12 Things to Bring to Hostels

1.Sleeping bag liner

You never know if your sheets were washed or not. Sometimes it is just better to be safe than sorry. There is no telling what the previous occupant of your bed may or may not have done.

2.Spare battery pack

Often I have been to hostels that do not have enough outlets for everyone to charge their electronics. Or the outlet is not near your bed. It is best to have this option. I also suggest not buying one to expensive. I often will charge my phone at night off of this then leave the battery pack charging while I am gone during the day.

3. Lock

You always need to carry a lock for a locker. So far I have never had any problems with theft, but it does happen. It is always better to be safe. You do not want to carry your passport when you go out to the bars, but its best not to leave it out. It is important that this isn’t to heavy duty. I had issue with a standard sized padlock being to big to fit into the hole on the locker latch. My suggestion is to get one size up from the zipper locks. If they want in bad enough it won’t hold, but they would have to make some noise doing this.

I would also suggest having at least one small zipper lock. The zipper lock is in case there is a locker that is too small for your bag to fit inside. I put my valuables inside the locker then have the zipper lock incase I want to use it as well.

4. Shower Shoes

We all know what our mothers told us. Bring a pair of shower shoes, we all know that there are always a few people at the hostel with questionable hygiene. You don’t want to be in the shower barefoot after them. The main reason is athlete’s foot. Never fun traveling abroad and trying to find some sort of medicine when you cant read the labels. These are also useful when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. No need to lace of the hiking boots just to go to the bathroom.

5. Travel Towel

These are nice to have. They are light weight and do not take up much space. The hostels often, but not always offer towels. These are usually for a fee though. So why not save a few extra buts and buy yourself (or that new friend you met) a beer. Also this goes back to never really knowing if things were washed, or washed well.

6. Ear plugs

Trust me, they don’t take up much space and they may save your sanity. Whether that is to quiet down your ridiculously loud neighbors’ snores or if it is the noise of the girl above you who brought back a friend at 3 in the morning. (Not much you can do about the bed shaking.)

7. Extra Soap

I always bring more soap than I think I would need for showers. If the trip is longer than a week, I will usually wash some clothes in the shower or sink. You can just hop in the shower still wearing your clothes and soap up. Saves a little money and a lot of weight in your bag. Just try not to hang them anywhere that will cause your fellow hostel stayers’ problems. Squeeze them out well, fold them in your travel towel and step on them. This will speed up the process. It should also hopefully prevent them from dripping on the floor. I suggest only washing a day or two of clothes at a time so that you do not cause anyone else problems.

8. Advil

You may need it yourself, or one of your fellow hostel stayers may after a long night on the town. Great way to make new friends.

9.Water bottle

Not all hostels have vending machines or a bar open 24/7. Carry a water bottle and depending on the area a water filter may not be a bad idea.

10. Puffy Jacket

Not a bad idea to always have a lightweight puffy jacket. They pack down pretty small, especially if you have a stuff sack. It is nice if there is an unexpected cool day, or if the hostel is a little to cold at night.

11. Flask

It is always a good option to save a little money. Whether that be for personal use or to share with new friends before heading to the hostel bar.

12. Snacks

A good consideration depending on where the hostel is and whether or not
it serves food most of the day.

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