joe7f

So why do you stay in hostels? Cost and social nature are high on my list, but I got to side with the socializing aspect. If I could pay the same for a hotel I probably would still opt for a hostel.

--Joey

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pinknic38

same here! the social aspect of it is def the best part. you meet so many cool people from so many different parts of the world that you wouldn't meet if you were staying in a hotel. however, I think there is a time and place for everything though - like if I am traveling on my own or with a group of friends, hostel is the only way to go. traveling with my fam or something, prolly a hotel or in the least a private room in a hostel. when my little sister is older, we'll stay in the big kids dorms though.

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Elizabeth

I voted for "I don't stay in hostels." Of course I agree about the social aspect but not so much the cheapness. With the exchange rate and the prices of some of these places...damn. For example, its $25 for a hostel bed in Kyiv, and the hostels are crappy!

I primarily stayed in hostels during my travels. But looking back one of goals when I started travelling was to connect with the local culture. Sometimes hostel lifestyle can make that hard. People partying every night, primarily socializing with other travellers, changing locations every two nights, etc etc. I did some CouchSurfing in Athens and my host threw a party to celebrate her going to visit Italy. I kept thinking wow this is so great to meet real Greeks, my age, and find out a little about how they live. I was way out in the 'burbs so I got to see a bit of the real Athens. So next time I'm going to try to use CouchSurfing as much as possible, then if I can't get a host or if I feel like I just don't want to be someone's guest for a bit then I'll defer to hostels.

marc873

When Rox and I travel, we like to alternate. 4-5 days in hostels (Dorm Rooms), then a nice 3-4 day stretch in a private room (Could be a hostel or budget hotel). I think we all need a bit of time to unwind in privacy, plus do laundry and hang it everywhere

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MeTurk

I was going to say cost, it's makes traveling very cheap within Europe. I can take a weekend break to any of the major EU capitols for less than €200, which works out as great value when compared to a weekend out in Ireland (even in my own town).

I stayed in budget hotels which are sometimes around the same price and there dead and have no atmosphere. If I was going for a private room it would probably be in a hostel too.

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freespiritz

it probably boils down to social nature for me, since meeting people is one of the most fun things about backpacking. cheap is definitely good though, but a trip would suck more if it was cheap and socially uninteresting rather than expensive but socially amazing!

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Dig

I think it is an even split for me - socializing and money. Both are equally important. Saving money is ALWAYS a plus, but I travel to meet people and see interesting cultures. Sounds a bit like a cop-out, but that is my vote

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rousseau5550

It's important to have balance between socializing and privacy. What I usually do is rotate between large dorms and small dorms (4 people and less). Also, try and avoid large chain hostels. Their very impersonal and often have people that you otherwise would hate. I had an experience such as this in Barcelona, where I stayed at the Centric Point Hostel. It had a frat boy vibe, and I didn't meet anyone with similar interests.

anyhow, have a good trip

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expatben

I admit that cost is a major factor in staying at hostels but the socializing is great to. You meet fellow travelers some who have been staying there longer and know more about where you are. Also you can meet some great people, great, totally random people

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maracle

Since my job pretty much limits me to 3 weeks of vaca per year I can afford to do nicer accommodations...doesn't add up to THAT much over 3 weeks. But what's the fun in that?? I really like meeting all kinds of people in the hostel bar and totally changing my plans for the trip based on what people are recommending. Especially because thats a lot different than I am back at home...pretty introverted and I plan everything in absurd detail.

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BigE

Cost is a real reason, especially in Europe. But the social aspect is a real plus to staying in a hostel. You meet a lot of people and my "job" can be very isolating and, therefore, being in a hostel allows me be around people.

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joe7f

The reason why I threw this poll up is I have told a few people that I hostel and they assume the reason is because it is cheap.

It seems like they don't-get/are-repulsed-by the idea of hanging out with strangers. And like Brett, I'm not exactly Miss Social Butterfly in Tampa, but when I travel you'd think I am.

--Joey

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BigE

I think the other reason is people have this idea that hostels are these partying places for college kids who are looking to get drunk and laid. Sometimes that may be the case. It depends on the hostel. But it is not the case most of the time.

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-Confucius

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MolsonGirl

Yup I'm a Cheap and Social girl.. wait.. that sounds wrong.. haha. But yeah I also enjoy where you can find hostels, I love the really tucked away random ones you can find.

If I had to lean toward either social or cheap. It'd definitely be the social side of things.

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expatben

I am definitely NOT a social guy at home. I think when I travel I socialize a lot more out of necessity you can go stir crazy not talking to anyone. That said once I open up at the hostel I am always glad I did. I have met so many great people on the road and have swapped so many great stories.

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hurr111

This is me in a nutshell as well. I did a couple budget hotels while I was traveling also just to get a break from the Hostel life, but I have to say that my next hostel destination after the alone time was some of my real highlights. I think because I was starved for someone to talk to I was more open to meeting people.

I also think one of the reasons I am not as social at home is because I already have my family and friends and if I feel alone, I just call them. I am not saying that is a good thing, because I did enjoy meeting new people.