Hey everyone!

Today I want to discuss something I love: hostels! I love travelling and a big part of that (for me) is getting to stay in hostels. They are cheap, you meet awesome people, and the staff generally know a lot about the city you’re in. However, if you’ve never searched for or stayed in hostels it can be pretty overwhelming. Fear not! I am here for you with a step by step guide to finding a great hostel.

Before we get started I want to say a few things about hostels. First, if you have this image of hostels as gross and noisy places, you’re wrong. It’s really not hard to find a hostel that isn’t dirty or that is more chill/quiet if you want. Second, staying in a good hostel can totally change your experience in a city, so I recommend keeping a good budget for hostels. They often have free activities and kitchens so you can save money elsewhere. Let’s get booking!

So when booking hostels I like to use the HostelWorld app. They also have a website but I don’t think it works as well as the app. That is why I use the app and why my tutorial will be based on app, but the same ideas apply to this or other websites.

 

 

 

The first step is to open the hostel world app. This is what it looks like on the iPhone as of the end of April 2017. Pick your destination, the nights you want to stay, and the number of guests. Time to search.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next step is to click on the filter button in the bottom right of the screen (see right.)

 

 

 

 

 

Next, pick the filters you want to use. Personally, I recommend sorting by rating and by limiting your search to hostels. You could also do a price maximum but I usually do not, just to see everything. Apply the filters and go back to the search.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, look at your results and find a hostel that has an interesting price/rating. Click on it and now we will look at the rating. As you can see on the right this hostel has a great score of 9.3/10. However, what does this score break down to? To find this out click on the overall rating to see the breakdown.

 

 

 

 

The image to the left shows the breakdown of the rating. The main things I look for are location, cleanliness and security. My preference is hostels in a good location because even if the atmosphere isn’t a 10/10 at least you’re in a great spot! Next, I read some of the reviews. This gives me a feeling for the “vibe” of the hostel and what to expect when I get there. This is hard to teach to someone else but just read them and see how they make you feel about the hostel.

 

 

Next, I take a look at the facilities of the hostel. There are a few non-negotiable things for me when it comes to facilities. I want:

• Free wifi (for obvious reasons)
• Linens included: I don’t bring sheets with me when I travel
• Towels for free or for hire: same as above, do not travel with a towel.
• Security lockers: I need lockers to lock up my stuff, no desire or time to get stuff stolen.

I also check for 24 hour reception for times when I am arriving at the hostel late. If you plan on cooking many of your own meals, check for a kitchen.

Lastly, I just take a look at all the information included about the hostel. If it has what I want, is a reasonable price, and has the right vibe, I am happy to book it. To do this either book on HostelWorld or try and book directly with the hostel. HostelWorld charges a 10% fee on top of the cost of the hostel so you can save money by bypassing them. I often book with HostelWorld because all the information about your booking is easily accessible in the app. Additionally, when booking a bed I would recommend a room with 4-8 beds, more than that can be really overwhelming, but is not the end of the world.

Feel free to comment if you have any questions. Good luck and have a nice  trip!

Since I am currently travelling in Europe for the month of May, I decided to write about more travel tips this month. Below you’ll find my tried and true packing list for backpacking through Europe in April-August. I pack all my things in my travel backpack and use compression packs to help with organization. Look out for a post in the near future reviewing these! Also if you decide to read nothing but the intro, I want to stress something to you: if you don’t wear it/use it at home, don’t bring it.

Clothing/Outerwear: When choosing what clothes to bring, I recommend picking clothes that all go together so that you have a wide variety of outfits. If that shirt only goes with 1 other item, then probably not worth it. Please note: this list is really tailored to going to Europe in Spring or Summer. Adjustments will need to be made for other times of year.

4 short-sleeve shirts or tank tops: Pick tops that go with everything

1 or 2 long sleeve shirts: This depends on if you’re going somewhere colder, but I’d still recommend bringing one even if you’re going to be somewhere warm.

1 sweater: I highly recommend packing the smallest yet warmest sweater you can find. Another option is a nano-puff jacket that folds up small. Sweatshirts take up a ton of space in bags, if you’re not going anywhere cold consider not bringing a sweatshirt. I did not bring one on my first trip to Europe and was totally fine as I was there in July and I had a long sleeve shirt and rain jacket.

2 pairs of pants: I recommend bringing a pair of leggings and a pair of linen pants for warmer destinations. For colder destinations, I recommend a pair of warm leggings with jeans (or more leggings). Leggings are great because they are comfortable, don’t take up a ton of room in a suitcase, and are mostly fuss free.

2 pairs of shorts: I mostly bring jean or dark colored shorts as these show signs of dirt much more slowly.

1 dress: I don’t personally bring a dress as I don’t wear them at home (pro tip: if you don’t wear it at home don’t pack it). However, they are a very nice addition as they are easy to look put together with, don’t take up much space, and are great for warm destinations.

2-3 bras: I recommend taking a normal bra, a sports bra and then either an extra comfy bra or a bralette. Between these 2-3 bras you should be set for a long time. You can also get quick dry bras that are easy to wash if you are concerned and want to wash your bra between most wears. I find washing them weekly when I do laundry is enough for me.

4 pairs travel underwear: There is nothing I can recommend more than buying some pairs of travel underwear to save on space and for ultimate comfort. I own 4 pairs and they are my favorite underwear ever, they’re super comfortable and you can wash them in the sink with soap or shampoo and they will be dry in a few hours.

5 pairs noncotton socks: I highly recommend noncotton socks as they are much easier to wash in sinks. Cotton socks don’t dry and really don’t get that clean when washing in the sink.

Bathing suit: even if you don’t plan on going somewhere where you will use it I recommend bringing a bathing suit just in case as they are small to pack anyways.

Sneakers: You’re going to be doing a lot of walking, I can guarantee it, so a pair of sneakers is awesome. I bought a pair of all black Nikes that go well with a lot of things and aren’t horribly ugly and they work great. You might not be the most fashionable person ever but just remember no one knows you and you can be fashionable at home 😉

Sandals: these are super important for many reasons. First, you need something to walk around the hostel in. Second, some days it’s just too hot for sneakers so sandals are ideal. And lastly, you might be going to the beach where you will need sandals. I recommend getting a pair of multifunctional sandals that you can both wear out places but also get wet. I have a pair of yoga mat sandals and I love them.

Rain Jacket: Bring a rain jacket! They are multifunctional because they keep you dry but can also keep you warm, and they fold up really small.

Small Scarf: This is optional but if you are going somewhere cold or are constantly cold this might be a good idea.

Hat: only if you will wear it! I bring a baseball cap as it is great for the beach or really sunny days.

 

Toiletries: as you may know by now, I am a makeup FIEND. I love it, but I chose not to travel with it. Makeup is a hobby, a hobby I can easily do at home so I chose to not bring it so I can focus doing things I can’t do at home. Additionally, my skincare routine is very “extra” but again I chose to travel with the bare minimum skincare wise as I travel with a carryon only. Lastly, some stuff you can just buy once you’re at your destination especially if you’re travelling with one or more people, as you can just share them.

Toothbrush

Floss: Be honest with yourself, if you don’t normally floss don’t bring it.

Travel sized toothpaste: I recommend trying to find a 2-3oz travel toothpaste so it can hopefully last you the whole trip

Travel sized bottles: I bought mine from Amazon and I use these to bring my necessities with me. I have 3 bottles, 1 for face/all over body lotion, 1 for shampoo and 1 for conditioner. I am allergic to fragrances so I have to bring my own supplies, however if you are fine with a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner totally get that to save on space! It’s not the best but also not that bad for a few weeks.

Deodorant

Bandaids: highly recommend investing in hella expensive blister bandaids. They are amazing/game changers if you get blisters.

Hairbrush/comb: I bring a comb as it works for my hair and it smaller.

Sunscreen: do not forget this!! Very important, but can also easily be bought once you’re at your destination which I sometimes do.

Razor: I personally am able to shave without shaving cream so I don’t bring any. However, to save on space you can shave using conditioner or just normal soap, so keep that in mind.

Body soap: personally I prefer bar soaps so that is what I bring, however even if you prefer liquid body soap you might want to opt for bar soap as it is not a liquid.

Hair Elastics

Chapstick

Nail Clippers

Prescription Medication: make sure it has the prescription label attached

Other medication: bring any other medication you take. I also suggest bringing some Advil with you just in case.

Makeup: bring any makeup you want but pack this last as it is the least “necessary.” I personally bring an eyebrow pencil, dark circle corrector, eyelash curler, and a lipstick.

Makeup remover

 

Other Items: important stuff like passports!

Inflatable neck pillow: I did not have this on my first trip but oh man on my trips since this has been a game changer. I often take overnight buses or sleep in airports or on airplanes and having a neck pillow makes the experience so much better. I recommend one you can inflate so it takes less room.

Reusable water bottle: save money on water bottles by filling up your own. Water is safe in most places so tap water is totally drinkable! Also, great to fill up once you pass security at the airport.

Padlock: bring your own padlock so you can actually lock your stuff in lockers at hostels.

Passport: please be sure to check your passport is not expiring soon and that you have any visas if you need them.

Phone charger/Adapter: make sure to check the countries you are going to and that you have the right adapters.

Tablet: I do not personally bring anything other than my phone as I can do everything I need to do on there while travelling, but if you know you need a tablet bring one.

Headphones

Handwashing Laundry Soap: I order this off Amazon and it is awesome in a pinch.

Credit cards: My recommendation while travelling is getting a credit card that does not fee you when you are travelling/spending money abroad. This is the best exchange rate/deal you will get and most places do take card. I personally have two credit cards now for when I travel alone in case one does not work. The key with credit cards is to not spend more than you have.

Debit card: talk to your bank and see where you can withdraw money abroad with the least amount of fees.

Photocopies of important documents: if you lose your passport but have a photocopy your life will be much easier. I also keep photocopies in my drive so I can view it from anywhere.

Ziplock bags: you will probably need these for a variety of different reasons, good to keep them on hand.

Sunglasses