In 2022, I quit my job and traveled the world solo. I chose to explore the world differently, and staying in hostels would be a significant part of this change. I felt nervous and uncertain about how it would turn out. Was I too old to be staying in a hostel? Were hostels safe? Were they clean? Could this be another Hostel movie sequel? You know, those horror movies from the early 2000s. At 49 years young, for the first time in my life, I was about to experience hostels for solo travel.
To learn more about my shift in travel methodology, please visit my blog, My Long-Term Solo Travel Planning Methodology.
My First Hostel Experience in Nicaragua
At midnight, I felt anxious about flying into Managua, Nicaragua, where I had never been. My hostel, Managua Backpackers Inn, arranged a private shuttle, alleviating the stress of taking a cab in the middle of the night. I was happy to learn someone else would be coming with me and staying in the same hostel. Before I even arrived at my first hostel, I was already making friends.
The Initial Impression of My Hostel
I arrived at my hostel around 1 am and was greeted with a friendly, “Hey, buddy!” Yep, this is code for I’m Canadian! I found out the owners were from Calgary, and I immediately realized this was a fantastic start to my world hostel journey. The hostel felt a bit dated, but it was clean, the bunk beds were super comfy, and It offered a complimentary breakfast, a pool, and comfortable hammocks for lounging. Plus, I met some amazing new friends. We went out as a group every night for dinner and drinks. I was already sold on staying in hostels for solo travelers and excited to continue my next hostel experience.
Hostels are Safe and Secure for solo travel
Many people in North America believe that hostels are unsafe, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. I have yet to stay in a hostel in North America during my travels, but I have stayed in hostels on five continents, and I’ve found them to be completely safe. Hostels provide lockers, so make sure you bring your own lock, and you’ll be good. Often, I leave my backpack by my bed, including my MacBook Air, and I’ve never had anything stolen. I haven’t encountered any safety issues staying in hostels worldwide.
Are you interested in what goes in my backpack for long-term travel? Read My Backpack Checklist for my Trip Around the World blog.
Hostels Get You Off the Beaten Path
One of the main reasons I stay in hostels is that they genuinely take me off the beaten path. Hostels are typically located a few blocks from tourist areas. They offer a local experience, fostering more authentic connections with residents. Hostels for solo travel bring you closer to authentic restaurants, nightlife, and local shops, providing insight into what life is like in the region. They are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture. This is perhaps the number one reason why I stay in hostels.
Hostels are Budget-Friendly for solo travel
Traveling long-term must be done on a budget for most of us who aren’t ultra-wealthy. If you stay in fancy hotels, your travel budget will deplete quickly. Staying in hotels for long-term travel just isn’t sustainable, so hostels are the best option for budget travel. I’ve stayed in hostels like Hostel Galeria 13 in Salvador, Brazil, for $10 per night, which includes a complimentary breakfast and a daily caipirinha happy hour. Surprisingly, I’ve even booked hostels for as low as $5 per night. By staying in hostels, you can extend your travels.
Hostels are the Best way to Meet other solo Travelers
Hostels are the perfect place to meet fellow solo travelers. There are always solo travelers staying in hostels with whom you can connect. Often, a group forms to go out for drinks, explore the city, join a tour, or just hang out. One thing I appreciate about hostel living is there is no discrimination, meaning other travelers do not care about your age, whether you’re 22 or 52. While traveling the world in 2022, I was solo 20 percent of the time. Most of the time, I was with friends, almost all of whom I met in hostels, and I found many long-term travel partners in hostels. Staying in hostels if you are traveling solo is the best way to meet other travelers.
Hostels Have Equipped Kitchens
Those who eat together stay together, and this is especially true in hostels. Most people gather in the kitchen to prepare meals using local ingredients bought at the market. Cooking is a fantastic way to learn about the local culture while managing your budget. There’s always a crowd at dinnertime, and sharing a meal with new faces is the best way to make friends. Often, the kitchen becomes your meeting place to connect with your group each night before heading out, or you may opt to stay in with friends. Hostels have a relaxed vibe, and enjoying a few drinks at the hostel can also be a great time. Shop at the local market and make the kitchen your friend.
Hostels Offer Free Tours
Hostels offer free tours. Even when they aren’t free, tours typically cost a small fraction of what you’d pay through a hotel or tour company. One of the first things I do when I arrive in a new city is sign up for a city tour. Hostels are my top choice since they often provide free walking tours that help me get acquainted with my new surroundings. For paid tours, I also start with hostels. For example, I visited an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for $10, while I know others who paid $149 per person for the same experience. Hostels offer an excellent budget travel tour experience.
5-Star Hostels are a Solo travel trend
Hostels have seen significant improvements in recent years, particularly in Central and South America. When I mention to hostel skeptics that I’ve stayed in five-star hostels, they often don’t believe me until I show them my photos. I mean stunning lobbies, fantastic rooftops with breathtaking views, and world-class restaurants. Of course, there are also comfortable bunk beds that ensure privacy even in the dorm rooms. The dorm room bunk beds are equipped with curtains, charging stations, shelving, plenty of storage, reading lights, lockers, and everything needed for a comfortable and private stay. Alternatively, if you prefer private rooms, those are also available, effectively turning the hostel into a hotel.
Digital Nomads Have Raised Hostel Standards
Many millennials and Gen Z digital nomads have transformed the hostel solo traveler landscape for long term travel. These are professionals who earn a decent income and expect a comfortable place to stay while embracing the hostel lifestyle. The Selina chain of hostels caters to this demographic, even offering dedicated office spaces. Personally, I love staying at Selina for its fantastic restaurants, rooftop views, vibrant nightlife, and cozy rooms. In a nutshell, they provide five-star luxury at a fraction of the price and can be found throughout Central and South America. Some other five-star hostels I love include Masaya Medellin in Colombia and Viajero Quito Hostel in Ecuador.
Hostels will exceed your expectations
Even if you’re staying in a typical hostel, you might be surprised by how comfortable and enjoyable they can be. Do yourself a favour and clear your mind of any negative thoughts you have about hostels. I haven’t stayed in a single hostel that wasn’t clean and safe—not one in over forty countries I’ve visited. This isn’t a small sample size; I’ve stayed in over 100 hostels for solo travel. The bed sheets are always fresh, they almost always offer lockers, and there’s that unique hostel vibe. So, take a chance on hostels, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. My favourite app to book hostels is Hostelworld. It’s quick and easy, and virtually every hostel worldwide is available on this app.
Hopefully, this blog helps ease any concerns about staying in hostels for solo travel. Keep in mind that hostels may not be what you expect, particularly regarding the perception of hostels in North America. Regardless of your age, they are an ideal option for long-term solo travelers, with this holding true even if you are travelling with others. They provide a unique travel experience, encourage exploration off the beaten path, and offer authentic tours while remaining budget travel-friendly, which allows us to travel for longer. Hostels feel like a home away from home, something hotels can’t match. I strongly recommend you consider giving hostels a try on your next trip, whether you’re 29 or 59, I promise you will have no regrets.
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