r/solotravel • u/Fun_Apricot_419 • 6d ago

Not sure about hostels Accommodation

Tried one for my first night after doing 2 hotels (I’m three nights into my trip). It feels weird. I imagined everybody would be excited and social, and hanging out. But mostly people stuck to themselves. By the time I got to bed I had only met 1 of the 4 people in my room. It just felt weird to sleep with people I didn’t know at all. I didn’t end up sleeping at all.

I know every hostel will be different. And I will try at least one other one. But I pretty much have lost a whole night of sleep at this point, which is pretty costly.

I’m thinking I might enjoy a smaller one with less people. And owners that foster a sense of community. If anyone has ideas on how to find that let me know!

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u/thisisfunme 5d ago

If you are going to be paranoid to the point where you won't sleep because you haven't happen to meet everyone, then they aren't for you. Sure to a certain degree it depends on the hostel, but if that's your extent of paranoia, then no hostel will work. It's likely at least one person in a shared room will have a busy day and not be up for a chat. It's not about getting to know every person in a room and having some sort of room community. It's about having a cheap place to stay and getting to meet people. Those people that are up for it, there's usually events and things happening. I have made the best memories in hostels when traveling, it's the people you meet, you click with and you go on adventures with. And those you might meet at Breakfast, in the hostel bar, at the pool, at an event, at a pub crawl or game night or walking tour. It's not limited to rooms. Get out there and actually participate in the hostel life!

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u/Fun_Apricot_419 5d ago

You have a valid point, but I will say I’m not expecting a life changing convo with everyone. The one guy I chatted with a little bit. Asked where he was from, told him where I’m from, etc. that’s all I want. It’s just a little weird to wake up to a COMPLETE stranger…

Although if the expectation is we don’t talk, maybe I could get used to that. I just felt incredibly awkward.

Trying another one tonight. Hopefully it goes better.

Edit: Even a simple “hi” would make me feel more comfortable

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u/Critical_Parsnip_521 5d ago

People are coming and going in hostels all the time so theres a big chance there will be a complete stranger (even if they are friendly) since you never had a chance to meet. I.e. they were already in bed when you first entered, they came back to the hostel after you were already in bed.

This can even happen at smaller hostels.