Tips to find the right hostel for you

by Tanzila Khan

Hostels are traditionally known as inexpensive hotels for the budget conscious traveller. But there’s more to them than that — they are also places for women to connect through organized events, learn from the travels of others and find community in shared spaces. As a solo woman traveller in a wheelchair, I’ve learned it takes time to find the right hostel, considering my disability and need for accessibility. After several recent hostel experiences, I am happy to share my advice with women travellers who seek connection and community. 

10 things to consider for staying at hostels when you’re over 50

1. Book smart: know your hostels

Not all hostels are created equal. But they welcome everyone equally regardless of age, gender and race. The trick is to be sure which dorm style and bed are best for you, as most offer mixed or female-only rooms. It’s also important to know if your hostel offers a shared bathroom in the room or a bathroom at the end of the alley in the corridor. For this, read reviews and email the property before you book. (Find women-recommended hostels in our Women’s Travel Directory here).

2. Private rooms can be your best friend

You don’t have to relive your college dorm days unless you want to. Many hostels — including Generator London and Plus Florence — offer private en-suite rooms at a fraction of the price of a hotel. You still get the social vibe and the cool décor, without the bunk bed roulette. Private rooms often come with towels, hair dryers, and sometimes even a desk for writing postcards or texting your niece that you’re hip and abroad. Private rooms are also often offered to guests with a disability because they have ample space to move with a wheelchair. But all of this is subject to pre-booking communication.

3. Accessibility isn’t optional — It’s a priority

Stairs, steep entrances, and top bunks can be a dealbreaker. While my hostel Generator Berlin had a sleek design and great coffee, it also had some accessibility hiccups that I had to bring up with the front desk every few minutes. Be sure to email ahead to confirm features like elevator access, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms, or rooms near the lift. If you have mobility challenges, ask for a ground-floor room if the elevator is small or slow. That way, you don’t get stuck hauling a suitcase up five flights when the lift is mysteriously under maintenance.

4. Stay savvy, stay safe

Most hostels are perfectly safe, but a few safety measures can go a long way. For example, use lockers to keep your stuff in the bunker that comes with your bunk bed. Bring a rubber door stop or door lock if you’re nervous.  If something does not feel right, ask for help at the front desk without hesitation. But above all, follow your intuition and let it guide you. (Find more travel safety products recommended by women here.)

5. Bring earplugs, an eye mask, and your inner zen

Yes, you’re here to travel — not listen to Chad FaceTime his girlfriend from the bunk below you at 2 AM. While hostels like Plus Florence and Generator Stockholm tend to attract a more considerate crowd, dorm rooms are always a gamble. Invest in noise-cancelling earbuds. Make sure you have earplugs and an eye mask so that you can fall asleep to rain sounds while your roommate is snoring or discussing astrology with someone in Portuguese.

6. Lounge like you own the place

Common areas are your social lifeline — and also a great way to not feel stuck in your room. A place to sip coffee and read a novel. Some hostels also keep board games and offer games and activity nights like Karaoke. Others have yoga, exercise activities, and snacks..Lounges are also a cozy spot to people-watch and mentally judge everyone’s sock choices. Strike up a conversation! You’ll be surprised how many 20-somethings want to hear your stories. I mean, you have lived! You’ve got tales!

7. Think kitchen: save money, eat better

Hostel kitchens aren’t for making curry. If you have dietary needs or just prefer your own food, a hostel kitchen is gold. Not all hostels have a microwave, but when they do, make use of it by heating leftover food and making simple meals. Keep your food in labelled Ziplock bag with essentials — tea bags, oatmeal, instant soup for midnight cravings.

8. Mind the bathrooms

Shared bathrooms range from sparkling sanctuaries to crime scenes. Bring a small toiletry caddy and slip-on sandals. And remember, female-only floors often have cleaner and quieter facilities. Pack travel-size disinfectant wipes. You’ll thank me later!

9. Ask for help. Seriously.

Travelling with a disability or physical limitation doesn’t mean struggling silently. Hostel staff are often young, enthusiastic, and genuinely helpful, but also need to learn about accessibility. You can ask for specific items like shower chairs, ground-floor rooms or even a change of room if you are not comfortable. I once asked to change my room at Generator Stockholm because there were too many guests, and it became a challenge to move my wheelchair, and they obliged.

10. Own It: You’re a Trailblazer

Staying in a hostel as a woman — and possibly with some physical challenges — isn’t just practical. It’s kind of badass. You’re redefining what travel looks like. You’re showing younger generations that the spirit of adventure doesn’t expire. Ever. Now, please grab that backpack (or wheeled suitcase), and go claim your bunk!

JourneyWoman readers love hostels!

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