The tote bag is also a great idea for planes. Put it next to your feet and keep all the stuff you need in flight in it. Easy to organise when you are deboarding (after a bad night's sleep), no drawling around on the icky floor looking for stuff and nothing forgotten in the seat pocket.
1- Eyemask 2- Padlock 3- Flocks 4- Portable charger 5- Earplugs 6- White noise playlist and headphones 7- Tupperwares with your name on it(IMPORTANT) 8- Washing powder 9- Tote bag for sleeping in the top bunk of the bed 10- Packing cubes BONUS: 1-Pillowcase 2-DIY Curtain
From someone who has stayed in hostels many times, all your ideas are great. For privacy, I carry a bungee cord with hooks on each end. I stretched across the bunk bed frame and use my lightweight airplane blanket to drape a curtain across the bungee cord.
Instead of a pillowcase the BEST thing is a silk sleeping bag, a lot of them come with a pillow inserts anyway, but then it's ALSO a set of clean sheets, and the silk fabric is SO breathable yet insulating, this is my absolute travel holy grail 🙌🙌 you might think they'd be bulky but it's about the size of a cotton pillowcase because silk folds up so small, plus I find it doesn't smell as soon, good for your skin and hair, like absolutely 1000% the thing. But you might be thinking, are they expensive? Well, no you can get one for about $30. Seriously recommend!!
Here’s a tip that’s a bit off the wall, but I like it. Get a totally waterproof wash kit bag - not for your bathroom items but to bring your small valuables into the shower with you (without looking like you don’t trust anybody). I’ve only used it once in anger, when I couldn’t see what was happening in the the changing area when I was inside the shower. It worked!
Plus a SARONG! The ones from like Bali, Thailand etc… you can use it as a curtain for your bunkbed as mentioned in the video, as a towel on the beach, as a skirt or a dress when coming from the beach, in a country where you drive scooters it can be used over the seat to prevent your bum to be burnt when it’s been shining the whole day and the seat it super hot, or then cover the seat when it’s been raining and there you have a dry seat! It’s also super lightweight, it can be just hung to any straps on your backpack or daybag, so it’s definitely a MUST! 😎
A sarong on a scooter may lead to an accident if part of it gets caught on the wheel. The folded layers may cause the seat to be slippery. One can use to cover the seat while parked, putting away when riding.
They also can be used as a towel after a shower or on the beach, plus they're easy to hand wash to implement these changes for multi use. They're affordable + look very nice.
I wish I could've found this video from before I started backpacking. This is on the money. I can vouch 100% that you need all of this. I do carry my own pillowcase as well but thats because I have curly hair and I need that soft satin goodness for my hair.
I used hostels in Spain and the pillows were ginormous! I have managed to find a microfiber king size pillowcase (not too bulky) for my next Senior backpacking trip to Europe.
Pillow cases are life savers.. I use to travel with about 4 of them to separate essentials like underwear, socks etc in my luggage.. and sometimes I've stayed at place's where there wasn't a pillow so I'd stuff a couple of jumpers in a pillow case and sleep with that.. also to carry undies socks etc to wash them while I'm in the shower... That curtain idea is genius wish I'd known that before.
Love all of these, and wanted to add something for the pillow case: you can put one of your t-shirts over the pillow instead of having to bring a separate item with you. It can even be one that is lightly worn or your beach cover up or whatever
In India, I always had a ball of strong twine. I used it all the time to create clothes lines and curtains lines. I had mini clothes pins that I used. I'd put up a line and hang my sari over it all around my berth to give me privacy on the trains, and always take the top berth because that was safer for theft prevention when sleeping. It gave me a sense of safety and cut down on too much distraction and kept me safe from curious males. A sleeping bag liner is a very good idea. Otherwise, your sleeping bag will eventually get stinky and there is no way to wash it..
I braid elastic cord into about a 3 foot length, with ties on each end. When stretched out, the elastic can be separated to tuck in items for drying - no clothespins needed.
The tote bag is an excellent idea, especially for someone like me who prefers the top bunk (yes lol). Also, if you have the luxury of space in your travel bag, I suggest bringing a blanket that you can use as an extra blanket or as a makeshift curtain if you ever needed one, and it comes handy during cold bus trips. I haven't thought of bringing a pillowcase on my trips, but after watching this video, I realized it is indeed a good idea.
I have an ultra light puffer Jacket that compresses down very small and now I'm thinking about keeping that in a pillow slip instead of a bag! Thanks for the idea! I saw another traveler who picked up a scarf (like a wool Peshmina) that she iniyially got to wear as a sarong in the temple but now uses as a towel/shawl/ light blanket when she needs something on a plane or bus.
All great advices I would add: -Baby wipes / Cleaning wipes -febreze - Quick dry towel / diy curtain / you usually have to rent them otherwise and don t know how well washed -first aid kit -Keep shower make up product in same plastic bag you can attach to shower and prevent leakage in suitcase -Suitcase that separate in two ( got my eastpack for 18 years still going strong and it has been tossed and overweight a lot) or a tote to separate dirty clothes -Granola bars - a multiplug so everyone can charge their stuff I love top bunk better because afraid top bunk will fall on me, person get sick and I m harder to reach/ easier to jump out so feel safer. Usually they have barrier so you can hang your towel too.
I progressed from hostels to budget hotels and Im very happy about it. No matter how good a hostel is having all sorts of people in one room became for me a problem. Snoring, talking, walking in, out and around made me insomniac. Having a toilet and a shower room out and for a band of people was another problem. Now I prefer overpay extra 10-20 bucks but have my privacy, better sleep and a restroom for me alone-)
@@justaregularguy7982 600 extra for 2 months doesn't look like a fortune to me. Better sleep and your overall condition after a normal quiet night are def worth it. Nowadays I see all sorts of accomodation offers, with hostels costing as a low-budget hotel, hostel with rooms for 1 person, apartments for rent, hotels in the center and on the outskirts... If one invests a bit more time in research, one will find his option. Mine now, after I had experience sleeping in one hole of a place hostel with fighting bums and drunkards, is not sleeping with strange people in one room and running all sorts of risks.
I think really depends for each individual, I'm a deep sleeping and although I've been woken up once or twice by snoring people even with ear plugs, most of the time its fine and the living conditions are better than budget hotels.
@@joesr31 my ass, better than most hotels. The only thing having a common toilet and a shower room outside your room for a bunch of strange folks and roughing it in one room with them makes any hostel a worse choice for anyone who can compare.
@@garyweaver5512 budget hotels. I value cleanliness more than "privacy" I guess. I stay in max 4 bedder hostel rooms and its really not that bad, most people I've met were pretty decent and usually keep to themselves. Faced more issues in budget hotels with rusty taps, dirty/stained sheets and bugs in the room. Maybe its just poor research on my part, or due to the different locations but I had more bad experiences in budget hotels than hostels.
Great Vlog for any backpacker to watch before setting off. I Have backpacked around the world over the last 30 year and as well as your list A head torch with a red light is handy if you need to get up during the night or are leaving or arriving during the dark hours so you do not need to switch the main light on and disturb your room mates. Also a water proof poncho is handy as you can use it as a curtain around the bunk or a ground sheet when out and about I even used It as a make shift changing screen. They are light and easy to carry. Also i carry a universal sink plug in my wash bag as some hostels do not have them or the have gone missing.
Honestly a live safer on many camping trips was just a big piece of fabric with a nice print!! Curtain, pillow cover, skirt, shirt, dress, hair towel, cardigan, mosquito protection, sun protection/ shadow, blanket, picnic cloth, .......add some Paracord, carabiners and zip ties and youroe perfectly covered! Absolutely love mine. (Not really been to many hostels but 5 years of boarding school and 10 years of camping 😂) nice travels to everyone 💕
Nice idea the tote bag and the pillow case... I'll also suggest some basic medicines to deal with fever, infections, small injuries(all happened to me in the most inconvenient situations), a soap bar in plastic case, small roll of duct tape, travel towel, 2m charging cable, hand wipe sachets..
Always carry a long bungee cord, minimum 6 or 7 feet. You can stuff it in your backpack or you can wrap it around the outside of the backpack. When you need it, you can use it to strap a sleeping bag or blanket onto the bottom of your backpack (loop it through the compression straps on the sides), you can use it as a clothesline or a curtain 'rod', you can strap bags or bundles onto luggage, and so many other things. It can also be pressed into service to replace a broken purse strap or to make a 'roll' and carry it with the bungee used like a shoulder strap. Take a large bit of fabric (like a shirt or a towel), put your smaller items in the center, then roll it up like a burrito. Each end of the roll can be encircled with an end of the bungee, then use the bungee hook to snag the bungee 'strap'. You can shorten the 'strap' as needed by additional wraps of bungee at one or both ends.
I was the only woman in a mixed room once. I ended up getting top bunk and NO SLEEP. I had earplugs and an eye mask but the dude below decided it was a good idea to whack himself off. I could feel the cheap bedframe moving, and removing an earplug to listen briefly confirmed it. Luckily the other men were super nice and told the guy off for me. They escorted me if I needed it, and made sure I was safe. Fricking wild.
Great tips, thanks! As someone who lives next to very noisy neighbours I can recommend (if you can afford it): - iPhone, which has a built-in Background Sounds feature - Bose QC Earbuds II which have incredible noise cancellation - For extreme noise, wearing earmuffs over the top of the Bose earbuds I have not found any noise that this combo cannot block.
Oh yes, white noise is EVERYTHING! As a highly sensitive person who traveled through India for 10 months, white noise + noise cancelling headphones were my lifesaver!!
Instead of packing cubes, I used those vacuum packs, it helps saves space and its very easy to bring around spares(in case one breaks) since they are just plastic bags. Plus, it keeps the dirty/smelling clothes lock in that pack. Also, instead of pillow case I usually just put my clean towel/shirt on top and sleep on it
Great list! Two pillowcases would be top choice for me. They don't take space and are lightweight. Two because you could wash one and let it dry, and you would have a second to use during the night.
Along with that pillow case, you might want to get a sleeping bag liner, either bought or made yourself out of a sheet. With a pouch at the top, it can replace that pillow case. It can also serve as a light blanket while traveling by bus, train or plane. If your budget permits and you're traveling in winter, a mummy-shaped down sleeping bag can provide extra warmth and takes up little space.
I have not gone to a hostel since the 1980s when I was a teenager but we all had sleep sacks at that time. We thought they were required by the hostels but maybe things have changed in the past few decades.
Pretty good list. I travel with a 45L carry on bag which I think is probably smaller than yours from the size of your packing cubes so space is a premium and I don’t carry a Tupperware thing everywhere but they are usually cheap & available to buy locally. The padlock should be a good one not the cheap rubbish the hostel sells. I prefer one with a key, not a combination. One guest lost his laptop because thieves were willing to go through trying every number until it opened. I have the Abus 64TI/40. 3 keys are better. One in the key ring. One in the wallet as a backup in case key ring is lost, and a spare. Maybe also get a smaller lock one as some hostels have lockers that can’t take the standard size lock, perhaps to make ppl buy the cheap rubbish they sell. A travel elastic clothes line is very useful for hanging hand washed items. I don’t have a towel I just buy the high absorbent micro fibre cleaning cloths from super markets. I dry off after a shower, wringing the water out as needed. I then tie it to my bag to dry it and makes a useful damp cloth for wiping screens during the day. I carry a large enamelled or tin mug and my own tea with loose tea and a tea egg. Why live off tea bags? And small mugs need constant refilling. And no one charges for hot water to fill the mug whereas asking for a cup of tea can often be chargeable and hostel tea bags are not great and usually of limited variety. I drink green tea for the day and chamomile for the evening. No milk or sugar needed. Agree about packing cubes. I also resisted for a long time. I have no idea why. I carry a travel umbrella which means only very heavy rain stops me going anywhere I want. Not often needed but very empowering when it is. The most important thing is the bag itself. There are several carry on type bags on the market now. It must be robust and strong as well as light. The main zip of a bag I had (for a couple of years) split apart and things fell out which I luckily noticed. But without the bag to hold everything reliably suddenly your stuff is very vulnerable and difficult to hold together. Helps if the bag isn’t new & expensive looking in fashionable colours. A bit of scruff and wear and drabness might not interest a thief and if it’s stolen you’ve lost everything…so have a plan to access money, passport details, insurance, contacts etc if that happens. Eg a photo of docs on the cloud, an alternate bank card with a different bank in your travel pouch in the locker back at the hostel. There are rumours of some countries wanting access to smart phone accounts to copy and search for security risks in eg emails. If you don’t want that have a neutral travel account on your phone for crossing borders and just keep private stuff on the cloud. Never sign on to a personal account with any device that you don’t own and solely control and use 2 factor authentication. But that will be a problem if you lose or break your phone. Suddenly you can’t confirm banking apps, Amazon, anything you use your credit card for etc. Check with your bank, Google/Apple, Amazon etc how you can recover with a new phone and SIM. And are you sure that some Trojan hasn’t got some photos or files on your phone that you don’t know about?
If you travel abroad, a two factor auth requires a working cellphone able to receive texts. Does your cellphone works as a phone abroad? Pay attention to the Apps you download, the things it asks to control. QR codes may have malware...
Another thing similar to the Tupperware is silicon reusable stashed food bags they probably take up less space the. Tupperware because I can fold them they also close like a sandwich baggies and you can wash and reuse them ! Lots of different brands have them stasher is just one Brand I know of
Instead of a pillow case, which might just be extra weight to carry around, you could just use one of your tshirts as a pillowcase (I usually do this when staying in mountain huts while hiking. But if you are also planning on going tenting, bring a pillow case and stuff your puffy jacket in. It's the best camping pillow I ever had and it's possibly even lighter than the little inflatable pillows (depending on the size and material of you pillow case).
Another tip: I have a spare plastic bag to put my toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, sachets shampoo, sachets conditioner, deodorant, new undies & new clothes, my towel to hang the plastic bag at bathroom door handle if there's no rack or where one can put one's personal stuff. Also bring safety pins to secure flatsheet in a durable plastic roll of twine (just enough) to hang the thin-cloth small flatsheet that serve as curtain or blanket.
You can get travel washing liquid in tubes which is even better than powder (except if you are flying). Big german pharmacy marts e.g. DM is the best place to find.
Highly recommend coathangers!! - if your on the bottom bunk you can hook your hangers above your bed into the bunk slats to hang clothes like jackets .. also I bring an extra pillow wuth your own pillow case for comfort and nice piece of material as a privacy curtain.
If you forget your pillowcase, you can reverse it. At least it will be clean on the inside. 😉 Also you can bring a sleeping bag liner that could use new used as a curtain or as a liner itself.
Take a travel washing line.....these are stretchy elastic lines about 1 yd length that will stretch out.....or you could make your own with some elastic. At hostels I tie it across on the end of my bunk bed to hang my washed underwear up to dry or for my towel. In a hotel I might tie it across the bathroom on to fixtures there.
If you don't want to carry around a pillow case I would always use a complimentary towel from the hostel/hotel as a "pillow case" as you would obviously know if the towel hasn't been cleaned.
For all of you hostel travelers that share rooms with multiple strangers. Covid is not over. If you have to share a room I would sleep with an N95 mask on , crack a window if you can for ventilation- air circulation. Spend a few dollars more for private room or only 1 room mate. I would also make sure you are fully vaccinated with booster ( what ever your country and age allows) . If there are hostels that require a negative rapid antigen test for communal living ie « dorm type rooms ) I would stay at these types of locations.
I'm on a plane about to taxi-take off but I will make sure to watch this video later and see if I can loose my fear of hostels...lol! And no, is not due to the movies, but just about the idea of being in one room with a bunch of people coming in at different hours of the night, talking and waking up everybody...at least that's how I imagine it'd be...lol 😝!!
would add (especially if you use your phone as an alarm or to chill before you sleep), an extra long charge cord for your phone! Those outlets are never close enough to the bed/your stuff
A metal water bottle for hot or cold drinks.use with a carabiner attached. + cleaning tool plastic with foam sponge to clean out your bottle while traveling. Wide mouth . No built in tubing - unless you you bring a cleaning brush. Unclean water bottles harbor bacteria.I clean it out every day while traveling and air dry or wipe dry.
Rather than packing cubes, Iacctually use those waterproof bags you would take on a canoing trip. They ar particularly good for valuables, toiletries and dirty laundry. They are easy to compress and prevent spillage, water damage and the spread of any odors in your backpack. Game changer. Filled with clothing, they can even double as a pillow.
just fyi foamy earplugs work if you, with the opposite hand, stretch out your ear upwards first. Then you compress the earplug as much as you can to its smallest form and you insert it into your ear (that you’re holding with your other hand) - never had an issue since (but i did hear vax earplugs are more noise cancelling) :)
You can buy a small packet of laundry detergent sheets or strips. Not liquid or powder. Very lightweight and tear off just as much as you need. A little pricey but cuts out hassles.
Earplugs didn't block out snoring for me, I had to buy these hearing protectors meant for construction work. And sometimes even that wasn't enough so I had small earplugs inside them again with white noise sounds.
Thanks for the advice. This is great preparation for me. I have a question - how do you dry clothes in a hostel? I'd be happy to handwash my clothes as I go, but then I would probably have to rent a dryer every day if I didn't want my clothes to get stolen while hanging them from a bed or something, or get a weird smell from not being spun before drying. This is my main concern with hostels - drying clothes. I hope the rest of your trip went well.
some hostels will have a clothesline you can use, otherwise i drape them over chairs or the bunk bed ladders in my room. i dont think anyone would steal them! at least, it's never happened to me :)
I carry lightweight no cotton underclothes purchased at outdoor shops like REI. Cotton takes FOREVER to dry, but polypropylene items will dry overnight and is moisture-wicking and very comfortable.
Holy shit, the handwashing is such a great idea! I do that from time to time in my apartment if I'm too lazy to go to the basement and put a small load in. Thanks! 👍🏼I'll definitely do this to save my money on my trip.
Instead of a padlock with a key, I’d go for one with a number code. That way, you don’t have to worry about loosing the key, for example, when you go to the beach.
Good idea with the bed-bag. Also, for your bed-bag, make sure nothing in it makes noise, like bags of crisps or squishy plastic water bottles. Some items for the bed-bag: * bottle of water. * mints. * painkillers. * power bank. * eyemask * lavendar oil / small cologne or perfume. * earphones. All these items will save you getting out of bed during the night. And if you need to rummage for things, they won't be noisy.
Please skip the perfume or cologne. This is overwhelming to others. Please also skip scents on all transportation modes. MANY thanks and happy travels!!!
There are a foamy earplugs that I've been using for 15 years. The brand is Hearos, they are blue. I've tried many other types and these are by far the best at blocking noise.
I actually really like sleeping in the top bunk because I feel safer, especially in a mixed dorm. If all my stuff is with me while I'm sleeping, I can spring into action easier if someone tries to nick it because it'll take longer to get to me.
Hi, super helpful video. Thanks for making it. One question though - in case I don't use the laundry and decide to wash something in sink, where do you think I can dry them? Never been to a hostel so wondering. Thanks in advance!
some hostels have washing lines where you can hang stuff up. I usually waited until I was at these places to do my washing. Otherwise I would try to hang them from my bunk bed, or over the rungs of the ladder. Not ideal, but it works! You can also get travel washing line, which some people swear by.
1962, extra cost to hire sheets, handed to you to make bed, so regulars had their own sheet sleeping bag. I prefer this system. 2015, woke up with pillow on floor, saw what looked like beard stubble a few cm from my eyes, put on specs, found it was.
Drop number 7 for Germany and Austria since Hostels here don't come with a kitchen add washing stuff too since many also don't come with washing machines. They hate budget travelling here
The tote bag is also a great idea for planes. Put it next to your feet and keep all the stuff you need in flight in it. Easy to organise when you are deboarding (after a bad night's sleep), no drawling around on the icky floor looking for stuff and nothing forgotten in the seat pocket.
yes I do this too! i put my backpack in overhead storage and have a small bag at my feet with my charger, pen, earphones, book etc.
1- Eyemask
2- Padlock
3- Flocks
4- Portable charger
5- Earplugs
6- White noise playlist and headphones
7- Tupperwares with your name on it(IMPORTANT)
8- Washing powder
9- Tote bag for sleeping in the top bunk of the bed
10- Packing cubes
BONUS:
1-Pillowcase
2-DIY Curtain
Es la primera vez que veo un pérfil de TH-cam con un nombre tan extenso, tan denso y tan específico
@@owenmiles9706 y tan incel. Ojalá el dude pronto salga del sótano de sus papás y socialize
I put my nickname on the tupperware: CORPSEGRINDKILLER
From someone who has stayed in hostels many times, all your ideas are great. For privacy, I carry a bungee cord with hooks on each end. I stretched across the bunk bed frame and use my lightweight airplane blanket to drape a curtain across the bungee cord.
Instead of a pillowcase the BEST thing is a silk sleeping bag, a lot of them come with a pillow inserts anyway, but then it's ALSO a set of clean sheets, and the silk fabric is SO breathable yet insulating, this is my absolute travel holy grail 🙌🙌 you might think they'd be bulky but it's about the size of a cotton pillowcase because silk folds up so small, plus I find it doesn't smell as soon, good for your skin and hair, like absolutely 1000% the thing. But you might be thinking, are they expensive? Well, no you can get one for about $30. Seriously recommend!!
oooh I'll have to check it out! hot tip, thanks!
Do you have a link? Xx
What's the name of the one you have?
Polyester sleeping bag liners instead of silk. Either, Doubles as a curtain if necessary. Keeps your sleeping bag cleaner to.
@@RT-fb6ty And you use this on a hostel bed? I thought they were only for sleeping bags? Just curious.
Here’s a tip that’s a bit off the wall, but I like it. Get a totally waterproof wash kit bag - not for your bathroom items but to bring your small valuables into the shower with you (without looking like you don’t trust anybody). I’ve only used it once in anger, when I couldn’t see what was happening in the the changing area when I was inside the shower. It worked!
Plus a SARONG! The ones from like Bali, Thailand etc… you can use it as a curtain for your bunkbed as mentioned in the video, as a towel on the beach, as a skirt or a dress when coming from the beach, in a country where you drive scooters it can be used over the seat to prevent your bum to be burnt when it’s been shining the whole day and the seat it super hot, or then cover the seat when it’s been raining and there you have a dry seat! It’s also super lightweight, it can be just hung to any straps on your backpack or daybag, so it’s definitely a MUST! 😎
Ohhhhh good idea! Sarongs are so versatile... the potato of the clothing world
Oh....you mean a "SO-WRONG"..LOL 😝!
A sarong on a scooter may lead to an accident if part of it gets caught on the wheel. The folded layers may cause the seat to be slippery. One can use to cover the seat while parked, putting away when riding.
They also can be used as a towel after a shower or on the beach, plus they're easy to hand wash to implement these changes for multi use. They're affordable + look very nice.
I call it my multipurpose cloth. 😁👌🏻
I wish I could've found this video from before I started backpacking. This is on the money. I can vouch 100% that you need all of this. I do carry my own pillowcase as well but thats because I have curly hair and I need that soft satin goodness for my hair.
I used hostels in Spain and the pillows were ginormous! I have managed to find a microfiber king size pillowcase (not too bulky) for my next Senior backpacking trip to Europe.
@@sandrakramer1520 ah, the classic Spanish wide pillow. Miss those :p
Pillow cases are life savers.. I use to travel with about 4 of them to separate essentials like underwear, socks etc in my luggage.. and sometimes I've stayed at place's where there wasn't a pillow so I'd stuff a couple of jumpers in a pillow case and sleep with that.. also to carry undies socks etc to wash them while I'm in the shower... That curtain idea is genius wish I'd known that before.
Love all of these, and wanted to add something for the pillow case: you can put one of your t-shirts over the pillow instead of having to bring a separate item with you. It can even be one that is lightly worn or your beach cover up or whatever
Ooooh a wool pashmina would work here as well! For all of the above
i use my tshirts too! good tip
In India, I always had a ball of strong twine. I used it all the time to create clothes lines and curtains lines. I had mini clothes pins that I used. I'd put up a line and hang my sari over it all around my berth to give me privacy on the trains, and always take the top berth because that was safer for theft prevention when sleeping. It gave me a sense of safety and cut down on too much distraction and kept me safe from curious males. A sleeping bag liner is a very good idea. Otherwise, your sleeping bag will eventually get stinky and there is no way to wash it..
I braid elastic cord into about a 3 foot length, with ties on each end. When stretched out, the elastic can be separated to tuck in items for drying - no clothespins needed.
The tote bag is an excellent idea, especially for someone like me who prefers the top bunk (yes lol). Also, if you have the luxury of space in your travel bag, I suggest bringing a blanket that you can use as an extra blanket or as a makeshift curtain if you ever needed one, and it comes handy during cold bus trips. I haven't thought of bringing a pillowcase on my trips, but after watching this video, I realized it is indeed a good idea.
You can buy a pillow in the CAMPING aisle (TESCO sells a good ones in the UK)
I have an ultra light puffer Jacket that compresses down very small and now I'm thinking about keeping that in a pillow slip instead of a bag! Thanks for the idea! I saw another traveler who picked up a scarf (like a wool Peshmina) that she iniyially got to wear as a sarong in the temple but now uses as a towel/shawl/ light blanket when she needs something on a plane or bus.
All great advices I would add:
-Baby wipes / Cleaning wipes
-febreze
- Quick dry towel / diy curtain / you usually have to rent them otherwise and don t know how well washed
-first aid kit
-Keep shower make up product in same plastic bag you can attach to shower and prevent leakage in suitcase
-Suitcase that separate in two ( got my eastpack for 18 years still going strong and it has been tossed and overweight a lot) or a tote to separate dirty clothes
-Granola bars
- a multiplug so everyone can charge their stuff
I love top bunk better because afraid top bunk will fall on me, person get sick and I m harder to reach/ easier to jump out so feel safer. Usually they have barrier so you can hang your towel too.
Thanks for all the tips. Some of these not many people mention and had to learn from experience - like the portable charger, tupperware and tote bag.
I progressed from hostels to budget hotels and Im very happy about it.
No matter how good a hostel is having all sorts of people in one room became for me a problem. Snoring, talking, walking in, out and around made me insomniac. Having a toilet and a shower room out and for a band of people was another problem.
Now I prefer overpay extra 10-20 bucks but have my privacy, better sleep and a restroom for me alone-)
10 or 20 extra bucks its good when you have the budget for that. If you're looking in 2 month trip is about 600 to 1200$!
@@justaregularguy7982 600 extra for 2 months doesn't look like a fortune to me. Better sleep and your overall condition after a normal quiet night are def worth it.
Nowadays I see all sorts of accomodation offers, with hostels costing as a low-budget hotel, hostel with rooms for 1 person, apartments for rent, hotels in the center and on the outskirts...
If one invests a bit more time in research, one will find his option.
Mine now, after I had experience sleeping in one hole of a place hostel with fighting bums and drunkards, is not sleeping with strange people in one room and running all sorts of risks.
I think really depends for each individual, I'm a deep sleeping and although I've been woken up once or twice by snoring people even with ear plugs, most of the time its fine and the living conditions are better than budget hotels.
@@joesr31 my ass, better than most hotels.
The only thing having a common toilet and a shower room outside your room for a bunch of strange folks and roughing it in one room with them makes any hostel a worse choice for anyone who can compare.
@@garyweaver5512 budget hotels. I value cleanliness more than "privacy" I guess. I stay in max 4 bedder hostel rooms and its really not that bad, most people I've met were pretty decent and usually keep to themselves. Faced more issues in budget hotels with rusty taps, dirty/stained sheets and bugs in the room. Maybe its just poor research on my part, or due to the different locations but I had more bad experiences in budget hotels than hostels.
Great Vlog for any backpacker to watch before setting off. I Have backpacked around the world over the last 30 year and as well as your list A head torch with a red light is handy if you need to get up during the night or are leaving or arriving during the dark hours so you do not need to switch the main light on and disturb your room mates. Also a water proof poncho is handy as you can use it as a curtain around the bunk or a ground sheet when out and about I even used It as a make shift changing screen. They are light and easy to carry. Also i carry a universal sink plug in my wash bag as some hostels do not have them or the have gone missing.
Honestly a live safer on many camping trips was just a big piece of fabric with a nice print!! Curtain, pillow cover, skirt, shirt, dress, hair towel, cardigan, mosquito protection, sun protection/ shadow, blanket, picnic cloth, .......add some Paracord, carabiners and zip ties and youroe perfectly covered! Absolutely love mine. (Not really been to many hostels but 5 years of boarding school and 10 years of camping 😂) nice travels to everyone 💕
Nice idea the tote bag and the pillow case... I'll also suggest some basic medicines to deal with fever, infections, small injuries(all happened to me in the most inconvenient situations), a soap bar in plastic case, small roll of duct tape, travel towel, 2m charging cable, hand wipe sachets..
Always carry a long bungee cord, minimum 6 or 7 feet.
You can stuff it in your backpack or you can wrap it around the outside of the backpack.
When you need it, you can use it to strap a sleeping bag or blanket onto the bottom of your backpack (loop it through the compression straps on the sides), you can use it as a clothesline or a curtain 'rod', you can strap bags or bundles onto luggage, and so many other things.
It can also be pressed into service to replace a broken purse strap or to make a 'roll' and carry it with the bungee used like a shoulder strap. Take a large bit of fabric (like a shirt or a towel), put your smaller items in the center, then roll it up like a burrito. Each end of the roll can be encircled with an end of the bungee, then use the bungee hook to snag the bungee 'strap'. You can shorten the 'strap' as needed by additional wraps of bungee at one or both ends.
I was the only woman in a mixed room once. I ended up getting top bunk and NO SLEEP. I had earplugs and an eye mask but the dude below decided it was a good idea to whack himself off. I could feel the cheap bedframe moving, and removing an earplug to listen briefly confirmed it. Luckily the other men were super nice and told the guy off for me. They escorted me if I needed it, and made sure I was safe. Fricking wild.
Yes, this is the unisex dorm scenario that happens, more than people's fear of being attacked.
Great tips, thanks!
As someone who lives next to very noisy neighbours I can recommend (if you can afford it):
- iPhone, which has a built-in Background Sounds feature
- Bose QC Earbuds II which have incredible noise cancellation
- For extreme noise, wearing earmuffs over the top of the Bose earbuds
I have not found any noise that this combo cannot block.
Oh yes, white noise is EVERYTHING! As a highly sensitive person who traveled through India for 10 months, white noise + noise cancelling headphones were my lifesaver!!
This is just really great advice, not just for hostels but for many travelers. Well done.
Instead of packing cubes, I used those vacuum packs, it helps saves space and its very easy to bring around spares(in case one breaks) since they are just plastic bags. Plus, it keeps the dirty/smelling clothes lock in that pack. Also, instead of pillow case I usually just put my clean towel/shirt on top and sleep on it
Great list! Two pillowcases would be top choice for me. They don't take space and are lightweight. Two because you could wash one and let it dry, and you would have a second to use during the night.
Along with that pillow case, you might want to get a sleeping bag liner, either bought or made yourself out of a sheet. With a pouch at the top, it can replace that pillow case. It can also serve as a light blanket while traveling by bus, train or plane. If your budget permits and you're traveling in winter, a mummy-shaped down sleeping bag can provide extra warmth and takes up little space.
A hanging toiletry bag is a must. So you can hang your toothbrush etc in a clean place. My power pack comes everywhere aswell
I used to always bring a sleep sack - it was brilliant. I backpacked for years
I have not gone to a hostel since the 1980s when I was a teenager but we all had sleep sacks at that time. We thought they were required by the hostels but maybe things have changed in the past few decades.
The pillow case is great cause you can use it as a laundry bag
Pretty good list. I travel with a 45L carry on bag which I think is probably smaller than yours from the size of your packing cubes so space is a premium and I don’t carry a Tupperware thing everywhere but they are usually cheap & available to buy locally. The padlock should be a good one not the cheap rubbish the hostel sells. I prefer one with a key, not a combination. One guest lost his laptop because thieves were willing to go through trying every number until it opened. I have the Abus 64TI/40. 3 keys are better. One in the key ring. One in the wallet as a backup in case key ring is lost, and a spare. Maybe also get a smaller lock one as some hostels have lockers that can’t take the standard size lock, perhaps to make ppl buy the cheap rubbish they sell. A travel elastic clothes line is very useful for hanging hand washed items. I don’t have a towel I just buy the high absorbent micro fibre cleaning cloths from super markets. I dry off after a shower, wringing the water out as needed. I then tie it to my bag to dry it and makes a useful damp cloth for wiping screens during the day. I carry a large enamelled or tin mug and my own tea with loose tea and a tea egg. Why live off tea bags? And small mugs need constant refilling. And no one charges for hot water to fill the mug whereas asking for a cup of tea can often be chargeable and hostel tea bags are not great and usually of limited variety. I drink green tea for the day and chamomile for the evening. No milk or sugar needed. Agree about packing cubes. I also resisted for a long time. I have no idea why. I carry a travel umbrella which means only very heavy rain stops me going anywhere I want. Not often needed but very empowering when it is. The most important thing is the bag itself. There are several carry on type bags on the market now. It must be robust and strong as well as light. The main zip of a bag I had (for a couple of years) split apart and things fell out which I luckily noticed. But without the bag to hold everything reliably suddenly your stuff is very vulnerable and difficult to hold together. Helps if the bag isn’t new & expensive looking in fashionable colours. A bit of scruff and wear and drabness might not interest a thief and if it’s stolen you’ve lost everything…so have a plan to access money, passport details, insurance, contacts etc if that happens. Eg a photo of docs on the cloud, an alternate bank card with a different bank in your travel pouch in the locker back at the hostel. There are rumours of some countries wanting access to smart phone accounts to copy and search for security risks in eg emails. If you don’t want that have a neutral travel account on your phone for crossing borders and just keep private stuff on the cloud. Never sign on to a personal account with any device that you don’t own and solely control and use 2 factor authentication. But that will be a problem if you lose or break your phone. Suddenly you can’t confirm banking apps, Amazon, anything you use your credit card for etc. Check with your bank, Google/Apple, Amazon etc how you can recover with a new phone and SIM. And are you sure that some Trojan hasn’t got some photos or files on your phone that you don’t know about?
Awesome tips! Thanks a lot!
If you travel abroad, a two factor auth requires a working cellphone able to receive texts. Does your cellphone works as a phone abroad? Pay attention to the Apps you download, the things it asks to control. QR codes may have malware...
Another thing similar to the Tupperware is silicon reusable stashed food bags they probably take up less space the. Tupperware because I can fold them they also close like a sandwich baggies and you can wash and reuse them ! Lots of different brands have them stasher is just one Brand I know of
oh that's such a good idea!
Instead of a pillow case, which might just be extra weight to carry around, you could just use one of your tshirts as a pillowcase (I usually do this when staying in mountain huts while hiking.
But if you are also planning on going tenting, bring a pillow case and stuff your puffy jacket in. It's the best camping pillow I ever had and it's possibly even lighter than the little inflatable pillows (depending on the size and material of you pillow case).
Awesome list, I’m planning a trip for next year and I actually hadn’t heard of a lot of these tips. Thanks!
Another tip: I have a spare plastic bag to put my toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, sachets shampoo, sachets conditioner, deodorant, new undies & new clothes, my towel to hang the plastic bag at bathroom door handle if there's no rack or where one can put one's personal stuff. Also bring safety pins to secure flatsheet in a durable plastic roll of twine (just enough) to hang the thin-cloth small flatsheet that serve as curtain or blanket.
Short bungee cords are very useful for hanging, drying stuff. 👍🧡🌱🌿
There's a neat thing called plugphones (made for construction workers) that are a combo of earphones and earplugs.
You can get travel washing liquid in tubes which is even better than powder (except if you are flying). Big german pharmacy marts e.g. DM is the best place to find.
here's a packing tip, roll your clothes, they often will fit in better and saves more space than folding!
yes! I'm definitely a roller :)
Highly recommend coathangers!! - if your on the bottom bunk you can hook your hangers above your bed into the bunk slats to hang clothes like jackets .. also I bring an extra pillow wuth your own pillow case for comfort and nice piece of material as a privacy curtain.
ohhhh thats a good idea!
same, I always bring one around just to air my clothes as well. Those bendy plastic ones so its easy to pack into a bag pack
List is Useful for SHELTERS as well.
If you forget your pillowcase, you can reverse it. At least it will be clean on the inside. 😉
Also you can bring a sleeping bag liner that could use new used as a curtain or as a liner itself.
smart!
Take a travel washing line.....these are stretchy elastic lines about 1 yd length that will stretch out.....or you could make your own with some elastic. At hostels I tie it across on the end of my bunk bed to hang my washed underwear up to dry or for my towel. In a hotel I might tie it across the bathroom on to fixtures there.
If you don't want to carry around a pillow case I would always use a complimentary towel from the hostel/hotel as a "pillow case" as you would obviously know if the towel hasn't been cleaned.
Life saver. Going backpacking to Europe once the COVID situation eases ✌️
For all of you hostel travelers that share rooms with multiple strangers. Covid is not over. If you have to share a room I would sleep with an N95 mask on , crack a window if you can for ventilation- air circulation. Spend a few dollars more for private room or only 1 room mate. I would also make sure you are fully vaccinated with booster ( what ever your country and age allows) . If there are hostels that require a negative rapid antigen test for communal living ie « dorm type rooms ) I would stay at these types of locations.
This was such a helpful video thanks Jemima! :) I'm an Aussie about to go solo backpacking for the first time so it's great to learn from you
Love to hear it :) have an amazing trip!
I'm on a plane about to taxi-take off but I will make sure to watch this video later and see if I can loose my fear of hostels...lol!
And no, is not due to the movies, but just about the idea of being in one room with a bunch of people coming in at different hours of the night, talking and waking up everybody...at least that's how I imagine it'd be...lol 😝!!
would add (especially if you use your phone as an alarm or to chill before you sleep), an extra long charge cord for your phone! Those outlets are never close enough to the bed/your stuff
I respect people that can travel like this I could never
Also a universal drain plug that fits over any size drain to fill a sink for laundry
A metal water bottle for hot or cold drinks.use with a carabiner attached. + cleaning tool plastic with foam sponge to clean out your bottle while traveling. Wide mouth . No built in tubing - unless you you bring a cleaning brush. Unclean water bottles harbor bacteria.I clean it out every day while traveling and air dry or wipe dry.
I watched this video before my first trip, very helpful!
Rather than packing cubes, Iacctually use those waterproof bags you would take on a canoing trip. They ar particularly good for valuables, toiletries and dirty laundry. They are easy to compress and prevent spillage, water damage and the spread of any odors in your backpack. Game changer. Filled with clothing, they can even double as a pillow.
oh good idea!
just fyi foamy earplugs work if you, with the opposite hand, stretch out your ear upwards first. Then you compress the earplug as much as you can to its smallest form and you insert it into your ear (that you’re holding with your other hand) - never had an issue since (but i did hear vax earplugs are more noise cancelling) :)
You can buy a small packet of laundry detergent sheets or strips. Not liquid or powder. Very lightweight and tear off just as much as you need. A little pricey but cuts out hassles.
Earplugs didn't block out snoring for me, I had to buy these hearing protectors meant for construction work. And sometimes even that wasn't enough so I had small earplugs inside them again with white noise sounds.
Sheet sleeping bag! - saves you from the bed bugs haha
Your sheet will NOT save you from bedbugs !
A scarf is also good for making a Make Shift bag,for groceries/Souvenirs/things you didn't bring,from home😎
Thanks for the advice. This is great preparation for me. I have a question - how do you dry clothes in a hostel? I'd be happy to handwash my clothes as I go, but then I would probably have to rent a dryer every day if I didn't want my clothes to get stolen while hanging them from a bed or something, or get a weird smell from not being spun before drying. This is my main concern with hostels - drying clothes. I hope the rest of your trip went well.
some hostels will have a clothesline you can use, otherwise i drape them over chairs or the bunk bed ladders in my room. i dont think anyone would steal them! at least, it's never happened to me :)
That's comforting to hear, at least I know it's an option. Thanks!
I carry lightweight no cotton underclothes purchased at outdoor shops like REI. Cotton takes FOREVER to dry, but polypropylene items will dry overnight and is moisture-wicking and very comfortable.
I backpacked for 4 months and I totally agree with al the points. Especially the tote bags, wish I brought those..
I recently stayed at my first hostel, and this video helped me a lot!!!
Oh thats so good to hear
Though I consider myself as a traveller with some experience, your video was really cool and helpful! Not like all the others with all the known stuff
I would also recommend to bring a travel plug adapter to charge your phone/laptop👌
Holy shit, the handwashing is such a great idea! I do that from time to time in my apartment if I'm too lazy to go to the basement and put a small load in. Thanks! 👍🏼I'll definitely do this to save my money on my trip.
I take the clothes (mostly undies) in the shower with me and wash everything. Take a universal sink plug/stopper for sinks.
Ohhh lovely ESOL lesson in here for those young EFL travel people!
Instead of a padlock with a key, I’d go for one with a number code. That way, you don’t have to worry about loosing the key, for example, when you go to the beach.
Locks with numbers are easy to open, I did my brothers suitcase when he forgot his number !
For the pillow case situación, just use a Tshirt, a big one
Good idea with the bed-bag. Also, for your bed-bag, make sure nothing in it makes noise, like bags of crisps or squishy plastic water bottles.
Some items for the bed-bag:
* bottle of water.
* mints.
* painkillers.
* power bank.
* eyemask
* lavendar oil / small cologne or perfume.
* earphones.
All these items will save you getting out of bed during the night. And if you need to rummage for things, they won't be noisy.
yes, awesome tips!
Please skip the perfume or cologne. This is overwhelming to others. Please also skip scents on all transportation modes. MANY thanks and happy travels!!!
That's so helpful. Thanks for sharing this.
Tote bag idea is awesome!
I think it's a great piece of knowledge you shared with us! Thanks
Thanks for your advice! In my experience, I've been in hostels more than hotels to sleep but I highly recommend this list for hostels too hahah
I always travel with a roll of toilet paper or pack of multi use wet wipes. Nothing worst than no toilet paper at 2:00 am when you have to go-
Extension cord is always a lifesaver for charging your phone.
Love your description of your experiences! Lol. Thanks for the tips!
I'm curious though what is your facial regimen? Like you have very nice skin, it doesn't affect you when you are travelling?
Would be cool if you could do an updated hacks video - for any new hacks you may have come across, or even post pandemic travel hacks etc :)
an "emergency blanket" would be a nice curtain to carry with you. nice and compact and a decent size
Thank you for the tips and great eyes 🙏
There are a foamy earplugs that I've been using for 15 years. The brand is Hearos, they are blue. I've tried many other types and these are by far the best at blocking noise.
Imagine being searched by the police and they find the washing powder "Trust me officer, its smells amazing, you should try it"
This year i am going to school camp and we are staying in a hostel so this really helped me ^w^
Thank you Jemima! :)
I actually really like sleeping in the top bunk because I feel safer, especially in a mixed dorm. If all my stuff is with me while I'm sleeping, I can spring into action easier if someone tries to nick it because it'll take longer to get to me.
These are some useful insights. thanks.
Honorable mentions: Paracord, zip ties, cutlery, carabiners💕
All great advice. Thanks!
Really excited to do some hostel traveling !❤️
Omg! I had the same experience ! stayed in dorm
and two people snored the same time yet only slept for 4 heurx!!😂😂
You can use a sleeping bag sheet their compact and very comfortable
Excellent tips, thanks
4:01 do you get checked often with your washing powder? :D
This is excellent, thank you
you are brilliant! can you show us a how to pack lightly for a Europe tour! ❤
I'm planning a 'how i pack' video soon, stay tuned!
Hi, super helpful video. Thanks for making it. One question though - in case I don't use the laundry and decide to wash something in sink, where do you think I can dry them? Never been to a hostel so wondering. Thanks in advance!
some hostels have washing lines where you can hang stuff up. I usually waited until I was at these places to do my washing. Otherwise I would try to hang them from my bunk bed, or over the rungs of the ladder. Not ideal, but it works! You can also get travel washing line, which some people swear by.
@@JourneyWithJemima Thanks a lot. appreciate your quick & helpful response!
I would add own cooking pots because you won't get thrown out for not having a scourer to get residues cleaned out of pots best being a foreigner!!!
It's a really informative video
Thank you 🌹
My hostel did not allow you to bring outside food in. But they also did not have any food available or any means of cooking food.
Find another hostel.
You can use a pillow case as a packing cube
1962, extra cost to hire sheets, handed to you to make bed, so regulars had their own sheet sleeping bag. I prefer this system. 2015, woke up with pillow on floor, saw what looked like beard stubble a few cm from my eyes, put on specs, found it was.
Drop number 7 for Germany and Austria since Hostels here don't come with a kitchen add washing stuff too since many also don't come with washing machines.
They hate budget travelling here
I’ve used a t-shirt instead of a pillowcase in a hostel and it works ok
Thats a really useful video