The Clever Reason To Stay At A Hostel Even When You Can Afford A Luxurious Hotel

"Aren't you too ... old to be staying in a hostel? Crashing in a twin bunk bed amid a crew of 19-year-olds from Auckland? Don't you have to keep one arm wrapped around your belongings? Isn't it sketchy for solo female traveler? Don't loud drunkards come bursting into the room at 3 a.m. yelling in foreign tongues, scaring the bejeezus out of you?"

Incredible hostels around the world keep these accommodations popular in the travel community, but they oftentimes come with the misconception that they are intended solely for broke backpackers. While it is true that they are not appropriate for every time, place, or traveler type, it could be worth a self-check if your initial reaction is that you "outgrew" hostels. We can all admit to that very human tendency to believe the finer things in life would just make you a bit happier. A swanky luxury hotel? Yes, please! Pop that champagne. 

However, maybe we can also all relate to the disappointing realization that sometimes the finer things are followed by a hollow ring. What did you exactly outgrow? Making new friends? Being open to the world? Creating adventures and social connections with other traveling souls? Even if you can afford more expensive accommodations as you roam, you should bear in mind that hotels and Airbnbs tend to be more isolating than hostels. In fact, you could end up discovering that your king bed with world-class views is not quite the life-changing adventure you imagined when you set out. Money doesn't buy friends, friends. Better accommodations do not necessarily equate to a better experience. Whether you are new to travel or have been trotting the globe for years, there is still one indisputable advantage of hostels: the fantastic communal aspect and opportunity to share your experience with others.

It's helpful to take a step back and ask yourself why you are traveling. Are you traveling for comfort or for connection? Do you value luxury or the opportunity to bond with like-minded spirits? Are you looking to connect with yourself or others? While there are undoubtedly reasons to escape and seek solo respite, the cost of luxurious, private lodgings is that they are often removed from the hub of on-the-ground travel info, local adventures, and fellow adventurers. Basically, it's a trade-off, and you decide what is most important to you.

Traditionally, staying in hostels removes social and logistical barriers for fellow travelers to meet and bond by fostering an atmosphere conducive to conversations, meet-ups, friendships, and community adventures. Friends and travel companions can be made in common areas, at the bar, and in the communal kitchen. The staff typically organizes walking tours, bar crawls, and other social events to bring people together in fun, unique ways. Many travelers who choose hostels walk away with new travel buddies for the weekend, insights into the area and its history, and unexpected memories to cherish.

And the relieving thing about hostel life is that it is what you make of it. You can always say no to social opportunities. If a dorm room can no longer cut it for you, many hostels offer single rooms — which means you can sleep in privacy but share the communal areas and environment with new cool people.

There are a few more reasons why hostels are not something to outgrow!Even if you can afford luxury, your dollar could go to even more trips if you travel a bit cheaper. You wouldn't have to return from your vacation feeling financially depleted, grimacing when you glance at your credit card statement. Think of all the other places in the world you want to see! Also, most hostels do not host the party reputation that pop culture may depict. Obviously, some do, but a simple read-through of online reviews for hostel red flags will distinguish those quickly (if party culture is in fact what you want to avoid).

Another factor to consider: The concierge at your luxury hotel ain't got nothing on these people. The incredible level of insider info found in hostels is invaluable; you can bet you'll find the juiciest dirt on the best local dive bars, activities, and restaurants. Those real-time recommendations of where to go, what to do, and current events are unparalleled. 

So even though you are forgoing the most luxurious lodging options out there, you can still get a fantastic mix of comfort, relaxation, and community with hostel living. And fear not, if you do choose to stay in a luxury hotel, there are plenty of other ways to meet new people while traveling; you are not banishing yourself to a lonely solo experience. Your next adventure will be exactly what you make of it!