Backpacking around Europe and looking for a hostel packing list? Whether it’s your first time staying in a hostel or you need more insider tips on what to pack for hostels, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you should consider when making a packing list for hostels, including essential travel tips from a solo traveler who has stayed in hostels all across Europe and beyond.
What are hostels like?
No two hostels are alike, but there are a few things to expect. In general, hostels are budget-friendly options for travelers young and old where you pay for a bed rather than a room.
Hostels usually have female, male, and mixed rooms available. Some hostels do have small private rooms that are more expensive than a shared room but often cheaper than a hotel in the same area.
While most hostels allow travelers of all ages, as long as they are 18+, there are a select few hostels in Europe that are designed only for the youth and actually have an age limit, usually not permitting anyone over 40 to stay. If this is the case, it will be clearly stated before you finalize your booking.
Generally, hostels in Europe and around the world are social places where solo travelers and groups of friends can meet other like-minded travelers. Many have lounge rooms, kitchens, and other areas made for socializing with other guests.
Many will also host group activities like cooking classes, walking tours, pub crawls, and other fun things to do while traveling.
In terms of rooms, each hostel is different. Some have bathrooms in the rooms and others have them set up more like a dorm room situation with big bathrooms with showers and toilets all in one area – separated by gender.
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Packing List for Hostels: What to Bring Abroad
Here’s a comprehensive hostel packing list to help you make the most of your hostel stay.
Travel locks
Most rooms will have lockers where you can secure your items, but most won’t have locks on them. So, you have to bring your own.
Some hostels allow you to rent a lock for a fee or they may charge you a few euros but then give you the money back after you return the lock.
However, having your own travel lock is the easiest solution to protect your belongings.
I have stayed in hostels in Edinburgh, for example, where you are assigned a bed and a locker at the same time. Your locker will have a digital code that will be reset, allowing you to make your own combination and keep your items secure during your stay without the need of a padlock.
When in doubt, most hostel websites or on Booking.com, you should be able to find information about the lockers.
If you’re worried about particular items, some front desks will allow you to keep some valuables with them.
If your hostel room doesn’t have a locker, make sure your suitcase has a combination lock or has the option of adding a padlock where the zippers meet. Something like this carry-on suitcase will work.
While I say this, I have been quite careless at hostels in Europe and haven’t had problems yet. But better safe than sorry!
Earplugs and an eye mask
Eye masks have transformed my life, whether I’m staying in a hostel in Europe or cozy in my own bed at home. Either way, they are a game changer for getting a good night’s sleep while traveling.
Hostel dormitories can be noisy and bright. Sometimes you get those inconsiderate guests who flicks the light on at 3 a.m., intoxicated and blabbering loudly to each other. Help block them out with these travel ear plugs and my favorite sleek mask.
Whether it’s someone’s morning alarm clock or something flicking on the lights, these two items will help you get some sleep when sharing a room with multiple people.
This is the AMAZING eye mask I use. It’s 100% silk so it’s kind on your skin and very soft.
Lighweight towel
Some hostels leave a towel on your bed or hand one to you at check in. If not, you probably have to rent one for a fee or simply bring your own.
For the best travel towel when making your hostel packing list, choose one that is quick-drying and compact. You don’t want to bring a bulky towel that will take up unnecessary space in your suitcase.
Bonus is that you can even use these towels as throw blankets during cold plane rides or as an extra layer if your bedding isn’t doing enough.
Shower shoes
Any sort of shoes that won’t hold liquid will be very handy and hygienic when navigating bathrooms and shower rooms at hostels.
I actually prefer to bring these rubber Birkenstocks because they are super lightweight and can be worn out in public if the weather is warm. These are better than cheap flip flops that won’t have multiple uses when traveling.
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are perfect when traveling with a carry-on or backpack when traveling abroad.
You’ll be able to keep your belongings organized and easily accessible, which is especially handy in shared living spaces.
You can separate your clean and dirty laundry, have a separate compartment for undergarments and keep your toiletries organized as well.
Universal power adapter
Unless you live in the country where you’re booking a hostel, you’ll likely need a universal power adapter to charge your phone, laptop, camera, etc.
I love this power adapter that also has USB plugs, so you can charge multiple devices at once.
Some pod-style hostels will have USB ports already installed in the bed frame, but it’s still best to bring an adapter because this won’t always be the case.
Plus, you might charge on the train, airport, and other places while traveling.
Personal toiletries
Pack travel-sized toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, and a travel-friendly toothbrush for your convenience.
While some hostels do have big bottles of body wash available in the showers, I wouldn’t count on it unless you’re staying at a “higher end” hostel.
Plus, if you are particular about the toiletries you use, you’ll definitely want to pack your own.
What I usually do is have two pouches for my toiletries. One is for my solids – I tend to bring solid shampoo and body wash when doing a packing list for hostels – and one of liquids.
My liquids are usually things like a small bottle of contact solutions, a tiny spray bottle that I fill with water to refresh my curls, toothpaste, and sunscreen.
I have reusable travel size bottles that I refill before my trip. These are TSA-approved, ensuring you won’t have to throw anything out so long as it all fits inside a ziplock bag. Some countries are stricter than others about the size of the ziplock.
Anti-Theft bag
When traveling in petty theft destinations like Barcelona and Rome, having an anti-theft bag will give you a little peace of mind when you’re out exploring.
You’ll have your possessions locked up in the hostel and then your on-hand items will also be safe, so long as you continue to use common sense.
These bags have zippers with locks and anti-slash material. I have 2 of these bags and I love to bring when traveling in major cities in Europe.
I love this slim bag version and but I tend to use this anti-theft shoulder bag. I wouldn’t go on a trip somewhere certain parts of South America or Europe without having one in my hostel packing list.
Reusable water bottle
As with packing for any trip abroad, a reusable water bottle is basically necessary. A lot of countries don’t offer free water at restaurants, so having a reusable bottle will save you money.
This also applies to hostels. Many have water refill stations or clean tap water, as is the case in Scotland, for example.
Plus, you’ll be reducing plastic waste and supporting sustainable travel. A big win in my book!
Check out this collapsible water bottle option for something compact and travel-friendly.
Portable laundry detergent
The last thing you want to bring when packing for hostels is a big bulky laundry detergent. Instead, pack a small pouch of laundry detergent sheets. They weigh practically nothing and have better ingredients than traditional alternatives.
You can use them to wash essentials in the sink or pay for access to the laundry room at your hostel. There may be some that offer the machines for free, but be sure to check in advance.
Bed sheets? Please don’t
When it comes to what NOT to pack for hostels, this is a big one.
Whatever you do, please don’t book a hostel that doesn’t provide bed sheets to their guests free of charge. Some of these DO exist and I can’t emphasize enough how ridiculous that is. No one should have to travel with their own bed sheets just to have the budget-friendly option of staying in a hostel.
Some hostels will try to charge you for using the bed sheets if you didn’t bring your own. Any hostel that cares about its guests WILL NOT charge you a fee to use sheets.
If you run into this issue, a sleeping bag is a good alternative (only if you are also camping during your trip).
Copies of your documents
Protect yourself against the unexpected by bringing printed copies of your insurance documents, passport, visa, emergency contacts, etc.
Don’t keep them with your documents, but rather in your backpack or elsewhere. Keeping them together won’t help you if your items happen to get stolen.
Speaking of, here’s how to avoid pickpockets when traveling.
Something for leisure time
Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, I definitely recommend adding something for downtime at the hostel.
Adding to your hostel packing list, bring along books, a journal, playing cards (though many hostels will have cards and board games), your Nintendo Switch – whatever!
After a long day of exploring, sometimes we want to come back to the hostel just to relax… in silence. That can seem challenging or antisocial when staying in a hostel, but I’ve done it countless times.
The key is to book a hostel that has privacy curtains or pod beds. That way you can tuck yourself away and enjoy privacy even in a shared space.
There you can read, upload your travel photos, write in your journal – whatever you need to do! Just because you’re staying in a hostel doesn’t mean you have to go out with other travelers and socialize every night.
I personally love bringing my Kindle. If you’re a reader, Kindles are perfect for travel. Unlike books, they take up very little space and you’ll have tons of books at your fingertips. Great for late nights in the hostel, train rides, or waiting in long queues to visit attractions. This waterproof Kindle is a must for rainy destinations, beach vacation, etc.
First-aid kit
It’s not a bad idea to bring along a small and basic first aid kit. One that contains items such as bandages, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes can come in handy whether you’re staying in a hostel or out exploring the city.
Snacks
If you’re coming off a long-haul flight and spending the evening in the hostel to catch up on sleep before fully kickstarting your sightseeing in a new destination, I can’t recommend enough bringing a few snacks.
Whether you grab them from the airport on your way out or stop at a market near your hostel, having a few snacks will feel amazing when your jet-lagged body gets hungry in the wee hours.
Budget Travel: Hostels vs. Airbnbs
I have a whole guide on hostels vs Airbnb when planning a budget-friendly trip abroad. If you’re traveling solo, hostels may be your best bet.
However, if you are traveling as a group, it might actually be cheaper to book an Airbnb instead of everyone packing for individual beds.
See my full explanation here including a pros and cons list to hostels and Airbnbs.
Hostel Packing List FAQ
Here are some general questions I see when it comes to choosing a hostel and making a hostel packing list.
What are the best hostels?
When I was in my teens and early 20s, I didn’t care what hostel I chose as long as it was centrally located and cheap.
Now in my late 20s, I wouldn’t choose a hostel that didn’t have privacy curtains or pod beds. You lose so much privacy staying in a hostel, but a simple curtain or capsule/pod style bed makes all the difference.
So, the best hotels are ones that priority the privacy of their guests. Bonus points if they have breakfast, an elevator, and social activities.
What toiletries do hostels provide?
Generally, they don’t provide any toiletries. Some high quality hostels, like Selina (my fav hostel company), do have body wash and often shampoo and conditioners in the showers. Much like how they would be in a regular hotel.
However, it’s best to bring your own toiletries when making a hostel packing list.
What are the necessary items for a girl in a hostel?
Beyond the packing list I’ve included, you shouldn’t need any extra items as a woman staying in a hostel.
Just bring what you would usually bring for traveling, taking in account your menstruation and any medication you may need.
How much luggage should you take to a hostel?
That’s totally up to you, but the less, the better! That’s because hostel rooms can be tight with limited space, especially if you’re staying in a city like London.
If you have too much luggage, you might need to keep a bag in the hostel’s luggage storage room.
When packing for a hostel, try to bring only a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack.
Thank you for reading this essential hostel packing list guide! I wish you the best on your travel adventures. If you have any questions or other hostel packing recommendations, please comment down below. 🙂
5 Responses
This is a perfect packing list when staying in hostels. All practical tips on what to bring for safety and convenience.
Great list of items for a hostel stay. I haven’t stayed in a hostel in a long time as I now prefer hotels – very similar packing list required.
I can’t believe that some hostels don’t offer bedsheets for free. That would definitely be an immediate pass.
As a complete hostel newbie, this is super helpful! I wouldn’t know what to expect otherwise.
Right!?