6 Signs You’ve Outgrown Hostels

Do you agree with these indicators that a traveler has outgrown hostels?
6 Signs You’ve Outgrown Hostels

Not sure you’re as sold on hostels as you once were? Check out six no-fail signs that it’s time to make the transition to hotels.

The author’s list includes these indicators:

1) You crave alone time

On top of their being affordable accommodation choices, you’re sure to meet at least a few new people at a hostel—thanks to abundant common areas, and the number of people who use them. But if you’re starting to avoid those common areas, or walk through them without making eye contact with anyone because you just want to be alone (thank-you-very-much), you might be on your way to outgrowing hostels.

2) You’re more concerned with comfort than room price

Once upon a time, the bottom line trumped everything else when it came to where you were going to sleep while travelling. Grotty bathroom? Cramped, musty room? So what, if you’re only paying $8 for the bed?

3) You want your own bathroom

There just comes a time when showering among strangers isn’t your thing anymore—and that’s okay.

4) You no longer care about the free breakfast

If you’re starting to skip the free meal in favour of grabbing something genuinely filling and tasty, it might be a sign you’ve graduated to better establishments. Or at least those that serve real coffee.

5) “Amenities” begin to have an appeal

…But then there’s that moment when you walk into a room and curse the fact there’s not even a sliver of soap (and ruminate on what you wouldn’t do for one of those mini bottle of body lotion). That moment, that moment right there says your hostel days are numbered.

6) Sleep starts to take on greater importance

As soon as sleep becomes more of a priority, and you find yourself cursing the drunken hooligans across the hall, you’re well on your way to pricier accommodations, where you will pay for thicker walls and a marked decrease in said drunken hooligans.