Hostels vs. Airbnbs While Traveling

Airbnbs, hostels and hotels - Oh My! There are so many accommodations options to choose from it can actually be a bit overwhelming. From lux hotels, to beach bungalows, to an RV in the middle of nowhere, each type of accommodation has its benefits and drawbacks and each traveler has their own preferences. 

Over the last 7 years of traveling I have teetered between hostels, hotels and Airbnb’s (and my friends' couches, of course). I love all of these options, but usually choose depending on what type of trip I am going on. That being said, what accommodation you choose is definitely one of the most important first decisions you can make when planning a trip to a new place. 

Here are my tips and recommendations to help you choose the best accommodation for your trip:

Hostels

I love hostels. Apart from being one of the cheapest places to sleep in any city, they offer the opportunity to meet new people and participate in tons of activities. Hostels are almost always located in popular spots in the city center, making them a great place to stay when you first arrive and want to see the sights. Many hostels also offer breakfast or other meals, transportation to other destinations in the city, tours, and even airport transfers. Make sure to ask these questions when you are choosing where to stay!

The cheapest option is almost always a bed in a dorm room with a shared bathroom. Some people are apprehensive about sleeping in a room with 5 to 10 other strangers, but honestly, it isn’t as bad as it sounds. It is actually a lot of fun and most of the time other travelers are very respectful of the fact that this is a shared space. Many hostels have bed curtains and lockers for added security and privacy. While your room might feel a bit tight with so many people, it is just for sleeping. Hostels typically have huge common areas where you can hangout, either to chat with other travelers or just read a book or work by yourself. 

If you are traveling alone or for a short time, I would definitely recommend staying in hostels. You’ll make friends right away with people from all over the world. And if you want the hostel experience without hearing the snoring of your bunkmate (lol) you can book a private room. Something I have found to be very cool when traveling alone as a woman is that many hostels offer female (rather than mixed) dorm rooms. 

Finally, when it comes to security, I’ve always felt very safe and comfortable in hostels. In fact, I have felt safer in hostels than in Airbnb’s because you are surrounded by the hostel community, other travelers, and staff. If you need anything or need help the staff will be there for you. 

Airbnb’s

Airbnb’s are another very popular accommodation option. Airbnb started as a super small, but the platform has grown so much over the years that you can now find Airbnb’s in almost all corners of the Earth, from the Safari in South Africa, to a bungalow on the beach in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, to a cabin in the hills of Transylvania, Romania.

Airbnb’s can be luxurious vacation rentals, or a family home rented out to travelers looking to see what a real, local home looks like in different countries around the world. The platform gives you the option to rent a whole house, a room, an apartment, among other more novelty options like RVs, treehouses, or bungalows on the beach. 

If you are traveling for a longer period of time, or with a group of friends I highly recommend staying in Airbnb’s. They are oftentimes more affordable than hotels, especially when you split the price between a group of friends. Since Airbnb’s are oftentimes houses or apartments, you will likely have a lot of amenities at your disposal. A full kitchen, patio, or living room can make you feel like you are in a “home away from home” rather than in a hotel room. 

That being said, I don’t recommend Airbnb’s if you are staying for a shorter period of time because of the check-in, check-out situation. You’ll probably have to meet with your host to pick up the keys, and coordinate a time when you’ll be checking out. If you stay for a longer time you can get a weekly or monthly discount (depending on the host), but sometimes a shorter stay can be even more expensive than a hostel. 

Hotels

Hotels are the most classic accommodation option. What they lack in novelty they make up for in reliability and comfort. Hotels are great if you are traveling with a partner, or need a private space to unwind and relax after spending a while surrounded by people in hostels. 

If you do enjoy staying in hotels I recommend researching rewards programs so you can earn points overtime and get free or discounted stays. 

These are my tips when it comes to accommodation options around the world! Do you prefer staying in hotels, hostels, or Airbnb’s? Let me know in the comments and happy travels <3.