Since traveling has became a lot more popular in recent years, seems like accommodation has expanded as well. There are so many options available these days, but on average, I’ve narrowed it down to 2 that I use most frequently. Hostels and Airbnbs. When I’m working jobs abroad, usually I’m also supplied with housing, but when I have time off these are my 2 go to options.
There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to accommodation. How are you going to get the most for your money and what are you looking for specifically in housing? Once you know the answers to those questions, the comparison between hostels and airbnbs becomes a lot easier. When I am choosing accommodation, I look at 4 major factors:
- Pricing
- Location
- Comfort & Private Space
- Miscellaneous
Pricing
I am no millionaire, I am always looking for ways to save money, accommodation included. When I am traveling by myself, which is the majority of the time, hostels are usually the ways to do that. I’ve slept in some really nice hostels, for really cheap prices. Like, less than $10 prices. Just because the price is lower, doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with where you’re staying.
Hostels were designed for people just like me. My favorite website to find a good hostel is hostelworld.com Be careful though, make sure to ALWAYS READ THE REVIEWS.
Now don’t get me wrong, you can find a lot of nice Airbnb’s for a really low price. But with this usually comes a bad locations or a lot less annemidies and assistance. If I’m traveling with a group of people, which I do quite often as well, most of the time we will all split the price of a big Airbnb apartment. The more people, likely the less money you’ll have to spend.
Location
Location preferences differ for everyone. Some want a city center location, some may want a location closer to popular sights and monuments. Myself, I prefer a location that is closest to the station I’m retuning and departing from. If I’m returning and departing by air, then it really doesn’t matter. But if I’m arriving my bus or train, then it matters. The less distance I have to walk with my backpack the better. The bag is heavy, really heavy. If I book something close to the station, odds are its going to be relatively close the the center, and major sights. So it’s a win win for everywhere.
Hostels are usually located with the city center, or a small distance from it. Travelers want to be somewhat close to things in the city, obviously or they wouldn’t of came to that city. It this case, hostels are more ideal. Yeah, you can find airbnbs all over the city, but the closer to the center, usually the higher the price.
Comfort & Private Space
Comfort is something you don’t get much as a backpacker, but when you do get it, it feels so good. Being able to go back to some place at night thats comfortable. You have a nice bed, lots of space, lots of private space your own bathroom, maybe even a balcony. Airbnbs can offer a lot more comfort than hostels. I love having my own apartment when I’m traveling, even if its only for a couple days. You get a break, you can slow down and actually relax.
Hostels don’t offer much relaxing, unless you stay in a hostel specifically for relaxing. Those do exist, but usually these are more expensive and less fun. When staying in a hostel, you share a room with god knows how many people. People who snore and make weird noises in their sleep, people who are up at all hours of the night banging around and flipping on lights, people that can really get on your nerves. You don’t get private space in a hostel, you share everything. You share bathrooms, showers, kitchens and whatever else is available.
Hostels can offer lots of comfort though. You have the comfort of being surrounded by like minded people who have the same mind set as you. You’re in a different world, and you get to meet so many people. I’ve made some amazing friends from all over the world, friends I still have connections with and see from time to time; and a lot of those relationships started in a hostel.
Miscellaneous and City Tips
Finding accommodation that offers free breakfast, free tours, ticket booking options, laundry facilities, towels, toiletry items and free wifi, is hard work. But, its possible, depending on what your thoughts are on the above topics, it’s very easy to find accommodation with all these things included. Hostels and Airbnbs. Hostels usually offer more with less effort, such as free breakfast and reservation options. Need a bus to a new country? No problem, hostel has got it covered. Want to see the city but don’t know where to start? Ask your hostels about guided tours, and if they don’t, they know one that does. A hostel is also a lot more apt to offer guidance and advice on what to see and do in a new city. They want you to enjoy your time, not just make a couple extra dollars.
This usually isn’t too big of a factor when looking for accommodation. That is until I’m out of clean clothes, this is when I look for a place with laundry facilities. Trying to find a laundry mat in a foreign city that you can actually figure out how to work, is so aggravating and just a pain in the ass in general. I do like free breakfast, and I never have my own towel, but laundry is my main concern.
Obviously, having free housing provided for me is the most ideal. I don’t really have to stress about having a place to sleep, it’s all taken care of. But that’s not always the case, and I’m glad its not. I have stayed at some amazing hostels and some of my best stories all started at a hostel, and I’ve met the best people. The people always make it better. I’ve also had some really nice ass Airbnb rentals. There are pros and cons to both options, you just have to know what you’re looking for.
Just in case neither hostels or air bnbs suites your fancy, there are always other options. Hotels and motels are always going to be around, no worries. Camping is always a fun and cheap way to go too, its one of my favorites. Or, you could try out couchsurfing at couchsurfing.com. I know this isn’t for everyone, but I think everyone should try it at least once. There are thousands of people willing to offer up their couches to swap stories and help out a fellow citizen of the world. Best part, its free!