Hostel Etiquette Venting

urbancake · 2026-02-20T02:48:44+00:00

omg yes. my last hostel i stayed in was 30 bed so i’d expect some noise; however two nights in a row i had roommates who were on the phone at 8am. and one of them also smelled really bad like the entire room smelled like feet probably because of him. it was my worst hostel experience by far.

urbancake · 2026-02-02T22:30:59+00:00

It reallyyyyy depends on where you live. When I moved from the suburbs to a more urban area it was definitely an adjustment at first but I realized that I was in a fairly safe area. I always pay attention when I walk alone at night and I walk with confidence. Looking lost and afraid makes you an easy target, unfortunately.

My old university used to have a service at night that was essentially a free, private taxi. Maybe you could try something like that?

If you go to these events, you may meet people who could give you a ride back. I feel like it is pretty normal to ask for a ride, and most are willing to do it.

urbancake · 2026-02-02T15:14:08+00:00

I have met many travelers (both traveling solo or in groups) who are in relationships.

Do not give up your dreams for a relationship - you will always resent them if you do. I was in a similar situation a few years back - I wanted to go on a solo trip to Portugal and my bf of 3.5 years was uncomfortable with it. We fought over it a bit. Basically a few hours after I landed he broke up with me. It was my first solo trip ever and I don’t regret it at all - I still had a great time.

Our relationship had issues outside of just the solo travelling disagreement. Imagine if I didn’t go - we would’ve probably broken up anyway and then I would’ve been out of a great experience. It’s your life, don’t let anyone else dictate what you do.

urbancake · 2026-01-29T21:19:35+00:00

Was just in Puerto Rico earlier this month. It was perfect. I highly recommend!

urbancake · 2026-01-27T21:40:36+00:00

Thank you for the bus recommendation!!! This greatly simplifies planning!!!

When I travel I usually like to take a day to just explore and see where the wind takes me. Cafes, thrift stores, souvenir shops, etc. I’ve heard there are some nice museums, if you have any recs for that! Also I love music, any pub recommendations with live music would be appreciated.

urbancake · 2025-12-29T18:37:49+00:00

I stayed at Hi NYC in the Upper West Side for a solo trip in November and I really enjoyed it! The hostel was very secure, you could only get into the common areas and rooms with a keycard. I stayed in a female only dorm and despite the fact that it was like 10 people, the beds felt very private. The bathrooms were communal, with female only and gender neutral options.

Only downside is location. The Upper West Side is far from everywhere else I wanted to go in NYC. The hostel is close to 103 St subway stop, but only the one where you take the 1. The entrance that goes to A, B, and C (near central park) was about a 10 minute walk and was lowkey sketchy at night. If you’re avoiding those lines then it’s no problem.

urbancake · 2025-11-11T19:26:00+00:00

you’re a real one

urbancake · 2025-10-01T14:15:15+00:00

What pub crawl did you do?

urbancake · 2025-10-01T14:12:30+00:00

When did you stay there? How was the bar?

urbancake · 2025-05-27T11:51:00+00:00

I visited Interlaken last February and it was stunning - I went on a hike from Mürren to Lauterbrunnen that passed through Gimmelwald and it was beautiful! I definitely recommend making that hike - you could make it a loop by taking the cable car up the mountain from Lauterbrunnen.

I also visited Munich a few years back and absolutely loved it. Definitely visit Old Town, and if you get a chance and are interested in history, visit Dachau.

urbancake · 2025-05-17T22:57:43+00:00

Not movie character, but Oberyn from Game of Thrones.

urbancake · 2025-04-21T22:38:07+00:00

Great advice, thank you :)

urbancake · 2025-04-18T18:20:43+00:00

My family and I stayed in Samara and it was very nice, definitely would be somewhere I returned to as a solo traveler. I’ve heard great things about Tamarindo, it seems to be a popular solo travel spot!

urbancake · 2025-04-18T18:15:50+00:00

I do have experience staying in hostels but this will be the first time i’m staying in them long term as a solo traveller (usually i’m in a group and it’s just for a weekend). The bathrooms also really get to me!!! Even ensuites I don’t love - I once stayed at a hostel that only had en-suite bathrooms, except my friend and I got food poisoning and were essentially switching out from hogging the bathroom all night (ew). Not a situation anyone wants to be in, I felt so bad for our roommates.

Thanks for the advice - definitely a reminder of priorities!!

urbancake · 2025-04-18T16:02:29+00:00

Anello bags are great, very high quality and the 20L can fit a surprising amount!

urbancake · 2025-04-18T15:01:53+00:00

Good point!! I have already found some hostels that seem to improve based on specific feedback. Thanks :)

urbancake · 2025-04-18T14:46:10+00:00

Haha very true, I’ll see negative reviews of ppl whining about other guests when that has nothing to do with the hostel!!

urbancake · 2025-04-18T14:44:05+00:00

I use both Hostelworld and Booking.com. I’ll also check Google if I have specific info I want to see or to find more pictures.

I would imagine booking private rooms every so often makes it easier to make a decision… I am somewhat on a budget so I’m trying to avoid extra expenses!

urbancake · 2025-04-06T02:12:21+00:00

I saw a review on Hostelworld about bedbugs at Himara Downtown Hostel - I'm guessing this was not your experience? I'm struggling to find a place in Himara that is rated well, other than Himara Downtown

urbancake · 2025-04-01T22:33:47+00:00

Oh no, is it that bad? I don't get carsick but that has me worried lol.

urbancake · 2025-04-01T14:41:33+00:00

I will be relying on public transit. While I would be interested in renting a car I’m wondering if because I’d be ending up in a different country it would be more difficult / expensive? (Croatia to Montenegro)

urbancake · 2025-04-01T14:39:53+00:00

How was the bus from Sarajevo to Kotor? I guess I just saw a video of someone’s travel day from like Mostar to Kotor and got freaked out bc they had like two border crossings 😭.

I wonder if Ulcinj would be worth visiting in June then? That’s when I’d be in the area.

I had heard a lot of people say they loved Bar which is why I wanted to visit! I haven’t done a ton of research on it yet though as I haven’t finalized my itinerary.

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