This is the latest post in my “Ask a Travel Blogger” series – send in some questions so I can stop making them up myself!
Am I Too Old to Stay in a Hostel?
It depends how old you are! Actually, it shouldn’t really matter, but I can understand people being self-conscious about being too old for hostels. Hostels are generally known as places for young people, but what is a young person these days? I’m 37, and I feel young, but I’d feel a little weird about bunking down with a room full of people barely out of their teens.
Hostels Aren’t Just Dorm Rooms
Most hostels have a mix of private rooms and dorms. Staying in a private room in a hostel gives you the best of both worlds – a room to call your own and a steady stream of other travellers who you can talk to and befriend. Will all those other people be really young though? Not necessarily – I’ve met people of all ages at hostels.
Why Choose a Hostel
Most “aged” travellers choose to stay in hostels because it’s the accommodation option with the most “people meeting” opportunities. Staying in a hotel is a vastly different experience to a hostel. The common areas of hostels a generally full of people looking to connect with other travellers. From route recommendations to meeting friends to continue your trip with, there are infinite chances for human interaction.
What Do the Youngsters Think?
I remember staying in hostels in my mid-late 20s in Southeast Asia and there was a huge range of ages represented. There was no young / old divide and people tended to treat each other the same. I reckon it’d be different at some of the party hostels, and many hostels in western countries, so definitely check up on the vibe before staying there. Some even have age limits!
Is There a Middle Ground?
So, I’ve convinced you that you’re not too old for (most) hostels already, but maybe you’re still not keen. Are there places that have the common areas and people-meeting opportunities that hostels have? There are, if you look for them. I usually stay at guesthouses in Asia, which are kind of like a hostel and hotel hybrid. They often only have private rooms but may have a bar / restaurant on site and plenty of common areas to sit and chat.
These places are often run by local families and have a very different feel to big, soulless hotels. They are usually cheap as well! I haven’t seen as many of these kinds of places in western countries though, but I’m sure they exist. One option in places like New Zealand is camping grounds / holiday parks. They have private rooms (cheaper than any hotel you’ll find) and have big kitchens and common areas.
So, Hotel, Hostel or Guesthouse?
It depends on your mood! A hotel if you’re not keen to meet people (and have plenty of money), a hostel if you’re looking to be social and don’t mind hanging out with a younger crownd and a guesthouse / small local hotel for something in the middle.
Are you planning a trip overseas? Let me know in the comments below!
Jon Algie
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