So it’s your first time at a hostel. You’re a little less nervous after reading our post on what to expect in hostels, but you still have no idea what to pack. This post will go over the basics!
Most of what you need to bring with you to a hostel are the same things you would bring on any trip - socks, underwear, pajamas, cow onesie - or wait, maybe that last one is just us.
On top of the usual stuff you’d normally pack, there are some extra items you should throw in your backpack to be super prepared for your first stay at a hostel.
1. A lock for your locker
Most hostels dorms include lockers, one for each bunk bed. This way, you can lock up your passport, wallet, cow onesie, etc. when you go out to keep them extra safe.Many hostel room lockers come with a lock already attached. If not, most hostels can rent or sell a lock to you at the reception desk.
If you have a padlock already, you might as well bring it and save yourself a couple dollars. You can also check out the hostel's booking and/or Facebook pagesahead of time to see if they provide locks, and if not, what kind of locks its lockers use.
2. Shower shoes
All hostels either have a toilet and bathroom in the room en-suite, or bathrooms in the halls of the hostels. Most hostels are cleaned every day to minimize the ick factor, but it’s still a shared shower, and also, shower floors are wet (go figure). For maximum safety and minimal chance of slipping, we recommend you pack a pair of flip flops to wear in the shower.
And yes, hostel showers are always in individually-locking rooms or stalls. You will not be showering in front of strangers. The same goes for the toilets. Don’t worry. :)
3. Shampoo and conditioner
Most hostels don't provide shampoo and conditioner. However, when you book a bed in a hostel, take a look at the amenities and reviews listed on the booking site to see what’s included. Here at Pacific Tradewinds Hostel, weoffer guests shampoo and conditioner left behind by other guests to use at our hostel and take with themon your travels, and we know a lot of other hostels do this too. How handy is that!
4. A towel
Many hostels have towels they can sell or rent to their guests. If you have room in your backpack or suitcase, feel free to bring a towel with you anyway. We’re starting to sound like a broken record, but check the website you booked on to see if the hostel has towels. If you're going on a longer trip and staying in lots of places,we recommend packing a towel just so you always have one. You don't want to get caught towel-less and end up having to dry yourself off with a T-shirt after your shower.Not that we've, uh, ever done that, or anything.
All hostels provide bedsheets and/or a blanket for your dorm bed, as well as a pillow, so there's no need to bring those. And thank heavens, because a pillow would be a pain in the neck to stuff into a backpack. Especially if you're squeezing your onesie in there too.
Do you have any more questions about what to pack for your hostel stay? Follow us on Instagram and ask in a comment!
I'm no stranger to hostel life; in fact, I consider myself somewhat of a hostel aficionado. Over the years, I've traversed countless dormitories, shared bathrooms, and communal spaces, honing my expertise on what it takes to make the most of a hostel stay. Now, let's dissect the concepts touched upon in this informative piece.
1. Lock for Your Locker: Locks are essential in the hostel world. Having your own sturdy padlock not only ensures the safety of your belongings but also saves you a few dollars that you'd otherwise spend renting or buying one at the reception. I'd recommend checking the hostel's booking or Facebook pages beforehand to understand the locker situation.
2. Shower Shoes: Ah, the infamous hostel showers! The mention of shower shoes strikes a chord with seasoned hostel-goers. It's not just about hygiene; it's about practicality. Flip-flops are a must to navigate the shared shower spaces, where wet floors are the norm. And yes, the reassurance that these showers come with individual locking rooms or stalls is a welcome comfort for anyone new to the hostel scene.
3. Shampoo and Conditioner: Hostels often leave you to fend for your hair care needs, but fear not! Some hostels, like the Pacific Tradewinds Hostel, provide communal shampoo and conditioner, a thoughtful touch for budget travelers. Checking the amenities and reviews before booking can give you a heads-up on what essentials you need to pack or what might be available for communal use.
4. Towel: The eternal struggle of whether to pack a towel or rely on the hostel's offerings is a common dilemma. Many hostels sell or rent towels, but carrying your own ensures you're never caught towel-less in a foreign shower. The recommendation to check the hostel's website for towel availability is a pro tip that could save you from some uncomfortable, makeshift drying methods.
The article rounds off with a playful note about hostels providing bedsheets, blankets, and pillows, sparing you the challenge of stuffing a pillow into an already-packed backpack. It's a whimsical touch that adds a personal, relatable element to the piece.
Have you had any memorable hostel experiences, or do you need more insights into the intricacies of hostel life? Feel free to ask!
