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Hostels: they aren’t just for the young.

Published April 29, 2009 | By Guest

I used to think that hostels were just for the under 25 set, but because of the economic downside, more people of all ages are looking for a cost-efficient alternative …hostelsfor solo travel. One term used for the over-30 hosteling crowd are “flashpackers”

A couple of hints for hostel newbies: you may want to bring ear plugs and flip flops.

Some of my experiences:

  • In the south island of New Zealand, I stayed at Bumbles Backpackers Downtown. I had a private room, the facilities were clean and the staff were great.
  • Last New Year’s Eve, I traveled to San Francisco. I stayed at the HI City Center. Two words: free breakfast.
  • Going to Eastern Europe? Click here to see the top 10 boutique hostels in that neck of the woods.
  • How about Maui? Check out the Banana Bungalow. A good friend is staying there as I write this so stay tuned. This hostel always gets rave reviews.

Please post comments on your hostel recommendations.

Until next time,
L

Related posts:

Posted in How to Travel Alone
  • Mal

    Ha!! did someone suggest that hostels are ok for over 30 yr olds? I am now 60 and over the last few years have “Hosteled” in New Zealand (my home), and in LA, Las Vegas, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Argentina, Brazil, Singapore. I can’t think of any other way when traveling solo. I have me many, many lovely travellers, and cant recall any particularly unpleasant or negative, moments, but many wonderful times. To be open minded, and perhaps a little bit tolerant is a pre-requisite. Happy travelling and a closed mind is an oxymoron.

  • http://www.lodjee.com Jean

    Flashpacks. I love it and why wouldn’t the more mature travelers socialize and stay in hostels. Gee, Some of my best new friends are twenty years younger than me. Try it if you are “cool” and a true traveler you will enjoy every moment of it. Don’t worry you can do the late nights and rest (believe me the younger ones sleep more than half their lives after late nights) during the day.

  • admin

    Thanks Julie. This information is really helpful.

  • Julie

    Lots of sites exist for hostel searches. My favourites are http://www.hostels.com and http://www.hostelworld.com. They offer lists of hostels by city/price/rating as well as reviews from travelers who have stayed there, which can give you a good idea of how safe the place actually is. Hostelworld also shows the hostels on a map, so you can easily see what part of the city they’re in. You can also book your hostel stay through these sites, although I recommend also checking out the hostel’s actual website for deals.

    If you are traveling off-season, you can often show up in a city and find a hostel with availabilty (especially in Europe). However, it’s probably best to book at least your first night in advance. That way, you don’t settle for any hostel because you’re tired and you get to research it in advance. If you’re worried about not liking it, you can book it only for one night and take it from there.

  • http://www.lizoke.com Liz

    Just to add to the last comment – if you are concerned with safety – it is always good to book ahead if you can. I usually ask around to see if anyone has recommendations of a good hostel for where I am traveling. Sometimes word of mouth from a reliable source is the best peace of mind.

  • admin

    Lonely Planet and most other guides have a list of hostels for each city. You can also book online with Hosteling International here: http://www.hihostels.com/

  • Robin

    How do you find a hostel when you are there? Or do you look them up before arriving? Where to stay, safely, is a big concern for me. Thanks.

  • http://www.google.com Kelly Brown

    Hi, gr8 post thanks for posting. Information is useful!

  • admin

    Thanks! It’s always great to have specific recommendations.

  • http://nodebtworldtravel.com brian from nodebtworldtravel.com

    Hostels are definitely not just for the young. On my round the world trip there were a few I would recommend

    Bangkok, Thailand – Lubd
    Great location, very stylish inside, super clean

    Rome, Italy – The Yellow
    Close the train station, bar downstairs, close to everything

    Athens, Greece – Athenstyle
    Really great staff, good location, free breakfast, en suite bathrooms

  • http://www.lizoke.com Liz

    From the Guardian: Hostels are going upmarket, and we’ve handpicked a selection of the best; from converted monasteries to flashpacker pads with rooms that wouldn’t look out of place in a boutique hotel.
    http://tiny.cc/boutiquehostels

  • Daleegan1701

    This decade…….just a matter pf time…. sent from a OLPC!

  • Janice

    I was introduced to hostels at 15 years of age on a month long cycling tour in the UK. I have returned to hostels in every decade of my life since — though not yet this decade. I will. :)

  • Sean

    My first hostel in a LONG time was my recent solo trip to Shanghai. I forgot a towel, shampoo, and soap. I showered before I left for Shanghai and after I returned! Good thing I had deodorant!!

  • http://www.lizoke.com Liz

    Thanks for the comment regarding Norway! A sense of community is definitely a huge selling point for a solo traveler to stay in hostels… communal dinners, organized group events, etc. is a great way to meet people while traveling.

  • Emma Warrillow

    The hostels in Norway are fantastic…and you find everyone there from Norweigan families on vacation to retirees from the UK to Aussie students….making communal meals and great conversation.

About Janice Waugh and Tracey Nesbitt

I'm an author, blogger, speaker and traveler. I became a widow and empty-nester at about the same time. And then, I became Solo Traveler... Here's the full story. >>

Tracey Nesbitt I’m a writer, editor, food and wine fanatic, and traveler. On my very first trip abroad I learned that solo travel was for me. Here's the full story. >>

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