Just recently I’ve had a bad run of terrible hostel experiences. Maybe I’m getting a little older and crankier, maybe I’m sick of sharing a room with 7 other people, or maybe a little bit of both. Either way it got me thinking about the unwritten rules of hostel etiquette and sharing personal space with random travelers from all of the world.
If you’ve spent any time in dorms over your travels, chances are you’ll know exactly what, or who, I’m talking about. There’s always one person who disrupts the natural flow. Whether you’re in the party hostel where ‘anything goes’, or the quiet family run place, there’s always a general hostel etiquette that keeps the place running smoothly.
You can be a seasoned veteran, or a newbie just about to pack the bags, but whoever you are, don’t be that one tool who breaks the most simple of hostel etiquette. Here’s a list of the simplest of rules to get you through hostel life.
No Getting Dirty in the Dorms
We get it! You’re travelling solo, meeting interesting single people from all over the world and after a couple of drinks everything starts to flow a little easier. But before you think about having some ‘quiet’ sex in the dorm, remember this! You are DEFINITELY not as quiet as you think you are. Want some more space, privacy and a place to wash up after? Head to the showers.
Being a Slackpacker
Here we go, the classic ‘packing the bags in the early morning drama’. How do people not understand this one? If you’ve got a 4am bus departure the next day, the intelligent person would think to pack their bags the night before and be ready to get up and leave at the sound of their alarm. Understandably you need a few minuets to collect your thoughts, maybe even a couple of seconds with the light on, but for fucks sake, get your gear and get out!
No Shitting Where You Eat
This is another one that should go without saying, but apparently not everyone gets it. Finding a decent hostel with a kitchen can be a rare thing in some towns, so the last thing you want is to find one that looks like a complete pig sty. Unless you’re backpacking with your mum and she loves to clean up after you, try to keep the kitchen clean.
If It’s Not Yours, Don’t Touch It
Man, these are starting to write themselves. Whether it be food in the kitchen, toiletries in the bathrooms or stuff in the dorms. We’re all staying in dorms because we’re cheap, don’t take what little we have away from us. Especially alcohol, that’s just a low blow!
Avoid Sleeping Naked
And to top it off. Recently I woke up to the sun rising on the beautiful volcanic island of Ometepe, Nicaragua. I looked out the window and saw a rich blend of yellows and pinks swirling around the clouds. After taking a moment to appreciate the beauty I turned onto my left side, only to have a hairy set of balls staring at me from across the room. You may like to sleep naked at home, but no one wants to wake up to that.
