Staying in a hostel is very different than staying at a hotel.Not only are you most likely sharing a room with strangers, but there are also essential items that you need to take with you that aren’t needed at a hotel.
For those staying at hostel for the first time, or maybe just need refresher, here’s a list of 11 essential items to park when staying in a hostel.
1. Shower Shoes
This is number one on the list because there is no way that anyone should be showering at a hostel without wearing sandals or flip-flops. If you’re a person who doesn’t usually wear flip-flops, pick ups cheap pair just for use in the hostel shower.
2. Lock
Make sure to bring at least one lock with you. Some hostels will have lockers that you can use, but if not you can still lock your bag. A lock with a combination code is better to bring than one with a key. Save yourself from worrying about an extra small item such as a key. Using a TSA approved lock will keep your checked luggage safe and can also be sued at the hostel at your destination.
3. Quick Drying Towel
Hotels provide you with a towel, however hostels generally don’t provide towels, so you’ll need to bring your own, Instead of packing a normal towel that’s heavy and slow to dry, bring a quick drying towel.
4 Flashlight/Headlamp
Be sure to have a light source that won’t wake your roommates if you need to use the bathroom or read something. You could use the flashlight function on your phone, but that uses the phone’s battery. Some good options are a keyring flashlight or even a headlamp. A headlamp keeps your hands free when looking for something or reading, plus it can also be used when hiking or other adventure activities.
5. Universal Travel Adaptor
Be sure to check your electronics and see if you need an adaptor for the country you’re visiting. If you’re a frequent traveler or traveling to several different countries, invest in a universal travel adaptor.
6. Eye Mask
If you have trouble sleeping with the lights on, it might be best to bring an eye mask with you. You might find that your roommates stay up late or want to keep the lights on at night.
7. Earplugs
Som hostels can be loud at times, so it’s recommended to pack some earplugs to help you sleep. They also block out loud street noises, or even the sounds of other flight passengers while you’re en route to your destination.
8. Toiletry Bag W/Hook
You’ll need to bring your own toiletries, a hostel won’t supply you with shampoo, conditioner, or soap. A toiletry bag is useful, but one with a hook is even better because you can hang it in the shower.
9. Sleeping Bag Liner
Free yourself from the worry that your sheets are dirty and use a sleeping bag liner in your hostel bed.
10. Reusable Water Bottle
Don’t waste money on buying multiple bottles of water. Most hostels have water that you can drink for free or very cheaply. Use that to refill your water bottle when needed.
11. Power Strip
Hostels aren’t known for having an abundance of outlets. A compact power strip is handy if you want to charge your devices.
A lot of these items are also on our list of what to pack in your carry on, so you could even travel without any checked luggage.
