Tips for surviving in hostel dorms

Few things are as enjoyable as hanging out, local beer in hand, on the roof of a semi-shabby but cozy and brightly painted hostel in the middle of a big city.

He usually shares laughs with like-minded travelers he met two hours earlier. And often within a block or two, she can see the brightly lit sign of a Hilton or other major hotel.

And whether that hotel has a rooftop terrace or not, chances are it’s not full of new friends buying rounds. And there’s no doubt about it, it’s 10 times more expensive than your cozy little hostel.

But of course there is a cost to staying in the heart of Prague for $20 a night: The Hostel Dorm.
Yes, to get that cheap rate, you must sleep with between four and 40 people. And not in the fun way.

But with a little preparation and the right attitude, the benefits far outweigh the meager costs.

what to expect
First, if you’ve never stayed in one, hostels are essentially college dorms written large: rows of triple-height bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and loads of backpacks, plenty of shoes, and the occasional short-term relationship. Good hostels also have lockers to store your stuff.

Advantages and problems
The advantage of staying in any hostel dorm is the cost. It’s typically half the price of a private room and one-tenth the cost of staying in a traditional hotel.

The bedroom is also where he finds out about the local house party, or the walk everyone is going on the next day. It’s better than a guide, the social cloud is free and it’s a good time.

inconvenience
The downside of that whole community is actually that whole community. If this is your fifth hostel full of new friends, it can get claustrophobic. Everyone needs a break from the madness.

Another is noise. The fact is that people snore loudly. It could even be the snorer and not know it. Either way, someone will keep you awake after you’ve been raging or tripping for 24 hours straight.

Drunken dorm dwellers also seem to forget that they are, in fact, dorm dwellers. This increases proportionally to alcohol intake. Summaries of the evening’s events at 3am loudly, often with the lights on, are not uncommon.

It can also be kept awake by the occasional dorm date or the group that has a 4am train to catch and forgets to pack the night before.

How to survive and thrive
The overabundance of the community can start to drive you crazy if you don’t take a break. But many hostels are starting to recognize this and have started offering “relaxed” rooms. It’s just a dedicated space with hammocks, bean bags, you name it. But no talking is allowed. It is a place for you to be in your own space. Alone (more or less) and quiet.

Just ask when you make the reservation if they have one.

You will also need an eye mask and ear plugs. It is a simple solution. But they really work. The lights and the madness continue all around you while you are in dreamland. They’re especially useful if you’re trying to take an afternoon nap in the middle of a busy sleep.

And if you’re the snorer, bring some earplugs to hand out. Seriously, I’ve been to dorms where this was done and everyone was so appreciative. The guy knew he snored, but he still wanted the bedroom deal, so he made sure not to keep everyone else awake. And it worked.

You’ll also want to bring a standard-size combination lock and a small luggage lock. Hostels usually provide lockers, but not locks. The cheapest hostels, however, only have beds. So you’ll want to be able to lock your bag to the bed frame and use a small luggage lock or two to secure your bag’s zippered pockets.

However, probably the best tool you can bring to survive hostel life is a good attitude. People scream, have sex, turn on the lights, undress, snore, shake the bunk, and generally live their lives off schedule. It’s not your space. That’s the way it is.

Private Rooms / Semi Dorms
The final way to survive hostel dorm life is to, well, avoid hostel dorm life. The best way to do this is the semi-bedroom. Many hostels also offer rooms with four to eight beds.

So if you’re traveling with other people or meeting friends along the way, invite them to share a smaller bedroom. You’re still sharing your space, but it’s still much cheaper than a hotel or private room. You’ll also likely have the same schedule as your roommates and you’ll know who sleeps on the top bunk.

And, for the ultimate in comfort, there’s always the hostel’s private room. They are much more expensive than dorms, but are still a fraction of the cost of a regular hotel. You can also enjoy the friends, community and spirit of hostel life. You will be part of the cloud, but you will have your own space whenever you want.

Be sure to book early, as private hostel rooms are few and far between and often fully booked.

So despite the occasional restless night and body noises, dorms are definitely the way to go for the budget traveler. And if someone is keeping you awake, you can always head up to the rooftop with a local pint in hand, look at the Hilton sign two blocks away, and count the money you’re saving.