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Viewing Tips to Survive Hostel Dorm Rooms: Upsides and HasslesTips to Survive Hostel Dorm Rooms: Upsides and Hassles
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To get that cheap hostel rate you have to sleep with anywhere from four to 40 people. However, with a little preparation and the right attitude, the benefits far outweigh the meager costs. Here are some tips to help you survive hostel dorm rooms. By Michael Anderson Few things are as enjoyable as hanging out, local brew in hand, on the roof of a semi-run down but friendly and brightly painted hostel in the middle of a major city. You're usually sharing laughs with like-minded travelers you met two hours before. And, often, within a block or two, you can see the brightly lit sign of a Hilton or other major hotel. Whether that hotel has a roof deck or not, chances are it's not filled with new friends buying each other rounds; and there's no doubt, it's 10 times as expensive as your friendly little hostel. There is, of course, a cost to staying in the heart of Prague for $20 a night: The Hostel Dorm. Yes, to get that cheap rate you have to sleep with anywhere from four to 40 people; and not in the fun way. However, with a little preparation and the right attitude, the benefits far outweigh the meager costs. What to Expect First, if you've never stayed in one, hostels are essentially college dorms with large rows of three-high bunk beds, shared bathrooms, piles of backpacks, lots of shoes, and the occasional short-term relationship. Good hostels also have lockers to store your stuff. Upsides and Hassles The upside of staying in any hostel dorm is the cost. Usually it's half the price of a private room and a tenth the cost of staying in a traditional hotel. The dorm is also where you hear about that local house party, or the hike everyone is going on the next day. It's better than a guidebook, the social cloud is free, and it's a good time. Hassles The downside of all that community is, actually, all that community. If this is your fifth hostel full of new friends, it can get claustrophobic. Everyone needs a break from the madness. Another hassle is noise. Fact is, people snore - loudly. You might even be the snorer and not know it. Either way, someone is going to keep you awake after you have been traveling for 24 hours straight. Drunk dorm dwellers also often seem to forget that they are, in fact, dorm dwellers. This increases proportionately to alcohol intake. So loud 3 a.m. recaps of the night's events - often with lights on - are not uncommon. You can also be kept awake by the occasional dorm room tryst or the group that has to catch a 4 a.m. train and forgets to pack the night before. How to Survive and Thrive The over-abundance of community can begin to drive you nuts if you don't take a break. However, lots of hostels are beginning to recognize this and have started offering "chill" rooms. It's just a dedicated space with hammocks, bean bags, whatever. However, there is no talking allowed. It's a place for you to be in your own space - alone (kind of) and quiet. Just ask when you book if they have one. You'll also need an eye mask and ear plugs. It's a simple solution, but they really work. The lights and madness continue around you while you're in dreamland. They are especially handy if you are trying to catch an afternoon nap in the midst of a busy dorm. If you are the snorer, bring some ear plugs to hand out. Seriously, I've been in dorms where this was done and everyone was really appreciative. The guy knew he snored but still wanted the dorm room deal, so he made sure he didn't keep everyone else awake. And it worked. You'll also want to bring a standard-size combo lock and a small luggage lock. Hostels often provide lockers but no locks. The cheapest hostels, however, just have beds. So you'll want to be able to lock your bag to the bed frame and to use a small luggage lock or two to secure your bag's zippered pockets. Probably the best tool you can bring to survive hostel dorm life, however, is a good attitude. People shout, have sex, turn the lights on, undress, snore, shake the bunk, and generally live their life not on your schedule. It's not your space. That's just the way it is. Private Rooms / Semi Dorms The final way to survive hostel dorm life is to, well, avoid hostel dorm life. The best way to go about this is the semi-dorm. Lots of hostels also offer rooms with four to eight beds. So if you're traveling with others or meet friends along the way, invite them to share a smaller dorm room. You're still sharing your space, but it's still way cheaper than a hotel or private room. You'll also likely be on the same schedule as your roommates and you'll know who is sleeping in the bunk above you. For the ultimate in comfort, there is always the hostel private room. They are much more expensive than dorm rooms, but still a fraction of the cost of a regular hotel. You also get to enjoy the friends, the community, and spirit of hostel life. You'll be part of the cloud, but have your own space whenever you want it. Make sure to book in advance, as private hostel rooms are few and far between and often occupied. So despite the occasional restless night and bodily noises, dorm rooms are definitely the way to go for the budget traveler. And if someone is keeping you awake, you can always to go the roof-deck with a local pint in hand, stare at the Hilton sign two blocks away, and count the money you're saving. About the Author: Michael Anderson is a long-time, international backpack traveler and an advisor to Backpack Travel Store. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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