I have noticed that we hear more and more the term “Hostel” and less and less the term “Youth Hostel”. In my opinion, it reflects the current shift in the age population you can meet in hostels. You’re no longer surrounded by twenty-somethings doing their first trip.
Why Are There People Over 30 In Hostels Now?
Well, I think it has to do with the fact that we have less and less money, but we still want to travel. Today, I feel like we tend to look for experiences and not so much luxury stays, but maybe it’s just me.
When I turned 30, I started feeling self-conscious about being in hostels. I was usually the eldest. But now, I care less and less about what people think (especially people I will never meet again), and I have recently met as many twenty-somethings as more experienced travelers like me (let’s put it that way, it sounds nicer than “older”).
In Geneva (an expensive city), there was a big group of 40- or even 50-year-old Spanish women at the hostel. In expensive countries like Switzerland, I crossed paths with a lot of 50–60 years old people.
In Tangier, there was this American girl who was feeling a bit out of place and told me, “I’m 30, you know…” I replied, “Well, I’m 37, just so you know.” And then again, at the reception, talking with a guy, she said again, nearly apologizing, “I’m old, I’m 30,” and he replied, “Hum, I’m 34.”
Hostels Have Changed
Plus, some hostels are super fancy now! I have been to hostels that were way better than cheap hotels.
Again, in Switzerland, in Lucerne, the Capsule Hotel was incredible! It’s called hotel, but it’s bunk beds and shared bathroom, so pretty much a hostel. And in Tangier, the Socco Hostel offers quality beds, free activities and concerts, and an incredible view from its rooftop. In Japan, you can sleep inside bookshelves (it’s kind of cool, but not really comfortable).
More Than Just a Bed: A Community
If you are a solo traveler like me, hostels are a great place to meet people, make friends, and share dinners together. I even went to a Thai boxing match in Thailand with people I met at the hostel!
And maybe you’ll make friends for life. In Italy, I met Anthéa, and we’re still very good friends. Actually, I’ve met great people during most of my stays in hostels. Whether before or after turning 30, I truly recommend the experience!
To read more thoughts, you can visit the page Thoughts.
