Balmer's Hostel hammock lounge: Interlaken, Switzerland
My first time visiting Harold in Amsterdam
Internet lounge in the Castle Rock Hostel: Edinburgh, Scotland
We often have fanciful ideas about escaping to far away
places like Cinque Terre or Barcelona… but there is a lot of
planning that goes into having that relaxing getaway. One key factor that can
make or break a trip is your accommodation. So many things can be wonderful
about your hotel, hostel, campsite… and so many things that can go oh-so
terribly wrong. Here’s how to avoid the hostel horror stories:
1. Mi casa es su casa
- One widely under utilized resource when traveling is a
friend. Staying with a distant cousin or someone who studied abroad at your
school can be a great option. It may seem awkward reaching out to these people
if you aren’t BFF, but it is worth a shot. At the very least they can recommend
a good place to stay and sights to see! People are more welcoming than we
think. Locals are a wealth of information, and staying with one is a treat.
Plus, it’s usually free (but of course bring them a hostess gift)!
2. Super scary hostels
-Let me clear the air right now… the film Hostel is not a documentary. Forget the
nonsense your Mom’s ultra-conservative friend is telling you about how scary
they are. Hostels are awesome; however, there are tricks you need to know to
picking a good one.
-Research: You must, must do homework on your hostels. Read
reviews! Below are some great websites for research and booking:
http://www.hostelworld.com/ (my favorite)
-Location: Just like finding an apartment, location is key.
You want to be in the heart of the city. Taking a 30-minute train to and from
the city can ruin your trip.
-Safety: Read reviews and make sure that your hostel has a
locker to store your things. Bring a padlock so can protect your precious
belongings!
-Atmosphere: If your hostel has a pool, kitchen, bar, or
community room, this will most likely increase your chances of meeting other
awesome travelers. Sometimes they even have free dinner nights or in one of my
experiences—a free champagne party! If you plan on partying and not going to
bed at 9PM, try to stay in a youth hostel to avoid families and old guys.
3. Hotels and motels
- Personally, I think this is only a good option when you
can’t find an available hostel. You have a much lower chance of making new
friends and participating in hostel sponsored activities like pub-crawls. If
you are going with a large party and you want to all be in the same room, this is
good back-up option. This might also be a good option if the hostels in your
desired location don’t have good reviews.
4. Camping
-If you can bear it, you might as well do it! Personally,
I’m not a big camper, but when I was backpacking I saw plenty of people
traveling with sleeping bags, mats, pots and pans! This is a cheaper option and
is for the ultimate adventurer. If you’re going to go this route, come
prepared! Comfort is key.
5. Couch surfing and Air B&B
-Couch Surfing: Although I’ve never tried couch surfing, from
what I understand it is like social media. You need to set up an established
profile so that people trust you, and you trust them. Through this site you
agree to offer up your couch to travelers, and in turn, you can stay on their
couch for free! People also use it to meet up. My advice is only stay somewhere
that has really great reviews since
you are staying with an individual and not an establishment.
-Air B&B: I’ve never used this either, but I wish I had.
This is an app where people can offer up their spare rooms and rent them like a
hotel. Again, these people have reviews, rates, and ratings, so if you are
looking for something a little more private this could be a great option!
“To awaken quite
alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” –
Freya Stark.
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