Backpackers and budget travelers know that staying in hostels is almost always the cheapest way to travel, but they also provide a community and group of services that you’ll almost never find at a proper hotel. Solo travelers can meet locals and fellow travelers with ease in a hostel, sometimes whether they want to or not. The common kitchens in most hostels also provide an almost fool-proof way to meet other people and make friends, all while saving money and having the ability to try local cuisine.
Choosing the right hostel for you gets better with experience. Here are our best tips to help you get started.