Hey there, fellow travelers! I’m your go-to guide for all things hostel-related 🚶‍♀️. Let’s get started on exploring the incredible world of hostels, and why they have become a game-changer for budget accommodations.

What are Hostels? 🤔

Guest houses, lodges, motels and hotels are all familiar types of accommodations, but have you heard of hostels? Hostels are affordable, dormitory-style accommodations where travelers can book a bed instead of an entire room 🛌. Hostels primarily cater to travelers who are looking for budget accommodations. Hostels have become a popular and well-accepted form of accommodation in recent years 💯. With hostels, expensive travel destinations have become accessible to a wider range of budget travelers.

The bunk beds and shared facilities of a modern hostel

The Benefits of Hostels 🤗

Hostels not only present as an affordable accommodation option when traveling, but also provide a variety of unique benefits:

Location! Location! Location! 🌍

Most hostels are located in the center of town, or near key attractions, transport links, and local landmarks. This means that you’ll be able to save more money on transportation. 👍

The Community Vibe 🤝

Hostels frequently host social events and activities, so you can make new friends from all over the world. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This gives a fantastic opportunity for solo travelers to meet new people and create lasting friendships.

The Kitchen & Touristic Information 🧐

Having access to a kitchen can save on meal costs, and hostel staff and other travelers can provide recommendations and tips ensuring that you get the most out of your stay.

A group of travelers bonding in a hostel common area

The History of Hostels 📜

Hostels have been around for centuries. However, the hostel we are familiar with today was introduced in Germany in the early 20th century for hikers and backpackers. The movement of hosteling surged across Europe in the early 1930s. In 1933, the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) was founded in Amsterdam. As a result, thousands of official hostels were created across Europe.

In the USA, hostels started off as alternative accommodation centers built to house low-income families, but gradually morphed into dormitory-style hostels for budget-conscious travelers, backpackers and students. It is interesting to note that hostels have withstood the test of time and have grown and evolved into a popular accommodation choice for many.

A historic photograph of the inside of a classic European hostel room

The Future of Hostels 👀

Hostels are expanding their services and upgrading their offerings to stay competitive. Nowadays, modern hostels are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, on-site restaurants, and even fitness centers. Several hostels have turned into city centers, offering coworking spaces and private rooms for business travelers.

In an increasingly homogenous world, hostels continue to offer unique experiences to budget travelers. Millennials and Gen-Z travelers demand a unique experience, one that caters to their preferences of eco-friendliness, community feel, and technology. Hostels offer a platform for travelers to “live like a local” and immerse themselves in the local culture.

An illustration of a futuristic, high-tech hostel

Final Thought 💭

Hostels have become a fundamental part of the travel industry, and their popularity is only growing📈. Hostels provide an affordable, memorable, and exciting way to experience a destination while meeting new people and making new friends. Next time you plan your travels, consider a hostel as your accommodation, and witness the incredible travel experiences that you’ll have.

The iconic outside view of a modern hostel

Thanks for reading! Happy travels! ✈️

An illustration of some travelers exploring the world