The public can now donate directly to all 18 big homeless charities in London via a fund, rather than encouraging begging. “Homeless hostels don’t charge,” says one frustrated outreach worker. Experts are upbeat about the ambition to end rough-sleeping.

There’s no limit as to how long you can live in a hostel, but don’t forget the reason why you travelled to a new part of this wonderful planet…to explore! Don’t allow yourself to get too comfy by watching Netflix in bed every night and frequenting the same places.

Hostels abroad are filled with foreign and American travelers, and there’s no reason these travelers wouldn’t opt for shared accommodation in the US, too. That’s partially because the demographic of hostel guests is expanding. When I started backpacking, you didn’t see many people over 30 in a hostel.

Most hostels charge rent – the amount varies. You don’t usually have to pay a deposit or rent in advance. You usually need to claim housing benefit to help with your rent in a hostel.

Many hostels include sheets in the price of a bed – it depends on the hostel. In YHA (Hostelling International) hostels it depends on the country. Blankets or quilts are always provided. Hostels which don’t include sheets in the price will rent you sheets for an additional cost.

Theft in hostels isn’t very common. Things rarely get stolen as travelers that frequent hostels are mostly backpackers, all with the same concerns. Also, hostels have rooms and lockers for baggage and personal items that you can easily use to secure your things – usually you’ll have to bring your own physical lock.

How to keep your belongings safe in hostels

1. Always book hostels with lockers.
2. Try to book hostels that require ID on checkin.
3. Always lock your valuables in your locker when you aren’t using them.
4. At night, keep your phone under your pillow, not next to the bed.

Must have Travel essentials while staying in a hostel.

1. Light-weight Microfiber travel towel. Most hostels don’t provide towels so it’s better to carry your own as it’s one of the things needed for hostel.
2. Travel Toiletries.
3. Padlocks.
4. Eye Mask/ Sleeping Mask.
5. Earplugs.
6. Flip flops/Slippers.
7. Packing cubes.
8. Laundry bag.

Cheap Hostels. Hostels are, more often than not, the least expensive accommodation option around the world. But that’s not the only reason you should consider staying in one. Compared to hostels, there is little to no social element to a hotel.

Hostel Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers

1. Choose a room with fewer beds.
2. Sleep on the top bunk.
3. Create a privacy curtain with your towel if you’re on a bottom bunk.
4. Change your clothes in the bathroom.
5. Pack your stuff up every night.
6. Speak up if you don’t feel safe.