From cosy Airbnbs to lively and friendly hostels, picking the right budget-friendly accommodation can become tiresome. Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your trip and personal travel style; and as I’ve traveled around in various types of accommodation, I’ve learned the ropes of picking the right place to stay. They basically involve using two websites: my beloved hostelworld.com and airbnb.com. Let’s get into it.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. Thank you!
Hostels
Hostels have been my go-to if I’m traveling solo on a short trip. They’re convenient, cheap, and laidback. Here’s why to stay in a hostel, and maybe why you shouldn’t.
Pros
- Meet other travelers
- Organized excursions and tours
- Group activities in the hostel
- Some have a full cafeteria with free breakfast
- Friendly and inviting atmosphere
- Free maps and guides
- Fully-equipped kitchens
- Computers and WiFi available
- Upraded to private rooms with select hostels
- Typically cheaper than Airbnb
(Note: Read the descriptions and reviews of hostels before you book them. Not all hostels are going to offer all the things I’ve mentioned. So read up on the hostels before you book to avoid disappointment.)
Cons
- Sharing a room with others
- Noise
- Communal bathrooms
- Lack of privacy
- Some have curfews
- Cleanliness
- Awkward packing suitcase in a busy room
- Need to be quiet when arriving in the room with people sleeping, also applies to waking up for early flights
Who should choose to stay in a hostel?
If you’re traveling solo, staying in a hostel will typically be cheaper than an Airbnb. It will also give you more opportunities to meet other travelers and have new friends to go out exploring and drinking with.
If you’re a social group of two or three looking to meet people, staying in a hostel will provide the same benefits as above and will allow your small group to have a bigger group for evening adventures and going on excursions.
My favorite websites for booking a hostel is HostelWorld and Booking.com thanks to its points system and rewards like cash-back on select stays.
And since you’re traveling on a budget, see my top money-saving tips for budget travelers.
Airbnb
Airbnb is a great choice to see how people live in your destination. You’re potentially stepping into someone’s actual home and its typical decor and architectural style. Here are the pros and cons of Airbnbs.
Pros
- Privacy (less if in a shared Airbnb house/more if you book the whole place)
- Cosy
- Variety of booking private rooms or full apartments
- More freedom
- More aesthetic with furnishings
- Full kitchen (but some Airbnbs exclude kitchen access)
- Typically have WiFi
- No communal bathrooms
- More homey feel
(Note: Once again, read the descriptions and reviews before booking as not all Airbnbs will offer the same amenities.)
Cons
- No friendly environment with other travelers (unless in a shared house)
- No organized activities
- The host can cancel last minute
- You don’t know the exact location until you book
- Can be awkward staying in a private room in someone’s house/apartment
- May/may not have kitchen access if in a shared house
- Airbnb has added a lot of fees
- Pricey cleaning fees on some Airbnbs
Who should book an Airbnb?
Couples might typically want to book an Airbnb rather than a hostel if they’re looking for more privacy. Even booking a private room in a hostel, it wouldn’t be as cosy and private as booking a full apartment Airbnb. However, if you’re a social couple wanting to meet people, then a hostel would be your best bet.
Larger groups should book Airbnbs too to guarantee that you’ll all be in the same room(s) together. It will give the group their space, too. Plus, when big groups stay in hostels, it can become rowdy and make other travelers feel left out if the big group takes up the majority of the hostel. Lastly, it will likely be cheaper for groups to split the cost of a full apartment Airbnb rather than each paying for a bed in a hostel.
You can book Airbnbs directly through their website or find cool apartments and guesthouses on Booking.com and take advantage of their loyalty program to save money.
Still undecided? See this hostel vs. Airbnb guide for more details.
Hostels vs Airbnb - Is there an alternative?
You can also use Booking.com to find Airbnb-style accommodations, hostels, hotels, and other types of accommodation. The website tends to offer good deals, especially for those who book regularly through their platform. Search up your destination below and see what you can find, Happy searching!
