A brief checklist of items that can make your hostel stays more enjoyable.
You definitely don’t want to bring your entire home with you when staying at a hostel, but there are some items you can pack that will make your stay a bit more enjoyable. And they won’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase or backpack, either.
- An Inflatable Pillow. You can find these in the camping area of most department stores or sporting goods stores. You can also buy one of those smaller inflatable bath pillows. Folded up, they take up very little space, but add a bit of air and you have cushioning to sleep or to sit on. Bring your own pillowcase for added comfort.
- A Towel and Washcloth. Some hostels charge for use of towels and others have ones that wouldn’t absorb a raindrop. It takes up a bit of room but it makes the showering process a lot more comfortable. It can also come in handy if you go swimming.
- A Few Mini-Kits. There’s nothing worse than being in a unfamiliar town, not knowing where the nearest store is and needing a band-aid or a Snickers bar. So pack a few mini-kits, such as a first aid kit or a snack kit, or even a laundry kit, to be prepared. Read our article on "Mini-Kits for Budget Travelers” to get an idea for things you can pack to take care of those little emergencies that can pop up when traveling.
- Post-it Notes and a Sharpie Marker. Leave notes for your roommates. Put your name on food containers you leave in the fridge. Leave yourself reminders for the morning. These are invaluable in a communal space like a hostel.
- Extra Plastic Gallon-Sized Bags. Stuff a few empty plastic sandwich bags in your luggage. These are good for holding wet items, uneaten food, dirty underwear, receipts, seashells or flowers you plan to press…the uses are limitless.
- A Set of Locks. Buy one regular sized lock for any storage lockers the hostel may have and at least one travel-sized lock for every opening in your suitcases or backpack. Yes, even the empty pockets, because you don’t want somebody putting stuff in your bag as a joke when you’re not looking that can prove to be a nasty surprise at the next border crossing.
- A Pair of Waterproof Sandals. Get a pair of $3 flip flops at the local store that take up little room in an outside pocket. A pair of water sports sandals will work, too. It’s a good idea to wear them while in the communal areas of the hostel, like the bathroom, just for safety. As a bonus, they’ll work for beach or pool outings as well.
- An Alarm Clock. If your cellphone doesn’t have an alarm setting, invest in a small alarm clock to make sure you get up when you need to.
- A Small Flashlight. The power may go out. You may need to sneak to the bathroom in the dark so you don’t wake anyone. Either way, you’ll be happy you have this with you.
- A Sleepsack. If you have the room, this is a little sack that you can use to sleep in when the hostel doesn’t provide, or charges for, bedding use. And, in a pinch, it also serves as an impromptu ground covering for picnics, or even a bag to drag your dirty clothes to the laundry room. These are really simple to make, too. Take two flat sheets approximately the same size (can be matching or two renegades who’ve lost their fitted mates). Queen size is more comfortable, but full will work just as well. Turn them inside out and pin them together on the bottom and up one side to form an “L” corner. Sew the pinned sides together, leaving about a foot at the top unsewn. Turn it right-side out and you’ll now have a mini-cocoon that is open on top and on one side, with a little open on the other side to fold the top sheet down a bit. You can also purchase one for about $25-$35 at a sporting goods store.
With these items, you can be prepared while traveling and enjoy your hostel stays. What items do you pack when hosteling? Leave a message in our discussion forums.
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The copyright of the article Hostel Packing List in Budget Accommodations is owned by Michelle Snow. Permission to republish Hostel Packing List must be granted by the author in writing.
