budget hostel accommodation (other)

As well as what you read about on jafatravel.com's page on budget hostel accommodation, here are some additional less important things which you consider when looking for a hostel.

Cooking

Cooking facilities will be quite important if you're looking to save some money by not eating out all the time.  This can be quite handy especially if you are travelling through developed countries where substantial savings can be made if you cook your own meal.  Most hostels will have cooking facilities.  But I believe this shouldn't be a large priority as there are always cheap places where you can eat. It is also part of the experience of backpacking to eat out at different places. Choose budget hostel accommodation based upon atmosphere, cleanliness and location first.

Lockers

Lockers are very handy and provide you with a lot of reassurance that your valuables are safe.  Hostels really should be providing lockers free (as long as you bring your own pad lock).  It is what you expect of a good hostel. That said, all you really need to put in your locker are your valuable goods - passport, cash, airline tickets, Ipod, camera etc.  All your other stuff you can comfortably leave in your backpack by your bed.  Really, it’s a pretty low act for someone to steal your stuff.  You wouldn’t want your stuff stolen so why would you take someone else’s? We’re all budget travellers and backpackers looking to save money staying in budget hostel accommodation.

In all my travels, I’ve only had one pair of blue board shorts stolen - I’d left them drying on a clothes line at a hostel in Rio de Janeiro.  Who would steal a pair of shorts? (I was annoyed but it’s a pair of shorts so big deal)  Of course, I’m vigilant about my belongings but I am fairly relaxed about things and don’t worry if something is stolen - that’s what travel insurance is for.

Luggage storage

This is very handy especially if you are going to come back to the same hostel in a few days time.  Most hostels will have a luggage storage facility and should provide it free of charge (I haven’t come across a hostel which has charged to store your luggage).  Like a locker, this is something that should be expected from a hostel. Many people make use of it and it is another reason why it is important to a detachable day pack.

The most bags I have seen at a "luggage storage" (it was really the common area) was at Hanoi Backpackers Hostel where there were 70-80 backpacks. That’s just over 1 backpack for every bed they have.  The popularity of it stemmed from the 3 day tour options that the hostel had available to Halong Bay and other assorted places.

Read about things to consider whilst staying in budget hostel accommodation.

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