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Hostels have become widely popular for the wayward traveller. Despite this, there are a lot of people who either don’t know or just don’t practice proper hostel etiquette. I see it more often than I would like. So here is a list of proper hostel etiquette so you don’t participate in any of the hostel faux pas.
7. (Do) Clean Up After Yourself
Hostels are huge on sharing. You share space, rooms, dishes, etc. When it comes to the room you want to keep whatever mess you make continued to your area. Most people will understand if you have to put up a clothesline to dry clothes, but when dry you need to be prompt about putting away your stuff.
Another big area where this is important is the kitchen. This area is almost definitely shared. Far too many people leave a mess of pots, pans, and dishes. Don’t be one of these people. Do your dishes as soon as you are done. Either put them on the drying rack or dry them and put them away.
Leave things for others how you would want things left for you.
6. (Don’t) Turn on the Dorm Lights After 10 P.M. (If They are Off.)
Some would argue that this should come into effect as early as 9 p.m. Others would say later. Whatever the case the thing that matters most is that after it’s dark that you don’t turn on the lights. If you need to see use a flashlight. Almost all phones come with one these days.
The reason behind this is you are sharing the room. It’s about respect. Chances are after this time someone is probably sleeping and it’s rude to wake up people with a large light. I mean, how would you feel if someone woke you up with a bright light.
Of course, if a quick scan of the room with your flashlight shows that you are the only one there then have at ‘er. On the other hand, if it is late and someone asks you the turn off the light so they can sleep do the polite thing. Turn off the lights.
5. (Do) Your Hygiene Routine
Please, please be hygienic. You are most likely in close corridors with at least a couple of other people. Too often do I see people forego hygiene when either travelling or just when being in a hostel.
I have encountered too many people that would make me prefer sleeping in a garbage dump. Let’s be honest one person is too many. The smell will just permeate through the room. Just take a shower dude.
4. (Don’t) Have Sex in the Dorm Rooms
I’m sure we can all agree that sex is fun! It’s awesome and enjoyable. Feel free to get your sex on. Yet keep in mind that you aren’t alone in a dorm. The last place you should be doing it is in the dorm room. Even if nobody is in there. Someone could walk in at any time. If there are already people in there then it’s even worse.
No matter how quiet you think you are being quiet I assure you you aren’t. On one of the bunk beds, it is quite clear when someone is getting frisky, even if it’s just with Palm-ela Hand-erson. God forbid you are on the same bunk as someone who is getting it on. You would think you were sailing the high seas on a ship about to sink.
There are rules to having sex while in a hostel. You gotta follow them. For example, have some fun in the shower. You can almost always lock the bathroom doors. Another way is to get a private room. These are just two of the many ways you can get it on in a Hostel.
3. (Do) Socialize!
You’re in a hostel, not a hotel! These places are built around travellers. Many are by travellers, for travellers. Socializing is a huge aspect of the real hostel experience and one of the many reasons to pick hostels over hotels. A lot of people will specifically pick hostels over hotels just for the socialization factor. I once met a doctor in Germany who was in my room while in town for a convention. You never know who you might meet.
Plus who knows? You may just make a travel buddy or even a lifelong friend!
2. (Don’t) Insist on Using Common Areas If You Refuse To Pay For a Room
This one just boils my blood thinking about it. I once had someone I knew that joined me in part of my travels do this. I had been staying at this hostel for a while when some people I knew decided to join me.
We got a pretty good discount on all the beds for a myriad of reasons. That discount was even extended a bit past the original amount of time negotiated. When the stay was extended again the hostel owner decided to make the beds full price due to things getting a lot busier. This person refused to pay the price of the bed. Instead, choosing to sleep in the vehicle. Yet after checkout time they still decided to continue using the kitchen, bathrooms and even washing machine and shower.
Sorry, not sorry, but If you refuse to pay for a bed then you don’t get to use the amenities that come with the bed. Some hostel owners are too nice (or too desperate for a good review) to say no.
Don’t be this person. This is horrible hostel etiquette.
1. (Do) Appreciate the Discounts When You Get Them
In certain types of hostel, it is very possible to be able to get a discount. Hell, there is never any harm in asking! Granted there are definitely certain methods that are way more likely to get you a discount, but this post is not about that.
When and if you do get a discount don’t take it for granted. Appreciate it and the person who got it for you. If you extend your stay, but the discount isn’t extended then don’t be an entitled ass.
Appreciate the good things when they happen.
In Conclusion:
This list honestly just scrapes the surface of proper hostel etiquette. The more I travel and stay in hostels the longer this list gets. In the future, I might even have a complete list! For now, I leave you with these seven do’s and don’ts of proper hostel etiquette.
7. (Do) Clean Up After Yourself
6. (Don’t) Turn on the Dorm Lights After 10 P.M. (If They are Off)
4. (Don’t) Have Sex in the Dorm
2. (Don’t) Insist on Using Common Areas If You Refuse to Pay for a Room
1. (Do) Appreciate the Discounts When You Get Them
What other do’s and don’ts do you have when it comes to proper hostel etiquette? Let us know in the comments below!
Until next time travel authentically, travel nomadically, and let the world leave its inscriptions on you as you do on it.
