Although it seems that options virtually don’t exist for those who opt for cheap accommodation, there are tips that can make your stay in a hostel memorable, and of course, comfortable. Here are the tips:

Get a room with private lockers and bring your own lock

Put security on top of everything, because there’s no point of saving a few dollars for getting your camera stolen or any other valuable item. When you look for a hostel on an online booking website, put in effort to call the hostel and ask if they have a locker that can be locked with your own lock.

It’s wise to not trust anyone when you’re traveling, including the hostel staff, so it’s important to keep your valuables within your own supervision. Always bring your own lock, and perhaps a spare, everywhere you go and always use your own lock for your locker. You don’t want to sleep while worrying about your belongings at a hostel.

(Read also: 11 essential tips for women traveling solo)

Don’t book online

Although nowadays you can book almost anything on the Internet, we still suggest you to not book a bed online. First, because most of hostels offer attractive prices for walk-in travelers, and second, sometimes the reality of the hostel is far from how it was pictured on its website.

To avoid being trapped staying at a place that you don’t like and end up wasting money, try to write down the address of your preferred hostels and call them first to make sure they have an available bed. If you do have to book online, try to only book one or two night, unless if you’re traveling in peak season.

Aim for comfort

There’s no point in spending less if you can’t sleep well and feel terrible the next day because your bed is not comfortable. If possible, try to find out if the hostel has beds made from solid materials that doesn’t squeak if move your body, where you’re not always having to wake up every time someone who’s sleeping near is moving around in their bed. Also, always bring a blindfold and set of ear plugs for better shut-eye.

(Read also: Travel easy with these tech-friendly suitcases)

Facilities

Find a hostel that offers you a bed with a private electricity socket and reading light, but don’t forget to bring your adaptor as well as multiple electricity socket extensions so you can charge all your gadgets at the same time. If possible, find one that has a kitchen and coffee/tea facilities so you can minimize your meal and coffee budget. Some hostels also offer free breakfast, a good way to cut your meal expenses.

Make sure to find one with laundry facilities or a room where you can line your hand-washed clothes. Some hostels in certain countries have outstanding amenities such as sauna or Jacuzzi, so make sure you do your research well.

Choose your preferred dorm type

There are a lot of dorm options that can suit your need, from all-gender dorms consisting of four to 10 people in a single room to specific gender dorms with less people. Mixed dorms are usually cheaper than gendered dorms, and the price for dorms with less people are relatively more expensive.

Location, location, location

Choose a hostel with a good locations and easy access to public transportation. It’s wise to not choose one in a crowded area, especially if they’re downtown and surrounded with bars, unless you aim to be a night owl. Do extensive research first about the location and find out if your desired hostel is not located in an area with high levels of crime.  

Find the unique one

Want to stay in a building with baroque design when you’re traveling to Prague? Or pretending to be a 17th century prisoner and stay in an ex-jail hostel when you’re in Slovenia? Seek out unique and authentic experiences, and with hostels, you can get it all even by paying less. (asw)