All the lucky souls who have ever lived in a college hostel would know what it is like to live through one of the most memorable moments of their lives. All those who haven’t had the chance, here is what I have to tell you – “What the hell…?“

Ever since I started travelling, I have been hopping around youth hostels. I have never looked back. While living in a youth hostel can be one of the most amazing experiences, there are certain very basic things that ought to be a part of the hostel surfer’s bible.

1. Location, location & location: I booked ‘Madee Hostel’ in Bangkok which promised me that it’s in the vicinity of everything. I did not cross check. I ended up staying miles away from practically everything. Location matters; It can save lot of unwanted expenses and time spent on travelling

2. Ratings on websites: Travellers give ratings to hostels on most sites like Hostel World based on Staff, Atmosphere, Cleanliness, Security, Location etc. You may want to take that seriously. If you book a hostel through Hostel World or any other website, be sure to leave a feedback. It will help other travellers

3. Facilities: A decent hostel should have free Wi-Fi, 24 hours reception, laundry, kitchen, clean beds, helpful staff who speaks english atleast, maps/ tours available, ready to eat food availble to buy, 24 hour security and a cloak room. Check the facilities thoroughly. ‘SO Hostel’, Chiang Mai was far more than what I had expected. I would not even look at any other hostel the next time I am in Chiang Mai.

4. Genre: There are various kinds of hostels ranging from party hostels, hostels which are more of homestays, peaceful ones out of the city. Find out which one you want. If you intend to meet up with new people from around the world go for party hostels. I stayed at ‘Mad Monkey Hostel’ in Siem Reap that has a roof top ‘BEACH Bar’ and exceptionally cool staff. If however, you want time for yourself and just relax, find a calm place somewhere on a mountain or out of the city

5. Hostel Staff matters: The staff matters a lot. I stayed in ‘Madee Hostel’, Bangkok. The staff’s attitude was bone dry. They couldn’t speak english and got mad at me for reasons I couldn’t understand. For first four days I thought I had ruined my holiday. Trust me, a warm welcome and a smile isn’t a part of the hospitality industry for no reason

6. Security Deposits: Most hostels ask for refundable cash deposit as sequrity when you check in. Some, however ask for documents like driving license or passport. It is better to insist and give cash deposit only. Although, documents deposited are safe but if your passport is lost, you can do nothing more than fight with the staff. At the end of the day, you will be stranded till you waste more time and money in getting a new passport

Hostels are not only for Backpackers but leisure travellers and couples as well. The concept of ‘Youth Hostel‘ is now slowly being replaced by just Hostel as people from all age groups are exploring them. I have my most awesome memories associated with my hostel stays around the world. I got to meet some life long friends, people from varied nationalities and all walks of life. What more can a passionate traveller ask for?

Disclaimer: All the opinions given above about hostels are my own. I have no association whatsoever with the Hostels I have spoken about.

Have you stayed in a hostel before? Do you want to tell us some additional things to take care of?

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Gaurav Bhatnagar Travel Writer, Photographer, Public Speaker, Entrepreneur @ www.thefolktales.com