My first experience staying at a hostel was in Italy last month. My stay at COSTELLO Hostel in La Spezia was such a wonderful experience that it really set my expectations high for my future hostel experience. (Read my Italy experience and my review of my hostel experience here!) Before I headed out on my journey, I did some research on what I should bring to a hostel. I was super thankful that I brought certain items that I thought were “extra” but turned out to be essential. These items made my stay at my hostel more convenient and comfortable.
Here Are My Essential Hostel Items:
International Travel Adapter and Extra USB Chargers Double check that your chargers are (1) correct type of chargers for your devices and (2) can connect to the travel adapter. Clearly someone didn’t check before they left… (me). (Click here to check out the product)
Tote Bag Having a tote bag hanging by or in my bed was super convenient because it held my medications, water bottle, ear plugs, eye mask, etc. No need to keep going up and down the bunk bed to wake up other people.
Shower Bag Preferably mesh. Keep your shampoo, conditioner, 2-in-1s (or 3-in-1s for you daring folks out there), soap, and all other stuff that gets wet in the shower separate from your hygiene bag. (Click here to check out the product)
Shower Shoes Who knows how often the hostel cleans and scrubs down the shower. Preferably choose something that can also double as your walking sandals or beach sandals. (Click here to check out the product)
Travel Towel Microfiber and fast drying. Easy to pack away. (Click here to check out the product)
Small Face Towel I typically take showers in the evening and wash my face in the morning. But sometimes, my towel is still drying from the night before or it’s just a hassle to hold a big towel in the sink area. But keeping a small towel to dry your face (or hands) in your toiletry bag makes life a little easier when getting ready or winding down.
Pillow Case Not only is it nice to have a little something that reminds you of your nice cozy bed at home, but also gives you a peace of mind that the linens provided may not always be washed thoroughly.
Sleeping Bag Liner Similar to the pillow case. This may be on the more extra, not-so-essential item, but if it’s convenient, then why not! (Click here to check out the product)
Ear Plugs For the loud sleepers in the room.
Eye Mask Especially if you have an open top bunk, the lights may be on. I’m personally not a big eye mask person, but this definitely helped me fall asleep.
Waterproof Everyday Tote Again, totes are pretty easy to pack, especially if they are foldable. If you're in a place where you might go to the beach or it’s often raining, it’s nice to keep a towel, water bottle, and maybe a bathing suit ready and dry in your tote. (Click here to check out the product)
Hook To hang your wet towel(s) and any other belongings. (Click here to check out the product)
Lock Not all hostels will provide a lock for your locker. And if a hostel does not have a locker, it’s good to keep your luggage locked as well.
Packing Cubes For the clothes. (Click here to check out the product)
Laundry bag If you have a small foldable eco bag that you can store tightly, this can serve as your laundry bag. (Click here to check out the product)
Waterproof Phone Pouch Ok, not an essential item to stay at a hostel, but because I traveled solo and went swimming, I wanted to keep my phone and wallet on me out in the waters. I was worried about the pick-pocketers or thieves trying to get into my bag by the shore so came in very handy. (Click here to check out the product)
Extra Tips and Reminders When Packing and Trying to Stay Light!
Remember to check the airline restrictions for both carry-ons and check in baggages. Some international flights even have weight restrictions for carry-ons.
I had a big toiletry bag that literally fit all of my hygiene, shower, and makeup items. Keep to sample sized bottles (double check flight requirements!) and divide your items into smaller bags for organizational purposes.
Create a “capsule wardrobe” when packing your clothes. Be able to mix and match different clothing items, instead of dedicating each piece of clothing to a single outfit.
Have you ever stayed at a hostel? If so, also let me know in the comments about your experience and share some of your essential hostel items!
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