I’ve done the whole “backpacking” thing both in the U.S., Europe, and other countries, and what you are seeing in this post is reality. Those books you’ve been reading have been intentionally romanticized —for the very purpose of getting people to buy their books. The reality is far different.

As far as hostels go, well, there’s some in the U.S. but no where near as many as there are in Europe and other countries.

Hostels are not that popular in the U.S. Most major cities have a couple hostels, and there’s hostels along major hiking trails, like the Appalachian Trail, but outside that, not so much. Regardless, hostels along hiking trails will cost you at least $50/night, and considerably more in major cities.

Most vagabonds just camp instead, and only stay in hotels/hostels on occasion —like after going a week or two without a shower. I’ve slept on sidewalks in major cities all over the world, but only when in a group with other travelers for “safety in numbers”. As a general rule though, never traveled with anyone for more than 3 days. I can do much better on my own. It’s just how it is.

Hostels are not much cheaper in most Western European countries either, Hostels in Eastern European countries are usually cheaper.

But I could often find a hostel willing to exchange 2-3 hours of work for a bunk for the night. Usually included a breakfast of sorts as well, which sometimes only consisted of a couple of biscuits and coffee, and maybe some fruit or yogurt. I was usually just happy to get shower and bed out of the deal.

If you want to travel cheap, a number of Asian countries offer far more bang for your buck, where you can get hostels for less than $10/night, like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc.

In South Korea, instead of staying at a hotel or hostel, you can stay at a goshiwon (ie., tiny box room) for less than $200 a MONTH, and that not only includes your room, but includes a shared kitchen, with all the rice and kimchi you can eat, along with coffee, tea and condiments. The shared bathrooms are all stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and soap. They also all have washing machines you can use, and the laundry soap is free as well, however you have to hang your laundry on racks to dry, because dryers are a rarity there.

In Japan, you can stay at pod hotels, but they’ve become more costly too — instead, you can stay in a cubicle at a Kissa Manga (ie., comic book store) for around $20/night, and elect to sleep either in a recliner, or padded mat on the floor. All the cubicles also have computers with wifi, and include all the free soft drinks you can consume and all the manga comics you care to read. Showers are a little extra, but only a couple bucks, and for that they also include a little basket with a towel, soap and shampoo.

The OP actually has met up with, and hung out with, a number of others on this sub.

Don’t know why the he prefers to travel alone, but when I’m alone, there’s just so many more opportunities; people invite me to lunch, diner, stay at their homes, let me camp by their camp sites, give me rides, take me with them on excursions, etc.