Holiday Taxis
Here are our top tips for those about to embark on their first backpacking adventure!
Shared dorms in hostels are a great way to meet people if you're travelling alone and don't mind a party. Having said that, however, some hostels are more party focused than others. Only get a private room if you're travelling as a couple or if you really just want to travel alone. Be warned though, you could miss out!
Before you head off on your travels, make a list of the best rated hostels in your destination city/ies. Try sites like HostelWorld, which offer more honest reviews than some more well-known sites.
Bring your own towel and bedding. You may even want to bring your own toilet roll, just to be on the safe side! Towels in hostels are a rare thing, and if by some miracle you are offered a towel by the staff at the hostel, can you be sure of its cleanliness or drying quality? Many hostels ask guests to bring their own bedding, too, so make sure you've got that sorted!
Don't expect too much in the way of privacy in your shared dorm. There is little you can do to get privacy, but try tucking a sheet or towel over the front of your bunk if possible.
Refrain from booking all your accommodation before leaving on your travels. Travelling should be a fluid experience, and sticking too rigidly to plans is likely to spoil the fun. Spontaneous changes of plan, new destinations and new people are what make travelling fun.
Even if you like a good party, there will be times when you just need to sleep. These times may not necessarily coincide with the times other people want to sleep. Ear plugs and eye masks will get you through the hard times, and you will thank yourself that you brought them. Trust me.
Pick up a couple of bottles of cheap wine, a multipack of crisps and head to the communal area, inviting fellow travellers from the hostel to sit down and join you. Be sure to make it clear you want them to stay and chat though, or you may end up the donor of a lot of food and not much better off friend-wise!!
Bring your own padlock with you and keep a tight rein on your belongings. Whilst most people are friendly, there is always the odd one who has to spoil it for everyone else. Don't let some n'er-do-well spoil your travels!
Pick up a cheap pay as you go phone for your travels. You'd be gutted if you lost your expensive smartphone, and with pay as you go, you know where you are with spending.
In some places, 'hostel' means an establishment for offenders or the homeless. Make sure you can tell the difference, or you may end up with a hostelling experience you weren't expecting!
