Hostels have gotten so much bad rep that when people think of hostels, they usually picture a dingy, bug-infested room emanating a musty odor. To top that off, we’ve been haunted by movies for ages about shady hostel guests (who are secretly psycho and have murderous tendencies) making us highly suspicious of everyone else.

Boo!
But thankfully, it’s not like that in real life. In fact, most hostels are clean, safe and comfortable to stay in. Traveling a lot has helped reshape my warped perception about hostels in general.
These are my top reasons why I think you should stay in a hostel too:
AFFORDABILITY
Hostels are a viable option for all cost-conscious travelers who seek reasonably priced accommodation. Without the glitz and glamour of a typical tourist hotel, hostels are cheap because they can afford to be. Depending on which part of the world you are in, hostel prices range between 5 to 40 USD per night only.

LOCATION
Many hostels nowadays are conveniently located in central areas with countless attractions within reach. Also, a lot of hostels have direct access to public transportation so it’s easy to get around.
UNIQUE
There are so many different kinds of hostels varying in their amenities, entertainment, style and comfort that no two would ever be the same. If you fancy sleeping in a monastery, a castle, a bunker, a cave or a prison, there are some hostels around the world that offer this one of a kind of experience you won’t get anywhere else.

RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
Hostels have a very friendly and laid back vibe that would immediately make you feel at home.
BUILD FRIENDSHIPS
Hostels have dorm rooms and common lounge areas so staying in one gives you an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends from all corners of the world.

SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Hostels promote a sense of community through the culture of cooking and eating together. Some hostels offer weekly fun activities and social events that all guests can participate in and enjoy.

PERSONAL GROWTH
Striking up a conversation with fellow hostel guests is truly a valuable learning experience. Exchanging information, stories, and experiences with people having different cultures, societies, languages, worldviews, beliefs, and backgrounds help us gain fresh perspectives and smash our preconceived notions. It is through cross-cultural encounters that we become more aware of our own culture, identity and values and that we become more understanding and appreciative of others.
To sum it all up, hostels are hubs for social and recreational activities where you can meet culturally diverse people and gain new friends. Not only do they make an excellent starting point for exploration but you can also get the comfort of a hotel room and more with just a fraction of the cost. Hopefully, these reasons are enough to break down the bad stigma associated with staying in hostels.
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