10 tips to pick a suitable Hostel

So you have decided to travel; and you have decided on a hostel rather than a hotel. The big question here is how you know which hostel to choose and which to avoid.
Most of the tips I have mentioned are about you and what you want.  The best place to look for a hostel is on a hostel booking site.  Those sites have most or all of the information you will need.  If they know what you will need they can be ready.  Likewise, if you know what kind of atmosphere you are walking into you can be better prepared.
The most important resource tool for reserving a hostel is your computer.  If you don’t have a computer go to the library and use theirs.

1.    Where are you going and do you have a travel plan?  Do some research on the area you will be traveling.  The area of the world doesn’t matter just have an itinerary.
2.    How will you be traveling?  Will you be hiking?  Biking? Will you be traveling by car?  Will they have a place to store your bike, or a parking space for your car?
3.    What kind of shape will you be in when you get to your hostel?  If you are a hiker or biker chances you will want nothing more than a hot shower, a filling meal and a quiet place to sleep.  If you are traveling under your own power you will probably get a good nights sleep regardless of the environment.
4.    How many nights will you be staying.  Let the booking site know how long you intend to stay.  It will be awkward for you to be all unpacked and the host says you need to leave, because other traveler is moving in.
5.    Do you need privacy?  Many hostels just have a large dormer with several bunk beds and not much privacy.  Some do have private rooms for an additional fee.  If you are traveling with a significant other and would like to be alone make sure there is a place for you to be alone…..together.
6.    Are you allergic to smoke?  Ask what kind of smoking or no smoking policy the hostel has.
7.    Does the hostel have an elevator or a handicapped accessible entrance.  Will they have the proper facilities to accommodate a physically challenged guest.
8.    Are you the type that has to read before they can sleep?  You might consider buying a small head lamp if you think you will need it.
9.    Pack the right kind of sleeping attire.  Is it going to be cold?  Sometimes blankets are in high demand it cooler climates.  If you are traveling during the summer will they have air conditioning?
10.    Will they feed you?  Don’t expect anything fancy but, if you are hungry a bagel and coffee might take the edge off until you can get to a real breakfast.

The best advice anyone can give a traveler is do your homework &…. book on HostelsClub.com ! .  Dig up as much information as possible.  The more you know, the more you can be prepared.