique opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. As I type this, I’m sharing a room with a French woman and a Dutch girl. Unlike hotels, hostels give you a community of fellow travelers. Even if you can’t get on board with a group dorm room, most hostels offer private rooms (like a hotel room) with access to the communal areas like lounges, group kitchen and daily activities. I have met so many people around the world through my hostel stays. Hostels also often organize group events, like nightly dinners, pub crawls, walking tours or shuttle services. I’ve stayed in hostels with game nights, cooking classes and daily yoga too. These activities are a great way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing in a no-pressure, safe atmosphere.
Check out my post for more tips on what I wish I knew before my adult gap year.
Unique Experiences
Staying in a hostel can be an adventure in itself. Many hostels are located in unique or historic buildings. Some have themed rooms or rooftop bars. I even stayed in one with a cat balcony and hot tub. In Holbox, my hostel had a sand floor lobby with local bikes and shoes optional. In Hoi An, my hostel offered daily cultural events like lantern making and language courses. Hostels often have more character than chain hotels or an Airbnb and can transfer your lodging choice into a part of your travel experience.
Even with unique lodging, it's important to stay mentally healthy. Check out my post on the top ways to keep your mind and spirits strong when traveling.
Convenient Locations
One of the top reasons I love hostels is their convenient locations. Typically, hostels are situated in prime locations, close to public transportation, major attractions and local culture. I usually choose a hostel that saves me valuable time and money on commuting, meaning my days are better packed with activities and less time sitting on the metro. Most hostels also offer maps, local tips and restaurant recommendations to help you dine like a local and uncover some hidden gems. I always chat with the reception desk to get tips on local transportation (Do I need a metro pass or just tap and go? Is there a cheap supermarket nearby? Where can I find a good dinner?). If you are in the heart of the action, you can eat better, explore the top sights and even experience local nightlife (if you are so inclined).
Amenities
This is the biggest kept secret in today’s hostels. I could never have imagined how far hostels have come from the gross dorm rooms of my college days. Modern hostels have amenities that rival or even surpass hotels. From secure lockers and privacy curtains to communal kitchens and laundry facilities, hostels provide essentials for a safe and comfortable stay. But that’s not all. Many hostels offer daily breakfast, bike rentals, morning workouts from yoga to hit classes and organized activities. My hostel in Copenhagen offered an indoor pool, cinema, on-site bar and restaurant, commercial grade kitchen and full gym, not to mention stand-up comedy competitions and bar crawls. These amenities have been particularly valuable for longer trips, where staying connected, enjoying downtime and cleaning my limited wardrobe are important. Hostels today have everything you need to feel at home while on the road.
Don't forget to check out my hostel packing list for your next trip!
Conclusion
Hostels offer so many great benefits for 30-something travelers. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure, traveling with friends or seeking a local adventure, hostels provide a budget-friendly option with access to great amenities, social activities and unique experiences. Even if you aren’t looking for a dorm, consider staying in a hostel’s private rooms. Regardless, I think hostels are the best way to meet fellow travelers, enjoy prime locations and stretch your budget for more travel.
What do you think? Have you stayed in hostels before?
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