Are Hostels like the movie Hostel?…The Truth about Hostels
There is a nasty rumor going that Americans equate their idea of hostels with the movie Hostel.
Say it isn’t so!
Sure, there are a few things to be cautious about when staying in a hostel, but getting sold to a human organ trafficking trade should be the least of your worries (granted that eye gouging scene was gruesome).
Hostels are budget orientated (CHEAP!) accommodations found everywhere from major cities to small villages. Travelers have the option to stay in a private or dorm-type room with shared bathrooms, common lounge and sometimes even a full kitchen.
Aside from being far less expensive than staying in hotels, there are loads of other worthy perks. If you’re traveling alone or suddenly regret traveling with your boy/girlfriend, hostels are a fantastic place to meet other backpackers it’s like the United Nations – with bunk beds. Meeting other backpackers will enlighten you about other cultures (FYI: Did you know Canadians sew their flags on their backpacks so they wont be mistaken for Americans?); get a more-the-merrier group to check out sites and attractions and find out the inside scoop on 
your next destination.
In traveling, word of mouth is key. Hostels provide an atmosphere to share hush-hush secrets like where to get the best street food or how to get to that secret beach. Many hostels will also have bulletin boards or binders full of helpful recommendations left by fellow travelers.
So now you’re thinking, it’s all too good to be true What’s the catch?
Well, there are a few cons but nothing that can’t be changed with a positive attitude, Or ear plugs.
Noise can be a factor when sleeping in dorms. Common noises: people moving in and out, plastic shuffling bags, snoring and random booty calls. All of this can easily be solved with a good kick to the bed and a pair of earplugs.
Dorm-type rooms are the cheapest due to their lack of privacy. But look at it as an instant meet-and-greet. You are all going to be sleeping in the same room, so you might as well introduce yourself and start making friends. Besides, if you’re lucky, you could be the inconsiderate jerks gettin it on.
With the lack of privacy, theft can also be an issue. Most hostels will have a safe for you to keep your important documents, money and other valuable items. Just make sure you get a copy of all your listed items and a signed receipt.
They also might provide you with personal lockers. And if they don’t have any lockers then just keep all your important stuff with or on you and lock up your backpack with a small travel lock.
If you’re still worried someone might steal your toothbrush and underwear, you can always bring a bike lock and lock your backpack to the bed. Be prepared to get some weird looks in which case you just say you’re from Canada.
The only thing you should really stress about is bedbugs. There’s nothing sexy about getting munched-on while you’re trying to get a good night sleep. Since these little suckers come out at night, the only way to be sure of their presence is either through the grapevine or unfortunately experiencing this surprise sleepover. If it’s the latter, do a load of laundry, pack up and move on.
It’s all just part of the game and to get a head start – check out www.Hostelbookers.com, which provide you loads of information, pictures and reviews.
And if you actually do stay in a hostel that turns out to be a lot like the movie Hostel, and survive HIGH-FIVE! That’s gonna be one helluva story to tell!
Written by: *Lils*
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Nice article. Im trekking around Europe at the moment I have to say lots of the things you mentioned are so so true….lol.
For booking I normally use http://www.hostelworld.com but that site isn’t bad.
Later
As a Canadian, I had to laugh because when I go abroad and I get a little bit drunk and rude, I just say I’m American.
I also noticed a lot of Americans say they’re Canadian- I asked one guy what city he was from and he just said, “Chigaco.” I laughed really hard and convinced him he was from Alberta and owned a polar bear.
I guess we all interchange as convenient.
Btw- the flag thing is a great idea, comparing my bags to my friends with an American flag… lets’ just say I’m popping another 2 or 3 flags on so they’re extra visible.
This article is hilarious! i really met a in his early 40s, traveling alone, in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia. And yes, he locked his backpack to the bed. Well, in some cases, i think people who locked (i hope they aren’t too many) their backpack to bed are just a little paranoid.
have i said that this article is just great? really makes me want to hit the road again