One of the best things about staying in hostels is meeting all kinds of interesting people from around the world. But let’s be real: sometimes, it’s not always as fun as it sounds.
I’ve come across some backpackers who think the dorm room is their personal space, leaving dirty dishes in the kitchen, having loud conversations or worse—getting busy in the dorm room. And don’t get me started on the ones who party all night, then get mad if someone wakes them up in the morning.
Honestly, I think every hostel stay should come with a quick etiquette guide. You want to be remembered as the cool, friendly traveler, not the one who annoyed everyone. After years of hostel stays, here’s my advice on how to be a good hostel guest:
1. Be Quiet
During the day, the dorm room is fair game for chatting, but after 10 or 11 PM, keep it down. People are trying to sleep. If you’re having a late-night conversation, step outside the room. It’s not cool to wake up the whole dorm just because you’re in the mood for a chat.
2. Keep the Lights Off
If it’s late or early in the morning, use a flashlight or your phone’s light instead of turning on the room’s main lights. Some people need total darkness to sleep, and you don’t want to be the one who ruins their rest.
3. Clean Up After Yourself in the Kitchen
No one wants to clean up your mess. Wash your dishes with soap (not just water) and leave the kitchen ready for the next person. If you use the last pot or pan, clean it up so the next person doesn’t have to. And honestly, I always clean my dishes before using them because, let’s face it, you never know how clean they actually are.
4. Be Respectful of the Bathrooms
We all have to use shared bathrooms, so don’t leave it looking like a disaster. Throw your trash in the bin, don’t pee on the floor, and if you’re sick, aim for the toilet, not the sink or shower.
5. Pack Quietly the Night Before
If you’re catching an early flight or train, pack your bags the night before. That way, you won’t be disturbing others when you’re rustling through your stuff at 6 AM. It’s a small gesture that shows you care about other people’s sleep.
6. Avoid Noisy Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are the worst! They rustle and crinkle like crazy, and everyone in the room can hear it. Pack your plastic bags the night before to avoid disturbing the peace.
7. Keep It Private
No one wants to hear or walk in on you getting busy in the dorm. It’s just not the place for that. Find a private space if you’re feeling frisky.
8. Turn Down the Music
As much as we all love blasting our favorite tunes, not everyone wants to fall asleep to your personal soundtrack. Keep the volume low, especially at night.
9. Use Headphones
If you’re watching a movie, making a call, or listening to music, use headphones. No one wants to hear your conversation or the sound effects from your game. If you don’t have headphones, step into the common room.
10. Don’t Hog the Bathroom
There’s limited bathroom space in most hostels, so don’t take forever in the shower. Be quick, so others can get their turn, too.
11. Share the Outlets
Everyone needs to charge their devices, so don’t monopolize the outlets. If you’re plugging in multiple devices, be considerate and leave some room for others to charge their phones or laptops.
12. Be Considerate with Laundry
If you’re doing laundry, make sure you don’t take up too much space to dry your clothes. Hang them in your bunk area, not all over the room. Other people need to wash their stuff, too.
13. Don’t Steal Food or Drinks
It seems obvious, but some people still raid the hostel fridge and take food or drinks that aren’t theirs. If you wouldn’t want someone else eating your stuff, don’t take theirs. If something’s left in the shared cupboard, feel free to use it, but don’t take personal items without asking.
14. Don’t Bring Smelly Food into the Dorm
Some foods just smell terrible and attract bugs. Eat them in the designated common areas, not in the dorm. No one wants to smell your leftovers at 2 AM.
These aren’t difficult rules to follow. Just treat others the way you’d want to be treated and respect shared spaces. You’re not the only one at the hostel—everyone has their own needs. Don’t be the person who annoys everyone else with bad behavior.
Be the kind of traveler people remember for being friendly, considerate, and easygoing. Trust me, you’ll make better memories that way!
