5 Common Hostelling Disasters and How to Avoid Them

Hostelling, while one of the most rewarding and inexpensive ways to see the world, does have its pitfalls. Lost bookings, lost valuables and unsavory bunkmates do happen, even to the most experienced hostellers. Thankfully, there are ways to sidestep these issues.

Here are 5 of the most common hostelling disasters, and how you can avoid them.

1. The hostel has lost your online booking

Not every hostel has a state-of-the-art computer system. Some don’t even have Internet access at the desk. While this doesn’t prevent many of them from advertising with online booking agents, it sometimes means that you show up before your booking does.

Even the most high-tech, urban hostels can lose reservations. These often advertise through numerous booking agents, leading to voluminous e-mails that can be overlooked simply through human error.

When booking online, print out the reservation confirmation for each hostel, to present at check-in. The benefit is two-fold: first, you’ll be less likely to have to sleep in the courtyard; and second, you’ll have proof of the conditions of your stay, including room type and price.

2. The hostel is far away… from anywhere

This is a common complaint among backpackers. Hostels are rarely built as such, and are more likely to be refurbished older buildings. Traditionally, hostelling is a budget endeavor, which means hostels don’t always occupy prime real-estate in high-rent touristy areas. It’s not unusual for hostellers to find themselves on the outskirts of town… if the hostel can be found at all!

Sidestep this issue by doing your research. Most booking engines contain forums where travelers comment on their impressions of hostels, including location, Hostelsclub.com has a handy maps feature which allows you to see where all the hostels in town are so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. You can also check guidebooks, area maps, transit maps and the hostel’s web page. Many ‘far and away’ hostels offer tours and transportation for guests.

Budget travel has come far in recent years, and it is becoming easier to find hostels right downtown or near tourist attractions. These hostels may be more expensive and a less central, less expensive hostel may be just one short bus ride away. Check out local transit information.

3. Bedbugs

Bedbug infestations occur throughout the travel industry, as common in fancy hotels as they are in hostels. Bedbugs are visible to the human eye, but hide in mattresses and bedding. They are nocturnal and love to feast on human blood. Some don’t realize when they’ve been bitten, but there are many unfortunate people whose bodies react to bites, causing itchy and embarrassing rashes.

Because they are widespread, there are few ways to prevent sleeping with bedbugs. Try to avoid hostels that allow outside bedding like sleeping bags, and keep your eyes and ears open for signs of infestation (like itchy bunkmates).

While you can’t always avoid exposure to bedbugs (unless you stay at home), you can prevent them from hitching a ride. Keep your stuff in a locker, away from your bunk. Once worn, keep your nightclothes in a plastic bag until you can wash them in hot water. Drying clothes on high heat for 30 minutes will kill any remaining hitchhikers.

If you are bitten, it’s not a medical emergency. Bites will go away barring repeat exposure, and bedbugs do not spread disease. Wash and dry everything in your pack (even your pack itself) on high heat. Inform the hostel or hostels where you may have been bitten and ask them to investigate. Every innkeeper should know how to deal with infestation, but if you feel your concerns won’t be properly addressed contact the local health inspector.

4. Lost and stolen valuables

Unless you are one of the lucky few you’ve had valuables go missing while traveling. This can be especially traumatic when it’s your passport, credit card, or plane ticket home that disappears, as this can detriment your whole trip.

Many hostels offer a safe box at the front desk where guests can keep valuable items like passports. Use this service whenever possible, and be sure to get a receipt for items left at the desk. Luggage rooms rarely offer security beyond the honor system, so use lockers if there are any. Buy a sturdy combination lock for your trip – these are inexpensive and effective tools for preventing dorm room theft.

As a world traveler, you already epitomize affluence beyond the means of most people. Show some class and avoid being targeted by staying low-key. Keep expensive jewelry, electronics and megabrand sneakers at home and treat staff, locals and fellow travelers with courtesy and respect.

5. Unsavory bunkmates

Hostel life offers exposure to all sorts of people, which can be both its greatest blessing and its gnarliest curse. The first rule is to keep an open mind – that’s why you’re there. That said, however, there are ways to avoid personal discomfort while sleeping with strangers.

Hostels have individual personalities, just as people do. A little research will tell you whether you’re booking a party hostel, a ‘school groups’ hostel, or a quiet little B&B-style hostel. Find one with a personality that suits yours.

Ladies, ask if female-only accommodation is available. For some of you this is a matter of sexual comfort, and the rest of you will sleep better with quieter snoring, less wind-passing and fewer foot odours.

If you are travelling with a friend, or a few friends, ask about private and semi-private accommodation. You may be surprised to find that this works out cheaper than paying on a per-bed basis. You’ll still meet people in the common room, and if a bunkmate snores you’ll be comfortable enough to get up and roll him or her over.

Even in the biggest, most crowded co-ed dorm there are ways to protect your night-time sanity. Ask for a bed by the window, invest in a sleep mask, get lots of fresh air and exercise during the day so you’ll sleep through anything and never, ever leave home without earplugs. Happy napping!

By its very nature travel puts you into strange and sometimes uncomfortable situations. Survive these situations by doing your research, being prepared and being aware of your options and surroundings. Remember that your comfort depends on the comfort of those around you, so always show kindness and respect. This is especially important at hostels, where all experience, good and bad, is shared experience.