How to choose the right hostel for you

But not all hostels are created equal. Some cater to carefree backpackers chasing the cheapest bed, while others are designed with remote workers in mind. Plenty lean eco-friendly, with a focus on sustainability and nature, while others draw crowds for their downtown city locations. HI Canada even offers wilderness escapes where it’s just you, a handful of guests, wildlife, and the sound of wind through the treetops.

So how do you pick the right one and make sure your trip lives up to the dream? Start with these 11 questions to ask yourself before you book.

Do I want a social vibe or a quieter stay? 

This is probably the biggest question a backpacker needs to ask themself before booking anything and therefore, it’s a smart place to start. Are you a party person and if so, to what extent? Is it essential for you to befriend other travellers in your dorm? For some of us, the most memorable travel experiences include those who we met, and shared adventures with. But that’s not the case for everyone. You might be the backpacker who arrived with a project in mind and seeks a quieter stay as you take a break from your daily humdrum. You might be thinking of early nights, tranquil mornings, perhaps meeting deadlines from afar, and a comfortable space to return to after a day’s worth of activities. Decide which camp you’re in and look for the hostel that caters to that. 

How much time will I be spending there?

Plenty of travellers love an itinerary that’s pretty much packed from sunrise to sunset. Shortly after arrival, it’s go, go, go. Days are full with hikes, cafes, restaurants, concerts, and tours. As for the hostel? Many of these types of travellers are just looking for a place to sleep while they save their money for tours. Others are looking for a property to truly enjoy that maybe comes with a patio, pool, garden, bar or communal workspace. If it’s just a bed you want, maybe money spent on these extras feels like money wasted. But if you’re checking in expecting to catch up on reading, lounge without having to go far, or get some work done, those hostels are a no-brainer.

Does this accommodation align with my budget?

Where are you at financially and how much are you looking to spend on a bed or private room? It’s important to know whether you lean more toward budget backpacker, mid-range traveller, or someone who likes a touch of luxury when on vacation. Sometimes making travels happen is simply a matter of choosing the cheapest accommodation, always. Other times, there’s a little more cash to put towards booking the place with free morning yoga, a private patio and extra soft linens.

Does it have wifi?

This is a simple question: Do you need a strong wifi connection, and does this hostel have it? You might book a wilderness stay looking to completely disconnect and immerse yourself in nature off-grid. That’s completely different from needing to show up to meetings, meet project deadlines, and work a flexible digital nomad schedule.

Do the shared spaces meet my needs?

What kinds of shared spaces do you require or prefer? For example, a remote worker needs a proper workspace and shouldn’t settle just for sitting hunched on a bed. Many backpackers look for a shared kitchen to save a buck on food costs and those looking for a social atmosphere will love things like garden spaces, games rooms or a common lounge. 

Am I looking for independence or organized activities?

Some hostels are hubs of social energy, offering pub crawls, walking tours, guided hikes, and group dinners that make it easy to meet fellow travellers. Others take a hands-off approach, giving you the space to plan your own adventures at your own pace. Think about whether you’d thrive in a built-in community or prefer the freedom of total independence to do exactly what you want without having to feel guilty or compromise—your choice will shape the vibe of your stay.

Would I want a shared dorm or private room?

It’s a simple question: Are you comfortable in shared dorms or do you need your own space? Hostels can really range in what they offer here. Some only offer dorms. Others have a dorm space but mainly bank on travellers who want their privacy. There are accommodations that offer cozy four-person rooms and ones where you can select female-only options. If you’re a light sleeper, introverted traveller or someone who doesn’t like to be disturbed until well into the morning, be honest with yourself and book accordingly.

Do the amenities suit my travel style?

Listen up, before you book anything, it’s good to be really clear about what your travel self is going to want in the actual moment. You may tell yourself you’re fine sharing a bathroom or staying at a rustic wilderness location with bare-bones facilities only to feel quite differently once you’re actually there. Even things as simple as free unlimited coffee or filtered water can make a huge difference once you’re actually into your travels. 

Is it located close to the activities I plan on doing?

If you’re looking for a city stay, downtown hostels near tourist districts are a great choice. But if your goal is to recharge and take a real break, a hostel in a small mountain town, near hiking trails, or surrounded by nature might be more your style. Some hostels are intentionally set in these quieter locations, so think about whether you want the buzz of the city or the calm of the outdoors before you book. Is the vibe hot coffee beside a lake in the morning or tequila shots at night?

How do I feel about anticipated noise levels?

A lot of party hostels are clear about what to expect. If you’re a bed-by-nine kind of traveller, those just probably aren’t well-matched to your itinerary. Be realistic about whether or not the soundtrack that comes with social places is going to work for you. You don’t want to be faced with regrets at 3 a.m.

Are there other personal values I need to consider?

Passionate about nature and the environment? There are so many hostels with an eco focus these days that put a concentrated effort into conserving water and electricity and promoting time outdoors. If you’re all about entrepreneurship and use your travel time to come up with new project ideas, hostels that focus on bringing digital nomads together might give your trip the connection and inspiration you need. If you’re an intrepid traveller whose best life is lived out of a backpack, then a highly-reviewed hostel that has a reputation for hosting really experienced travellers might be *the dream.* When you book places that are aligned with your values, you meet people who you click with and you just get more from the experience.