On Surviving Hostels as an Introvert
Hostel living poses a uniquely intimidating challenge for introverts, who are typically the fiercest champions of personal space and solitude you’ll ever meet. (I would know. I’m one of them.)
Of course for many of us, hostels are simply the only way to make the trip of a lifetime happen. But while the prospect of constant hostel mingling might seem overwhelming, it’s not as scary as it sounds! From selecting the right accommodation to embracing solitude within a communal setting, there are lots of ways to make the most of your hostel experience.
This guide aims to provide you with the strategies and insights that you need to navigate hostel life in a way that aligns with your nature. Let’s transform your hostel stay from something you have to survive into something that will encourage you to challenge yourself and thrive!
Consider Hostel Size Before Booking
There is a huge difference between the experience at a smaller hostel versus at a bigger, more commercial one. Both certainly have their benefits and drawbacks. But if you’re an introvert like me, you might actually consider larger ones.
It may be counterintuitive, but there is a reason for this. Frankly, they just have more space. And much of it is left wide open for your individual enjoyment, despite being open to all guests. Hostel-goers—conceivably you included—want to be out exploring far more often than they want to be indoors. So thankfully, when you want that space, it’s probably ready for you.
I don’t recommend staying at giant commercial party hostels, though, unless you’re looking for that particular experience. They’ll be loud and busy no matter the time of day. You can get away with smaller hostels when they’re described as quaint and quiet since their major selling point is probably a cozy atmosphere. Just keep in mind that smaller accommodations may be a little more prone to feeling cramped.
You can usually get a good sense of an accommodation’s atmosphere through its website. However, I live by reviews on Google and Hostelworld for a more complete vibe check. If you can live with the qualms reported in the worst 1-star review, you know you’ll survive your stay.
Prioritize Pods
An awesome perk of many newer hostels, particularly in Asia and Oceania, is that they offer pods.
A pod is essentially an encapsulated bunk that you can open and close at will. It’s my absolute favorite hostel sleeping arrangement because you have unequivocal control over when and how you interact with your fellow travelers. When you want to push yourself to be a socialite, you can! You keep the upside of a communal hostel atmosphere. But you also have the privacy of your pod if you need it.
The pod is also a game changer for light sleepers. Many travelers choose hostels for their flexibility; you can usually check in at any time of day or night. This is great for travelers who love red-eyes…but miserable for their easily stirred bunkmates. Pods eliminate this problem; your capsule will stifle external noise and keep you in the dark until you’re ready to face the day.
Reserving a pod will likely cost 1-5 USD extra per night, depending on where you are in the world. Still, it’s an option if you want to stay on budget while having something close to the privacy that you’d have in a private room!
Be Okay with Solo Time Outside
I’m a major homebody.
Even so, being away taught me that the most valuable alone time is spent out and about in the world. Even better, solo time outside is a contingency plan for when all those common spaces are occupied, too loud, or just not the vibe.
It can be tempting to devote any luxurious solitude you have to decompressing in your bunk. This is necessary and worthwhile sometimes!
But consider using that time another way. Wandering solo is the best opportunity to genuinely absorb your surroundings, without passively assuming the perceptions and opinions of a travel partner. When you move through a new place with someone, your experience will inevitably include a glimpse of the view reflected from their lens. So instead of squandering alone time when you have it, use it!
Your safety always comes first. Always do your research when exploring a new place, especially if you’re doing it alone. Stay vigilant. Make sure you can always see and hear your surroundings clearly. If you wear headphones, keep them to a reasonable volume that doesn’t deafen you to danger. Ensure that you know where you are at all times. If you remain alert and aware of risks, you’re far less likely to be the victim of a crime or accident!
Shift Your Perspective
I used to consider my time spent on planes, buses, and boats as time in “extrovert mode”.
I mean, naturally right? Any manner of transport open to the public has the reputation of being crowded, stuffy, and cramped. It’s pretty unusual to not feel exhausted by flights and ferries…and downright impossible to feel energized by them. At least, that’s what I used to think.
But being around people all the time while traveling—in hostel bedrooms, on city streets, in museums, on beaches, in restaurants—with little opportunity for escape calls for creative solutions.
One solution you might consider: shift your perspective slightly. When do you usually trigger “extrovert mode”? Does the switch flip any time you’re around other people? The thing is, you don’t always have to be your most outgoing self once you’ve left your bunk.
In fact, most of the time you spend on flights, buses, and ferries will not be actively social. Just like you, most of the people around you just want to settle in a seat with a beverage in hand and their headphones on. That’s just the nature of long journeys.
So, try to avoid thinking of this time spent as something you need to recover from. Redirect slightly. Think about it as time alone, just spent with other people who are also spending time alone. Just because you’re around people doesn’t mean it has to take heaping chunks out of your social battery.
Yes, of course you should think about having a genuine chat with your seatmate. It doesn’t always have to be super strenuous small talk; you might even find that there is rejuvenation in that conversation. But keeping the “extrovert mode” switch flipped when it doesn’t need to be is wasting your precious energy.