The Unwritten Rules of Hostels

Hostels are a wonderful thing. Cheap, filled with like minded travellers and if you're lucky, a decent hot shower. The whole idea behind hostels is that by being in community with everyone else, you not only get to cut down on costs but also exchange stories, pass on knowledge and share a beer or two! The unfortunate side of community though, is that there are always a few who could care less about everyone else is the hostel. After being awoken at 7am (really early for a hostel) by a Brazilian guy packing his one million plastic bags while stomping around the room, I present my guide of the Unwritten Rules of Hostels.

Do Not Be Gross

Have dirty sweaty underwear? Don't leave it lying around. Have an unfortunate case of perpetual body odor? Learn to shower and use deodorant. Have to shave your back hair? Don't leave your fallen hair ALL OVER the bathroom. Have incredibly long toenails that need clipping? Don't leave them on the floor. It's mostly common sense here. But for those who've never had a roommate, or are a bad one to begin with, you should probably just be a little more aware of what you're doing. Don't be gross. 

Just unfortunately gross

Don't Touch Someone Else's Food

Everybody at a hostel isn't exactly a rich person, thus the reason they're at a hostel to begin with. When groceries are bought, labeled and stored in the communal fridge, I like to come back to it at dinner time and find it to all be there. Instead of finding my hot sauce stolen. Or a huge knob of butter disappearing. Everybody has worked hard for their precious money and essentially everything in that fridge has a price tag on it. Just don't be that guy. If you're missing something, most of the time someone won't mind sharing. Don't touch someone else's food. 

Breakfast with a view in Pucon! No one stole anything here

If Someone is Asleep, Shut Up

You're not the only one sleeping in a room. Normally you'll be in a room of 4 to 6 beds but occasionally up to 20 in a dorm. Meaning that people will be coming in and out constantly. It also means that generally people will be going to bed before and after you, as well as waking up before and after you. It is the WORST waking up in the middle of the night listening to people (drunk or not) stomp around, have loud conversations or pack their bags for an early bus out. Seriously. Take your hiking boots off, shut your mouth when you come into the room and pack the night before or in the hallway. Plastic bags are also probably the worst thing to rummage through when you have people sleeping all around you. Be nice, and respect the fact that a proper sleep is hard to come by while travelling. Learn to shut up.

A little common sense goes a long way in hostels. Just be nice, and have a little respect for others. 

Channy

Instagram & Twitter - itsnathanchan

September 7 - Pucon, Chile