I've stayed at close to 100 hostels — here are 13 things you should find out before you book

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Not every hostel is the same.
For that reason, you'll want to confirm a few things before a book a hostel, like its location, safety procedures, and wifi.
A traveler who stayed in nearly 100 hostels, and worked in one, explains what you should learn about a hostel before you book.

Hostels are becoming more popular than ever for young travelers, and for good reason: They're inexpensive, they're low-maintenance, and they provide endless opportunities to meet other travelers.

That said, not all hostels are created equally. Hostels vary widely in the services they offer and the type of atmosphere they provide.

I can attest to that — in my years of traveling, I've stayed in close to 100 hostels on four continents, and even spent a summer working at a hostel in New York City.

Before you book your hostel, there are some things you'll want to confirm to ensure your experience is a good one and your choice in lodging is right for you.

Here are 13 things you'll want to find out about your hostel before you book:

Location

The first thing on your mind when you are searching for a hostel is the location. Most travelers want a centrally located hostel within walking distance to popular tourist areas, or at the very least, a short ride away in a taxi, train, or bus.

If the hostel has a good location, it will probably advertise it prominently in its online description. However, don't believe everything you read: Sometimes hostels will use vague language like "five-minute walk from the metro," without specifying which stop. Do your own research to confirm the location is suitable for your trip.

Safety/security

When you're on vacation, nothing is more important that your safety. Make sure the hostel you book is in a safe neighborhood, especially if you're visiting a city whose criminals are known to prey on tourists.

WiFi situation

Depending on which part of the world you're in, WiFi access is far from guaranteed. Although internet access is becoming more and more universal, there are still plenty of hostels that don't offer it, and others that only turn on their routers for certain hours of the day.

Internet access may not be the most important thing if you've planned your entire trip in advance. But if you're like me and tend to improvise your way through your vacations, WiFi is critical for booking flights, scoping out future hostels, and connecting with friends across the city.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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