Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures – and one of the most unique and exciting (not to mention budget-friendly) ways to experience another country is by staying in a hostel. This form of accommodation will allow for lower prices than a hotel, as well as give you ample opportunity to meet fellow travellers from all over the world.
This type of accommodation is particularly popular among solo travellers – cheap rooms, others adventuring by themselves who are more than willing to strike up a conversation and, more often than not, free breakfasts! If you’re a female and considering taking an unaccompanied trip abroad, don’t be intimidated by the hostel life… this blog post about how to pick the best home away from home (and the infographic that inspired it) will put your mind at ease.
Ratings and Reviews
It’s important to make sure your hostel has a good rating – which, as most booking sites rate properties out of ten, should be at least an eight. That way, you’ll know most people who have stayed there enjoyed it (which means it’s likely an acceptable accommodation option), but still leaves room for the occasional, inevitable negative review.
It’s also a good idea to check out the written reviews – particularly the ones from other solo female travellers – on multiple booking sites. That way you’ll be clued up about any security and cleanliness issues and can make an informed decision about where you decide to book.
Size (and Location) Matters
The size and location of your hostel are variable attributes that could make (or break!) your stay. Staying in one that is larger often means more potential friends and lower prices, while small ones can mean you’ll get a better sleep, less noise and encounter more attentive staff. Many female travellers also find they feel safer in smaller hostels.
Location is another important feature of your accommodation. Do you like the convenience of being smack dab in the city centre close to all the attractions or would you prefer to stay outside of town to scoop up better prices and uncover off-the-beaten-track hidden gems? If you decide to settle farther away, make sure that there are public transportation options nearby so you’re not stuck up the creek without a paddle.
Whether you’re a lady who fell in love with solo trips years ago or you’re embarking on your first independent adventure, there’s a hostel out there that’s right for you. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience all this wonderful world has to offer the women who wander it.
