What should you bring with you at hostels? Hostels are great for so many reasons. One of which is price – they’re less expensive cheaper than hotels! They don’t offer all of the perks a hotel offers though, so when packing for hostels you’ll need to bring along a few more items and be mindful of how you pack them. Below are what you should bring with you when you’ll be lodging at a hostel
- Toiletries
Unlike a hotel, you will not get any complimentary bars of soap or bottles of shampoo, so remember to bring your own. You can find travel-sized toiletries at your local supermarket. Also remember bug spray, hairbrush, deodorant, contact lenses, and sun cream!
- Flip Flops
Sharing showers doesn’t have to mean sharing foot fungi too. If you aren’t wearing flip flops as your primary travel shoes, remember to include a pair to use as sanitary shower shoes.
- Towel
Not all, but some hostels will charge you to rent a towel. Even if they don’t, you’ll need one for the beach if it’s that type of destination. Avoid the risk and potential expense by bringing your own lightweight, quick-drying travel towel – these also fold up super small!
- Entertainment
No matter how hectic your travel schedule, you’ll still have some inevitable downtime at the hostel. A deck of cards in a hostel will always prove a hit. An iPad or Kindle is another backpacking essential, or if you’re old school, a book, which can often be swapped at the hostel’s ‘library’.
- Padlock
While on the road, you’ll frequently need to store your bag at hostels, train stations, and airports. In these cases, having your own padlock can save you the expense of renting one and give you the confidence that you’ll find your bag where you left it.
- Sleep aids
In a shared dorm room, everyone will inevitably be on different schedules, including a few late-night partiers. If you need a good night’s sleep, pack a sleep mask and earplugs, especially if you’re a light sleeper!
- Adapter
Don’t be the one who can’t contact anyone for days because you forgot an adapter. It’s a good idea to invest slightly more in a universal power adapter which can be used in every country, so you don’t get caught out.