The Go Girl's Guide to Hosteling Europe

By Megan

Who to Expect:
When hosteling (the act of choosing to stay in hostels) in Europe, one might expect to meet a selection of the following characters:

• The guy that's been solo packbacking for 5 months
• The chick in work boots ready to pierce your ear and kickass
• A father with his kids on holiday
• A Cali-girl ready romance novels on her bunk

Many have been traveling for months, or are just on a weekend vacation.  All of them have a story to tell and a secret of the city that you might miss without their help.  Because of tips (good and umm, interesting) from new friends in hostels, I have experienced cities in totally interesting ways.

You shouldn't expect to find many hosteling hippos...

How to find the style of hostel that suits you:
There are several types of hostel ready to serve each traveler and her every whim:

• The Party Hostel- bar in the basement, beer chugging contests abound; not the best place to stay if you want to sleep, but fun for some
• Granola Hostel- sometimes difficult to find, they make their own granola ie. best breakfast ever, might have a composting potty, and are generally green folk friendly
• Multi-generational hostel- you might hear a baby crying in the room over, or meet a grandmother on holiday with her daughters; these hostels are often older establishments with little frills, but they sure do the job
• Really cheap and super basic- don't expect a towel, breakfast or a locker; but they might offer 24-hour check in or a great location in the center of the city

You might even meet this kid (In the Ossuary of Kutná Hora)

Things one needs to know:

1. How to get there?
2. How accessible is local the transportation?
3. Do they supply sheets for the bunk (also, expect a bunk bed unless you specify otherwise and there are other accommodations available)
4. Is there a curfew?  Most hostels do not have a curfew, but it is important to check the rules so you don't get locked out on your way from the airport/club/or getting lost.
5. Is breakfast included?
6. Are there lockers with lock supplied?

Bring with you:

• Soap and a towel
• Snacks in case the breakfast is not so yummy
• Padlock/other security for your belongings
• Journal to write about the interesting roomies
• Ipod or ear plugs- there is always, 100% of the time a snorer, night terror sufferer, or the general squeaky bunk to keep you from your much deserved rest
• Eye mask if you are light sensitive
• Sense of humor- essential to maintaining patience
• Sense of awareness- it may be easy to feel comfortable, but one should always be on her guard to protect herself and her belongings

Our hostel in Vienna... okay, maybe not.

My top three favorites:

• Berlin- Jetpak Eco Lodge- So it might be a bit out of the way, but the scenic walk through the Grunewald Forest, relaxed eco-friendly environment, and big (clean) dorm rooms were such a welcome surprise.  A flashlight might be helpful on the walk through the forest if you get there in the dark.
• Prague- Sir Toby's- I don't know if it was the delicious breakfast, wonderfully interesting fellow travelers, or availability of spaces ready to fit everyone's needs (ie. a bar, kitchen, game room, computers, bbq space, etc.), but it was surely one of the most fun spaces I stayed in.  Definitely for the hostel-er who is looking for that 'true', student experience
• NYC- ZIP112- Female only, wonderfully accommodating host, back to the basics hostel.  It was simple, super clean, quiet, safe, and tiny- only ten beds.  Located in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood and ready for female travelers just looking for the basics.