| Thanks to silly horror movies like Hostel, actual hostels | | | | or a prison turned artist colony in Slovenia. |
| have gotten a bad rap over the past few years. In | | | | |
| actuality, most hostels are very safe and clean. Some | | | | In most cases hostels are locally owned and staffed |
| even have private rooms and other amenities. In fact, | | | | businesses. Staying in these hostels not only supports |
| by providing a more authentic experience at a cheaper | | | | local businesses but also gives you a chance to |
| price, they can be a great alternative to hotels. | | | | connect with the locals. Many hostel owners will be |
| | | | | happy to talk with you, offer you a drink or tell stories. |
| Hostels are able to keep their prices low by operating | | | | |
| with very few extras or frills. You will be expected to | | | | Many hostels offer activities or tours for their guests. |
| bring your own toiletries and towels. Your bedding | | | | These extras could be anything from a nature walk to |
| should be taken care of, however you may be | | | | a pub-crawl or guided tour of the city. Even if they |
| expected to strip your bed upon check out. Most | | | | don't sponsor their own activities hostel owners can |
| hostels have common rooms where computers or wifi | | | | usually point you in the right direction. They are a great |
| are available. | | | | resources for stories, advice and restaurant |
| | | | | recommendations. |
| Dormitories are still the norm for hostels, but it is often | | | | |
| possible to reserve private rooms (which are still | | | | An upscale hotel may be more comfortable, but it |
| cheaper than most hotels). A new trend of "designer" | | | | distances you from the world outside. With a hostel |
| hostels has appeared over the past few years. These | | | | you are much closer connected to the local culture |
| are hostels with interesting concepts or odd design. | | | | and world. Any discomfort you experience will be |
| Examples would be a hostel in a tree house in Turkey, | | | | more than made up for by the experiences you gain. |