What You Need to Know Before Booking a Hostel in Australia

Where you stay on your holiday is just as important as the destination.

This post is presented in partnership with YHA. Student Edge members, get 20% off 40+ hostels around the country with YHA!

It's almost impossible not to think of hostels when discussing travel as a young person.

Hostel experiences come in all shapes and sizes, but one thing remains consistent: they're inviting places experienced in helping young people travel safely and enjoyably across Australia and the world.

Unfortunately, hostels sometimes unfairly get a bad rap based on preconceptions passed down by older generations. Anyone who's stayed in hostels in the past decade would know these biases are the exception, not the rule. 

So, we asked some current young people why they prefer to stay in hostels, and gained some tips on how to navigate throughout Australia and the globe in the process. Soak them up below!

You'll get local knowledge and advice.

Turns out, hostels are hubs of local knowledge!

When you first arrive at a hostel in Australia, you'll probably be greeted by a friendly receptionist. Aside from the usual spiel about things to know during your stay, hostel employees can also fill you in on all there is to know about the area you're staying. Sometimes, they'll even offer free walking tours. As Monique from VIC experienced, they're likely to "give you travel tips and also places you may have never heard of."

The best markets? Hostel staff will have an opinion or two. The tastiest local eat-outs? Them too, for sure. The most aesthetic travelgrams? Oh, you bet. 

With hostel accommodations, you can be sure there's always going to be a reliable source of local information when your Google searches aren't quite hitting the mark. 

You'll meet like-minded people.

Hostels tend to be a bit more social than other types of accommodation, which is why younger people are more drawn to them. This means that you'll probably meet other people your age and with similar interests.

Jessica from VIC agrees, recommending that more young travellers say 'yes' to new friends and experiences, "within reason, of course."

"It leads to some unforgettable experiences and lifetime friends," Jessica tells us.

"It takes a lot of courage for someone to go up to a stranger and ask them if they want to hang out, so if you are lucky enough to be approached, give them a chance."

Monique from VIC echoes Jessica's advice.

"Meeting randoms, hearing about their stories really opens your mind and also make you feel inspired at times," Monique admits.

It'll be a temporary home for you to put your feet up.

After a long day of holidaying, all you'll want to do is pop off your shoes and put those feet up for a few moments.

Thankfully, hostels, unlike other types of accommodation, have got (basically) everything you need for such relaxation. There's a kitchen for you to prepare food, there are bathrooms, there are common rooms and some even include games rooms, computers, swimming pools and other fun stuff, all available without leaving the comfort of the hostel.

As Luca from SA recommends: "Take advantage of free activities [but remember] you're sharing a house with many others." 

Katie from QLD seconds that: "Just be nice to people; don't be that spoil sport."

Where you stay is as much of an experience as the destination.

People tend to forget that your holiday accommodation is where you might end up spending half your travel time. You'll need to sleep, get cleaned, get ready and maybe even eat and plan your days in your hostel, so it becomes as much of an experience as the place you're there to visit. 

"You can get so much out of the hostel experience," Kate from VIC believes, adding that it's not just for extroverts: "You don't necessarily need to be a social butterfly either."

Subrina from SA also reminds travellers to "enjoy every moment of it!" 

And Annabel from WA says that while you shouldn't forget your manners, your toothbrush or your street smarts, above all, you should "never forget to have fun."

"Its an amazing opportunity to meet life long friends."

From converted railway carriages to prisons to fairy yurts, YHA Australia has hostels just as unique as you! Student Edge members get 20% off 40+ hostels around the country with YHA!

Header Image and All Other Images: iStock.com/vgajic