How To Pick a Perfect Hostel for Female Solo Travelers

Traveling alone as a female solo traveler can be awesome, but staying safe is key to enjoying every moment without having to worry about spontaneous problems arising.

This guide offers essential tips to ensure your hostel experience is secure and stress-free, covering everything from location scouting to personal safety practices.

Here's how to pick the perfect hostel for female solo travelers.

Safety and Security: Your Top Priority

We all know solo travel can be super fun, but even the most adventurous spirit appreciates a good night's sleep without worrying about who's snoring in the bunk below.

Here's how to ensure your hostel is as safe as it can get:

• Location, Location, Location: Research the area surrounding your hostel thoroughly. Look for reviews from other solo travelers, check for safety ratings online, and consult local online resources about the area (Reddit can be a goldmine!). Choose a hostel in a well-lit, populated area, ideally close to public transportation and attractions.

• Security Features: When booking, prioritize hostels with robust security measures and opt for 24/7 Reception if you can - this can come in handy if you encounter a problem at odd hours of the night. Lockers are also a must in most countries.

• Dorm Options: For many first-time solo female travelers, female-only dorms are the most comfortable option. They foster a supportive environment for women to connect and exchange travel tips.

Personal Safety Tips:

• Lock Up Valuables: Use the provided lockers for passports, cash, electronics, and other valuables.
• Share Your Itinerary: Inform a friend or family member about your travel plans and check in regularly.
• Share Your Location: For extra peace of mind, consider using location-sharing apps like Find My Friends or Life360 to let loved ones track your whereabouts.
• Buddy System: If comfortable, pair up with other solo travelers for outings and exploring.
• Speak to the staff: If you feel uneasy about anything or anyone at the hostel, don't hesitate to talk to the staff. They're usually more than happy to help make your stay as comfortable and safe as possible.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don't hesitate to speak to hostel staff or switch rooms.
• Emergency Contacts: Save local emergency numbers and the hostel's contact information in your phone.
• Stay Alert: Be mindful of your surroundings, especially at night and in unfamiliar areas.
• Offline Backup: Save the hostel's address and a map of the surrounding area on your phone. Consider downloading offline maps for easy navigation, even without internet access. It's also a good idea to carry a physical copy of the address (on paper for example) in case your phone battery dies.

Hostel Atmosphere and Socializing

Hostels come in all flavors, from high-energy party central to peaceful spaces. Some are filled with social events and communal dinners, while others offer a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for solo reading or quiet conversations.

efore booking, consider your personal ideal atmosphere:

• Party People: If you're looking for late-night adventures and energetic crowd, look for hostels known for their social events, bar crawls, and social common areas.
• Chill Seekers: Prefer a more laid-back experience? Opt for hostels with cozy lounges, libraries, or outdoor spaces that encourage quiet mingling and relaxation.
• The Best of Both Worlds: Many hostels strike a balance, offering social events while still respecting those seeking downtime.

Check reviews for insights into the hostel's atmosphere.

Practical Considerations: Beyond the Basics

Choosing a hostel involves more than just safety and a social atmosphere. Let's delve into the practical details that can make or break your stay:

Dorm Dilemmas:

• Size Matters: Dorms can range from intimate 4-bed rooms to bustling 30-bed dorms (especially common in youth hostels). Smaller dorms offer more privacy, less noise, and a higher chance of connecting with your roommates. Larger dorms, while more affordable, can be noisy and less personal. Consider your tolerance for late-night chatter and personal space.

• Gender Preferences: Most hostels offer a mix of mixed and female-only dorms. Female-only dorms often foster a greater sense of security among most solo female travelers. However, if you're comfortable in mixed company, mixed dorms can offer a broader social experience. Be aware that in mixed dorms, you might sometimes find yourself as the only woman. If that makes you uncomfortable, don't hesitate to request a room change.

• Private Rooms: For ultimate privacy and a guaranteed good night's sleep, consider booking a private room. While pricier, they offer a peaceful sanctuary away from the shared dorm environment.

Rating Games:

• Stars and Thumbs Up: Hostels are often rated on various platforms, using stars, points, or thumbs-up symbols. Research different rating systems to understand what each one signifies. Look for hostels with consistently high ratings across multiple platforms.

• Read Between the Lines: Don't just rely on the overall rating. Read individual reviews to get a sense of what guests liked and disliked about the hostel. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness, staff friendliness, and overall atmosphere.

Booking Strategies:

• Bird or Last Minute?: Booking in advance is generally recommended, especially during peak season or for popular destinations. This ensures you get a bed and the occasional early-bird discounts. However, if you're flexible with your plans, last-minute deals can be found, especially during off-season.

• Know Your Destination: Research your destination to understand its peak season and popularity. If it's a major tourist hub (like Tokyo), book in advance. For less-visited destinations, you might have more flexibility with last-minute bookings.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Beyond the practicalities, there's a wealth of resources to enhance your hostel experience and connect with fellow travelers.

Read reviews written by similar travelers: Don't just blindly trust the overall hostel rating. Head straight for the reviews written by your fellow female solo adventurers. These are the ones who truly understand your priorities and concerns.

Age Matters: Look for reviews from women around your age. A 20-year-old backpacker might have different priorities than a 35-year-old solo traveler on a career break.

Filter Frenzy:

• Hostelz.com and Booking.com: These platforms let you filter reviews by travel type (solo, couple, etc.) and even the type of dorm the reviewer stayed in. It's like having a personal hostel matchmaker!
• Hostelworld: While you can't filter reviews directly, they do offer helpful info on each reviewer, so you can see if their experiences align with yours.
• Google Reviews: Check out reviews directly on Google Maps to get a quick overview of a hostel's reputation.

Booking Platforms:

• Hostelworld: A comprehensive platform with a vast selection of hostels, detailed reviews, and helpful filters.
• Booking.com: While primarily known for hotels, Booking.com also features a wide selection of hostels with user reviews.
• Hostelz.com: A powerful search engine for hostels that combines the best of both Hostelworld and Booking.com, allowing you to compare prices and availability with one click and get the cheapest hostel price available.

Online Communities:

• The Hostelgeeks: A community-driven platform dedicated to sharing hostel experiences and tips.
  
  
• Girls LOVE Travel®: A supportive Facebook group exclusively for female travelers, offering advice and inspiration.
  
  
• Solo Female Travelers: Another Facebook group connecting solo female travelers from around the world.

Red Flags:

• Safety: Look for comments about secure lockers, keycard access, well-lit areas, and a 24/7 front desk. If a review mentions feeling unsafe, it’s best to skip the hostel.
  
  
• Cleanliness: Nobody wants to share a bunk with questionable stains or critters. Search for keywords like "clean," "tidy," and "well-maintained."
  
  
• Atmosphere: Do you want a party hostel or a chill place? Reviews will often mention the vibe, so you can find your perfect match.

Preferable Amenities

There are certain amenities that can elevate your hostel experience from "meh" to "magnificent." Here's what to look for:

Bathroom:

• Female-Only Bathrooms: While not essential for everyone, having a female-only bathroom can provide extra comfort and privacy
  
  
• Hot Showers with Good Water Pressure: Trust us, after a long day of exploring, a lukewarm dribble is not what you want. Check reviews for mentions of shower quality.
  
  
• Hair Dryers: See if the hostel provides them, or if there's at least one you can borrow from the front desk.
  
  
• Ample Mirrors and Counter Space: Getting ready in a cramped bathroom with one tiny mirror is no fun. Look for hostels with spacious bathrooms and plenty of room to primp.

Room Comforts:

• Individual Reading Lights and Outlets: Whether you're a night owl or an early bird, having your own light and charging station is a game-changer.
  
  
• Curtains for Privacy: Bunk beds are great for socializing, but sometimes you just need some "me time." Look for hostels with curtains or partitions for added privacy.
  
  
• Secure Lockers: Don't risk leaving your valuables unattended. Make sure the hostel has lockers big enough to store your backpack and other essentials.

Beyond the Room:

• Communal Kitchen: If you're on a budget or simply enjoy cooking, a well-equipped communal kitchen is a must-have.
  
  
• Laundry Facilities: Long-term travelers will appreciate on-site laundry facilities to keep their clothes fresh and clean.
  
  
• Social Spaces: Whether it's a cozy lounge, a rooftop terrace, or a games room, having a place to relax and socialize is key.
  
  
• Free Good Room-Reaching Wi-Fi: Stay connected with friends and family back home, or research your next adventure.
  
  
• Extra Perks: Some hostels go above and beyond with amenities like yoga classes, free breakfast, or bike rentals. These little extras can make a big difference.

Solo Female Traveler Hostel Safety Checklist

Location and Surroundings:

1. Is the hostel located in a safe area?
2. Are there well-lit streets and paths to and from the hostel?
3. Is public transportation easily accessible and safe to use at night?
4. Are there convenience stores or other resources nearby in case of emergency?

Hostel Security:

1. Does the hostel have a 24-hour reception desk?
2. Is there secure keycard access to the building and individual rooms?
3. Are there lockers available for storing valuables?
4. Are there security cameras in common areas?
5. Does the hostel have a safety deposit box for extra security?

Room and Dorm Safety:

1. Are the rooms and dorms well-lit and clean?
2. Do the beds have individual reading lights and power outlets?
3. Are there smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the rooms?
4. Do the windows and doors lock securely?
5. If staying in a dorm, are there curtains or partitions for privacy?

Social Atmosphere:

1. Does the hostel have a welcoming and respectful atmosphere?
2. Are there clear rules and guidelines for behavior?
3. Are staff members approachable and available to address concerns?
4. Are there designated quiet hours for sleeping?
5. Do other guests seem respectful and considerate?

Additional Considerations:

1. Does the hostel offer a luggage storage room?
2. Are there laundry facilities on-site?
3. Is there a safe space for socializing or relaxing?
4. Does the hostel have any safety protocols or emergency procedures in place?
5. Is there a first-aid kit available?
6. Does the hostel offer any women-only spaces or activities?

Remember, trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to ask questions or look for another option. You can also check out our lists of the best hostels in cities throughout the world.