Posts
travel advice #1: hostelworld
>> Thursday, August 13, 2009
whenever i plan for a trip, my number one preference is a great price on the airfare. if the airfare is a steal, then i will jump on it right away; without a worry in the world about how much i am going to spend on where i sleep and what i eat, not to mention souvenirs for friends back home. nope, i don't worry about those things, and you know why? mostly because great deals are almost always to be found on... hostelworld. if you're the kind of person that is more careful about his or her planning, then checking hostelworld for prices before you book the airfare can't hurt.
there are probably plenty of other hostel websites around the internet, but this particular one has never failed me. i love being able to read the reviews and viewing the ratings of past visitors. on a whole, i've always had good experiences with my choices.
everytime i mention the word 'hostel,' people look at me, horrified. then they ask me if i've ever seen the movie HOSTEL. no, i have not seen it, and i don't think i'd want to. but even if i did, i don't think it would stop me from going back to a hostel. because to be honest, without the option of staying at hostels, i probably would not have been able to go to all the places i've been to, mostly because of the cost. of course, hostels are probably not the most classiest, most comfortable places to stay, but come on people, they're not five star hotels, they are hostels! you are there to see a new country, and most of the time you'll be busy walking around exploring the new culture, eating new foods, you won't even be in you room, except to sleep. so ask yourselves, "do i really need this expensive luxury?" because by the time you're back in your room, you'd be so exhausted you won't even care where you are, or how your mattress isn't tempurpedic. i personally enjoy the interaction with people in dorm-style rooms; finding it true that those who travel are so friendly and open to meeting new people. if you're not all about meeting others, then there are always private room options; some even come with its own restroom! sweet! so really, don't be scared off by that stupid movie. try it out, at least once. please? think about the money you'll be saving staying at a hostel for $15 dollars a night, versus $100+ at a hotel. you can spend the difference on a lavish dinner! for two! or extra taxi rides, or souvenirs, or.. just save it for your next trip!
even though i am all about hostels, and think its the most wonderful idea in the world, i must also give some words of caution. when you travel, you should always be aware of your surroundings. don't give people easy opportunities to take advantage of you, and they won't. always be aware where your personal items are, and keep your most important items closest to you at all times. sometimes when i sleep in a dorm-style hostel, i like to keep my purse with my money, passport, and personal information underneath the covers with me. but hey, that's just me, i personally like being extra careful, because that has kept me safe from harm all these years. i can proudly say i've never once been pick pocketed, or lost any important documentation or money during my travels. Read more...
