Top 10 Frequently Asked Hostel Questions

A hostel is a cheap way to lodge safely with like-minded travelers around the world. Also called "Backpackers," hostels feature dormitory style rooms, often with bunks, and security, social life, showers, and food prep and storage areas. They are very community oriented lodgings, and you'll share everything but your bunk and a locker -- in fact, it's a little like summer camp without the counselors. Hostels are prevalent in Europe and can usually be found elsewhere in the world (not so much in the US). Keep scrolling for more.

Expect to spend $8-$35 on a single bed. For your money, you'll get a bunk and shared bathroom unless you're going flashpacker style in a more expensive single room, which may have its own bath and will cost up to $75. More than that, and it ain't a hostel -- it's a B and B and you may see your grandparents there. Speaking of breakfast -- trust me on this: it will be nothing like the buffet spread in the movie. More on food below.

Joints with age limits are likely to be party palaces and prohibit those under sixteen. Some rules read that guests over 30 are verboten, but I've glimpsed geezers in those halls. The average guest age used to be college-ish or couples in the late 20's and early 30's, but as aging baby boomers start picking up where they left off on their college era backpacking adventures, you're becoming more likely to see single folks of a certain age, in pairs or solo.

It's increasingly possible to reserve single sex dorms, and floors for women exist, but you're more likely to room with the opposite gender. If you want same sex rooming and can't reserve, ask if it's possible when you check in or pay for a private room. Gals, you'll likely be perfectly safe -- you'll find that experienced backpackers understand how to respect one another's space and privacy.

• Photo: typical dorm room
• Photo: sweet single, or private, room
• Women travelers safety tips

Expect shared bathrooms, though private rooms may have en suite (in the room) bathrooms. Hostel bathrooms usually start the day clean, but you may be sharing with double digit numbers of folks. Almost always true: the toilet will be semi sloppy and the shower temperature unpredictable. Do bring flip flops for healthy feet despite the shower.

<>What are hostel bathrooms like?
• Photo: five star bathroom
• Photo: typical private bathroom (that's a typical shared bathroom you see at left)
• Good flip flops

Breakfast is often included in a European or Latin stay. Be prepared for a local breakfast in Western Europe -- light, like croissant and coffee. You'll probably find some kind of food prep or storage area and some, like the huge Wake Up London, have a full, equipped kitchen, while some have a weaksauce arrangement like a hot plate. Read reviews if you're counting on breakfast-included as a money saver, 'cuz it might not be there.

• Photo: typical hostel kitchen
• About backpack cooking

That would be the $64 question. Whether you'll have fun depends in part on your fellow guests, of whom you'll see a lot. It's usually better to choose your digs based on amenity and location bang for the buck than party priority. Pick a part of the city, find out whether the place meets your needs and won't lock you out, and see if you can make your own fun. We've made a few lists of general faves.

• Best Hostels by Country
• How to Reserve Hostels