Although hostels offer an assortment of free amenities (and even sometimes free food!) if you're staying in one for the first time you may be shocked to know what isn't included that you may be used to having at hotels, or motels.
Pack like a travel pro and make sure not to leave behind anything important before your next hostel adventure! Here are 8 things we promise you'll be grateful you put in your backpack before leaving home.
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For our complete shopping list check out the She Loves She Travels Amazon Shop for Hostel Hopping Essentials and other travel inspired shopping lists curated just for you!
Locker Lock
Although the hostel will provide the space to lock up your personal items, it’s rare that they will provide a lock. Whether its a cage under your bed or a standard gym locker, you'll want to lock up at minimum your more valuable belongings. Since most hostel guests pack light it's sometimes just as easy to lock up your entire suitcase. Some hostels sell locker locks at the front desk if you have an emergency and forgot yours at home but you’ll save a few bucks by packing one with you for your trip.
Quick Dry Towel
Where a hostel and hotel differ is they typically DO NOT provide linens outside of your bedding. Remember to pack a shower towel and if you need to pack up your suitcase and head to the next place quickly we recommend a lightweight, quick dry towel to keep the rest of your stuff from smelling mildewey.
Shower Shoes
Although the bathrooms at most hostels are regularly cleaned you’ll still be using a public bathroom so don’t forget some sort of shoes you can wear into the shower. We love our Chaco's and use them for both indoor and outdoor activities but if you’re on a budget a cheap pair of flip flops works just as well.
Considering booking a Hostel but not sure if it's the right accomadation for you? Discover the major differences between Hotels and Hostels here before planning your next trip!
Tide pods
Some hostels provide laundering services for a fee while others have machines available to clean your own laundry. Most machines don't take cards so make sure to have some cash on your person and if coins are needed often times reception can help break your bills for you.
Especially if you’re packing light, or traveling with only a backpack being able to wash smelly or dirty clothes is a must! Most hostels won't include soap for washing so we like to bring a couple tide pods from home instead of lugging around big detergent containers! Make sure to store them in a dry place where they won’t get wet and burst!
Adapters
If you don't have a universal adapter make sure to research the kind of plug in you'll need at your final destination. Places to plug in are common and a lot of hostels also offer USB plug in locations. What they don't always offer is places to plug in a charging cord from a different country so plan ahead!
Book Lights
Even if you're not a reader make sure to bring along some sort of small portable light for emergencies. In the worst case scenario that your phone is dead or you don't have a light inside your bed, a small light can be so useful to help pack up everything, get ready, or search through your items while others are sleeping.
Remember the number one rule of hostels is to always show respect to everyone around you and treat others with the same courtesy that you want them to treat you.
Sleeping Masks and Ear Plugs
Sensitive sleeper? Bring a sleeping mask and earplugs to make sure the lights stay off and the noise low even when you need a mid afternoon nap or just a couple more hours in the morning when everyone is up and moving around the room.
Travel Toiletry Organizer
Keep all your shower supplies and toiletries organized while still having easy access. Once you're ready for the day, roll up your toiletry organizer for easy storage right back into your bags for the next time it's needed.
Even the most prepared travelers can leave an important item behind but that's no need to fret! If you do leave something at home check in with the hostel reception. They may have certain items available for either purchase or even rent at the front desk.
One of the things that makes hostels so special is the community within. You may even be able to share certain items that you have in exchange for something a fellow roomate needs! We love sharing with fellow travelers. :)
What one thing do you make sure to never leave behind when you're staying at a hostel? Let us know in the comments below so we can add to our list!
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Sending love from Ireland,
Kaitlyn
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