Plan A Vacation And We'll Reveal Who Can Make It In A Hostel (Or Who Needs 5 Stars)
- by Jessie Dax-Setkus
- – on
- in Lifestyle
Okay, let's say we're going on a trip and thinking about where we're going to stay. There are a ton of great options to pick, but we have to think about what we all want. Are we looking to book a long trip? Do we want to bring a lot of gear for something like snowboarding? Do we want security for something like jewelry? Do we want to go swimming in a pool, or have a nightcap before we go to bed? These could be indications for whether we should stay in a hostel or a hotel. Both are great options for very different things and could make our trip awesome depending on which reasons we choose them for.
Should we stay in a hostel or a hotel? Are we looking to book a long trip and are we really looking to envelop ourselves in the midst of the culture we are staying in, then a hostel might be the better option for us. However, if we are traveling with family and want to get pampered, then a hotel is the better option. Take our quiz and plan the best vacation and we will reveal whether your trip requires a fancy hotel, or a cosy hostel.
Sandals in the shower?
Some showers require a little safety barrier. If you are staying in a hostel, you wouldn't just go walking into a shower without any sandals, but the price is so good that you really don't care so you grab those sandals and say, "meh." However, some people want the assurance of a clean shower.
Stay right in the middle of the city?
If you like staying right in the middle of everything, then there are plenty of places to stay. However, staying in the middle of all the noise can be a lot to handle and is not for everyone. Sometimes, people want to escape to somewhere a little more quiet so they can get some shut eye.
Use room service?
Room service is great if you are looking for a quick meal, but it is so expensive. It is definitely cheaper if you run out and grab something quick and make the effort, but some people would rather opt for the convenience. Plus, how awesome is it to have someone deliver food to your room?
Roommates?
Here is the thing about staying in a hostel, you are going to have roommates. It is unavoidable. You might even have some roommates from the opposite gender too. Some people are not comfortable with that at all, but some people do not mind it. It is up to the individual.
Tours or explore on your own?
Going on tours is awesome because you are told what to see and what is important, but exploring on your own can also be great because you are on your own schedule. It can take a lot of guts to go off on your own though because who knows what you will find.
Bring a large suitcase?
Some people like to pack their lives with them when they travel, and that is easy to do if they have the safety of their room and no roommates, but if you have roommates it can be harder to bring a ton of stuff especially valuables. If you are staying in a hostel you probably don't want to bring a lot.
Make friends or keep to oneself?
Making friends is easy to do if you are traveling alone and you are staying in a hostel where other people are traveling alone and looking for friends. If you are traveling with your family or friends, then it might be harder to make friends because you will likely keep to your own people.
Travel alone or with others?
If you are traveling alone, it is expensive to get your own hotel room. That is pretty much why hostels exist. Not to mention, they bring you in contact with other people that are also traveling alone and looking for fellow travelers looking for friends. Traveling with others might be good for a hotel.
Plan on partying?
Partying is a ton of fun if you find the right club to go to. The best way to find the right clubs to go to is to befriend a local or someone that has been traveling around the area for a little while. If you are secluded, you might find a tourist trap and that is about it.
Bring your pet?
It is all the rage to bring your pet (specifically a dog) on your vacation with you. More and more hotels are becoming accommodating to dogs coming along for a vacation as they offer dog beds, food, treats, and even toys for your furry friend. Hostels don't do that.
How about kids?
Kids can be a big ask for a hostel. There just is not a whole lot of accommodations for them, and who knows if they will truly be safe. Do you want them bathing in those showers? Do you want them staying with people they don't know? Probably not. A hotel is probably a better idea.
Pool?
Pools are a great amenity if you are looking for a way to cool down with a drink in hand. However, it is pretty hard to find a hostel with a pool. In fact, it is hard to find a hostel with a bunch of amenities in general. You pretty much pay for the bare minimum, that is why it is so cheap.
Bar?
It is so great to head to the bar if you are looking to get a drink—especially if it is on location. However, this is more of a hotel thing rather than a hostel thing. However, hostels are usually close to some swanky bars so it is not like you are really missing out a whole lot.
City trip or nature trip?
There are so many places to stay when you are in the middle of a bustling city. You have to be a little more selective when you are in the middle of nature. You kind of are at the mercy of what is there, and there might not be a ton of hostels around depending on how popular the location is.
Spend a lot of time in the room?
Whether you are working, or just enjoying your time in your cozy room, perhaps you just like being in your room because it is comfortable. Some people like to be in their cozy room. Maybe you are traveling during the cold months and you are staying in a cabin, who knows?
Spa?
Ahh yes, going to the spa is such a nice, tranquil adventure to go on. Many hotels have this option available and you can have everything from a facial to a massage, some spas even have a whirlpool that you can enjoy as well. It is really nice to sit back and enjoy the experience.
Popular travel location?
If you are traveling to a place that is highly traveled, there are many options as to where to stay. However, if you are going somewhere that is not so popular, then there are not so many options. you are kind of at the mercy of what is available, and that might not be a hostel.
Lots of money to spend?
if you have a ton of money to burn, then you probably want to experience the best of the best while you are out hitting the town. Why would you sacrifice your 5-star service if you have a bunch of money to burn? You would probably stay somewhere you are going to get pampered.
Pack snow gear?
If you packed a snowboard or skis there is no way you are staying in a hostel. Where the heck would you put them? There is not enough space in the place for you to store them. You only really get your bed area and a small locker (maybe) to keep your stuff in.
Swimsuit?
If you packed a swim suit that means you are assuming that you are going for a dip. That also means that you are assuming that the place you are staying in has a pool. Typically that means you are staying in a hotel and not a hostel. unless you are staying in some uber swanky hostel.
Jewelry?
If you brought jewelry you are assuming that jewelry is safe from people taking it. That means you probably have a safe where you are staying and not any roommates. A hotel is definitely more of a conducive location to bring your jewelry along for your vacation, not a hostel.
Venturing to more than one location?
If you are venturing to more than one location, it can be nice to crash in a hostel because it is going to save you a ton of money. Staying in a hotel is obviously a more comfortable experience, but you are going to spend money out the wazoo, so is that really what you want to do?
Dive into the culture?
When you are traveling, do you like to really dive into the culture, or do you just relax and escape into the vacation? If you dive into the culture you probably like to stay right in the heart of the city and like to meet new people. If you like to sit back and relax you probably want to be pampered.
Into foodie trips?
Some people travel because they like to experience the culture's food. It can be really cool to try new cuisine. It is a way to experience the culture in a way. However, other people would rather go on an adventure through the city rather than eat their way through it.
Long or short trip?
Some people want to travel for a long time, so staying in a hostel can be a great thing because you won't be breaking the bank. However, staying in a hotel will cost a ton of money, especially if you are staying in a really nice locale. Hostels are probably the better option for a long trip.
