Hostel Etiquette

Staying in hostels is an essential part of the backpacking experience. You save a considerable amount of money, which means you’ll have more money for fun traveling adventures, and you meet so many amazing people who make your travel experience, so you don’t want to annoy these people.

Here is everything you need to know about hostel etiquette and how to have a great hostel experience:

Hostel etiquette guidelines

SAY HELLO TO THE PEOPLE IN YOUR ROOM

Dorm rooms can be one of the best places to make new friends.

THE ALARM CLOCK

Make sure it’s accessible when your alarm goes off
Turn it off right away
Do not hit snooze

IF YOU’RE AWARE THAT YOU SNORE LIKE A RUTHLESS FOGHORN, DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND DON’T STAY IN A DORM ROOM

Otherwise you will not be making any friends. That being said, everyone is guilty of snoring once in a while, so always bring earplugs.

QUIET AND LIGHTS OUT IN THE DORM ROOM IS FROM AROUND 11pm-8:30am-ish

Ear plugs and an eye mask are essentials.

RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE’S SLEEP SCHEDULES

Some people are early to bed and early to rise, while others like to enjoy the nightlife culture. There is no right or wrong; however, don’t turn the lights on when everyone is asleep. Use a flashlight or use your phone for light.

PACK THE NIGHT BEFORE AN EARLY DEPARTURE

If you know you’re leaving early in the morning, pack your bags as much as possible the night before. Zippers and plastic bags are the worst because they make so much noise. Sometimes I take my bag outside of the room to finish packing in the early morning.

BE RESPECTFUL, CONSIDERATE AND USE YOUR COMMON SENSE

While you’re doing something, ask yourself that if someone else was doing it, would it annoy you?

DO NOT AGGRESSIVELY HIT ON PEOPLE IN YOUR DORM ROOM

Unless you absolutely know for damn sure that it’s a sure thing. It’s really awkward to be hit on aggressively by someone in your dorm room when you’re not interested because it’s really uncomfortable to share the same room for the next few days.

KEEP ROMANCES PRIVATE

Get a private room, go to the shower or find a secluded area (that’s not the common room). If you absolutely must do it in the dorm room, wait till everyone has left. For more do’s and don’ts on this, see Nomadic Matt’s How to Have Sex in Hostels.

LIMIT IN-ROOM ACTIVITIES

Unless the entire room is in on it. Otherwise, that’s what common rooms are for.

BE AWARE OF THE HOSTEL VIBE

Don’t be like the older woman who stayed in my dorm room at the biggest party hostel in La Paz, Bolivia and expect quiet and lights out at 9pm. On the flip side, if it’s not a party hostel, don’t expect to turn it into one either.

DO NOT EAT OTHER PEOPLE’S FOOD IN THE SHARED KITCHEN

DO YOUR DISHES

Your mom isn’t there to clean up after you.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

You won’t be making any friends if you and your clothes smell.

DON’T HOG THE SHARED BATHROOMS

And have fun!

Also see How to Find A Great Hostel

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