Does this Hostel look deadly? NOOO
Okay.You just booked your ticket to a wonderful destination in Europe, say…Paris, and you want a safe and affordable place to stay. From my experience with traveling around and across Europe in multiple directions, I have found that staying in hostels is the best idea invented for people traveling on their own or with a small group trying to save money and at the same time seeking to socialize and meet people from around the world. Coming from the US perspective, your first thoughts are probably uncomfortable flashes of movies or stories you have heard about hostels. When the words “hostels in Europe” are mentioned, you instantly see a dark and mysterious place, sometimes a brothel, sometimes a place where people slaughter humans, or a dump hole. You imagine walking on cobblestones through a dark alley at night while it’s drizzling rain, then seeing a sign that says “Hostel” in front of a staircase that supposedly leads you through a curtain to your “room”. Yea, I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that’s rarely and usually not the case.
How safe are hostels?
Hostels these days are filled with people just like you who are looking for a fun way to vacation in an urban city. Usually they are easily found, sometimes right off the metro or train station, and they usually provide services a motel or fancy hotel would offer like free wi-fi, 24-hour service, luggage storage, free maps, tours, and knowledgeable advice. The people who work at hostels usually speak English in Europe, they are open-minded people, culturally aware, and are very resourceful; they can accommodate your questions and concerns about safe accommodation and tourism. The environment of the hostels tend to be cozy and homey. It comes with a common kitchen area, a lounge area, sometimes even a nice cafe. Computer access with internet is often accessible. The cost of the hostels range anywhere from $5-$60 a night, sometimes higher depending on the place, season, quality, or service.
If you were looking for place anywhere in Europe, http://www.hostels.com would be a good place to start comparing and reading the ratings and references from guests and travelers.
What is Couchsurfing?
Another alternative way for fun and safe accommodation is a social network called Couchsurfing.com. It is not only safe and cost-effective, it can offer so much more! It sometimes comes with a personal local tour guide, a comfortable bed or couch, insight on local life, and it’s free! Couchsurfing is a site where people literally from around the globe, even in places that are unexpected, sign up to hang out or host travelers. These people offer places to stay, a tour around the city, and their house as if it were yours. I’ve hosted
countless travelers with my roommate when I was studying in Sweden and we now know where we can stay when we visit those couchsurfers’ country. I also couchsurfed with a couple of couchhosts in London and Edinburgh and it’s both been a memorable experience and I came out safe with no scratches or burns. One thing to keep in mind is that you will be in someone else’s home, so you must respect their requests and rules on staying over. It would not be fun to host someone who completely use and abuse you only for a free place to stay. Depending on the host, you will encounter different approaches and circumstances on how they will host you. Some are very laid-back or busy and don’t mind that you travel and explore on your own and come back to only sleep, and some will be completely involved with your stay, show you around the city, or plan social events. It’s a RELIABLE, alternative night’s sleep for individuals or travelers in a small group. The people who host or hav
e profiles are usually the ages of 18-35, occasionally you will see older people with great insight and wisdom to share. http://www.couchsurfing.com
All you have to do is make and account and fill out the required description for yourself, search for people in your destination city who is offering a couch, send a request on which days you would like to surf, see if they accept your request based on their availability. It’s kind of like a dating site but there is no dating involved, purely on meeting and understanding people from the local point of view. There is no better way to get a cultural perspective than Couchsurfing.com, AIESEC being the number one way, of course.
Out in my favorite city of Edinburgh with my couchhost.
With all this traveling, going from one place to another, you must know how to pack smart. Going from the airport to the center of the city is sometimes a train ride away, but if you are carrying too much, it will be a hassle that you will quickly regret. Read Packing tips for first time travelers so that you have one less thing to worry about for your upcoming travels.
For you experience travelers out there, what kind of accommodation tips do you have?
Thanks for reading and hope it helps!
The Dandelion Traveler
dandeliontraveler 
I am IN LOVE with COUCHSURFING!!!
if you are interested, follow, read and comment on my blog about couchsurfing: http://www.kseniainbulgaria.wordpress.com
Reblogged this on Captain Halpin's Bunkhouse and commented:
This is good information well done it will be great for first time travelers
Thanks! I’ll check it out!
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