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Top Tips for Booking Hostels (Experience from Years of Backpacking)

Written by Becca

Updated on February 21st, 2024

Booking a hostel for the first time on your trip? See my list of tips for traveling and staying in hostels, from my decade of hosteling and backpacking around the world.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Is it your first time staying in a hostel?
• Why I like hostels
• What to look out for (top tips) when booking a hostel
• What to bring when staying in a hostel
• What to know about hostels and travel
• A few hostels we’ve stayed in and reviewed

I think hostels are the single thing that defined my first decade (yes, a DECADE of traveling). From when I was a mere 20 years old to when I finally hit 30 (and beyond), I stayed in hostels while traveling. Some of my BEST travel memories ever were in hostels, or with the people I met in hostels, from Panama to Thailand.

I’ve stayed in small family-run hostels, and larger-name hostel “chains” (like “Loki” or “Wild Rover” in South America) where you can stay within the same family of hostels in different cities or even various countries. I’ve stayed in hostels because they were cheap, in my earlier years of backpacking, and most recently, I’ve stayed in hostels for the opportunities to meet other cool travelers and to stay somewhere with a fun vibe.

I literally can’t count how many hostels I’ve stayed in. Maybe 70? I think that type of expertise gives me the authority needed to write a list of my hostel tips for you! In the list I’ve prepared here, find out all about hostel-style travel, why you should stay in a hostel and the best tips for booking and staying in one.

I hope you have the amazing experience in hostels that I’ve had throughout my life and around the world!

Is it your first time staying in a hostel?

If you’re not sure what to expect, I am glad you are checking out a guide like this one. Hostels nowadays are world away from the hostels I stayed in during my earlier days of travel. I think travelers now have a higher regard for hostels and also a higher bar of what to expect!

There are three main reasons, in my mind, to stay in a hostel. Here they are:

• Price : you’re nearly always going to pay less to stay in a hostel, especially if you book a dorm bed!
• Social environment : whether you’re traveling as a couple, with a buddy or on your own, hostels provide the most social environments for travelers to meet other cool people.
• Events, activities & excursions : hostels often provide events, parties, group activities, happy hours or tour options for travelers, and some of these types of things have been awesome for me!

If it is your first time booking a hostel stay, there is no reason to be nervous. There is probably going to be another first-timer who is having all the same thoughts!

I compared all the reasons to stay in a hostel versus a hotel versus an Airbnb, and you can read my thoughts in my guide to booking accommodation options .

Why I like hostels

I like that hostels feel like friendly places. The more often you stay in hostels, the more fun it is to see all the different types of hostels all around the world.

I’ve stayed in hostels in (ready?) China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Japan, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, the US, Canada, Israel, South Africa, the Netherlands, Portugal, Estonia, Latvia and Spain & the Canary Islands. That’s a LOT of hostels through the years!

I’ve met friends for a lifetime, learned to sleep in a room of backpackers, enjoyed drinks on rooftops, booked memorable excursions, made friends with hostel staff and learned about the world. I think hostels are fantastic!

What to look out for (top tips) when booking a hostel

Through my years of travel experience in backpacking and staying in hostels, I came up with a pretty solid system for booking hostels. Most of the time I stayed in places I really liked! Still today, I am friends with travelers I met in hostels almost TEN years ago! I think that is the incredible power of hosteling. You never know who you’ll meet and stay friends with.

Let’s take a look at the top tips for booking a hostel.

I’ve often based my entire assessment of the “cost of travel” within a country or region based on the price tagged to a dorm bed in local hostels. It has been a great indicator. When I stayed in southern China in 2010, I paid about $5 for a dorm bed in a room of six beds. Seriously!

As time went on, I recall paying somewhere between $7 and $9 for beds in Southeast Asia, and close to these figures, if not under $15, for beds in Latin America. Hosteling is truly a great way to travel on a shoestring budget, namely in some of the most affordable places to travel .

What does the price include?

Make sure you take note of what the price includes. Does it include free cancellation, or are there two ways of booking, one with a cancellation tacked in, and the other with cancellation at a fee?

Does your booking include breakfast, linens, parking or WiFi? Some of this is important if you’re traveling with a rental car, or if you’re traveling without a local cell phone plan and won’t have data.

Can hostels be expensive?

Yes, they sure can! Take, for example, hostels in New York City , where a private room at Selina (Chelsea location) currently goes for $351 a night, for the “Standard Mini!” And, that doesn’t even include taxes or breakfast!

Hostels started getting expensive for us when we traveled in Western Europe, and as a couple, we wanted private rooms. An en-suite bathroom was a bonus! We paid close to $90 for a private room (it was tiny!) in Rotterdam in the Netherlands , and sometimes, we’ve been in places where hostels were so expensive ( Ireland ) that we opted for small hotels.

Type of hostel room

While some hostels may be all privates, or all dorms, a typical hostel has a mix of privates, small dorms and larger dorms. When I stayed NapPark Hostel Bangkok (where I met a friend I still talk to today!) in 2011, my two friends and I stayed in an all-female dorm, which was brilliant!

I’ve stayed in privates with Dan, and I’ve stayed in hostels that had 16-person dorms. Here is a rundown on the types of rooms at a hostel.

A small dorm may be as small as 3 beds, or maybe up to 6 beds. In a small dorm, it is typical that every person gets a key to the door.

Mid-size dorm room

A mid-size dorm room may be between 6 and 10 beds. When I stayed at a hostel in Bocas del Toro, Panama, I was by that point traveling with 7 friends, and we booked up an entire dorm room of 8 beds to ourselves! Such a party.

I’d consider a big dorm to be 10 beds or more, and at some hostels in Southeast Asia, I’ve seen 20-person dorm rooms that are simply gigantic. They’re so big that usually there are no keys given out, and it’s expected that you’ll keep all your belongings in a locked locker.

A private room is meant to be for your immediate party of travelers, whether friends or maybe family. I’ve stayed in hostel privates with Dan, and sometimes private rooms are available for 3 or 4 people.

Family rooms

Some hostels welcome families and have family rooms. When we stayed at La Serrana Hostel in Salento , a family in the room next to ours had a baby. (You may find, through your searches, that some hostels are child-free.)

Don’t forget about bathrooms!

It’s important, when booking a hostel, to decipher which type of bathroom the room comes with. When booking a dorm, it’s obvious you’ll be sharing a bathroom with many other people, but with a private, it can go either way.

Check the hostel website to see if there is fine print on whether the private room (or even small dorm) has an en-suite dedicated bathroom in the room, or if you’ll be sharing the facilities with everyone on a floor.

Location: how to find a hostel with a good location

Hostels tend to have great locations. If not, the reviews will surely clear this up for you. I find that hostels have such good locations, that I’ve tended to base my itineraries on the locations of hostels!

Could you let hostel locations determine your trip itinerary?

A thing I’ve done in the past is to start my trip (if I know I’m going in and out of the capital city of a single country) is look at Hostelworld’s country pages.

For example, here is the one for Guatemala . It used to be that you could go to this country page and visibly see in the map where the hostels were all located. I did this in 2015 when I went to Guatemala with my friend: we started in Antigua and made our way around the country based on the cities where hostels were located.

When we went to Gran Canaria , I based our entire trip itinerary on the towns in which the island’s hostels were located — I’m serious!

Now, Hostelworld will let you know the “popular hostels” in a country (you could trust these to be a good time!) as well as the average prices to expect in cities there. Hostelworld has become a valuable resource for travelers who hostel!

Locations of hostels within cities

Hostels are typically located in the city centers of cities and towns, because that is where travelers want to be! In my Hostelworld searches, I make use of the small print below the name of the hostel that says “__km from city center.”

Some hostels focus on being an eco-lodge, or located out near a farm, or something like that. For those, make sure you click in, and if they’re located several miles or kilometers from the city center, see if it’s for a good reason (like views of volcanoes from a cliff, being located in a charming village, etc.).

In Guatape, Colombia we stayed at a hostel for one night and it was a 30-minute walk (would’ve been a 5-min taxi ride) from the town center. I was very much aware of this when we booked it! The charm was that we woke up to a rooster’s call at sunrise on the farm next door.

Hostel locations outside cities

If a hostel is located outside a city, it’s for a reason. I stayed in Casa Elemento in Minca, Colombia, and it’s home to what they called “The world’s largest hammock” (you may have to go see for yourself) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range near the north coast of Colombia.

“Excursions” at Casa Elemento were a zipline and wall-climbing adventure that my friend and I signed up for, and went with four other hostel guests with a guide. Later that day, I went with all the other female travelers for a sunset hike and walk in the nearby scenic areas. This would’ve never happened in a city!

Do hostels have breakfast included? Yes!

I’ve stayed in hostels that offer awesome “local” breakfasts that have been an incredible introduction to typical meals eaten in the country in which they’re located. This is especially great if you’ve come in on a night flight or bus, you go right to bed and wake up to authentic handmade tortillas, or noodles or pancakes.

When you look for a hostel to book, check out the list of Facilities (if you’re looking on Hostelworld ). Under “free,” you’ll see which offerings come for free with your booking.

Sometimes, breakfast is available at a fee. Usually it’s not expensive! For this, you can pay in cash (depending on how the hostel takes payments) or add it to your bill for when you check out.

Amenities (like kitchens)

Hostels come in variety of styles, from hostels in a house (yup, I’ve seen those!) to hostels in a renovated old hotel. Depending on the property itself, the amenities will vary!

Among some hostel amenities I can think of are shared kitchens, pools, small gyms, coworking spaces, roof decks, bars, on-site restaurants, board games for borrowing, a pool table, WiFi, luggage storage options, a tour desk, airport transfers, laundry facilities, housekeeping, book exchanges and excursions to sign up for.

You could be staying at a basic hostel that serves its purpose: a place to sleep for the night, or you could be staying at a hostel with so many things to do within its grounds that you may not want to leave!

When looking through trip photos, I was reminded that when I showed up at Mamallena Boquete Hostal in Panama, we arrived for “group dinner night.” As the sun went down, everyone helped cook a huge meal in the big hostel kitchen, and we all sat down for a fun meal at long tables in the backyard. These are the types of memories I just love!

In Jerusalem , the night we got to Abraham Hostel, we joined a hummus-making class with one of the hostel staff members, who led a tutorial on how we’d make this delicious treat. We all chipped in to cut up vegetables that we could dip in the hummus when it was done.

At the hostel in Tallinn we stayed at, there we live music nights, and at the hostel I stayed at in Flores, Guatemala, there was a bar night with a party. I celebrated my birthday at Loki La Paz Hostel with a night of people dancing on the hostel bar, and that was a ton of fun!

Ways to meet people and common areas

Hostels, depending where they are located and what they are like, can have all sorts of common areas. Hostels are a diverse type of accommodation, just like hotels and Airbnbs. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Hostels might have common areas, libraries or reading rooms, cafeteria areas or big kitchens, rooftops, gardens, a bar or cafe, backyards and pools. Wow, that’s a lot of shared spaces.

What I like about these types of common areas in a hostel is that they facilitate being social. They’re also often where social events will be held, like an opportunity to learn Spanish, or ways to make a local favorite cocktail event.

I met my friend Kevin at the bar at the Dreamer Hostel Santa Marta , and we later wound up meeting up in Cartagena and taking a day trip to the beach together.

Digital nomad coworking spaces

Take it from me: when we went to Amsterdam and Rotterdam, I needed to work remotely, and had to take a meeting from a noisy hostel common area. I had to constantly mute myself, huddle in a corner with my headphones and hope that the WiFi was strong (or apologize to my colleagues when it wasn’t). It was close to embarrassing.

These days, if you’re planning to be traveling and working remotely , you might lean toward booking a hostel that is known to be a good place for digital nomads or remote workers.

As our lives brought us toward working remotely , we experimented in staying at properties with coworking spaces, like Selina. We coworked at Selina Medellin , and stayed at Selina Cartagena and Selina Cancun Downtown . Hostels like these are built for the modern young remote worker who wants some desk space and a sure WiFi connection.

Of course, if you are going off the grid, going completely checked-out of work and going on a 100% holiday, I’d opt for a hostel that will have a relaxing vibe and a fun atmosphere, and we’ll get to that soon.

Check the reviews (and photos)

When booking anywhere to stay, and especially if I’m unfamiliar with the run of hostels, hotels or B&Bs in a place, I check reviews on multiple platforms. This gives me a bit of diversity among both the people who have stayed there, and their opinions.

I check hostel reviews on Hostelworld , Google Maps, Booking.com (if available) and TripAdvisor. When you put all the reviews together, what do you get? Are you confident in booking that 4.9-star hostel or are you getting mixed signals, like 2 stars on one website and 5 on another? Could it be that some of the reviews reflect issues from 5 years ago that have been resolved? You get to make the decision.

Also, look at photos! See if the rooms look clean, safe and neat. If the photos from the hostel listing seem modeled or staged from a professional photo shoot, look for real traveler photos in spaces like Google and TripAdvisor in reviews.

It could be a good idea as well to look at blogs that may review a specific hostel property.

What to bring when staying in a hostel

In my packing lists for when I stay in hostels, here are a few hostel-specific items I always take with me:

Travel lock

A travel lock can be used for your locker in a dorm, or for your backpack’s zippers. Better yet, bring two locks! A backpack like my Tortuga Laptop Backpack has zippers that accommodate a travel lock, so look for a bag like this.

Travel towel

I always recommend a Ultralight Travel Towel for bringing to a hostel, in case you need an extra towel, or in case towels come at a fee at reception.

Flip flops for shower

If you’re on a beach vacation, you’ll luck out, because your beach flip flops will double as shower flip flops in the hostel! Even if you’re on a cold weather trip, a pair of cheap flip flops don’t take up much space in your bag. I recommend Havianas .

Ear plugs probably would’ve saved me when I stayed in a hostel dorm in Hong Kong that was so tight, I was basically sleeping next to the person next to me — and he was snoring! Bring along my favorite ear plugs by Flare Audio , and you’ll sleep better around strangers!

It’s good to have some cash, especially in developing countries, for if you’re at a mom-and-pop type of hostel property and things like drinking water from the fridge behind reception are cash-only.

What to know about hostels and travel

Here are a few things to know about staying in hostels during your travels.

What is a hostel?

A hostel is a type of accommodation geared toward the younger traveler. Hostels are known for being budget-friendly wants to find accommodation during a trip. Hostels range widely in size, style, type and in the number of amenities they may offer. Hostels are mostly known for being friendly and fun places for travelers to socialize and meet one another.

What is the difference between a hotel and a hostel?

In my experience, a hotel is a general type of accommodation, composed of reception, rooms (of a few types) and some amenities. A hostel is a type of more basic (usually) accommodation geared toward a budget traveler, and a majority of the time, toward young travelers.

I find hostels to be infinitely more social than hotels, and typically the person who stays at a hostel wants to meet others, whereas in staying at a hotel, I’m not looking to meet anyone new and I’m fine if I don’t.

Why do I like recommending hostels to travelers?

I like recommending staying in a hostel to fellow travelers because of the overall experience. In my main years of traveling as a backpacker (age 20-30), hostels sometimes defined my trips based on how much fun I had with other backpackers I met.

It is also important to mention that the price of hostels is the attractive point for young travelers, or people traveling long-term who are looking to save money during travel .

As a solo traveler , staying in a hostel was a no-brainer! While traveling on my own, I stayed in hostels to meet travel buddies and to be doing excursions and day trips with others. Some of the most fun hostels can be found in the best destinations for solo travelers , in fact.

Where to book a hostel

Hostelworld is my #1 recommended way to book a hostel. The second way would be booking with the hostel directly via the website. Keep in mind that booking with Hostelworld is convenient for us, the consumer, in that the user experience is straightforward, and that Hostelworld has now built a platform geared toward a holistic experience (check it out!).

Maybe you remember or have heard of Hostelbookers.com? The news is that it merged with Hostelworld, so Hostelworld is by far the #1 way to book a hostel now!

What to do if there’s not a hostel where you plan on staying

On my and Dan’s trip around the Algarve region of Portugal , I wanted to stay in hostels! I wanted to stay in private rooms, but I was accustomed to the great social and fun atmospheres of hostels, and it was my first time in Europe.

Some small towns and villages we stayed in were worth our while, but they were not famous enough on the map to have hostels. In these places, Dan had the great idea of using Booking.com on his phone to book us a basic hotel for the night. It didn’t come out to much more money than a hostel private would’ve cost, and of course we lost out on things like social spaces, but we were traveling as a couple and it was fine.

If you’re not in an area with hotels or if your destination doesn’t have any listings on Booking.com, check out local B&Bs, or something like camping. We’ve also taken night buses or overnight buses to “avoid” a night of needing to book accommodation. I’ve done this in Bolivia and in Southeast Asia.

Do I still stay in hostels?

I stayed exclusively in hostels starting at age 20 when I studied abroad in Hong Kong , and my friends and I took a long weekend trip to Guilin and Yangshuo, China. That was the first time I ever stayed in a hostel.

I stayed in a hostel last year, and it was the moment I realized I had aged out of hostels (at age 33 — yup, this is true!). Nevertheless, when I was staying in hostels all over the world, there were sometimes people in the 40+ or even 50+ age categories, just doing their backpacking thing. They were young at heart, and well-seasoned!

A few hostels we’ve stayed in and reviewed

While these hostels are only ones we have stayed in together since 2017, you can check out these reviews! On my own, I stayed in countless hostels around East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central America and South America before I met Dan. I haven’t written about those, but you can find them all on Hostelworld .

• MeetMe23 - Prague, Czech Republic
• Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv - Tel Aviv, Israel
• The Local NY - Queens (NYC), New York
• Abraham Hostel - Jerusalem, Israel

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Big Trip Hostel

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Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (6 Persons)

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (4 Persons)

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (3 Persons)

Property policies.

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To check-in, contact the property in advance

Property Description

• Number of Rooms: 6

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Everything You Need to Know Before Picking a Hostel — Tips for Staying at a Hostel for Solo Travelers or Groups in 2024

So you’re planning a big trip abroad. Maybe you’re planning to backpack your way around Europe or Southeast Asia. Or maybe you just want to save some cash on your next stay in a popular destination. Whatever the reason for your travel, whatever your budget, and whatever your destination, as you’ve been planning your trip, you’ve come across one very intriguing option: staying in a hostel.

If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, the possibility can be a bit intimidating. Hostels are a departure from your normal hotel experience. For some travelers, that departure from the norm can be amazing, so much so that they never want to go back to staying in pricey, subpar hotels again. For other travelers, the hostel experience can be lackluster at best.

So how do you know if a hostel is right for you? How do you find a good hostel to stay in? What are some of the factors that are going to make or break your hostel experience? Here’s everything you need to know, plus five tips for making your hostel stay every bit as enjoyable as a stay in your favorite hotel.

Table of Contents

What is a Hostel?

First, let’s get a few things out of the way. If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, you may have heard a few not-great rumors. You may have seen a certain horror movie. You may have heard stories about poor experiences in mixed-gender bedrooms, or tales of dirty bathrooms. 

Those stories are not the norm.

For the large part, hostels are clean and tidy, with professional staff and ownership that are there to ensure you have the best travel experience possible. Many hostels offer both mixed-gender and same-gender rooms, so you can pick the sleeping arrangement that’s most comfortable for you. Some are extremely budget-friendly and no-frills, but then others can be quite luxurious (and you’ll see a higher price tag to match that level of luxury).

The one thing that nearly all hostels have in common, though? They’re designed to offer you a (more and relatively) affordable and alternative experience, where you’ll be able to mix and mingle with fellow travelers. Social, common spaces are a given and, in most instances, so is a packed schedule of hostel-led programming and activities that facilitate socialization. You also often get access to amenities you might not have in a typical hotel, such as laundry facilities and a kitchen.

Who is a hostel right for?

Hostels are amazing options for certain types of travelers. These might include…

• Travelers looking for a budget-friendly option with extra money-saving amenities (free activities, kitchen space, etc.) 
• Solo travelers wanting to meet up with other travelers during their journeys
• Travelers looking for a central location in the heart of a busy destination 

The Vacationer Tip

If you are convinced a hostel is right for you, browse Hostelworld to find hostel accommodations within 178 different countries.

Who are hostels not right for?

• Travelers who want lots of privacy and would prefer not to interact with others while traveling (hey, there’s nothing wrong with being a lone wolf!)
• Travelers who want high-end, luxury amenities that are more common at 5-star hotels, such as an on-site luxury spa, in-room soaking tubs, room service, etc.

If you are convinced a hostel is not right for you, consider reading one of these hotel guides.

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Want the hostel environment without sacrificing your personal space or privacy? 

Guess what … you can have it! Many hostels, in addition to offering bunk rooms or shared rooms, also offer private rooms. That means you can enjoy your privacy as you wish, but also enjoy the social aspect of staying in a hostel when the mood strikes (as well as the cheaper prices!). 

5 Crucial Tips for Staying at a Hostel

So — have you decided that staying at a hostel is right for your next trip? Then make sure that you follow these five tips to make your stay as perfect as possible. 

1. Pick your hostel with care.

Just like not all hotels are the same, not all hostels are the same, either. As you pick what hostel to stay in, be sure to take into consideration all the factors that mean the most to you. Do you want a hostel with a specific location within a city? Do you want a hostel with extra perks like a pool or game room? Whatever amenities matter most to you, look for a hostel that can deliver.

Also, look at reviews. Compare what other travelers are saying. Don’t take their reviews at face value, either. One person’s complaints could be exactly what you’re looking for (ie, if they complain about the loud environment, but you want a lively, energetic place filled with activity, you might just love that particular hostel, despite that sole bad review). 

You also want to look at the types of people staying at a particular hostel. Some hostels cater primarily to travelers there for a good time. Others cater more to young professionals or digital nomads. Some are ideal for backpackers who are making their way across the world on a shoestring.

One great place to compare and contrast hostels is Hostelworld . There, you can search more than 35,000 properties across more than 175 countries, and compare millions of guest reviews. After you book your hostel through Hostelworld , you’ll also get access to cool features like the ability to connect with other travelers headed to the same destination, before you arrive, so you can make plans to hang out. 

2. Pack like you’re staying in a hostel.

One important thing to realize about staying in a hostel? Personal space is minimal. This means that you won’t exactly have tons of room for multiple big suitcases (or even one big suitcase). Pack accordingly.

If you’re staying at hostels for the duration of your entire trip, pack compactly and with convenience and comfort in mind. Consider opting for a backpack or duffel bag. Plan to wear outfits (or at least most of your clothing items) multiple times during a trip. Leave the five paperbacks that you “think” you’ll read while on vacation at home. 

3. Pack the right stuff.

That said, while you want to pack lightly, there are absolutely a few things you’ll want to bring with you when staying in a hostel. These might be items that you’d never even think to bring with you when planning a typical hotel-based trip. These include…

• A combination lock (You can order a cheap one from Amazon.com .)
• A shower caddy and all your toiletries 
• Bedding (in some cases)

So why the combination lock? Well, most hostels will assign you a small locker in which to store your items during your stay. However, the hostel may not give you a lock. Bringing your own will ensure that you have exactly what you need to keep your stuff private and safe. Even though the likelihood of theft isn’t all that great, precautions are always a good idea. 

Additionally, don’t expect to find tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner in the hostel shower. Hostel bathrooms are usually set up with multiple showers and bathroom stalls, for some privacy, but don’t expect any extra luxuries. You’ll want to bring a shower caddy and all toiletries with you. You also want to bring towels and a hair dryer, if you use one. Some travelers also prefer to bring flip-flops or similar sandals for the shower. 

Lastly, while most hostels do provide bedding, that’s not the rule. Check with your hostel of choice before your arrival and, if you need bedding, bring it. This includes sheets, pillows, and blankets. 

Other items that might be less crucial, but still can be handy to have, include…

• A printed copy of your booking confirmation
• Coins or the local currency, so you can buy things from on-site vending machines or coin-fed laundry facilities
• Laundry soap
• Portable chargers

4. Brush up on the hostel way of life.

There are a few major things that hostels do differently than hotels — yes, even beyond the bunk beds. You’ll want to be aware of these things before you arrive, so you can plan your trip accordingly. 

For example, many hostels have a communal food supply. Yes, really! Many travelers use the hostel kitchen during their trip and, when they leave, they often leave behind extra food that’s up for grabs. Check for any labels or anything that’s marked as belonging to someone else, but otherwise, see what you can find in the hostel kitchen. You might just find a cheap meal.

Additionally, be aware that some hostels have a “lockout” policy. This essentially means that, during a set time each day, you’ll be kicked out of the hostel. The staff wants to clean and make necessary repairs and they can’t easily do it if the big bunk bed room is still crawling with travelers. Plan your itinerary accordingly, if your hostel of choice employs one of these policies. 

5. Be respectful of your fellow travelers.

Once you’ve arrived at the hostel and gotten the lowdown on how everything works, you want to take full advantage of one of the main perks of staying in a hostel: making friends! However, you’re not going to make many friends if you’re a disrespectful, rude roommate. 

Treat your fellow travelers with all the courtesy that you’d want for yourself. What does that mean? Well …

• Don’t turn on the lights in the middle of the night
• Don’t blare your music, podcast, or phone calls
• Don’t strew your belongings out all over the common spaces
• Don’t leave all of your toiletries in the shower
• Don’t hog the shower
• Be respectful of sleeping roommates, no matter what time it is (they could have jet lag; you never know!)
• Don’t get up to any hanky panky in the shared bedroom or bathroom; it’s just weird

Of course, just because you follow all of the above and are a nice, respectful roommate, that doesn’t mean others will always be the same. For that reason, bring some earplugs and an eye mask. You’ll be glad you did. 

Staying in a Hostel FAQs

The differences in safety between a hostel and a hotel are very minimal. Think of it this way. The hostel owners and staff want you to have a good time and tell your friends. As such, they’re going to take any necessary precautions to ensure you have a safe time. Likewise, the people staying around you are fellow travelers just like you, and they also want everyone to have a good time. As long as you practice smart travel skills (ie, not flaunting valuables, not engaging in risky behavior), then safety shouldn’t be a worry for you in a hostel.

Not necessarily. While you can save money by staying in a hostel, you can find plenty of hostels that offer fashionable and comfortable places to stay that are attractive for a variety of reasons beyond pricing. That said, hostels are not always cheap. Some hostels come with tons of perks and awesome social spaces, so they’re a little pricier. Others are outfitted with smaller rooms that are only shared by a few people or are designed with digital nomad-friendly features like office spaces.  The point? Nearly everyone can find a hostel that’s a good fit for their travel style, so they’re not just for people on a strict budget.

Hostels often get a rep of being ideal for solo travelers, but they’re a good pick for groups of friends, too. If you’re traveling with a large enough group, you can even find some hostels that will outfit your group with a private bunk room.

Just like you don’t necessarily have to book in advance when staying at a hotel, you don’t have to do so at a hostel, either. However, it’s very much advised that you do, as not doing so leaves you running the risk of landing at your destination and then not having a place to stay. Hostels, especially during peak travel times and in popular locales, can sell out just as easily as hotels. 

Editorial Disclosure:   Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.  

By Holly Riddle

Holly Riddle is a freelance travel, food, and lifestyle journalist who also dabbles in ghostwriting and fiction. Her work appears in publications ranging from Global Traveler to Golf Magazine, Mashed to Forbes, and Bloomberg. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring the mountains near her home in the Adirondacks. Her favorite travel destinations include Chicago and New Orleans.

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The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel

Waikiki, Honolulu

Situated in Honolulu and with Queen's Surf Beach reachable within 400 metres, The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. This 3-star hostel offers a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk. Private parking is available on site. The staff are so friendly and kind. The rooftop is amazing to connect with other ppl. Really close to the beach. It was the best hostel that I‘ve visited in my whole hawaii trip

The Big Island Hostel

Situated in Hilo and with Coconut Island Beach reachable within 2.8 km, The Big Island Hostel features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The property is around 3 km from Reeds Bay Beach, 2.1 km from University of Hawaii, Hilo and 4.2 km from Rainbow Falls. The accommodation offers entertainment staff and a shared kitchen. Very helpful and welcoming staff. I haven't see such a clean hostel before. They had a nice system in the kitchen using labels on the food the guest wanted to store in the cupboard and the fridge. There was also free coffee and tea for the guests to prepare. This hostel had a very pleasant atmosphere and the common area was lovely. I very much enjoyed my time there.

Howzit Hostels

Located in Wailuku, 4.7 km from Iao Valley State Park, Howzit Hostels provides accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. The property is set 28 km from Wailea Emerald Course, 34 km from Lahaina Boat Harbor and 41 km from Whalers Village Shopping Center. The accommodation offers karaoke and a shared kitchen. Probably the best hostel I've even been to! I made so many new friends there due to their activities Amazing staff and amazing people hosted! The location might be away of some important stuff however they do free tours changing them everyday

Hostel Honolulu

Manoa, Honolulu

Each all-male or female dormitory room provides a shared fully equipped kitchen, a TV, and a lounge at HI - Honolulu University Hostel . Towels and linens are provided at check in. Lockers are provided and guests' are encouraged to bring their own padlock. affordable accomodation, helpful staff

Pahoa Village Hostel

Situated in Pahoa and with Lava Tree State Monument reachable within 5.5 km, Pahoa Village Hostel features express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge. The property is set 25 km from Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, 29 km from University of Hawaii, Hilo and 31 km from The Pacific Tsunami Museum. Lyman Museum & Mission House is 31 km away and Rainbow Falls is 34 km from the hostel . I loved the price! Accomodation on big island is really expensive 🙈 however, even it was cheap this room was spacious, clean, and all we needed to rest. It's located next to some bar, so we heard music coming out from the street, but once we closed the windows it wasn't an issue at all. The neighbourhood is not the safast one, however, on the property have had 3 locks on the way getting into the room that made us feel secure. .

Open Gate Hostel Hawaii

Located in Pahoa, 1.1 km from Kaimu Beach, Open Gate Hostel Hawaii provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. 22 km from Lava Tree State Monument and 43 km from Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, the property features a bar and barbecue facilities. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property. One of a kind comfy place with a friendly staff. Very cool experience, we enjoyed it very much. It has all you need, including a star-gazing patio and a gym. Staying here made our trip special. Highly recommended.

Polynesian Hostel Beach Club

Located on the southern coast of Honolulu Island, this hostel is one block from Kuhio Beach and the Honolulu Zoo. The Polynesian Hostel offers comfortable accommodations. Polynesian Hostel Beach Club offers dormitory rooms where guests can meet other travelers. Private studios feature en suite bathrooms and kitchens. I spent 1 week in this hostel, it's better than expected, the best location, nice staff, plenty activities, and the best value for money. Would definitely recommend everyone

Howzit Hostels Hawaii

Aloha! *UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP* with a new look and an upgraded atmosphere! After winning the “2024 Best Small Hostel in North America” at our first property, we’ve decided to bring everything that makes our guest experience so EPIC to our newest site here on the Big Island! Luxury single room w/own bathroom, very convenient and cozy beds, old American style architecture, friendly stuff, big and clean kitchen

Waikiki Beachside Hostel

Welcome to Waikiki Beachside Hostel! We also offer complimentary: Wi-Fi; Tea and coffee; Linens (including one towel per guest upon request); Clothing irons; Blow dryers; Advice on local tours; and ensuite lockers in each dorm room (locks are available for purchase). Very helpful staff rooms cleaned daily excellent experience

Mailan Hale Hostel

Kailua-Kona

Located in Kailua-Kona, less than 1 km from Magic Sands Beach, Mailan Hale Hostel provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking and a shared lounge. The property is situated 6.5 km from Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, 26 km from Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park and 27 km from Kealakekua Bay. Free WiFi and a shared kitchen are provided.

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Hostels that guests love in Hawaii

Hostel in waikiki, honolulu, hi.

8.5 Very Good 770 reviews

The staff are so friendly and kind. The rooftop is amazing to connect with other ppl. Really close to the beach. It was the best hostel that I‘ve visited in my whole hawaii trip

Aloha Suites Waikiki

8.1 Very Good 1,164 reviews

Great space, nice large balcony, tons of towels provided, beach chairs and umbrella available + outdoor shower for washing off. Amazing location close to the action, great base to explore Oahu from. Never had any concerns about safety. Lots of ABC stores nearby to stock up on goods like toilet paper and anything you need for cooking. Overall an absolutely fantastic place to stay in the heart of Waikiki on a budget.

7.8 Good 839 reviews

Location was great as the number 20 bus from the airport stops about 50m away from the hotel. This takes just under an hour and gives a chance to look around.. The same bus goes to Kapiʻolani Regional Park at the base of Diamond Head Crater. It costs $3(exact change) each time you get on the bus . This made it a cheap stay. The ocean is a short walk away, though the pool at the hotel is inviting. There are many food options conveniently nearby.. Staff (shout out to Lincoln for the laughs) were great.

Hostel in Wailuku, HI

8.2 Very Good 940 reviews

Probably the best hostel I've even been to! I made so many new friends there due to their activities Amazing staff and amazing people hosted! The location might be away of some important stuff however they do free tours changing them everyday

Waikiki condo -18F

6.4 Review score 5 reviews

I loved it. Great location, walking distance to everything, with a great brewery on the corner. Pool was a nice option although we didn't use it. Clean and comfortable bed, warm shower and small kitchenette. Safe location with someone at security most of the time. A/C worked great too. Laundry is an option to although we didn't use that either.

Aqua Skyline at Island Colony

6.9 Review score 507 reviews

Great location, 10min walk from the beach and 4 min walk from the main street with all the shops. Hotel was located right by the lake, great for running, very safe location and about 3miles from Diamond Head mountain. Nice and friendly and very helpful reception staff.

Good price for the room considering the great location. Parking was cheap at 18 USD a night and you did feel safe. Very friendly staff!

Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites

6.5 Review score 2,814 reviews

Great location very close to Waikiki Beach and surroundings. Very cheap for Honolulu and great if travelling on a budget and not too fussy on 5* hotel

Hands down, one of the best hostels I‘ve ever been to! The stadf are ALL fabulous (special shoutout however to Caitlin, Emma and Sierra 🤗) and the atmosphere is super social. You can‘t help but meet amazing new people all the time. And the best are their free trips - snorkeling, drum circle and of course the road to Hana were my favs! Thanks to everyone, mahalo 🤙🏼

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Packing Guide for Hostel Backpackers

Those of us here at Hostelz.com have done a lot of travelling and we have a lot of opinions about the best stuff to bring on a hostelling trip. There are a lot of books and websites with packing advice that all pretty much tell you the same things (wear comfortable shoes, don't forget your toothbrush, etc.).

During your big adventure preparations, have a look at these 13 Ideas to Save Money for Long-Term Travel .

Once you finally set off, make sure you follow these 21 Tips for Saving Money while Travelling .

The Hostel Packing List 2024

This list covers stuff you definitely should pack!

So we'll skip the most obvious stuff and tell you about a few things you maybe haven't thought of. Keep scrolling for more info!

• LED Flashlight
• Quick Dry Towel
• Playing Cards
• Kindle/ Tablet
• Passport Cover
• Water Bottle with Filter (trendy now!)
• Aspirin/ Ibuprofen
• Small Carabiner
• Compression Packing Cubes
• Small Garbage Bag/ Dry Bag
• ATM Card / VISA Checkcard
• Sandals (flip-flops)
• Travel Tissue Packs
• Travel Pillow
• Fanny Pack / Hip Pack
• More Tips from the Community
• Wheeled Luggage/ Suitcase
• Big Bulky Maps
• Heavy Books
• Cooking stuff
• Canned Food
• Board Games
• More Tips on how not to overpack
• Our best recommendations for backpacks
• A note about Booking Hostels + more useful guides

1. Earplugs

With eight people sleeping in your hostel dorm room, there's a pretty good chance one of them snores.

So unless that one is you, you'll want earplugs , and preferably the kind with the little string attached so you don't lose them as easily. Unfortunately we didn't have the extra $0.50 in our budget to get the string ones for the photo...

Although they don't have a string attached, many people swear by earplugs as the best earplugs to get because they're especially comfortable and do a great job of blocking out sound.

Update : Even better, bring sleeping headphones and get a "white noise" app for your phone. I personally prefer an app that makes a "waterfall" sound. This miracle combination can drown out almost any snorer.

If earbuds are too uncomfortable for you to sleep with, sleep headphones are comfortable even if you sleep on your side, and work almost as well to block out sound with white noise.

2. LED Flashlight

Once you get one of these for your keychain you'll wonder how you ever lived without it, whether your travelling or not.

Flashlights are especially handy for reading a map at night or digging through your backpack in a dark hostel room late at night (don't be ones of those people who turn the room lights on while people are sleeping to find a toothbrush).

Get a keychain flashlight with a "white LED" bulb. They're tiny, bright, never burn out, and they're super efficient so the one tiny battery will last you almost forever. They're available in many stores, or you can also get one of these online.

Update : You may not need a flashlight if you have a phone that already has one, but since phones tend to run out of battery and the LED flashlights do not, it is always a good idea to keep one on your keychain, just in case.

3. Hand Towel

It's a good idea to bring a towel because some hostels don't offer towels (and the ones that do often charge a fee). It is always a good idea to check if hostels provide towels .

Either way, there is no need to carry a full size towel with you. All you need is a small hand towel. Just remember to shake off a little before you start towel drying and it will work just fine. Or, if you prefer you can get an actual travel towel .

This brings us to the next point...

4. Quick Dry Travel Towel

A quick-dry travel towel will save you tons of space in your bag. They are lightweight and very convenient.

You definitely do not want to stuff a wet, heavy towel into your bag after you take a shower in the morning at the hostel right before you need to check out. A quick-dry towel does what it says it does—it dries quickly.

Check out the Rainleaf microfiber towel here . It is cheap and does its job.

5. Playing Cards (or UNO Cards)

Sitting down to a game of cards and a beer or three is always a great way to have fun and get to know new people at a hostel. And while many hostels keep a stack of games and cards on a shelf somewhere, I’ve been in many that didn’t.

A deck of playing cards takes up barely any space in your bag, and makes for a great way to spend some time at the hostel before going out and exploring.

You can either bring a simple deck of playing cards or the very popular UNO Cards . Many travellers already know its rules. And if not, it is very easy and fast to explain.

My suggestion : I would suggest bringing waterproof cards that will not deteriorate if they get wet or battered over the course of your journey. You can find a cheap, waterproof deck here .

6. Powerbank

Despite the fact that most good hostels have outlets near the beds for you to plug in your phone or tablet or laptop, some don't.

And even if they do, a powerbank will for sure come in handy if you plan on wandering around outside the hostel for any extended period of time, or if you have a long bus ride on a bus without outlets.

While losing the charge on your phone isn't the end of the world, it’s still nice to have maps to figure out where you are and how to get to where you’re going.

Although, when I’m wandering around a city, I do like doing it the old-fashioned way, with a paper map and friendly questions for strangers.

That said, here is a good, reliable powerbank that is compact enough and has a high charging capacity, two qualities to look for when buying one.

My suggestion : In case you are travelling to a sunny place, I would get a Solar Power Bank .

7. Head Lamp

Although not as practical for hostel stays, nor as space saving as a little LED light. A head lamp is one thing I ALWAYS pack, because I love camping and doing multi-day hikes.

A headlamp is perfect for camping, frees your arms up while you are gathering firewood in the dark. Furthermore, it can also be useful for reading a book in your hostel dorm.

Just be sure to choose one with multiple settings so you can use the dimmer light in your dorm so you do not annoy the hell out of your fellow hostellers. Here’s one head lamp swear by.

8. Kindle/Tablet

Do not waste space in your bag by packing bulky books (talked about in stuff NOT to bring). With a kindle or tablet you’ll obviously have access to any of the books you’d want to bring in physical, paper form.

I personally prefer reading real paper books with pages I can touch and flip through. But a Kindle or tablet is just much more practical if you’re backpacking/traveling for any extended period of time.

9. Passport Cover

Get a passport cover to protect your passport from any damage that may make it unreadable in a machine scanner.

You do not want to get to an airport somewhere and have a passport that’s so tattered that the machine can’t read it. If the machine can’t read it, you probably won’t be allowed to travel internationally.

My own passport is quite tattered because I have travelled all over the world with it, without a cover, and although it is still readable. I have had a few dicey situations at airports where it took a few tries before it would successfully scan.

Save yourself some worry and spring for a cover .

10. Notebook

A small notebook is super useful in a couple ways.

First of all, I enjoy writing down different experiences I have over the course of a given trip rather than use notes or something on my phone.

Second, it is useful for storing backup information like the address of your hostel in case your phone dies en route to wherever you are going, as is sometimes the case.

11. Day Bag

You are going to want a small bag to carry some things in while you wander around outside your hostel. I prefer one that can pack up into a little ball about the size of your fist.

It takes up almost no space in your bigger bag, and it’s big enough to carry, for example, your ipad, camera, and a light rainjacket. Here is the one I use .

You can also find ones that are a bit bigger and also pack up into nice, neat balls.

Just be aware of how much space you are willing to sacrifice in your bag if you go with a bigger one.

12. Water Bottle with Filter to Refill

The latest trending object of travellers is bringing the own water bottle to refill. We have seen this a lot now. It started in 2018 and 2019, and since 2020 a refillable water bottle seems to be the absolute must-have travel gadget.

A very popular choice is the " Brita Premium ".

This water bottle and filter feature durable, BPA-free and hard-sided plastic. The filter itself is incredibly easy to clean.

Personally, I thought getting a water bottle to refill will be annoying and just one extra thing to carry. However, that "logic" did not make much sense. Every travellers knows, you have a water bottle next to you all the time.

Another interesting detail, you might be saving money along the road. How? Well, we have seen many restaurants and hostels in South America and Asia offering free water refill if you bring your own bottle.

Therefore, you can simply get a good-looking water bottle and reduce much plastic waste along with it.

My suggestion : Get a water bottle with around 750ml to 1l. 1.5l seems too big and less than 750ml is simply too small. Pay attention to this detail before you get one.

13. Aspirin/ Ibuprofen

Especially useful if you are staying in party hostels where they feed you free alcohol, or if you just need some relief after a long night out and one or two too many drinks.

It sucks having to travel around hungover, so if you do plan on doing some partying:

• drink water
• pack a small bottle of aspirin or Ibuprofen to soothe the next day's angry revenge.

A small ball of string can come in handy for drying your clothes. It is especially useful if you also plan on doing any camping during your trip.

You can use it to hang your lantern at the campsite, dry clothes or make a makeshift lean-to with a tarp in a pinch.

15. Small Carabiner Clip

Personally, I think bringing a small carabiner can be even more handy than the ball of string. Especially when backpacking, sometimes you will hang stuff on your backpack or somewhere else. A carabiner is always useful.

There is many small and lightweight Carabiner . I always have one with me. I see it as part of my backpack actually.

And when I need it, it is already waiting for me, ready to be used.

Therefore, yes, bring a small, lightweight Carabiner.

Important : Get a good one with Screwgate Locking. The Spring Clips are much cheaper but very annoying and you can lose them easily.

16. Compression Packing Cubes

These little miracles will both save space in your bag and help you separate your used, smelly clothes from your clean ones. While a garbage bag manages to take care of the latter (although not as well), packing cubes are a super useful and more durable way to free up some extra room in your pack.

You can find a good compression packing cube here .

17. Padlocks (Always!)

This is to keep your belongings safe!

Hostels do not always offer lockers, but when they do, usually you have to pay for the padlock , so bring one with you.

Just as importantly, you need a lock that can fit through the holes in your backpack's zipper pulls so that you can lock your backpack.

Well it may not keep someone out of your pack for long, but it will discourage pickpockets from taking stuff out of the back of your pack while you're wearing it... which does happen (particularly frequently in Barcelona, Rome, Saint Petersburg and other major tourism-heavy cities)!

If your big lock doesn't fit through your zipper pulls, then also get a smaller one that will.

Combination locks are probably best since there's no key to lose. This one is one of our favorite locks .

Characteristics of the best hostel padlock:

• Small size so it fits every lock
• Get one with flexible steel cable, they are usually longer
• The cable should not be too thick (diameter 4.37mm is a good size)
• lightweight
• Set-Your-Own Combination Lock

18. Small Garbage Bag/ Dry Bag

If you wear your socks a couple days while you museum hop, then put them in your backpack after you change, pretty soon everything in your bag will smell like feet.

Many travelers bring a small plastic garbage bag for the dirty laundry. You could also even use some large ziplock bags to be extra safe.

Personally, I prefer using a Dry Bag over a plastic bag. First, plastic bags can break. And second, handling a plastic bag in the early morning while people in the dorm are still sleeping...well, plastic bags make an annoying sound.

Therefore, I personally always travel with my dry bag and use it as my laundry bag.

Another advantage of the dry bag , you can use it actually as a dry bag when you go scuba diving or join any water-related tour.

Some characteristics of a a dry bag to look out for:

• comfy straps
• visible color
• correct size for you (I recommend 5l, this is usually enough)

19. Sleepsheet

Years ago people staying in hostels were expected to bring their own bed-sheet to sleep in.

Today all hostels provide sheets, but a few hostels may still charge an extra fee for sheets.

Even though it isn't necessary, some people still like to have their own nice sleep-sheet to sleep in every night. (Sleeping bags are usually not allowed by the way.)

So what's a sleep-sheet? It's basically a regular bed-sheet folded in half, and it's usually sewn part way up the side.

You can make your own, or buy a nice silk sleepshet online .

20. ATM Card/ VISA Checkcard

ATM machines are everywhere and they're a good way to get local currency without paying high exchange rates.

Get a card that's also a VISA Checkcard so you can use it like a credit card (which is probably a better idea than using a regular credit card because most credit cards charge an extra fee for purchases in a foreign currency, but a checkcard usually doesn't).

If the magnetic strip is nearing the end of its life, get a new card before your trip.

One more thing, before your trip, memorize the credit card number and expiration date of one of your credit cards (preferably one that you're not taking with you).

Even if everything you own is lost or stolen, there's a lot you can do with a memorized credit card number in your head, including making phone calls.

21. Sandals (flip-flops)

Some hostel showers have floors that are even dirtier than your feet. But okay okay, if you are on a budget in the middle of nowehere, you have to take these hostels once in a while.

Even if they look clean, you still might end up getting athlete's foot.

Get a cheap pair of light-weight flip-flop sandals and shower without worry.

It is actually always a good idea to travel with open shoes. This way your feet can breath and relax. Wearing closed shoes all the time is not optimal.

So either get a pair of light-weight sandels or flip flops.

What do I travel with? I absolutely love Vietnamese Sandals. I could not find any authentic Vietnamese Sandals to buy online, that is really a pity. If you are ever in Vietnam, they only cost like $2-$5.

Stuff You Might Want to Pack

Okay, let us move on to the more optional packing part. Please remember you have to adapt this list to your own needs, travel style and destination.

22. Travel Tissue Packs

A valuable multi-use item that works well not just as facial tissue.

It also comes in handy as a substitute for toilet paper, which can be a rare item in some areas, especially when you need it most.

23. Foldable Travel Pillow

Ok, this is something you could live without, but a small inflatable pillow takes up only a little room once it's deflated, and it's so nice on those long train and plane trips.

And it's probably more comfortable than the lumps that pass for pillows in most hostels.

Update: Thanks to a suggestion from our users, we've ditched the inflatable pillow and now prefer a nice real foldable travel pillow . It curls up into a small bundle, and it's very comfortable.

24. Wet Wipes

Convenient for sticky hands after eating, not to mention useful for before eating if you like to avoid getting sick.

You can get generic wet wipes, or the original classic " Wet Ones ".

25. Fanny Pack or Hip Pack (no, seriously)

These belt packs have become so "uncool" that few young travels would dare wear them in public, but they can be very useful for a different purpose while travelling.

Use it to hold your toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, etc.)

They're just the right size for storing that stuff, but the best advantage is that if the hostel bathroom sink has no counter space or is dirty, you can clip the pack around your waist and still have easy access to everything you need when getting ready in the morning or at night.

26. EXTRA: useful suggestions from Hostelz.com readers

We asked our readers what is the item the do not travel without. We got many answers! Here you have some things you should not forget to pack for your trip:

• hand sanitizer
• 2 photo copies of your passport and plane ticket (leave one copy with someone at home)
• "mole skin" or blister patches for your feet
• important phone numbers (embassy, consulate, relatives at home and in the country visited, credit card companies, etc.)
• a sarong (multiple uses including a towel, blanket, bag, or clothing)
• sink stopper plug for washing clothes in a sink

Stuff NOT to Bring and Not pack for hostels

Perfect, you made it this far. This means we have to share with you all the stuff you should skip when backpacking this world and staying in hostels.

Over the years we have seen very very odd stuff people packed. The most curiours object someone travelled with was a big Paella pan.

27. Wheeled Luggage

Wheeled luggage might seem like a good idea, until you find that you can not go more than 10 feet in most countries without hitting steps or some kind of bump that you have to lift it over.

Not to mention that the people behind you are always tripping over it.

You will soon find it's more trouble than it is worth and you'd be better off with a backpack.

The only possible exception might be for travel within the US, since the country's strict laws to help the disabled have made much of the country wheeled-luggage-accessible.

See our backpack recommendations below.

My suggestions : Unless you are posh-packer, travelling to a resort and won't move from there, a wheeled luggage does not make sense. But since you are on Hostelz.com, you are 99% more likely to be an adventurer and backpacker.

So, go and get a good backpack! Here is your recommendation for the best backpacks in hostels .

28. Big, Bulky Maps

As mentioned earlier, a map can be super useful in a city.

You don’t have to worry about whether your phone has service or will die soon, and you can stimulate your brain a bit more by actually having to think a bit more critically about where your next moves will be.

Also mentioned above, if you do get lost, it is a good way to have some interaction with the locals.

Most good hostels provide pretty useful maps about the downtown area of whatever city you are staying in, so try to avoid big guidebooks with maps in them, or too-big maps that will get ripped and crumbled in your bag.

Fun Fact : 80% of the guide books like Lonely Planet you find in hostels are in German. Why is that?!

29. Heavy Books

Don't bring your hard cover copy of " The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "; it will be a 1,000+ page brick that you’ll immediately regret bringing.

Sure a small novella or a small book of poetry would make sense, but if you’re travelling for more than a few days, you’ll most likely be out of stuff to read pretty quickly.

A Kindle or tablet is super practical for a backpacker, and gives you nearly unlimited access to whatever you want to read while you’re on the train or plane or bus.

There is also book-swaps in many hostels. Usually you have to leave one to get a new one. If you do not have one to replace, simply ask the hostel staff. We never got a "no" in that occasion.

Remember: if you never ask, the answer will always be no!

30. Cooking Stuff

Unless you also plan on camping, in which case you can bring this small pot and portable burner.

If you only plan on staying in hostels, any cooking stuff is a pretty unnecessary waist of space in your bag. Most decent hostels will have a shared kitchen and stuff to cook with.

That being said, I love to travel with a small bottle of Olive Oil...yeah, I know. My point is, if there is something you really want to have all the time, like a specific spice, bring it. Unless it is a Paella pan and a German beer glass.

31. Canned Food

Another no-go when it comes to packing your bag. Just buy your groceries in whatever city or town you are in after you check in to your hostel.

My on my very first multi-day hike in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, USA, I made the terribly amateur mistake of bringing a couple cans of beans and vegetables.

After climbing up a switchback trail almost 1,000 meters with a pack much heavier than it should have been, I could not differentiate the sweat from the tears, and have cursed cans ever since.

Don't be me, be better. While cans may be great for doomsday prepping, they can be heavy. Always think twice before you pack.

32. Board Games

Like I said earlier, lots of hostels provide board games or chessboards or whatever.

Therefore, do not pack your full-sized Monopoly box because you think it is a good idea to have a marathon of a game that lasts into the morning and ends with some hosteller you barely know flipping the board over in exasperation because they lost Park Avenue.

However, a deck of playing cards or UNO Cards is always a good idea!

It takes up barely any space in your bag, many people in this world know how to play Uno, for instance. It is a simple way to spend a fun night in, have a drink and make new friends.

33. The Goldfish

Umm... bad idea.

Don't over pack!

The most important thing: DON'T OVER PACK!!!

Almost every inexperienced traveler takes way too much stuff on their first big overseas trip. But almost no traveler complains later than they wish they had brought more stuff. You can buy almost anything you need in almost any country in the world if you realize later you needed something.

I've traveled overseas for 3 months with only a small backpack .

I felt as free as a bird as I easily moved from place to place. I could even spend some time exploring a city without even needing to drop off my luggage at the hostel first. I've seen plenty of travellers in airports and train stations almost in tears because they're exhausted and stressed out over lugging a huge backpack or suitcase everywhere they go. Overpacking be the difference between a carefree vacation and a stressful nightmare.

Ideally, your backpack should just barely fit within the size limits for carry-on baggage on your flight (and it's great not to have to worry about your check-in luggage showing up!). And if you're travelling by train and your bag is small enough, you can stow it on the floor or above your seat rather than the luggage racks at the back of the train car where it can easily be stolen.

How is this possible to do?

The might sound crazy to some of you, but for clothing this is all you need for even the longest overseas trip:

• three shirts
• one pair of long pants ("slacks") or jeans
• one pair of comfortable shoes
• one pair of shorts (guys can use them as swimtrunks too, girls should also bring a bathing suit if needed)
• a few pairs of socks
• a few pairs of underwear (and for the girls, one bra if needed)
• and a light sweatshirt or jacket (depending on the climate).

That's it! Seriously!

Everything should be dark colored everything should go with everything else.

You can wear each thing at least a couple days (everyone does while backpacking, it's ok), and then you wash your clothes about once a week (wear the shorts while doing the laundry, or try the popular technique of washing your clothes while you're wearing them in the shower... it works!).

Lots of backpackers have done it this way, and you can too.

If you decide later you can't live without some extra clothing, you can always buy something during your trip.

Our Backpack Recommendations

These are the key things we look for in a good travelling backpack:

• Small enough to carry-on the plane, and preferably small enough to fit under the seat.
• A good padded waste belt to take most of the weight off of your shoulders.
• Enough pockets to keep your stuff organized.

That's really all there is to it. Here are some of our current favorite backpacks...

JanSport Odyssey Backpack

• Good : Reasonable number of pockets, inexpensive, fits under the seat in front of you on planes.
• Bad : Ideally it could be a bit larger to fit more stuff, shoulder straps not as padded as they could be.

eBags Mother Lode TLS Weekender Convertible

• Good : Good size, lots of pockets, reasonable price, and the "convertible" design is very convenient.
• Bad : The hip belt isn't padded.

Eagle Creek Expandable

• Good : Plenty of space and possiblity to expand it and make it bigger.
• Bad : The extra space can play against you if you fill it and the airline weight the backpack.

Osprey Backpack

• By far the most popular travel backpack is the Osprey. It comes in different colors and sizes. We recommend the backpack ith 45liters.

Deuter Backpack

• Deuter makes really great, durable backpacks perfect for both hiking and hosteling. Check out their 40-45L backpacks, which are super comfortable and make carrying heavy things much more bearable.

A Note about Booking Hostels

Now that you now what to pack for hostels, let us help you to save money.

In case you are not using Hostelz.com to book your hostels, you are most likely paying too much!

We compare for you all prices on the major hostel booking portals like Hostelworld, Hostelsclub and Booking.com.

Simple by this little hostel hack, you can save $2-$5 per night, easily.

Also, the major booking platforms only show the hostels they happen to work with and each booking website only has availability information for some of each hostel's beds.

Hostelz.com is the only website that lists all hostels worldwide.

We search all of the major hostel booking websites for you to find even the very last available bed, and we tell you where to book it to get the lowest price.

There a reason why we say it's the only hostel website you'll ever need. Give it a try .

You can find more details on why Hostelz.com is your best hostel buddy.

Perhaps you're new to the hostel world? Wonderful, and welcome! We've put together some helpful articles for new and experienced travellers. Have a look:

• Are Hostels Safe? 11 Safety Tips

When to Book Hostels? For Spontaneous Souls & Pre-Planners

• 17 Tips for Staying & Sleeping in Hostels
• How to find great Hostels
• 9 simple tips for Making Friends in Hostels

Cool read : 5 Reasons Why Working in a Hostel is a Great Idea

About the author: Hostelz

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Big Trip Hostel

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Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (6 Persons)

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm (4 Persons)

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The Urban Retreat Hostel - Reviews & Photos

How to Pick a Good Hostel: 4 Tips

T raveling on a budget calls for some compromises. You can cut your trip shorter (no thanks), drive instead of fly (this cuts into travel time), or stay somewhere other than a luxury hotel. For me, the hotel is always the first thing to go. In fact, I often prefer to stay in a hostel! That's not to say some hostels aren't eerily reminiscent of a horror movie—they're out there. The key is to find a good one. Here's what I can tell you from my travels:

Pick an Experience

Hostels come in all shapes and sizes. I've stayed in hostels that were old houses, converted into a hostel, hostels that were built to be hostels, and hostels that were just someone's apartment with a bunch of bunk beds shoved in the spare rooms. I've stayed in hostels that were pretty calm and quiet, hostels in city centers above bars, and hostels with a reputation for partying. I've stayed in women-only four-person rooms as well as co-ed twelve-person rooms. If you want a quiet place to sleep and pick a party hostel, you're not going to have a good time. At all.

Read the Reviews

Look at the star rating, but don't just look at the star rating. Different people like different things. Sometimes, a four-star rating will be the factor that actually keeps me from booking a certain hostel because it cues me into a vibe that I'm not looking for. When I'm looking for a relaxing beach weekend and notice that the only high-star reviews are for the party atmosphere, or vice-versa, that lets me know to go ahead and pass. The same goes for the low-star reviews. If all of the one-star reviews are from two years ago and say that they were upset their budget hostel didn't serve breakfast, I'm not about to let that deter me.

Price Isn't Everything

It can be tempting to pick a hostel just because it's half the price of your top pick, but it's not always worth it. What do they each offer? For example, when I'm traveling alone, I'm more likely to pay more for a hostel that offers secure card-key locks. If I'm traveling with a friend, I might go ahead and take the cheaper, but slightly less secure, hostel. Does the more expensive hostel offer breakfast? If you're traveling in the U.S., that can save you $5-7 a day. Does the cheaper hostel have communal bathrooms instead of en-suite? Sometimes, that's a deal-breaker. Other extras or amenities to consider: towels, bed linens, laundry, Wi-Fi, and heating/air conditioning.

Plan Your Transportation

If you're using public transportation, this is very important. Lack of planning here caused me to miss a flight in Spain. I had picked a hostel based on price and neighborhood, but didn’t check to see how far away the Metro was. Turns out, it was quite a hike—especially with a huge wheeled suitcase on narrow, uneven, hilly sidewalks. For my overnight wait for another flight, I switched to a hostel close to the Metro that also offered a cheap airport shuttle. I wasn't about to miss a second flight! The second hostel wasn't as nice—it didn't have the in-room bathroom I'd have liked nor the small room sizes, but it would have been the better choice in this case.

If you're not using public transportation, you should research the parking. In D.C., I stayed at a hostel that had a deal with a local parking lot so they were able to provide parking in a relatively secure lot nearby, for free. In New York, I had to pay $20 a day to park my car in a garage because the hostel didn't have any arrangements.

Go Small or Go Home

Before committing to a place, look at how many beds they have. In my experience, there's definitely a sweet spot. Do they only have 15 beds? Make sure you're going to an actual hostel—not someone's sketchy, bunk bed-stuffed apartment. If they are too large, generally, more than 80 beds, you may end up staying in a hostel that has a commercial, impersonal atmosphere. 

I usually do my best socially in a medium-sized hostel. The medium-sized  hostels are large enough that they offer some  amenities, but small enough that someone on staff might drink a cup of coffee with you while letting you in on the local secrets.  I've met some really interesting people during my travels, including one friend from Germany who I'm still in touch with months later.

Picking the perfect hostel can be easier said than done, especially if you're traveling somewhere new. Take a cue from my mistakes (and successes), mix it around with a sense of adventure, and save some cash while having a blast.

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THE BEST Liski Hostels

Hostels in liski, property types, distance from, traveler rating.

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The city of Liski is located close to the River Don and is proud of its connections with the Don Cossacks. The city itself though does not have much to offer and really it is its natural surroundings which are more interesting. The area known as Divnogorye is famous for its chalk hills on the banks of the Don, which feature impressive chalk stacks and cave monasteries. Liski can easily be visited from Voronezh but the city also has good direct railway links with Moscow.

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California student, an outdoor enthusiast, dies in accident on trip to Big Sur

A student at California Polytechnic State University died in an accident during a trip to Big Sur on the central coast of California over the weekend.

Kenneth Taylor, a third-year student at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo majoring in mechanical engineering, died Saturday in an accident during a trip to the popular seaside town, university officials said in a statement. The university did not share details on the nature of the accident or the cause of Taylor's death.

The San Luis Obispo Tribune, citing local authorities, reported that Taylor's body was found at the base of the Salmon Creek waterfall following a report of a climbing accident. Taylor apparently died “in the pool at the base of the waterfall,” San Luis Obispo County Cmdr. Stuart MacDonald told the newspaper.

More about Kenneth Taylor

The university said that Taylor was an "outdoor enthusiast" and the founding member of the university's Alpine Club.

Taylor, who was from Richland, Washington, was described as “a person of incredible technical skill and even more incredible kindness, unmatched wittiness, and a passion for adventure that could inspire anyone," by staff members of ASI Poly Escapes , where he served as a trip leader.

The university said that they are in touch with Taylor's family and are offering their full support to them and his friends.

"Our thoughts are with them as they grieve their loss," Cal Poly's statement read. "It is never easy to share news like this, and we know that processing this loss can be difficult for members of our community."

The university is offering support and resources, including counseling and therapy, to those affected by the tragedy and are encouraging students and staff members to utilize them.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

A star-inspired Maine hotel, a look at Drift Nashville, and collapsible luggage

Travel news you can use..

STAR-INSPIRED HOTEL OPENS ON MAINE CAMPUS

The stars shine bright in Central Maine, so it’s no surprise that the Hotel Ursa was inspired by the Ursa Major and Minor constellations and the North Star that connects them. Located at the center of the campus of the University of Maine in Orono, the 95-key hotel was developed through a historic rehabilitation of two original buildings on campus, Coburn Hall and Holmes Hall. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style of the late 1870s, the transformed rooms and suites offer modern comforts along with vintage charm. A new third building, Polaris Hall, sports contemporary guestrooms. The MajorMinor is a cafe and bar (with locally roasted coffee, baked goods, Maine craft beer, snacks, and wine-by-the-glass) that serves both hotel guests and members of the university community. Guests can access the state-of-the-art New Balance Recreation Center, with a fully stocked gym and leisure pool with lap lanes, and explore the DeMeritt Forest Trail, 15-plus miles of trails for walkers, joggers, cyclists, equestrians, skiers, and snowshoe enthusiasts. Perfect for Parents’ Weekend visitors, however, you don’t need to be on campus-related business to stay there. Anyone exploring the area’s recreational offerings — skiing, hiking, canoeing — is welcome. April rates from $119; May from $169. 207-962-1313, hotelursa.com

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DRIFT DEBUTS IN NASHVILLE

If you’re planning a trip to Music City you may want to check out Drift Nashville, a newly opened hotel in the heart of East Bank, a developing district located just east of the Cumberland River, a mere 10-minute drive from Nashville International Airport. A beacon of minimalist modernity, Drift Nashville breathes new life into a former 1965-era inn, retaining the building’s architectural integrity while adding curated comforts in line with the brand’s signature Baja flair. The spacious 87 rooms and suites feature custom walnut beds and local artwork, with warm colors such as rust and forest green, complemented by earthen materials and textures of the Southwest and Mexico including leather, terrazzo, wood, and terracotta. The one-, two- and three-bedroom suites include kitchenettes, multiple bathrooms, desks, and dining and lounge areas. Drift bath products and bathrobes are handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The seventh-floor Penthouse, an expansive 1,800-square-foot space, is considered the crown jewel of the hotel. Featuring sweeping views of the city and Nissan Stadium, the Penthouse includes a living room, large outdoor balcony, outdoor dining and lounge area, three king beds, and three bathrooms, including a primary bathroom with a free-standing tub and a powder room that features a golden toilet, paying homage to Elvis’s frequent stays in the building throughout the ‘60s. Hotel amenities include a resort-style outdoor pool with double teak loungers and luxe cabanas, an onsite gym with free weights, squat racks, and cardio machines, and three food and beverage concepts that serve sharable small bites, grab-and-go menu items, and cocktails. April/May rates from $183. 884-234-2973, www.drifthotels.co/nashville

EVERYWHERE:

SLIM COLLAPSIBLE LUGGAGE

A reliable carry-on suitcase is a must-have item for those who like to pack tight and travel light. For this traveler, the three most important criteria for choosing a bag are its weight when empty (don’t want to carry unnecessary pounds), durability, and ease of maneuvering when traipsing long airport corridors between gates. Happy to report that two new carry-ons by Rollink, Flex Vega and Flex Aura, meet these specifications and add another: collapsibility. When not in use, this flexible luggage folds flat to around 2 inches thick, meaning it can easily be stored in your home, vacation rental, or hotel room. The hard shells are made of durable, impact-resistant polycarbonate that come in a variety of stylish colors. Choose from three sizes: the standard domestic flight carry-on, the international flight carry-on and — if you prefer a larger size — the medium checked bag. Additional features include coated wheels for smooth and silent gliding, a height-adjustable telescopic handle, and a three-year warranty. Flex Vega from $185; Flex Aura from $269. www.rollink.com

NECEE REGIS

Necee Regis can be reached at [email protected] .

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Real madrid’s squad for their manchester city trip has a surprise.

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Real Madrid's squad list for Tuesday's vital Champions League quarterfinal second leg against ... [+] Manchester City has one big surprise.

Real Madrid's squad list for Wednesday's vital Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Manchester City has one big surprise.

Los Blancos travel to northwest England this week tied 3-3, after a thrilling first leg in the Bernabeu.

They seek to exorcise the demons of a 4-0 loss in the second leg at the Etihad last term, which effectively dumped the holders out of the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate as Pep Guardiola's men went on to lift the trophy in Istanbul at Inter Milan's expense.

Early on Monday afternoon in the Spanish capital, Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti announced his squad list amid the first team training for the last time ahead of hopping on the plane to Manchester.

And while there was elsewhere nothing out of the ordinary on the standard sheet routinely shared through social media, it did have one big surprise.

This is because despite being suspended for the accumulation of one too many yellow cards, after a slide tackle went wrong just 40 seconds into the action against City in their previous meeting, Aurelien Tchouameni's name can be found on it.

As seen with bitter rivals FC Barcelona, who took Gavi to Paris last week for their showdown against PSG despite him being ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL rupture, Tchouameni will be with the group to boost morale in the locker room and cheer his colleagues on.

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Despite arguably letting the side down with his caution so early into the proceedings, Tchouameni made up for the act at the weekend.

Away at Mallorca playing pivot, he scored the only goal of the game with a rocket from long range which guaranteed Madrid go into El Clasico against Barca next weekend boasting an eight-point top of the table advantage over the Catalans.

"He played very well," Ancelotti reflected post-match . "It's his preferred position and it's where he stands out the most defensively, because he has a lot of presence [there]."

"It was an important game in this sense, because they play a lot of balls for Muriqi and having a tall pivot helped us."

With Tchouameni out and Eder Militao still not able to start games given how recent his comeback from injury is, Ancelotti should field a central defensive pairing of Antonio Rudiger and Nacho against City.

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Chicago White Sox | ‘It really motivated me’: Trip to the Negro…

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Chicago white sox | ‘it really motivated me’: trip to the negro leagues baseball museum inspires chicago white sox and ace players.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Colten Jones made his way through the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum on April 6, sporting a Chicago American Giants cap.

An outfielder in the Chicago White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) youth program, Jones listened intently as museum President Bob Kendrick shared tales of Andrew “Rube” Foster, James Thomas “Cool Papa” Bell, Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe and Jackie Robinson — who Major League Baseball is paying tribute to Monday with the annual “Jackie Robinson Day.”

“I really loved the stories,” Jones said, particularly about Hall of Famer Satchel Paige’s pitches, “and how he named them all.”

Jones and fellow ACE 13/14U players Brock Hamilton, Matthew Nabieu and Jordan Terrell recently visited the museum while the Sox were in Kansas City for their series against the Royals. Several Sox representatives — including assistant general manager Josh Barfield, hitting coach Marcus Thames, first-base coach Jason Bourgeois, television announcer John Schriffen and pitcher Michael Kopech — also attended.

“This experience is great,” said Nabieu, 13, an infielder. “It showed me what really went on in the Negro Leagues and what the MLB was built off of. It showed that everything was not made in the MLB.”

Nabieu had visited the museum before but felt like the in-depth stories provided by Kendrick added another layer on this particular afternoon.

“It never gets old to me, whether I’m sharing the stories with major-league athletes, current and past, athletes from any sports discipline, but this means a little extra because it is the White Sox and how close the White Sox have been and how supportive the White Sox have been to the museum through the years,” Kendrick said. “To be able to have kids from the ACE program here is not the first time, but it’s always significant.

“I hope they take something away from this that will drive them as they continue to play this game.”

That mission was accomplished.

“It was a really good experience, getting to see everything, the old history about Black baseball,” said Hamilton, 14, who is a first baseman and an aspiring broadcaster. “It was all very important.”

Hamilton called the tour a “blessing.”

“Not everybody gets to have something like this,” he said. “The fact that I get the chance to have this opportunity is really good.”

Barfield always tries to make it a point to visit the museum whenever he is in town. He enjoyed getting the chance to share the experience with the ACE players.

“It’s another generation removed from the Negro Leagues,” Barfield said. “I think the farther and farther we get away from it, it’s so important for young kids to hear those stories so they continue to pass that on and get an appreciation of like why we get to play the game today and the privileges we have today.

“Those guys paved the way for us. It’s an awesome story. I think they really enjoyed their time there.”

So did Kopech, who made his first visit with his family. Like Jones, Kopech was enthralled by Paige.

“I always love Satchel Paige, hearing story after story about Satchel Paige,” Kopech said. “I didn’t know he could potentially have been older than I thought when he played, which is crazy to think about.

“I went in biased because I always liked Satchel Paige — seeing how much (overall) memorabilia is there, all the signed balls, it’s really cool.”

The lessons went beyond the playing field.

“As I remind folks, it is triumph over that adversity,” Kendrick said. “That’s what makes this story so compelling, so awe-inspiring to those who come here.

“I think they come here and they walk away cheering the power of the human spirit to persevere and prevail.”

Everyone said they left inspired.

“It really showed stories and how the MLB really developed,” Jones said. “It really motivated me and really uplifted me to be as good as them and have as much love for the game.”

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J.d. martinez unlikely to join mets on west coast trip with debut expected ‘shortly thereafter’.

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J.D. Martinez’s Mets debut is likely to be pushed back at least another week.

On Tuesday ahead of the Mets’ 3-1 win over the Pirates , team president David Stearns gave his first update on the designated hitter, explaining Martinez is not expected to be ready for its West Coast trip to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“It’s unlikely on the trip. My expectation is shortly thereafter,” Stearns said.

Added manager Carlos Mendoza: “He swung the bat yesterday. Scheduled to continue to swing the bat today. Cage, tee, toss, things like that. But the one thing I’ll say, where he’s at and us going to the West Coast [Wednesday] after the game, it’s very unlikely that he will join the team in this upcoming trip.”

This is the second time Martinez, 36, has been said to be near the end of building up his at-bats in the minors.

He was expected to join the Mets on their trip to Cincinnati and Atlanta and be ready to face the Braves on April 8 after spending 10 days off the roster in a minor league stint as an expedited span of spring training. However, he was held back after experiencing lower-back pain and overall body soreness.

Instead, the late spring training addition received a cortisone shot on April 9 after it proved to be helpful while with the Dodgers last season in an effort to get ahead of the discomfort.

“We talked to his representation plenty and I think J.D. did a very nice job of keeping himself in shape during the downtime before he signed,” Stearns said of how aware he was of Martinez’s readiness when signing him. “I think as he’s gotten going, he kind of ran into the same level of back stiffness that plagued him over a couple different points of his career and was pretty confident that the way the Dodgers treated it last year really helped him throughout the year. So, we’ve adopted to treat it the same way.”

Stearns added he doesn’t believe Martinez needs to show anything in particular to join the team, rather it’s based on when his body feels ready.

Martinez agreed to a one-year contract worth $12 million just before spring training wrapped up after posting a .271 batting average and .893 OPS last season. The Mets’ offense had expected to reap the benefits of his bat since the start of the month.

“I don’t know,” Stearns said when asked if he is surprised it has taken this long. “I think we didn’t have a defined time frame. I certainly think had he had this back stiffness, he would have been here already. So, the back stiffness probably delayed this a little bit.”

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The Cornell Lab of Ornithology builds the eBird global platform for communities and partners around the world to advance data-driven science, education, and conservation.

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Global Big Day—11 May 2024

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Be a part of birding’s biggest team! Global Big Day is an annual celebration of the birds around you. No matter where you are, join us virtually on 11 May, help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day , and share the birds you find with eBird.

Participating is easy—you can even be part of Global Big Day from home. If you can spare 5 or 10 minutes, report your bird observations to eBird online or with our free eBird Mobile app . If you have more time, submit several checklists of birds throughout the day. You never know what you might spot. Your observations help us better understand global bird populations through products like these animated abundance maps brought to you by eBird Science.

Last year, Global Big Day collected more data about birds on a single day than ever before. More than 58,000 people gathered 3.2 million bird observations on 148,000 checklists, setting new world records for a single day of birding. Will you help us make this the year we surpass 150,000 checklists on a single day?

How to participate

• Get an eBird account: eBird is a worldwide bird checklist program used by millions of birders. It’s what allows us to compile everyone’s reports into a single massive Global Big Day list—while at the same time collecting data to help scientists better understand birds. Sign up here. It’s 100% free from start to finish.
• Enjoy birds on 11 May: It’s that simple. You don’t need to be a bird expert or go out all day long, even 10 minutes of birding from home counts. Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight in your local time zone. You can report what you find from anywhere in the world.
• Enter what you see and hear in eBird: You can enter your sightings via our website or download the free eBird Mobile app   to make submitting lists even easier. Please enter your checklists before 14 May to be included in our initial results announcement.
• Watch the results roll in: During the day, follow along with bird observations from more than 200 countries in real-time on our Global Big Day page .

eBird Trip Reports on Global Big Day

eBird Trip Reports are a great way to share where you went and the birds you found on Global Big Day. Simply create an eBird Trip Report for 11 May 2024. As you submit lists and upload media throughout the big day, they’ll be added to your report automatically. Send the trip report link to friends and family so they can follow along. ( Learn more about eBird Trip Reports )

Global Big Day Pro Tips

• The Cornell Lab’s free Merlin Bird ID app can help you to identify the birds you see and hear on Global Big Day.
• Use eBird Mobile Explore to find recently reported species or new places to go birding nearby.
• Take photos and sound recordings and add them to your checklist —they might end up on the Global Big Day page!
• Make your sightings more valuable:  submit complete checklists ,  keep counts of the birds that you see, and keep multiple checklists throughout the day.
• Share what you’re seeing on social media with #GlobalBigDay !

On 11 May, we hope you’ll be a part of our global birding team. Have fun, enjoy the birds you find, stay safe, and share your sightings on eBird. Because in our world, every bird counts.

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The Buffalo Bills team building trip to Africa this summer

• Author: Chris Pirrone

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The Buffalo Bills social team is always keeping us on our toes with inane references or videos to trending or viral topics. As the Bills arrived for OTAs in Orchard Park, many players explained that they had spent the offseason getting smarter by studying moles in Africa.

Watch Josh Allen, Khalil Shakir, Mack Collins and other Bills play along with their insights about the Golden Mole, with a nod to a story line from HBO’s The Wire.

Toward the end of the video, Dion Dawkins and others also riff on the popular "What's up brother?" line from social media celebrity Sketch, who has a handful of popular phrases which he uses on social or when he's audibling plays on Madden. Sketch became friends with popular content creator Jynxzi when the two would often collaborate via Twitch. In a video from earlier this year, Jynxzi called Sketch on video and pointed the phone toward the camera with Sketch blurting his famous line "What's up brother?"

Brains got bigger this offseason. 🧠 #GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/Yi2t52xL1s — Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) April 15, 2024

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