With everyone tapping into luxury travel, you rarely hear about youth hostels anymore. Honestly, after the creepy 2005 horror film Hostel debuted, the budget-friendly accommodation saw a plummet in popularity. Especially amongst millennial travelers. Well, youth hostels are making a comeback, and one India-based company is expanding hostels across the country.
GoStop has made major moves in India since opening its first hostel in 2014. The chain of premium youth hostels has 32 hostels across the country. As more local and foreign travelers choose to save money instead of splurging on expensive hotels, goStop is ahead of the game when it comes to catering to travelers on a budget.
Hostels are not a new phenomenon. However, young travelers are returning to economically efficient accommodation as the world enters a post-COVID travel space. Here’s everything you need to know about staying in youth travel hostels.
Meet Other Travelers
Cheaper Than A Hotel
Sharing Is Caring
Safety First
Things To Remember When Staying In Hostels
Youth travel hostels definitely aren’t for everyone. So it’s essential to do your research before booking a stay. Two of the most used sites for finding hostels are Hostelworld.com and Booking.com. Most importantly, make sure you thoroughly read the reviews before booking at a hostel. This is the best way to gauge if the hostel is a good fit for you.
Although “boutique hostels” have emerged over the last few years, you need to ensure the one you chose has the amenities you’re looking for. Do you plan on cooking meals? If so, opt for a hostel with a full kitchen. Need a place where you can take a swim? Make sure you select a hostel with a pool. These things matter to ensure you’re comfortable during your stay.
If you don’t want to share a space with travelers of the opposite sex, be sure to find a hostel that has single-sex dorms. Not every hostel offers this option so it’s important that you ask in advance.
Remember, when staying in hostels, pretty much everyone there will be a stranger. It’s important you secure your belongings. Most hostels have lockers so make sure you bring a lock to protect your stuff. Another rule of thumb is to never leave your phone charging unattended to avoid theft. Since you’ll be sleeping around others, you may also want to pack some earplugs and an eye mask.