Most people experience the joys of staying in a hostel at some point in their life. If you are going travelling or for an extended stay abroad the cheap prices and flexibility mean you can stay longer and experience more. Hostels shouldn’t be overlooked for your normal holiday either as there are a huge range on offer and there is usually a hostel available to suit most people’s needs. If you don’t mind compromising on service and quality then a hostel is definitely a great option.

Take a look at this hostel survival guide to help you decide:

Price Comparison
It is important to research the hostel well seeing how the price compares to other types of accommodation on offer. A hostel is usually the best option for saving money. Try and book in advance to ensure availability.
Facilities
Make sure you check out the facilities, room size and people per room. Also, double check bathroom facilities to see how many people would be sharing one bathroom. It is a good idea to check out review sites but don’t be too put off by bad comments, people have different expectations and standards and even the nicest of places can still attract bad reviews.
Beds
Beds in hostels are usually lower in quality than hotels and cheap mattresses are often used. This shouldn’t put you off though as there are solutions. If you have room in your luggage you can always bring sheets and duvet covers with you for added comfort. If you are travelling light you can buy lightweight silk sleeping bag which are easily folded into a backpack but provide peace of mind if you are unsure of when the sheets were last washed.

Experience
Hostels usually provide a great holiday/travelling experience. If you are looking to meet new people then staying in a hostel is usually a good way to go about it. You can share stories and talking to your fellow hostel buddies is the best way to find out about the place you are visiting. Be open minded and stay there with the right attitude.

Don’t Forget…
Remember to pack earplugs and an eye mask to make your stay more peaceful.

Accommodation is one of the most important deciding factors when going on holiday. Getting a good night’s sleep is paramount for a relaxing and enjoyable break. There is a huge range of accommodation on offer but choosing to stay at a bed and breakfast is often overlooked.
Check out these Pros and Cons to help you decide:

Pros
1. Meeting New People
The smaller numbers and relaxed atmosphere often enable you to meet more people and discuss your holidays. You can even discuss your plans for the day with fellow guests over breakfast.

2. Comfy and Cosy Rooms
Rooms in bed and breakfasts are often less clinical and cosier reminding you of home. Bed and breakfasts usually provide a comfy home style mattress for their beds, which is another bonus.

3. Cost
Bed and breakfasts can in some circumstances be more economical. They’re definitely worth checking out as an option for your holiday accommodation, as they may well be cheaper than a hotel.

4. A More Unique Place to Stay
If you’re visiting a new area in the UK or abroad then staying at a B & B can also help to give you a better feel for a place than staying in a hotel where you are far removed from everyday life. You can also stay in some more unique buildings full of character. You could end up in a castle, a lighthouse, a former jailhouse, or even a treehouse.

Cons
1. Less Facilities
Although you will hopefully find yourself in a cosy room full of character it is unlikely you will have facilities like a fridge, kettle, trouser press and you may not even have a TV. However, if these are items you won’t require then there is no problem!

2. Slower Service
Although not the case for all B & Bs, service is likely to be slower than a hotel. There is unlikely to be a 24 hour reception and if you have a problem in the night you may either have to lump it or go and wake up the owner!

3. Privacy
You will probably have less anonymity in a bed and breakfast than a hotel. If you want to keep yourself to yourself and not interact with other travellers it might not be the best place to rest your head.

4. Food
Not all bed and breakfasts will have options for an evening meal/snacks etc. If your bed and breakfast is located in a remote area then you may have difficulty finding food and a hotel might be an easier choice where food is always readily available.

A good night sleep is just what one needs when travelling half-way around the world, and suffering from jet-lag. The soft mattreses, king size bed, and snuggle in Egyptian cotton sheets. Yes, this might be the case for some.
But for those looking for a more adventurous accommodation, or sleeping solution, here’s some great alternatives. They don’t guarantee you a good night sleep, but surely a great experience!

1. Ice Bed, Sweden

2. Space Capsules Bed, Japan

3. Outdoor Beds, Kenya

4. Floating Bed, Paris

5. Prison Bed, Slovenia

Source: Concierge.com | Mail Online