- What is hosteling like in India?
- What are the differences between a hostel and a hotel?
- What should I know about hostels?
What is hosteling like in India?
The concept of backpacker hostels is fairly common in most tourist places around the world especially Europe. The concept sprung up and has become quite the norm throughout the continent. This concept has spread all across and has been maturing in India for the past decade or so.
For those who are completely unaware about the concept, a backpacker’s hostel is typically an accommodation set up that involves travellers staying in a shared arrangement. The arrangement typically is a double bunk bed that is multiplied on that basis with 2,4,6,8,10 sharing dormitory set up. Usually, a hostel will have a set number of beds per room and a shared common bathroom (either attached to the room) or an external common bathroom. The dorm can either be mixed or gender specific.
There are several facilities like free wifi, lockers, water, cafés that are available at hostels. Along with this there can be several activities that the hostel could be organising like walking tours, social meet ups, music events and so on.
Backpacker hostels have popped up in many places throughout the country especially in places where traditionally tourism has been picking up intensely over the past decade like Goa, Himachal Pradesh and so on.
Hostels now come in a variety of themes and styles, and are always looking to set themselves apart from each other. It has resulted in some very unique and interesting places to visit. Previously unknown to most Indian travellers, hostels seem to have become extremely popular with the millennial and the gen z travellers who are looking to experience something different rather than the usual flavours of travel.
For many that may seem like a parallel universe but once you check out the advantages, you may completely flip from travelling in hotels to just hostels!
What are the differences between a hostel and a hotel?
1. Socialising and Community – the biggest factor that differentiates hostels from hotels is the fact that there is a vibrant social atmosphere. It is encouraged for travellers to interact with one another, share/exchange stories and just spend time understanding one another. Since hostels are popular with international travellers, it is a great way to meet people from other cultures and places. There can be so much leaning from simple conversations alone. It is also a great for solo travellers to meet other travellers. Solo travel is something that has been brewing in India. While in the public domain, most male travellers have more or less been travelling solo for a while. A new generation of solo female Indian travellers are starting as well.
The community aspect is another important facet. There are diverse interests and hobbies now (especially amongst the younger generation) who are into activities like dancing, skating, yoga, poetry, surfing and so much more! Hostels become a catalyst for those with diverse interest to meet and exchange ideas, becoming a support for one another and enable for many to experience things that they would not ordinarily not experience in a standard hotel.
This aspect is completely missing in hotels who have a very sterile atmosphere where interaction between guests is a rarity.
2. Affordability – Another factor that makes hostel stay a worthy choice. Usually backpackers who frequent hostels, would indulge is slow travel – which means spending a considerable amount of time travelling from one place to another. The idea was to experience the place completely and immerse oneself in it. The popular phrase – “I’m taking a gap year” is a well known one in these circles. What started out as European students taking time off to travel (using their pocket money or side hustles to earn some income) looked for an affordable way to stay.
Hostels are just that – where a times they are nearly 1/3 or even 1/5 the price of the cheapest hotel room. At that price they can stay on for a longer time and still have access to facilities like free WiFi, comfortable beds, clean bathrooms and more!
3. Workation – The pandemic has definitely given rise to a lot of remote workers. It made a lot of people realise that they were not required to be present physically and most of the work that they did was completely manageable from another location. It also gave rise to a realization to many who did manage to push the boundaries and work from elsewhere that they could do a lot more with their time – the work life balance.
The closet travellers realised that were able to stay in a place they desired, complete the work and earn as well. Workation became a thing – a combination of Work and Vacation, it gave rise to a set of digital nomads who were happy to stay in a scenic, picturesque place while remotely doing their 9-5 job. The hostel became the ideal destination since most of them came with great internet connections, social settings, activities and so much more! Hostels also understand this and offer such packages to people looking to get away and work for a couple of weeks.
4. Amenities – Hostels usually have a working kitchen that can be used by the guests. Which means the option of cooking for yourself is available rather than spending excess money on meals from outside. There are hostels with dedicated work spaces, places for exercises and more!
What should I know about hostels?
There are many great things about hostels that has been discussed but it is important to understand the things that are part of the experience. Let’s see a few points below:
1. Privacy: As the hostel space is a shared community space, there is mostly very little space available for spending time alone. If you’re someone who needs their own space from time to time, be prepared that you will not get it easily. Of course, there are quiet corners and spots in every hostel but space comes at a premium.
2. Space: The luxury of having tons of space to keep your belongings is not an option. The best way is to travel light so that you’re not struggling to fit your things and more importantly, trying to figure where you’ve kept your things.
There is an unspoken set of rules that hostels have and it is part of the culture. Of course, everyone may not know and understand this, so it is best to list them out.
1. The hostel is a social environment however if anyone is overstepping their boundaries, it is always a great idea to either stay away from them or politely inform to give you space.
2. It is a given in a community space that you respect the cleanliness and hygiene of it. Be sure to not leave your surroundings unclean, wash up after you use any cutlery or dishes.
3. Being respectful of others belongings and to not touch them. Always been mindful of your things and keeping them safely. Carry locks and use them especially in hostels where they provide lockers.
4.Staying mindful especially in the late hours. Avoid using your phone in a shared dorm on loud speaker mode. Use earphones at all times. Talking loudly and disturbing room mates can be a cause for concern.
4. Do not eat or drink in the rooms. That is a huge no no! Not only do the smells spread, there is also the possibility of spillage and soiling the sheets.
5. Always reaching out to the management in case of any issues. It is always best to let the management sort out any issues rather than taking matters into your own hand.
These are fairly do-able and will make the hostel experience a great one rather than an average one.
If you’re looking to kick start your hostel journey, visit Locul Hostels in Bangalore to get a taste of the hostel life. Bangalore is a great city to work out of as it has so many things on offer!
Book here, click here
