You never forget your first time! Hostels are an incredible way to see the world for cheap and meet friends as a solo traveler! They’re like summer sleep away camp for adults. Just like summer camp, hostels aren’t the most glamorous or comfortable places to stay, but they’re a whole lot of fun. I stayed in my first hostel without much info about what to expect! I’ve learned a lot since then about what hostel essentials I need to be comfortable and really enjoy my hostel stays. This is a list of hostel essentials I wish I had before my first stay broken up into categories to help you stay organized. This isn’t a full packing list- just items that are more specific for staying in hostels.
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Before you even begin packing for your hostel stay, check out how to choose your perfect hostel and how to pack for a solo backpacking trip!
Hostel Essentials: Sleep
The first category of hostel essentials, and maybe the most important, are all to ensure you get some good zzz’s while traveling. Getting a good night’s sleep in a dorm room with five or more other people may seem like a nightmare, but it is possible!
Eye mask
A good eye mask will block out light from windows without curtains (or roomies who turn the lights on at 3am). Get one with indents over each eye for optimal comfort.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
There are a couple different routes you can go here. I personally use the noise cancelling feature on my AirPods Pro paired with a white noise playlist from Spotify to completely block out sound. Other options are traditional ear plugs, Loop noise cancelling ear plugs, or over the ear noise cancelling headphones. Any of these options also come in handy when riding noisy public transport or on airplanes.
Light blanket
Bed linens are almost always included when renting a bed in a decent hostel, but depending on how you like to sleep, the sheets provided might not be heavy enough. Even dorm rooms in hot, tropical climates can get freezing with the air conditioning blasting at night. Take into account your own preferences and the average temperatures of where you’re staying when deciding what type of blanket to take. This can also be used on cold flights or as a makeshift curtain for bunk bed if you need some privacy. Taking a blanket that reminds you of home can also help combat the homesickness that can creep in at night!
Hostel Essentials: Hygeine
This second category of hostel essentials will keep you clean and comfortable. Although sharing a bathroom with strangers can feel icky, there are things you can pack to make the experience more comfortable!
Microfiber towel
Microfiber towels are quick drying and fold down smaller than traditional cotton towels, so they don’t end up smelling like mildew or take up as much space in your bag. I recommend getting one with a loop at one of the corners so it’s easier to hang up. Depending on where you’re going, you can also get a larger microfiber towel to use as a beach/pool towel, so you don’t have to worry about your shower towel getting dirty. If you like to wash your face outside of the shower, they also make smaller microfiber towels that can be used like a hand towel.
Shower shoes
While hostels nowadays are usually cleaned regularly, you’re still sharing a shower with people you don’t know- shower shoes will help you protect yourself from foot fungus and other things. These should be quick drying like rubber flip flops or slides, so they don’t hold water and get moldy. They can also double as easy shoes to wear around your room and the hostel.
Hanging toiletry bag
Having a toiletry bag that folds open and hangs allows you to see everything you brought quickly. The different pockets also help keep you organized. The hook on the bag gives you more options for where to put the bag, so you don’t have to worry about there being a big enough shelf in the shower for your stuff or having to set your bag on the ground.
Hostel Essentials: health & safety
This third category of hostel essentials will keep you feeling your best even while on the go. Many things like first aid equipment and medication can be bought at pharmacies while you’re traveling, so don’t feel like you have to pack absolutely everything you could possibly need when you leave. However, there are a few things that are good to have on hand!
Period Products
Depending on where you’re going, your preferred period products may not be available or may be harder to get. Think about when you’ll be traveling and if you’ll be expecting your period. Even if you aren’t expecting it, it can be good to have some on hand in case it surprises you or someone you run into needs some.
Stomach Medication
Medications that help with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be a lifesaver when you’re in a new place with new foods or water that isn’t safe to drink. These are also conditions that put you in a state where running to a pharmacy may not be an option. Don’t let upset tummies derail your travel plans anymore than they have to!
Pain reliever/fever reducer
A lot of times, pain relivers also double as fever reducers and will help you kill two birds with one stone. Keep these with you so a pesky headache or muscle aches from walking around more than normal doesn’t keep you from enjoying your plans for the day. Hopefully the fever reducer portion won’t be needed, but this can also make a world of difference when you’re sick and help get you on the mend quicker.
Electrolytes
Whether you prefer the tablets or the powders that dissolve in water, electrolytes can make a world of difference when you’re dealing with dehydration. These are especially important in hot climates where you’re sweating more than normal, but all the activities of traveling (and potentially consuming a few more ~beverages~ than normal) can also lead to dehydration. Remember- water is only half the equation when you’re trying to rehydrate and won’t do much good if your body is low in electrolytes.
locks
Hostel beds typically come with a big locker or drawer to store your bags in, and some will come with a smaller compartment near your bed to keep things like charging electronics. To keep yourself from losing your mind trying to get your locker open, I recommend getting locks with multiple dials that let you put in your code instead of the classic lock with one big dial- they are notoriously difficult to open. I would also recommend getting flexible locks because it’s unlikely you’ll know what the locker latches look like until you get to your hostel.
Portable charger
Most hostel beds come with multiple personal outlets at each bed, but it’s not always a guarantee. Having a portable charger gives you a way to charge your electronics near you at night and ensures you always have a source of power for charging your things. Find a place to sit and charge your portable charger during the day, so you can keep an eye on it. A portable charger also ensures your electronics don’t die while you’re out exploring.
headlamp
If it’s early in the morning or late at night, you do not want to be the person who turns on the big room light in your dorm because you can’t see. Bring a headlamp for times when your dorm room is dark or if you’re traveling in a part of the world where the electricity isn’t as reliable. They’re also helpful to have when walking around dark streets at night!
Filter Water bottle
You’re going to want to bring a way to drink clean water, especially if you’re going to a country where the water isn’t safe to drink. Even if your destination countries’ water is safe to drink, you never know about the taste and smell of water from the tap. Filter water bottles will help you save money from not having to buy bottled water, save you from dehydration, and help you keep the environment free of plastic waste!
Hostel Essentials: Fun
Saving the best for last! This hostel essentials category will help you make friends and enjoy hostel downtime.
Bluetooth speaker
Sometimes you just need some music. A Bluetooth speaker can be decently loud compared to its size, so a good quality speaker doesn’t need to take up a lot of space in your bag. These can be fun for impromptu karaoke, background ambiance, or a dance party while you’re making dinner in the hostel kitchen.
Deck of cards
Traditional playing cards give you the ability to play a bunch of different games with one deck. You might also consider bringing something everybody knows and is easy to teach like Uno. Having cards or some kind of game gives you a convenient, low stakes way to start making friends. And if you see a group of people playing a game you’d like to join, ask to get in on the next round!
This is just a small selection of the things I bring when I travel, and it is by no means exhaustive. Is there anything you think is missing? Is there anything you are totally against bringing? Let me know in the comments!