More women than ever are taking on solo travel. From exploring the Caribbean to traipsing through Europe, a solo trip can be really empowering and even fun for female travelers.
However, to keep costs down and keep things as simple as possible, many people are booking hostels instead of hotels or home rentals. In fact, some people feel safer at hostels. This is what I want to talk about today — are hostels safe for female travelers? Yes, they are, thanks to the following:
Hostels Provide Better Security
When compared to a hotel, hostels are more secure and safe. When you check in at a hotel, for instance, the people there know you are alone in your hotel room. There might not be other people near the room, either, which leaves you open to dangerous scenarios.
Hostels, on the other hand, there are always people around and there are extra security measures, such as staff monitoring common spaces, secure private rooms, fewer people staying there, and restricted access. They are a preferred way for a cheaper female solo travel option.
Dorms Specifically for Females
Another thing that I like about hostels is that there is almost always a female-only dorm room. When traveling solo, having a female dorm as your sleeping space is really important to me. I have made new friends, I have met like-minded people, and gotten to know guests staying there, which means I now know people all over the world.
There are certainly times I have stayed in a mixed dorm, but I prefer a female only dorm. Usually there are fewer beds, too, so there aren’t as many people around. It helps me save money, and feel safer.
One thing I will suggest, though, is to always read reviews. There are some specific hostels that have these rooms, but they aren’t always open or available. Booking sites can also tell you more about the room options at most hostels.
Staff are Always Around in a Safe Hostel
When you are traveling and worried about safety, a hostel is also a great choice. There are always other people around. Even if you aren’t in the shared spaces there is someone close by. There might be staff around, other people engaged in group activities, or even a front desk, similar to a hotel.
If there is an emergency, another person is there just steps away, even if solo travelers are there, alone.
Additional Hostel Safety Tips
Hostel staff are aware that women traveling alone are concerned with staying safe, so they will do all they can to provide safe accommodation. Here are some other tips that I have to make sure that you are safe and comfortable in a hostel, no matter what your destination:
Check Ratings and Read Reviews
No matter where you stay, you should always read reviews from other travelers. Some good places to read reviews include Lonely Planet and Hostelling International. Always read reviews carefully and look for green flags. I always look for reviews done by other women, too.
As with anything, a place might look nice online, but when you read the reviews, you find that women feel uncomfortable, that the location wasn’t good, or that the amenities were not as advertised. You also might find that women didn’t feel comfortable walking around at night or that the young kids partying were too loud.
Reviews can also show other good things about hostels, like the fun activities they offer, show low cost food around, or share more information about the city you are visiting.
Stay Safe in a Hostel and Happy Travels
Being smart and making safe decisions is the best thing to do when looking for a hostel during your travels. Always book through reputable sites and look for one of the many hostels that cater to solo female travelers. You will love to meet people who are traveling just like you, and the social interaction is a wonderful way to meet new people.
I love visiting hostels when I travel alone, and who knows? Maybe we will run into each other or be roommates at the next one.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
