Hostel or AirBnB? What’s Best For Backpackers

For years backpackers had to rely on staying in hostels to keep their travel expenses as low as possible, but there’s a new service in town. AirBnB has steadily become one of the most-used travel companies as it allows people to open up their homes to travelers. That means the costs are much less than hotels, but can be just as comfortable. So what’s better for backpackers? Hostel of AirBnB?

Hostel

Let’s start with the old favorite, the hostel. One of the best things about staying in a hostel, especially if you’re traveling on your own is the social aspect. In hostels you can meet like-minded people all staying in the same place, looking for the same experiences. That means you can all head out on the town and arrange to travel together to some of the major sights you’ve traveled to see. In these hostels, you can make friends for life as you share in some life-changing moments while enjoying everything the world has to offer. There is another benefit to hostels, and that’s how little they tend to cost. For less than $10 per night, you can find a comfortable bed, a warm shower, and shelter.

AirBnB

For some people, the idea of staying in a hostel just isn’t for them. They’re going to be sharing their space with people they don’t know which can put them on edge and stop them from sleeping well. Staying in an AirBnB means you get your own bedroom in someone’s home, or if you’ve got the money, you can rent their entire place. This can help put you at ease when traveling because it feels as though you’re staying in a home from home. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture of the place you’re staying in then what better way of doing that than staying in a local home? Perhaps if you’re lucky, your hosts will be at your home to welcome you and give you some expert local knowledge you might not get anywhere else.

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to staying in hostels or AirBnBs, it’s all down to personal preference. AirBnB’s tend to be a little more expensive than hostels, but they both offer different experiences.