Tips & Tricks

Hostels

Checklist

1. Quick-dry body towel + shower shoes

2. Padlock for your locker

3. Portable charger

(Make sure to bring a USB and USB-C charging cable)

5. Ear plugs + eye mask 

*If you forget any of these, it’s not the end of the world — you can usually buy replacements for €3–6, depending on where you're staying. I reccomend going to a local grocers for washing pods/full body towels if its more cost efficient*

In’s and Out’s

  • Use Hostelworld to explore available hostel options, then look up the hostel’s official website and book directly through them. You’ll often get better rates and extra perks like free breakfast, late check-out, or other freebies.

  • Book women-only dorms
    Men’s rooms often have a distinct smell, and having to change in the bathroom every time can be annoying.

  • Choose rooms without in-room showers
    These are often poorly ventilated… Communal showers are usually cleaned more regularly and better maintained.

  • Don’t overthink room size
    Once you’re sharing with more than 4 people, noise is inevitable — whether it’s 6 or 10. Go with the cheaper option.

  • Skip the refundable rate
    Personally, I never book refundable since my flight isn’t refundable.

  • Avoid the breakfast package
    It’s usually just bread and fruit. You can buy something better (and cheaper) from a local store or make your own in the hostel kitchen.

  • Bring earplugs
    People will absolutely watch videos without headphones. Save yourself the pain and bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

  • Say yes to hostel activities
    The pub crawl/pizza nights are always a fun way to meet people. And don’t skip the free walking tour — they’re often run by locals, donation-based (~€10), and a great way to actually learn about the city.

Tried and True

Dining Hacks

Buy a small bottle of water from the grocery store at the beginning of the day and keep it in your purse or backpack. Paying for overpriced tap water at restaurants isn’t worth it.

Also, grab a large bottle to keep by your hostel bed so you don’t have to go to a vending machine or trek to the kitchen in the middle of the night.

Navigation & Planning

Use both Google Maps and Apple Maps to double-check transit times and routes. Google Maps is often more accurate, but it’s helpful to compare.

Plan your days using Google Maps. I save all the places I want to visit in a city, then build an itinerary based on location. If a group of places is in one part of the city, that becomes a “day.” I also look up food spots ahead of time and save 3–4 options in each area. That way, I’m not wandering around hangry with a dying phone trying to find something to eat.

Know the names of nearby shops or landmarks next to your hostel, as well as the name of the closest bus or tram stop. If your phone dies, you need to know how to get back without it.

Tech & Apps

Check if your destination has a local rideshare app and download it before you land.

  • i.e, Uber, YandexGo, Bolt or Grab

Use Airalo for eSIMs — it saves time and hassle at the airport.

Flight & Luggage Tips

If you check a bag, take a photo of both the bag and the bag tag. Save them in your Notes app in case you accidentally delete them from your camera roll.

Put an AirTag (or similar tracker) in your checked luggage.

Use your toiletry bag as a last resort “purse” if your airline is strict about personal items. It helps you avoid extra fees.

Always face the airline staff when speaking to them. Don’t turn your back, and avoid standing off to the side. When stepping away from the counter, back away while still facing them if possible (that way they can’t see how big your backpack really is).

Use Google Flights’ map view when looking at plane ticket prices. It’s a helpful visualizer.