Ultimate Packing Guide for Hostel Stays

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of an Eye Mask
3. Securing Your Belongings with a Padlock
4. Thongs or Flip Flops for Hygiene
5. Power Bank for Charging On-the-Go
6. The Benefits of Ear Plugs
7. Creating a Relaxing Ambiance with Spotify and White Noise
8. Waking Cane for Convenient Cooking
9. Washing Powder for DIY Laundry
10. The Versatility of a Tote Bag
11. The Game-Changing Packing Cubes
12. Bonus: Bringing Your Own Pillowcase
13. Bonus: DIY Curtain for Privacy

10 Essential Items for a Comfortable Hostel Stay

Are you planning a hostel trip? Staying in hostels can be a fun and affordable way to travel, but it's important to be prepared and make your stay as comfortable as possible. After four months of hostel hopping, I've learned a lot about what you need to have in order to have a pleasant experience. In this article, I'll share with you my top ten must-have items for a comfortable hostel stay.

1. The Importance of an Eye Mask

One of the first things you should pack for your hostel trip is an eye mask. There will inevitably be times when you want to sleep but the lights are on in the room or there are no curtains on the windows. An eye mask will help block out the light and allow you to get some much-needed rest.

2. Securing Your Belongings with a Padlock

When staying in hostels, it's important to keep your valuables safe. While many hostels have lockers where you can store your belongings, they don't always provide locks. Bringing your own padlock ensures that you can securely lock away your passport, laptop, and other valuable items.

3. Thongs or Flip Flops for Hygiene

Hostel showers can be a breeding ground for germs and infections. To protect your feet from contracting any unwanted diseases, it's essential to bring a pair of thongs or flip flops. These will serve as a barrier between your feet and the potentially dirty shower floor.

4. Power Bank for Charging On-the-Go

In this digital age, we rely heavily on our smartphones for various tasks. Most modern hostels provide power outlets next to each bed, but there may be instances where you're unable to charge your phone near your bed. Having a power bank ensures that you can charge your phone on-the-go, without having to leave it across the room all night.

5. The Benefits of Ear Plugs

Hostels can be noisy places, with people coming and going at all hours of the day and night. Invest in a good pair of ear plugs to block out the noise and ensure a peaceful night's sleep. I personally recommend squishy, moldable ear plugs that fully seal your ears and block out all noise.

6. Creating a Relaxing Ambiance with Spotify and White Noise

Sometimes, even ear plugs may not be enough to drown out the noise of loud roommates or snoring individuals. In such situations, having a Spotify or white noise playlist, along with a pair of good headphones, can be a game-changer. Simply plug in your headphones and let the soothing sounds of nature or relaxing music lull you to sleep.

7. Waking Cane for Convenient Cooking

If you're looking to save money on meals during your hostel stay, utilizing the hostel kitchen is a great option. However, cooking for oneself often leads to leftovers. A waking cane, or airtight food container, allows you to store your extra food safely in the fridge for future meals. It also helps prevent other hostel guests from accidentally eating your food.

8. Washing Powder for DIY Laundry

While some hostels may offer laundry facilities, it's not always convenient or cost-effective to use them. Being equipped with washing powder allows you to hand wash your clothes in a sink or bucket. This not only saves you money but also prevents you from relying on laundromats or waiting for your turn to use the hostel's washing machine.

9. The Versatility of a Tote Bag

When staying in a top bunk, it can be inconvenient to have your belongings scattered around the bed. To keep all your essentials within easy reach, invest in a tote bag. Hang it over the edge of your bed and fill it with items such as your phone, portable charger, earphones, book, and water bottle. This way, everything you need is easily accessible and won't fall onto your bunkmate below.

10. The Game-Changing Packing Cubes

Packing cubes have been a revelation for me during my hostel travels. Initially skeptical about their usefulness, I decided to give them a try and haven't looked back since. These small fabric cubes allow you to neatly organize your clothes and other belongings within your backpack. No longer do you have to rummage through a messy bag to find what you need. Unzipping your backpack reveals a few organized cubes, making it incredibly easy to locate items quickly.

These ten items have greatly enhanced my hostel experience, and I hope they do the same for you. But wait, I have two bonus suggestions for you:

Bonus: Bringing Your Own Pillowcase

While many hostels pride themselves on clean sheets and regularly changing them, there's always a lingering doubt about the cleanliness of the pillowcase. Bringing your own soft, clean pillowcase ensures that you have a comfortable and hygienic sleeping surface.

Bonus: DIY Curtain for Privacy

Privacy can be a luxury in a hostel setting, especially when you're craving a good night's sleep or some alone time. If your bunk doesn't come with a privacy curtain, you can create your own with a piece of elastic and your towel. Simply tie the elastic from one end of the bunk to the other, and hang your towel over it. This makeshift curtain provides some much-needed privacy in an otherwise shared space.

In conclusion, by packing these essential items and considering the bonus suggestions, you'll be well-prepared for a comfortable hostel stay. Whether you're backpacking for months or just spending a few nights in a hostel, these items will ensure that your experience is enjoyable and stress-free.

• Pros:

  • Provides a comprehensive list of essential items for a hostel stay
  • Gives practical tips and suggestions for a more comfortable experience
  • Includes bonus ideas for added comfort and convenience
  • Written in a conversational tone, engaging the reader

• Cons:

  • Could benefit from more specific examples or anecdotes from personal experiences

Highlights:

• Essential items for a comfortable hostel stay
• Importance of an eye mask for better sleep
• Securing belongings with a padlock
• Hygiene precautions with thongs or flip flops
• Convenient charging with a power bank
• Benefits of ear plugs for a peaceful sleep
• Creating a relaxing ambiance with Spotify and white noise
• Waking cane for budget-friendly cooking
• DIY laundry with washing powder
• Tote bag for convenient storage and accessibility
• Organization and space-saving with packing cubes
• Bonus suggestions: bringing your own pillowcase and DIY curtains for privacy

FAQ

Q: How do I pack packing cubes efficiently?
A: To make the most of your packing cubes, try rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This technique saves space and allows you to easily identify and access specific items.

Q: Can I use regular soap instead of washing powder for hand washing clothes?
A: While regular soap can be used for hand washing clothes in a pinch, washing powder is designed specifically for laundry and often provides better results in terms of stain removal and freshness. It is recommended to use washing powder when possible.

Q: How often should I wash my hostel sheets?
A: Hostels typically have a set schedule for changing and washing bed sheets. However, if you have concerns about the cleanliness of your sheets, it's always a good idea to ask the hostel staff for fresh sheets or bring your own pillowcase for added peace of mind.

Q: Are there any specific playlists on Spotify for white noise?
A: Yes, Spotify offers a variety of white noise playlists that you can browse and download. Simply search for "white noise" in the Spotify app or website, and you'll find numerous options to choose from.

Q: Do all hostels provide power outlets next to each bed?
A: While many modern hostels do provide power outlets next to each bed, it's not guaranteed. It's always a good idea to bring a power bank with you in case there are no outlets available near your bed.

Q: Can I use the DIY curtain technique in any type of bunk bed?
A: The DIY curtain technique using an elastic and towel can be used in most bunk beds that have some sort of frame or structure to hang the towel from. However, it's always best to assess the bunk bed's design before attempting this method.

Q: Are all hostel showers unclean?
A: While it's true that hostel showers may not always meet the same cleanliness standards as your own bathroom, many hostels take hygiene seriously and clean their facilities regularly. Using thongs or flip flops is simply an added precaution to protect against potential infections or germs.

Q: Can I use packing cubes in a suitcase or only in a backpack?
A: Packing cubes can be used in both suitcases and backpacks. They are versatile and can help keep your belongings organized and easily accessible in any type of luggage.