What are Hostels?

Hollywood has done an excellent job at labeling “hostels” as dangerous. Several movies have depicted this message and created fear among many travelers. First off, hostels are not dangerous. They are budget friendly and provide guests with a bed to sleep for the night. Think back to your college years when you stayed in a dormitory (shared bathrooms, lounges, etc). A hostel works the very same way. Obviously, you won’t receive the optimal amount of privacy but the price alone makes up for it.

Why are they so cheap? For one, hostels are cheaper for both the person who operates it and for the person who stays there. Many hostels are known to provide free stay in return for specific services completed around the vicinity. This is a win-win for the parties involved and good examples of why hostels have become so popular around the world.

Countries such as Ireland, UK, the Netherlands, Australia, and India all provide similar establishments which give long-term accommodation to specific clientele; perhaps those who are in school or on some kind of work-study program. In third world countries, the price of hostels can be extremely low, sometimes ranging around the $8 mark. This is perfect for travelers who don’t want to spend a lot on lodging.

If you fall under the “traveler” category, you might be drawn to a certain branch of hostels which focus on cultural exchange. For example, there is a place called the “Hostelling International” which is located in UK. They are non-profit and allow travelers to stay there for free. In return, those who are staying provide assistance in or around the hostels and share their culture with anybody who may be interested.

Don’t fear hostels. While there are very few who specialize in stealing people’s possessions, I have never heard of any who take people’s lives. That is a myth.

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