When staying in a hostel, it’s important to follow some basic hostel etiquette to ensure you don’t disturb other guests!
As a backpacker, you’re often working with a tight budget. But that doesn’t mean you can’t travel—there are plenty of affordable places to stay, like hostels. Hostels offer shared rooms with multiple beds, rented out per bed per night, unlike hotels that charge per room. They’re a top choice for backpackers because they’re budget-friendly and a great place to meet fellow travelers on a similar journey.
Since you’ll be sharing a room with strangers, you can’t act as freely as you would in a private hotel room. Here are some tips on hostel etiquette from Cadventura. What should you do in a hostel, and what should you avoid to keep the peace with other travelers?
Keep the Noise Down
The first rule of hostel etiquette is don’t be noisy! Remember, you’re sharing a room with other travelers who want a peaceful rest. Hostels are for relaxing after a day of exploring, not for partying, playing loud games, chatting loudly, or blasting music.
Try to use the hostel mainly for sleeping. If you want to hang out with friends, find a nearby spot to chill instead of disturbing your roommates.
Avoid Turning on the Lights
Like keeping quiet, avoid turning on the lights suddenly when you enter the room, especially if others are already asleep. If you need to find something in your bag or pack up before leaving, use your phone’s flashlight to avoid disturbing others.
Keep the Bathroom Clean
Many guests share hostel bathrooms, so it’s crucial to keep them clean. Don’t leave trash or personal items behind, and make sure to flush the toilet properly before you leave.
Avoid Using Plastic Bags
It’s not just about leaving trash behind—it’s the noise! The rustling of plastic bags can annoy your roommates. Use a tote bag or paper bag for your souvenirs and ditch the plastic before entering the hostel room.
Pack Early
If you’re leaving the hostel the next day, try to pack your things the night before while everyone is still awake. Avoid disturbing others with the sound of zippers or luggage wheels while they’re sleeping. Also, don’t pack early in the morning, as it might disturb those still enjoying their sleep.
Do you have any other hostel etiquette tips to share? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Nomadicmatt. Image source: Pexels
