Backpacker Accommodation

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAYING IN A BACKPACKER ACCOMMODATION.

When you hear the word “backpacker accommodation” this might conjure up images of chainsaw-wielding psychos from famous horror movies or a place for the homeless. Well, in South Africa, backpacker accommodation isn’t THAT bad. In fact, backpacker accommodation is the most popular budget accommodation option for backpackers. If you have never stayed in a backpacker accommodation before, then this article will tell you the dos and don’ts of staying in a backpacker accommodation as well as telling you exactly what a backpacker accommodation is.

This article will explain what a backpacker accommodation is by telling you what to expect in each type of room. We feel this is the easiest and best way to understand what a backpacker accommodation establishment entails.

What to expect at a backpacker accommodation

In most backpacker accommodation, you’ll find yourself with basic, simple (and hopefully clean) accommodation. It’s quite likely the decor will be out-dated.

Washing facilities, bathrooms and bedrooms will all be shared if you’re choosing the cheapest option. Although you can hire private rooms (sometimes they even have en suites!), the most cost-effective way to travel is using dormitory beds. You’ll often have the option of choosing single-sex or mixed dorms; this is usually in place to make female travelers feel safer. Don’t be daunted by the size of the dorms – in some backpacker accommodation they can be as big as 20 or more people, but as a rule you’ll find 6-8 or fewer beds per room.

Expect alcohol. It’s unfortunate if you’re a teetotaler, but alcohol plays a large part of the backpacking experience for a lot of people. It can help to break the ice, but be careful, especially if you haven’t traveled before. Alcohol can remove your inhibitions, but it can also remove your common sense.

You can expect a lot of friendly and happy people; backpacker accommodations are wonderful breeding grounds for friendships, so even you consider yourself quite shy, talk to new people and get to know them – it’s what the hostel experience is all about!

Expect good times and bad times, as not every night in a backpacker accommodation is all rainbows and bluebirds – people snore, drunk roommates come home late from a night out, and things do occasionally get stolen. However, we can promise you that the good times are worth it, and that the positive memories you have from your experiences travelling will stay with you for the rest of your life.

What happens when you check into a backpacker accommodation?

• If you have made a booking, you will give your name to check in
• If you have not made a booking, you will pay for your nights on check-in
• The receptionist will either show you around the backpacker accommodation (if it’s small) or direct you to the facilities and your room using a map
• The receptionist will also go over things you need to know about the backpacker accommodation and any ground rules
• Once checked in, you will be given a key or key card to your room

Backpacker Accommodation Dorm Rooms

What is a backpacker accommodation dorm room?

The most common room-type in a backpacker accommodation is the bunk rooms or the dorm rooms. Dorm rooms usually range from 4 to 10 beds either bunk beds or single beds in one room. Beds almost always come with linen and bedding. They will also have a no sleeping bag policy. However, the odd hostel around the country will offer beds at a cheaper price with no linen, or linen will be available to hire.

Who stays in backpacker accommodation dorm rooms?

When you book yourself into a dorm room, you book yourself into one bed of that dorm room, while the rest of the beds will be occupied by other backpackers. (Or they will be empty if it’s a quiet hostel – you never know).

While most backpacker accommodations have mixed rooms, meaning dorm rooms for males and females, some backpacker accommodation offer the female-only dorms. Rarely, there are male-only dorms too.

What Facilities are in a dorm room?

Most dorm rooms only consist of the beds with linen and no other facilities. However, sometimes they might include an en-suite shower room and toilet, lockers, luggage storage, a rubbish bin, table and chairs.

Backpacker accommodation private rooms

Almost all backpacker accommodations offer private rooms in South Africa. Most private rooms are double rooms (have a double bed). However, backpacker accommodation also may offer single rooms and twin rooms.

What facilities are in a private room

Private rooms in backpacker’s accommodations will have the bedding and linen provided and made up. Often, private rooms also come with a towel and soap. They may also have a rubbish bin, luggage storage, an en-suite shower and toilet, tea and coffee-making facilities.

Backpacker accommodation kitchens

Now let’s move onto the communal facilities. Every backpacker accommodation in South Africa will have a communal kitchen, which gets a lot of use from backpacker accommodation guests.

Cooking for yourself in a backpacker accommodation is one of the best ways to save money while on the road.

What Facilities do backpacker accommodation kitchens have?

• Fridges
• Stove tops
• Microwaves
• Kettles
• Toasters
• Pots and pans
• Chopping boards
• Basic kitchen utensils (Knives, wooden spoons, spatulas, can openers, etc.)
• Plates
• Cutlery
• Mugs and glasses
• Sinks, towels and washing up liquid

Extra facilities backpacker accommodation kitchens may have

• Ovens
• Freezers

What you need to know about using backpacker accommodation kitchens

The number one rule of using backpacker accommodation kitchens is that you need to label your food. Most backpacker accommodations will provide stickers and have a sign telling you what to write. It’s usually your name, room number and departure date. Common practice is to put your chilled food together in a plastic bag and label the plastic bag. There will be a separate food storage area for food that can be left at room temperature. Label this food in a bag too.

The second rule of backpacker accommodation kitchens is to wash up, dry and put away your dishes after you have used them.

Backpacker accommodation bathrooms

Where do you go to shower? For those of you who are not staying in an en-suite room, there are communal showers and toilets. Showers and toilets are separated into male and female bathrooms. Usually, bathrooms will be on the same floor as your dorm or private room.

Showers and toilets are separated by cubicles; while there will be a row of sink basins with some mirrors behind – much like any public bathroom. There is usually a power outlet in backpacker accommodation bathrooms for shaving or blow drying your hair. If hair dryers are not provided in the hostel bathrooms, then there is usual one to borrow at reception if you need it.

Shampoos and soaps are not usually available in these shared bathrooms, so you should always bring all your own toiletries to a hostel.

Security

Backpacker accommodation dorms lock so that only backpackers that sleep in that dorm can access it. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore sensible security precautions – the people you’re sharing a room with are complete strangers, so use your common sense.

Check with the reception where you’re able to stash valuables like your passport, your travelers’ cheques and your travel documents. It’s often even safer to keep them in a money belt, so that your passport never leaves your side. However, these can become a bit of a nuisance, so ask about safes if you intend to stay at a hostel for a reasonable period.