Key Takeaways
- Choose Wisely for Better Sleep: The right hostel can significantly impact your sleep quality. Look for reviews that mention noise levels, consider hostels with privacy features like curtains or pod-style beds, and choose locations that balance convenience with a quieter atmosphere.
- Smart Packing and Bed Selection: Bring essentials like earplugs, an eye mask, and comfortable sleepwear to enhance your sleeping environment. Opt for a bottom bunk to minimize disturbances and avoid beds near common areas to reduce noise disruptions.
- Be Considerate and Stay Safe: Being a good roommate—by using headphones, keeping noise down, and respecting shared spaces—creates a positive atmosphere for everyone. Additionally, secure your belongings, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts to ensure a safe and restful stay.
Hostels are budget accommodations where travelers share rooms and common spaces. They offer affordable lodging and a chance to meet people from around the world. In hostels, you’ll typically sleep in a bunk bed in a room with other guests.
While hostels are great for socializing, getting a good night’s sleep can be tricky. Shared rooms mean dealing with different schedules, noises, and sometimes snoring neighbors. Despite these challenges, many travelers enjoy the unique experiences hostels provide.
Read on to learn how to sleep better in hostels and make the most of your stay!
Choose the Right Hostel
Selecting the right hostel is a crucial step in ensuring a good night’s sleep. Your choice can make the difference between a restful stay and a sleepless night.
Read Reviews About Noise Levels
Online reviews often mention noise levels in hostels. Look for comments about quiet hours, party atmospheres, or street noise. Pay attention to recent reviews, as conditions may change over time.
Look for Hostels with Privacy Options
Some hostels offer features that provide more privacy. Search for places with curtains on bunk beds, pod-style beds, or smaller room options.
Consider hostels that offer a mix of dorm rooms and private rooms. These privacy features can significantly improve your sleep quality, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
Consider the Location and Nearby Attractions
A hostel’s location can greatly affect your sleep and overall experience. City center hostels might be noisy but convenient for sightseeing. Hostels in quieter areas might offer better sleep but require more travel time to attractions.
Think about nearby public transport options and how they align with your planned activities. Finding the right balance between a peaceful environment and convenient location can enhance your stay.
Pack Smart for Better Sleep
Packing the right items can significantly improve your sleep quality in a hostel. Smart packing helps you create a comfortable sleep environment, even in shared spaces.
Bring Earplugs and Eye Mask
Earplugs are essential for blocking out noise in shared rooms. Choose foam or silicone earplugs for comfort and effectiveness. An eye mask helps block out light from other guests or early morning sunshine.
Look for a soft, adjustable sleep mask that won’t irritate your skin. These two small items can make a big difference in your sleep quality.
Pack Comfortable Sleepwear
Comfortable sleepwear is crucial for a good night’s rest in a hostel. Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothes that allow you to move freely. Consider the climate of your destination when selecting your sleepwear.
Pack layers so you can adjust to varying room temperatures. Comfortable sleepwear helps you relax and sleep better, even in unfamiliar surroundings.
Don’t Forget a Lock for Your Stuff
A sturdy lock is crucial for securing your belongings in a hostel. Choose a reliable combination or key lock that fits the lockers provided.
Knowing your valuables are safe helps you relax and sleep better. Some hostels sell locks, but bringing your own ensures you have one ready when you arrive.
Pick the Best Bed
Choosing the right bed in a hostel can significantly impact your sleep quality. The location of your bed within the room can make a big difference in noise levels and overall comfort.
Choose a Bottom Bunk if Possible
Bottom bunks are often preferable for several reasons. They’re easier to get in and out of, especially at night. You won’t disturb others by climbing ladders when you need to use the bathroom.
Bottom bunks are also typically cooler, as heat rises in the room. If you’re prone to tossing and turning, a bottom bunk means you won’t disturb the person sleeping below you.
Avoid Common Areas and Bathrooms
Beds near common areas or bathrooms tend to experience more noise and foot traffic. People coming and going can disrupt your sleep throughout the night.
Lights from these areas might also shine into nearby beds. Choosing a bed farther from these high-traffic zones can significantly reduce disturbances and improve your sleep quality.
Ask About Quiet Areas
Many hostels have designated quiet areas or rooms. These spaces often have stricter noise rules and earlier quiet hours.
Ask the staff if they have any recommendations for quieter spots in the hostel. Some hostels even offer “snore-free” rooms or areas for light sleepers. Don’t be shy about requesting a bed in a quieter area if it’s available.
Create a Bedtime Routine
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help you relax and sleep better, even in the unfamiliar environment of a hostel.
- Limit caffeine and heavy meals 2 to 3 hours before bed to avoid sleep disruption
- Choose calming, quiet pre-sleep activities like reading or journaling before bed to wind down
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even while traveling, to regulate your body clock
- Take a warm shower before bed to lower your body temperature and promote sleepiness
- Practice simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises to calm your mind
By following these steps, you can create a sense of normalcy and improve your sleep quality, no matter where you’re staying.
Be a Good Roommate
Being considerate of your fellow travelers not only helps them sleep better but also creates a positive hostel environment that benefits everyone.
- Use headphones when listening to music or videos to avoid disturbing others
- Pack and unpack quietly, especially during early morning or late night hours
- Opt for a small flashlight or phone light instead of turning on the main room lights
- Avoid lengthy phone conversations in the room. Step outside if necessary
- Keep your belongings organized and within your designated space
- Always ask before using or moving someone else’s items
Remember, treating others with respect often leads to them returning the favor, creating a more enjoyable and restful experience for all.
Deal with Snoring and Other Noises
While noise is often unavoidable in hostels, there are several strategies you can use to minimize its impact on your sleep.
- Try earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out ambient sounds
- Use white noise apps for sleep to mask disruptive noises
- Consider sleeping with a small fan for consistent background noise
- Politely address noisy roommates, focusing on compromise rather than confrontation
- Change beds or rooms if possible when facing persistent noise issues
- Speak with hostel staff about enforcing quiet hours or addressing chronic problems
By being proactive and using these techniques, you can significantly improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep, even in a noisy hostel environment.
Stay Safe While Sleeping
While hostels are generally safe, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. These simple steps can help ensure a secure and worry-free stay, allowing you to sleep soundly.
Keep Valuables Locked Up
Always use lockers provided by the hostel to store your valuable items. If possible, use your own lock rather than one provided by the hostel for extra security. Keep important documents, electronics, and cash locked up, even when you’re sleeping in the room.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Take note of emergency exits and fire escape routes when you first arrive at the hostel. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the building and your room. Pay attention to who’s coming and going in your room, and don’t be afraid to report any suspicious behavior to hostel staff.
Trust Your Instincts
If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t ignore feelings of unease or discomfort about a situation or person in the hostel. If you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to speak with hostel staff or change rooms or hostels if necessary.
FAQs
Are hostels safe for solo travelers?
Hostels are generally safe for solo travelers, but it’s important to stay vigilant. Always use lockers to secure your valuables and be aware of your surroundings.
Many hostels have security measures in place, such as key card access and 24-hour reception. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to speak with staff if you feel uncomfortable.
How can I make friends in a hostel?
Making friends in hostels is often easy due to the social atmosphere. Spend time in common areas like lounges or kitchens where people gather.
Many hostels organize social events or group activities, which are great for meeting others. Don’t be shy about striking up conversations – most fellow travelers are open to making new connections.
What should I do if my roommate snores loudly?
First, try using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out the sound. If that doesn’t work, you can politely ask the person if they’re aware of their snoring and if they have any solutions.
Some hostels offer “snore-free” rooms, so you could ask staff about switching. Remember, snoring is common in shared rooms, so try to be patient and understanding.
How early should I book a hostel?
Booking times can vary depending on your destination and the season. For popular cities or during peak travel times (like summer in Europe), try to book at least a few weeks in advance.
During major events or festivals, you might need to book months ahead. However, for less busy locations or off-peak times, booking a week or two in advance is often sufficient.
What’s the difference between a hostel and a hotel?
Hostels typically offer shared dormitory-style rooms, while hotels provide private rooms. Hostels are usually more budget-friendly and socially oriented, with common areas for guests to mingle.
Many hostels also have shared kitchens, allowing you to cook your own meals to save money. While hotels often have more amenities, hostels provide a unique social experience and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Can I stay in a hostel if I’m not in my 20s?
Absolutely! Hostels welcome travelers of all ages. While many hostelers are younger, it’s common to find guests ranging from 18 to 60+ years old.
Some hostels cater to specific age groups or interests, so you can choose one that suits you best. Remember, hostels are about a shared love of travel, not age.
How can I ensure privacy in a shared hostel room?
Look for hostels that offer privacy curtains on beds or pod-style accommodations. Pack a sleep mask and earplugs to create your own “bubble” of privacy.
Choose a bottom bunk if possible, as it often feels more private than top bunks. If privacy is a top priority, consider booking a private room in the hostel instead of a shared dorm.
Conclusion
Staying in a hostel can be an exciting and rewarding part of your travel experience, even if you’re concerned about getting a good night’s sleep. By choosing the right hostel, packing smart, and creating a bedtime routine, you can significantly improve your chances of resting well, even if it doesn’t reach the luxuries of true sleep tourism.
Remember to be a considerate roommate and use strategies to deal with noise when needed. Prioritizing your safety by securing your belongings and staying aware of your surroundings will help you sleep more peacefully.
While hostels may present some sleep challenges, they also offer unique opportunities to meet fellow travelers and create lasting memories.
With these tips in mind, don’t hesitate to give hostel stays a try – you might discover a new favorite way to travel and experience the world.
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About the author
Geoff McKinnen is a writer focusing mainly on the healthcare industry and has written articles on everything from foods to help you lose weight to the connection between Alzheimer’s and sleep. Geoff’s passionate about helping readers improve their well-being to lead happier lives. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys cycling and hiking and believes that by leading a healthy lifestyle, he can help others do the same.
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