This is a topic which I have spoken to lots of people about in the last few days so I thought I would summarise my opinions based on experience into one post. I want to make it clear that I am specifically talking about budget travel and solo travel based on personal experience. For family holidays and similar, hotels might be a more suitable option but for travelling on your own and for meeting new people I would always suggest staying in hostels. I also want to make everyone aware of the possible risks of staying in both places, even though the chances of places being unsafe are low. And as always, if you ever have questions you think I can help with don’t hesitate to contact me!

HOTELS

Depending on the country and whether you’re staying alone, hotels can be a quick and easy option which you can book months ahead of your visit. The price directly mirrors what you get for example If you and your friend want a 4* hotel with a pool you’re expecting to get exactly that, and you expect to pay a higher price for those amenities. Being able to book far in advance will be a large factor in decision making for some people as it removes the element of stress from the trip and you know that you will have a private room with no disturbances. Hotels are also really easily accessible as they will most often be on transport lines in the city. This is much easier for returning late at night where you don’t want to be going through side streets alone. However, in some countries, hotels can be the less safe option. You don’t know how many people have access to keys to your room and whilst in some places there is a lock on the inside of the door, I still wouldn’t feel safe knowing someone could try and get in. Additionally, you are very isolated on your own as it’s unlikely you’ll be directly interacting with many other hotel guests and there is a risk that your room could have been tampered with before you arrived. There have been stories about hidden cameras in bedrooms and whilst this is very uncommon it’s always something to have in the back of your mind. The majority of hotels will be secure and safe and you will have a lovely stay there, but as a female travelling alone there are more suitable options with better prices.

HOSTELS

I think there is an image around hostels which makes people think they are rooms filled with bunkbeds with no aircon and no privacy however there is a massive range of types of hostels and if you’re willing to pay slightly more (which probably will still cost less than a hotel) there are some really modern and fancy places to stay. My favourite thing about hostels is the atmosphere. Because everyone is in the same boat and has the same intentions, everyone is very friendly, outgoing and looking to make friends. This means you can meet people to go on day trips with, eat dinner with and even people who are going on to the same location as you afterwards. Some hostels even host events or parties which helps bring everyone together. Also by sleeping in shared dorms you never feel on your own but of course being in a room with strangers also comes with its risks. A lot of people worry about their belongings being stolen but most places have lockers to store your things (bring your own padlock). I would suggest buying a money pouch which you can wear while you sleep under your clothes or your pillow which you can put your passport, phone and other valuables in, but it’s very unlikely that people will want to take your things. If you are worried about the lack of privacy or potential to get no sleep, some hostels have private dorms and single gender dorms to suit whatever makes you comfortable. For solo travellers or small groups, hostels provide everything you need as well as recommendations for things to do in the area and I think the experience you’ll have is incomparable.

I would love to hear everyone else’s opinions on which they prefer and why so feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.