Backpacker Hostel - What to expect..

The fact is that when backpacking Australia you will be on a budget and one of the biggest expenses while away from home is paying for accommodation. This means that you are more than likely going to opt for a budget option and frequent the thousands of backpacker hostels littering the country.

For a first time backpacker the idea of staying in a backpacker hostel can be quite daunting. Here at Backpacker Pages we understand this as every one of our team members has been in the same situation, this article should give you an insight into what to expect.

As discussed in a previous article ‘choosing a backpacker hostel’ your choice of hostel can have a dramatic effect on the enjoyment of your time in any one place. However there are a few generalisations that can be made to almost any hostel and an insight to these can quell any anxious feelings you may have.

Rooms – Backpacker Hostels supply a range of rooms for the traveller catering for all tastes. The most popular and hence the most common are dorm rooms which can range from 4 beds all the way up to 40 beds!! You’ll find the more beds in a dorm room the cheaper it will become for a nights stay. It’s all up to personal preference just remember the more beds the noisier it’s likely to be. A limited range of backpacker hostels can also supply single rooms, double rooms and single sex dorms.

Kitchen – On your travels backpacking Australia another significant cost of living is food. Any way to cut this cost is helpful and the majority of hostels give its residents access to on site kitchens to help in cutting the cost of meals. Don’t expect to find a state of the art kitchen but most are reasonably well equip although some places ask for a deposit on cutlery.

Reception – One of the most important places in any hostel is the reception. If it’s paying for your room, local knowledge or even a friendly face you’re after then this should be your first port of call. Just remember that some backpacker hostel receptions are closed during certain parts of the day so be sure to ask when you check in.

Facilities – One way in which hostels try and attract the backpacker is offering bonus or free facilities in order to beat off fierce competition. These can include laundry, TV and internet access. Although these things will be readily available close by it is a huge attraction to have everything you need on site. In fact there are certain hostels that include all these and more for FREE!!

Lounge/common room – Again, most hostels have a common room which are exclusive to its residents. During your travels you’ll find that these are great places to relax and meet like minded travellers.

Activities – Another huge pull for backpacker hostels a diverse amount of activities available for its residents. These include football, surf gear rental, pool, game consoles, video, bar and so on. In fact the list is endless and if this sort of thing attracts you then remember to check it out before you check in.