The best way to travel, is to travel with others.
Staying at a hostel is the best way to truly experience life in other places. There are dos and don’ts to everything and staying at hostels has some doozies (and some dontzies). Check out theses travel tips on a budget
Do Plan Ahead
You’ve started with travel tips and that’s great. Good job. Decide on a location that has what you’re looking for like snow sports, surfing, rock climbing, or clubs. There is a hostel out there that fits your needs. Search in that area for spots with your ideal activities that will be open when you’re there. Set a radial distance from your hostel and get to know the area. Make reservations for some hot restaurants you’d like to try. Prepare your transportation by renting a car or bike, or having a card with plenty of money for ride-shares or public transportation. Keep these travel tips in mind but…
Don’t Forget to Live in the Moment
The best parts of life are often found in the spontaneous moments. The kind of moments that you can’t see coming but could change you life forever. You might meet the love of your life only one room over. You could get the job offer that you’ve been searching for. Maybe a group at the hostel is going to a nearby bar and, even though it’s not your thing, you decide to go and have an amazing night. Anything can happen when you’re surrounded by likeminded people. Be open to new experiences, new food, and new cultures. You never know where these connections might lead and what new travel tips you might learn.
JOSHUA TREE HOSTEL EXPERIENCE – 65160 REAGEN RD, JOSHUA TREE, CA 92252
Do Keep in Touch
Your family and friends back home are probably thinking about you. Remember the people you left behind and definitely keep in touch. Send postcards from your adventures or letters from your favorite hostel. Text someone you know every day so they know where you are, and it also lets them live vicariously through you. Posting on social media is great too, although careful to not get wrapped up in sharing everything. You may never experience the same thing again so it’s important to close your eyes at the top of the hill and…
Don’t Miss Out
The beautiful surroundings around you are unique to where you are. Turn off your music and put away your phone. Feel the ground beneath your feet and the trees towering around you. Dip your feet in the sand and walk into the ocean. Breath in the fresh air and save that memory. Dance with the music of the neighborhood bar, even if if it’s not your usual tunes. No place is the same as another. Every city or town you visit has something that makes the locals stay there. Find what it is and try and appreciate it from their point of view.
PACIFIC BEACH HOSTEL EXPERIENCE – 707 REED AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92109
Do Your Best
Be kind to yourself. Not everything will go as planned, and spontaneous adventures won’t always live up to the hype. Apply yourself to the experiences presented and don’t give up. Something great is around the corner. Don’t pack your schedule too full. Leave space for the universe to present opportunities. Eat healthy but treat yourself. Be thrifty, but don’t let anything stop you. If you’re too tired for the hike, rest. Push your body and mind to it’s limit, then pull back and give it time to heal. Perhaps most importantly…
Don’t Hold Yourself Back
Often the greatest hurdles you might encounter are those we might impose on ourselves. Try anything once. Take that as far as you’re comfortable. You never know what new experience might awaken something inside of you. Try food that you’ve never had before. Participate in activities that you haven’t done before. Forget about the limits you’ve had before. Join the drum circle and keep the rhythm. Start a sing along with classic tunes. The only limits when adventuring in hostels are those we set. Your trip will be infinitely better when you push through the ceilings that then become your floors.
SAN FRANCISCO HOSTEL EXPERIENCE– 680 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
Do Pack Light and Pack Right
When traveling via hostels it’s important to pack light, and pack the essentials. Contrary to popular understanding, staying in hostels doesn’t mean a ton of walking with all of your possessions on your back. Most hostels have lockers where you can store your belongings while you’re on an adventure. Have plenty of socks and 3-5 days worth of clothes. Bring warm clothing and your swim suit. Most hostels have laundry available and you can rewear clothes throughout your trip. Always look cute, but trust me when I say that the mountains won’t be judging you. Also, definitely…
Don’t Bring Your Valuables
This is a great tip to follow for many reasons. When you’re out adventuring in unknown terrain, it’s far too easy to drop your camera or damage your favorite shirt. Bring your phone in a durable case and keep it stored when not in use. Another aspect to consider is that you will be staying in rooms with strangers. It is the belief of the author of this article that most people are good. Being as this doesn’t apply to everyone, it is wise to leave your valuables at home. Keep your important items in a safe place and close to your person whenever possible.
SANTA BARBARA SURF HOSTEL EXPERIENCE
Do Have Fun
Start every day with a plan to have fun. Don’t let your neighbors snoring get you down. Smile at yourself in the mirror until you feel it. Join in on your hostel’s activities or start them up yourself. Share your travel tips with other adventurers. The more fun that your housemates have, the more will be shared in the world at large. Laugh at your mistakes and be kind to others. The vibe in hostels errs on the side of fun, so don’t be a stick in the mud. Go with the flow while still being true to yourself. Embrace the fun but…
Don’t Live Sloppy
Hostels are often full of fun people partying into the wee hours. Join the fun and have a good time but I caution you to keep your wits. Many a day can be wasted with an insufferable hangover. You don’t want to miss out on a landmark adventure because you partied too hard the night before. Another thing to consider is keeping your funds tight. Many a burger and fries was purchased by a hungry partier. Keep yourself and your possessions safe. You can party anywhere but you may only be at the hostel for a few days, so don’t miss out on the spectacular views.
HILLCREST HOSTEL EXPERIENCE – 3751 SIXTH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92103
