Traveling is a wonderful adventure, often filled with the joy of new experiences and the camaraderie of like-minded souls. However, the journey is as much about the people you meet, as it is about the places you visit.
If you’re a hostel-goer, it’s essential to ensure your behavior enhances, rather than disrupts, the communal living experience. As you all know, i’m a regular user of hostels and have become adept at navigating my way around the obstacles (mostly human).
Consequently, I’m happy to share my top 10 ways for you to to tell if you might be an inconsiderate traveler, especially if you regularly use hostels; and some tips on how to adjust your behavior to become the ultimate considerate guest.
1. The Alarm Clock Menace
Picture this: you’re cozily wrapped in your blanket, enjoying the last few precious moments of sleep before a day of exploration. Suddenly, a loud, obnoxious alarm blares through the room, and just as you think it’s over, it goes off again.
If you’re a serial snooze button hitter, disturbing everyone around you, you might just be an alarm clock menace. To avoid this, consider setting a single alarm and getting up immediately. If you know you’re not a morning person, opt for a vibrating alarm that won’t wake up the whole dorm. Being mindful of others’ need for uninterrupted sleep is crucial in a shared space.
2. The Duracell Bunny
The Duracell Bunny is the traveler and guest, who never stops talking, from the moment they check-in. Or as I always label them, they are loud-mouthed attention seekers, the type of which you first encounter in the school playground and then you meet various versions of, throughout your adult life.
It is as if silence is their ultimate nemesis and whatever the situation of anyone around them may be, eg. watching TV or maybe working on their laptop, and whatever the situation is, they always think their voice should be the loudest during any conversation, and have absolutely no noise consideration for anyone else.
Whether it’s talking on their phone from the moment they wake up til the minute they finally fall asleep – and let’s not forget their lobby talking game – as if the world deserves to be included in their conversation. This is an inevitable moment in hostel life. There are two solutions exit stage right, or ensure you invest in noise-canceling headphones, so you can block the noise out.
3. Bag Explosion
Your backpack is your lifeline when you travel, as it contains everything you need for your travels. But if you’re a messy puppy, and on arrival at your latest spot, you like to spread your things everywhere, exploding all over the room, taking up more than your fair share of space, it’s time to snap out of it. Spreading out your clothes, toiletries, and gadgets, in a small living space, can be beyond annoying and disruptive to your roommates.
Instead, keep your items organized and contained. Use packing cubes to compartmentalize your stuff and always pack up your gear neatly. Not only does this help keep the room tidy, but it also ensures you can find your belongings quickly without causing chaos wherever you are.
4. Late-Night Ruckus
Returning from a great night out is always a good time, but it’s essential to remember that not everyone shares your schedule. If you come back late at night and proceed to make a racket—turning on the lights, talking loudly, or rummaging through your things—you’re likely disrupting the sleep of others.
If you want to avoid being the late-night ruckus, plan ahead. Use your phone’s flashlight, lay out your pjs and toiletries before you leave, and be as quiet as possible when you get back to the room. Your roommates will appreciate the effort to maintain a peaceful sleeping environment.
5. Early Bird Noises
On the flip side, being an early riser in a dorm setting comes with its own set of responsibilities. If you’re up at dawn, rustling plastic bags, zipping and unzipping your luggage, and making noise, you’re likely disturbing those who are still sleeping.
You can avoid it, by a little prep the night before. Lay out your clothes and any items you’ll need in the morning. Try to do as much as you can outside the dorm room. This way, you can start your day early without waking everyone else.
6. Snoring Symphony
We all need sleep, but if you’re known for your snoring symphonies, it’s time to take action. Chronic snorers can make it nearly impossible for everyone else in the room to get a good night’s rest.
While you may not be able to control your snoring entirely, there are steps you can take to reduce it and . Consider using nasal strips, a snoring mouthpiece, or even a specialized pillow. If you know you’re a loud snorer, let your roommates know in advance so they can come prepared with earplugs. This small gesture shows consideration and respect for their sleep.
7. Hogging the Bathroom
Shared bathrooms in hostels can be a bit of a warzone, especially during peak times. If you take long showers or monopolize the facilities, you’re likely causing frustration. The key here is being smart with your time and mindful of others. especially during busy hours.
Keep your showers short and to the point. Organize your toiletries, so they are easily accessible, and you can quickly grab what you need and go. This consideration ensures everyone has a fair chance to use the facilities without unnecessary delays.
8. Eating in the Dorm
Hostel dorms are meant for sleeping and relaxing, not for dining. Bringing food into the dorm, especially strong-smelling items, that make the room smell freaky to everyone. If you’re a dorm snacker, please stop.
Use the common areas designated for eating. These spaces are typically set up to handle food waste and odors better than a dorm room. Plus, eating in common areas can be a great way to socialize with fellow travelers.
9. Tech Troubles
In today’s digital age, we’re often glued to our devices. However, a Netflix binge, playing your music, or having loud phone conversations in the dorm, without headphones is just as rude as flipping off your roommates.
Sure you may think that simply saying I don’t have headphones is enough. It’s not, and you are not excused. Headphones are so cheap and easy to pick up anywhere (I keep a back-up ones kept from tour buses trips or from Primark).
To avoid being the source of tech troubles, always use headphones when listening to music or watching videos. Sit in the lobby or find a quiet corner outside of the main dorm, to talk on the phone.
I understand it, you can’t be bothered to get out of bed, but really what makes you think random strangers want to hear you talk on the phone? Respecting the quiet and peaceful environment of the dorm is essential for everyone’s comfort.
10. Lights On
There’s nothing worse than being jolted awake by bright lights. If you’re someone who turns on the main light late at night or early in the morning, you’re likely causing unnecessary disturbances.
Instead, use a small flashlight or your phone’s light to navigate. There are even special clip-on reading lights that can provide just enough illumination without waking others. Keeping the dorm dark during sleep hours helps maintain a restful environment for all.
11.Bed Squatter
In the cleanest sense of the world, if you hate the bunk you’ve been assigned, don’t be selfish and squat in your preferred bed – because that’s what you are doing when you take a bed that isn’t allocated to you. Go to reception and see if you can switch beds. If it’s no, then accept it. If you do you, you make things difficult for reception, whose booking system will now be incorrect.
12.Ignoring Personal Space
Personal space is a sacred concept, even in the close quarters of a hostel. Hanging your wet towel on someone else’s bed, spreading your stuff onto other people’s bunks, or borrowing items without asking shows an entitled disregard for other people.
You should always respect others’ space and belongings. Ask before you borrow something like a travel adapter or a phone charger. Keep your wet items contained in your own area, and be mindful of how much space you’re taking up. This respect for personal boundaries goes a long way in fostering a positive hostel experience.
The Heart of Hostel Etiquette
Traveling and staying in hostels can be one of the most enriching experiences, offering a chance to meet new people, learn about different cultures, and make lifelong memories. However, the communal nature of hostels requires a heightened sense of awareness and consideration. Being a considerate traveler is about more than just following rules—it’s about creating an environment where everyone can enjoy their stay.
Building a Positive Atmosphere
By being mindful of your behavior and how it impacts others, you contribute to a positive atmosphere. A hostel is a shared space, and your actions directly affect the comfort and enjoyment of your fellow travelers. Small adjustments in your habits can make a big difference. Think of it as a way to pay forward the kindness and respect you hope to receive in return.
Practical Tips for Considerate Hostel Living
- Plan Ahead: Whether it’s preparing your belongings the night before or having a strategy for quiet early mornings, a little planning can go a long way.
- Communicate: If you know you have habits that might disrupt others, such as snoring or needing to leave early, communicate this to your roommates. A heads-up can help everyone adjust and prepare.
- Use Common Areas: Take advantage of the spaces designed for eating, socializing, and relaxing. This keeps the dorm room a quiet, restful place.
- Stay Organized: Keeping your things neat and contained not only helps you but also shows respect for your roommates’ space.
The Golden Rule
Ultimately, the golden rule of hostel etiquette is simple: treat others as you would like to be treated. Show respect, be considerate, and always be aware of how your actions impact those around you. Traveling is a beautiful journey, and when we all play our part in being considerate travelers, it enhances the experience for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Being an inconsiderate traveler can tarnish not only your own experience but also that of others around you. By adopting these simple yet effective habits, you can ensure that you’re a positive, respectful presence in any hostel.
So there you have it, my top 12 – I tried sticking to 10, but I had two more bug bears, I just couldn’t leave out.
Happy travels, and may your journey be filled with amazing experiences and wonderful connections!
TravelinLivingColour 