You would think that when people stay in a hostel dorm together they understand the basic hostel etiquette.
Most likely, if you have been traveling for a while, you have come across some people who just don’t care about your personal space.
They think that they don’t have to follow the rules.
Here once and for all I will share with you the very basic etiquette and unwritten rules that hostel stayers should abide by.
By following these simple hostel etiquette tips you will make sure that not only you will have a great stay, but you will also be treated well.
Smile 🙂
It’s seriously basic information but if you look inviting and open to conversations, then people will more likely approach you to have a chat.
The many hostel stays that I experienced that turned into memorable nights started with me smiling and asking how someone’s day is going.
Don’t be afraid to approach someone first.
If they are not in the mood to communicate with you, they will most likely just leave.
- Hey, how are you doing?
- Hey, how’s your day going?
If you prefer to be left alone, simply find a spot away from people and chill.
Most people will understand your body language.
Respect Each Other
Whether you’re living in a hostel or just visiting, one of the most important things to remember is to always show each other respect.
It’s not just about following the rules and regulations – it’s about understanding that everyone has different needs and looking out for each other.
Respecting each other means being mindful of noise levels and not disturbing neighbors late at night.
It means keeping shared spaces tidy and clean, so everyone feels safe and comfortable.
And respecting each other also means that guests of all ages can enjoy their stay without worrying about harassment or judgement.
At the end of the day, we all have the same goal – to have fun, meet new people, and get the most out of our time in the hostel.
Respect is the glue that binds us together, so let us all take a moment to remember what it means to treat each other with kindness and consideration.
Keep your things tidy
Tidiness is a must when staying in a hostel.
Not only is it important to maintain the quality of the rooms, but it’s also vital for your own safety and comfort.
If you’re sharing a space with other travelers, keeping your things in order means that everyone can focus on having a great stay.
Your things won’t get stepped over or mixed up with someone else’s.
Plus, tidiness keeps thieves away–items that are neatly put together are more likely to be left undisturbed.
Ultimately, having an organized room creates peace of mind.
Whether you’re spending an afternoon in your hostel room or taking off on an adventure, having all your items in order will give you the extra sense of security and calmness you need for a successful trip.
Clean up after yourself
When you’re staying at a hostel, it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one around.
That means that cleaning up after yourself is essential.
Not only does it create a better living experience for you and those around you, but it also helps preserve the environment of the hostel.
Cleaning up after yourself includes everything from wiping down surfaces to putting laundry away.
It’s also important to take into consideration how your actions might impact other guests.
If you leave food or drink out, it can attract unwanted pests.
Additionally, leaving items in common areas reduces the amount of space available for other guests and makes it harder for them to find what they need.
Finally, if everyone pitches in, it creates a sense of camaraderie and shows consideration for others.
So next time you stay at a hostel, remember: clean up after yourself and show respect for others.
Where should you hang wet clothes in a hostel?
Obviously if you are moving around you will find yourself needing to wash your clothes from time to time.
Sometimes you will have to wash your clothes in a hostel, but there is nothing wrong with that.
Most people will understand that you want to keep your hygiene up.
What most people won’t understand is if they return to their room and all of a sudden it is a sweat shop with wet clothes hanging everywhere.
If you are planning on washing your things at the hostel, use these few tips to make sure you aren’t stepping on other people’s toes.
- Hire a private room. Here you can hang all your clothes all over the place and not worry about frustrating others.
- Only wash a few pieces of clothing. Yep, you don’t have to do all your laundry at once. You can wash the clothes you will require for tomorrow. This way you won’t have to use up the whole room to air dry your clothes.
- Use the Hostels laundromat. If available, why not use the Hostel’s laundromat and drying machines. It might cost a bit extra, but at least your clothes will be properly clean and dry.
- If there are bunk beds in the rooms, and you are on the bottom bunk, hang your clothes from the top bunk bed over your bed. This way it’s not in anyone’s way and also can give you a little bit more privacy.
Avoid bringing foods with strong odors into the room.
When it comes to bringing food into your shared dorm room at a hostel, it’s important that you take precaution.
Not everyone likes the same things as you, and some aromas can be so powerful they leave an impression well after they’ve left the room!
Be mindful of the foods you bring in, particularly after-dinner snacks; if you’re ever uncertain, just give it a little sniff test first.
Label Your Food
When you’re staying at a hostel, it’s important to label all the food in your fridge and cupboards.
Why?
So no one else takes your vital snack provisions, of course!
Labeling is also beneficial for other reasons beyond mere self-preservation: it helps ensure that everyone knows which food belongs to whom, and it prevents any confusion over what food should be eaten first.
Not only does this discourage waste, but it also teaches us about respect for our fellow travelers.
Labeling tells us that we each have ownership over our food, that nobody should take or eat someone else’s snacks without permission.
Don't Eat Other People's Food items
Have you ever been to a hostel, and found that someone has snuck into your snack stash?
Or worse yet, you open the communal refrigerator and find your favorite sandwich is gone?
It’s the worst feeling in the world!
That’s why it’s so important to respect other people’s food when staying in a hostel.
Eating other people’s food isn’t just bad etiquette – it could prevent them from having their own meals.
And if we don’t take care of each other, who will?
So lets all stick together and make sure everyone has enough to eat – no matter how weird or tasty their snacks might be!
Don't use other people's belongings without their permission
It’s important to remember that hostels are shared spaces.
That means that every person living in a hostel deserves the same respect and courtesy as you would expect from your own home.
It’s not just about asking permission before using someone else’s belongings – it’s about respecting their space, too.
Whether it’s taking their clothes out of the wardrobe or using their shampoo in the communal bathroom, make sure you talk to the other person before you use their stuff.
It’s not just common courtesy – it shows respect for the other person and their possessions.
After all, if someone took something of yours without asking, how would you feel?
Let’s all be mindful of each other’s belongings and make sure we treat them with respect.
DON'T STEAL.
Have you ever had something stolen from you before?
That sinking feeling when you realize whatever it was is gone forever?
When it comes to thieves, hostels are no exception.
No one wants to walk around paranoid, always double-checking that their stuff is still there.
But the truth is, thieving does happen in hostels, so be sure to keep your belongings safe and secure.
Don’t leave your valuables unattended; always lock them away in a safe place.
And remember that your sense of safety is most important: if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and take precautions.
Stealing is not cool – protect yourself and your stuff!
If you do notice someone stealing something, tell the hostel staff right away. They will take the necessary steps to call the police and remove the person from the hostel.
In fact, the golden rules are that if at any time you feel unsafe or notice someone else feeling unsafe, help them out.
You would be surprised how far a helping hand will go.
Limit your alarms
Waking up feeling relaxed and energized is essential for a productive day.
But when staying in a hostel, excessive alarms can spell disaster.
It’s often a stressful experience trying to sleep with others continually snoozing their alarms.
It’s not just bad etiquette; it’s distracting, annoying and can be very damaging to your sleep.
So if you’re sharing a room with others at a hostel, remember to limit the number of alarms you set – one alarm per person should do the trick.
That way, everyone can wake up on time without disturbing their roommates or having their restful sleep interrupted.
Be quiet at nighttime
Whether you’re jetting off to a new destination or simply catching some Z’s in a hostel, one thing we can all agree on is the importance of being quiet at night.
After all, nobody wants a sleepless night – and nobody wants to be ‘that guy’ who disturbed everyone’s sleep.
So let’s do our part to keep the peace in shared living spaces!
Of course, it’s always tempting to stay up late chatting with friends or streaming shows on your laptop, but respect is key here.
It’s best to lower the volume levels r wear headphones so that everyone in the room can get the rest they need without being disrupted.
That way, everyone will feel refreshed and energized for their next adventure!
What About Snorers?
Snoring.
It’s not just a nuisance. It’s an epidemic.
Those who suffer (and we use that term loosely here) from this condition don’t realize how deeply it affects others.
If you’re staying at a hostel, the sound of snoring can be tormenting.
It can break concentration while you study, stop the flow of conversation among your travel companions, and generally make your environment unpleasant.
That’s why snorers at a hostel are universally despised.
So if you’re one of those offenders, next time you head to a hostel – bring ear plugs for others, advise your roommates in advance or do everyone a favor by picking another accommodation!
There are plenty of affordable accommodations available and not only will help you get the rest you require but also prevent others from getting annoyed by you.
Coming home drunk
Nobody likes a hostel guest who takes to drink too much.
Whether it’s after a night out with friends, or just a few pints down your local bar, drinking alcohol can make for an uncomfortable situation for both hostel staff and other guests when you come back drunk.
Not only does it risk damaging the property – from broken furniture and stained carpets to injuries caused by tumbling over – but it can also be dangerous for yourself and others.
Plus, if you’re roommates are trying to sleep off the night’s adventures, chances are you won’t be popular when their alarm clock goes off in the morning due to your late-night disturbances!
So, please respect the hostel and other guests’ right to rest – enjoy a few drinks but don’t get too merry; it’s not worth the risk of running afoul with the hostel staff or fellow travelers.
Control your sexual urges
Staying in a hostel can be an incredibly rewarding experience – you meet people from all over the world, explore new cultures, and develop friendships that last a lifetime.
But with the fun comes responsibility: when you stay in a hostel, it’s important to control your sexual urges.
It may seem like common sense, but respecting others’ boundaries is vital when staying in shared accommodation.
Not everyone there will be comfortable with displays of physical affection – and even if they are, there are other people around who might be made uncomfortable.
Plus, it’s simply not professional or respectful to be too ‘hands on’ in front of others.
So if you’re feeling frisky during your hostel stay, remember to respect those around you and think twice before getting too cozy in the common areas.
If you end up in a situation where you might have sex in a hostel, make sure to take other people into consideration.
Don't wake everyone up with lights in the morning
Morning birds of the hostel world, lend us your ears!
When you wake up at the crack of dawn, it might be tempting to turn on the lights.
But before you do – pause and consider what you are about to do!
Not only is it disruptive for the other people who are still sleeping soundly in the darkness, it also wastes electricity.
So let’s all make a pact – let’s not turn on the lights until everyone has woken up and is ready to confront the new day together.
Let us be mindful of our environment and our neighbours!
Get changed in the bathroom.
Sure, it can be tempting to just pull on a new shirt or skirt in front of everyone, but consider that your fellow guests come from different backgrounds and have different standards of privacy.
What might seem normal to you could be viewed as crude or unacceptable by someone else.
To show respect for your peers, it’s best practice to use the bathroom when changing outfits so that your actions don’t make anyone uncomfortable during their stay.
Don't fight or argue with others
When you stay in a hostel, it’s important to remember that you’re sharing a room with other people who may be different from you.
We’re all travelers on a journey and the last thing we want is arguments and fights.
When people fight, the atmosphere in a hostel becomes tense, uncomfortable and stressful – and none of us want that!
Not only will it make your stay unpleasant, but it could also get you thrown out of the hostel.
We’re all here to explore, meet new people and have incredible experiences, so why not rise above any potential disagreements?
We never know what others might be going through, or how our words and actions can affect them.
So let’s challenge ourselves to be kind, tolerant and understanding instead. Let’s keep the peace at the Hostel!
Where to book hostels?
Now that you have read about hostel etiquette, it’s ok to consider staying at a hostel.
Here are the top 3 websites to find hostels online 🙂
1. Hostel World – Not sure where to stay tonight? Look no further than Hostel World – the go-to resource for finding the best hostels around the world. With over 30 million reviews, hundreds of deals and discounts, plus exclusive rewards when you join the loyalty program, this is one website that won’t leave you disappointed.
2. Booking.com – The travel industry’s biggest booking platform, Booking.com has something for everyone – whether you’re looking for hostel rooms, hotels or serviced apartments. With more than 5 million verified guest reviews, you can be sure that your property of choice will meet your standards.
3. Hostelz.com – Whether you like it low-key or high-end, Hostelz.com has an extensive selection of hostels in almost every city imaginable. It’s fast, easy and super secure, so book your next stay with confidence. Plus, with customer ratings just a click away, you know exactly what to expect before you table up!
Conclusion on Hostel Etiquette
Hostels can be really amazing; you meet so many incredible people and end up with memories that will last you a lifetime.
Don’t be the kind of person everyone despises.
You will be surprised by how much more people will be open to speaking and hanging out with you, if you respect them in return.
And finally I’m no saint, I have made a few of these mistakes in the past, if you do a few from time to time but truly respect others space you will fine.
If you know of someone that needs to learn about hostel etiquette, make sure to share this with them and if you know of more rules I have missed then please comment below.
