Why Are Hostels So Popular Amongst Travellers?

Well for starters, I can only go by what I and my other solo traveller friends think. For me, it’s a combination of many different things, but across the board, each person is going to have different reasons why they enjoy staying in hostels so much. In this article we will look into each aspect of why hostels seem to be so popular with travellers, and why these aspects are so desirable.

What Is It That Makes Hostels So Popular?

To be honest, there is no one reason why hostels are so popular, each person is looking for something different. For one person that’s on a really tight budget, the price may be the main draw. For another that doesn’t care too much about their budget but is travelling solo, then they might be more interested in the social aspect of the hostel. It’s really down to each individual, but let’s have a further look at all the reasons why hostels are so popular.

The Low Prices.

I would say this is probably the main reason why backpackers frequent hostels so regularly. The prices are much lower than any other accommodation on the market. This is not by accident, the demographic that hostels are targeting is usually budget-conscious, solo travellers. I say “solo” travellers because of the next point I will make, but we’ll get into that in a moment. The way hostels work is that you rent a bed, rather than a room. (Don’t worry the bed is aslo in a room!) The business model means that guests don’t need to pay the full price of renting out a room, and technically share the cost between themselves. This allows the guest to save money on accommodation while the hostel still makes money from the room as each guest is paying their own share. I write extensively about how hostels keep prices low in this post.

So basically, most backpackers are on a tight budget, and hostels allow them to save money on accommodation allowing them to stretch their budget further. Which is a win-win for the hostel and their guests. The guests get access to cheap accommodation and the hostel can maximize profits by having more paying guests in each room. Hostels also offer private rooms which can also be relatively inexpensive, while still allowing guests access to the all-important hostel atmosphere.

The Social Aspect Of Staying In Hostels.

As I mentioned before, hostels are frequented by solo travellers, who are drawn by the price, but also more importantly the social aspect of hostels. Making friends in hostels is easy, and solo travellers like nothing more than having good company. Hostels allow like-minded travellers to connect with each other and explore the respective cities they are in with other guests. For me, this is the main reason why I love hostels so much. Because I can meet other people who are on the same journey as me and we can go on that journey (temporarily) together.

Hostels also usually lay on activities for guests to partake in. Things like day trips, games around the hostel and the all-important pub crawls. They are really set up to encourage guests to interact with each other and have opportunities to mix with all the guests who are staying at any given time. I have a full article on staying at hostels you can read for further information. Hostels really are a great place to socialise and connect with other travellers, travellers from all walks of life. You will learn about different cultures, gain new perspectives from people you talk with and probably make some lifelong friends along the way.

The Variety Of Hostel Options.

Fancy a nice chilled out weekend? Book into a chilled out hippy hostel. Fancy the opposite? Then a party hostel will probably be for you!

There are so many different hostel “niches” and there is really something for everyone. Pretty much every hostel will have its own niche, like a party hostel where sleeping is not really on the cards, but drinking and partying all night definitely is. Or a relaxed eco-hostel where everyone sits around a campfire exchanging stories and roasting marshmallows. It’s really up to you what you feel like doing and where you feel like staying, but there will be the option you are looking for out there.

I usually stay at chilled out hostels with a good common area and if they have a pool table, then I’m definitely booking. If I want to party on the weekend I’ll book a party hostel where I know that everybody in the place wants to go out drinking all night and sleep for the whole of the next day! Whatever you want from your hostel there is such an abundance of them that you will be able to find it. This variety is a key factor as to why hostels are so popular.

I should mention as a side note that many hostels also offer female-only dorm rooms, for those of you who would prefer that. I do have a full guide on hostel safety you can read for more information.

Some Additional Reasons Why Hostels Are So Popular.

• You can cook your own food. – Most hostels have communal cooking facilities that you can take advantage of. This is great for budget concious travellers who dont want to spend a fortune eating out every night. Its also a great place to meet new people and cook together. Heres a good guide I’ve found to cooking in hostels.
• Hostels lay on free activities for guests. – Most hostels usually lay on free activities for guests, these are a great way to interact with other guests and have some fun!
• They are full of like-minded people. – Most guests in hostels are other travellers, this is great as you all have something in common. You’ll be able to exchange stories and tips and explore the city together.
• The common areas are great. – Hostel Common areas are designed to allow guests to interact with each other, there will be large communal benches to eat at and usually some kind of games or activities to do like billiards or foosball.
• You can choose how many people are in your dorm. – Hostels all have a variety of dorm sizes. So you can choose for example a 4 bed dorm up to what can be a 20 bed dorm. I usually stay in larger dorm rooms as there are more people to talk to and the prices are lower. For me, 8-10 bed dorms are ideal.

Final Thoughts On Why Hostels Are So Popular.

So, as I said before there are a variety of reasons why hostels are so popular, and each person has different reasons for staying at them. For me its a mixture of all the reasons I have listed, I probably woudnt stay at hostels if they cost the same as private hotel rooms, but then I would definatley miss the social aspect. Really hostels are just a perfect mix of price, social interaction, variety and the reasons I’ve listed above. They really appeal to their traget market because they are built perfectly for them.