Solo Trip Planning Tips - Hostels
If you’ve already booked your flight ticket, I’m genuinely proud of you.
It may feel like a small step, but it’s a giant leap into a brand-new chapter of your life: your first solo trip.
What usually comes next is the big question:
Where should I stay? 🤔
For many first-time solo travellers, this part feels overwhelming—especially without a well-organised planner guiding the way. But honestly? The more you research and plan things yourself, the more rewarding the trip becomes.
In my previous post about travel resources, I briefly touched on accommodation. This time, I want to go deeper—specifically on how to choose hostels for your first solo trip in Europe.
Budget Options (💸 Respect goes both ways)
🌸 Host A Sister
I love this platform. I’ve used it twice as a guest, and both experiences were genuinely heart-warming.
Host A Sister is a women-only community where members offer accommodation and support to fellow women travellers. The platform provides clear guidelines on how to write a post to find a host. You can also search by city name and message hosts directly—just be aware that some may no longer be active.
🛋 Couchsurfing
Here’s my honest take.
I tend to leave accommodation planning until about a week before arrival—or sometimes even later (please don’t copy this habit 😅). I also don’t enjoy spending excessive mental energy polishing profiles, reading hundreds of reviews, or coordinating back-and-forth messages with hosts.
On top of that, I strongly prefer staying close to city centres. For these reasons, hostels suit me far better than Couchsurfing.
Since last year, Couchsurfing has also introduced subscription fees.
Unless you’re someone who genuinely enjoys deep social interaction and spontaneity, I honestly don’t see why Couchsurfing should be your default option—especially just to save money. Staying overnight at a stranger’s home requires the right timing, location, and people. It’s not as simple as it sounds.
Things you should know
Hosts aren’t running hotels. They don’t offer fixed check-in times or 24-hour availability. They might not even be in the city when you arrive. This lack of certainty makes me uncomfortable—it can easily disrupt an entire travel plan.
Safety Matters
When evaluating a host, both the quality and quantity of reviews are critical. Never skip this step.
How far in advance should you prepare?
Finding a suitable Couchsurfing host can take weeks—or even over a month. Sometimes, you won’t find one at all. Your profile, timing, destination, and luck all play a role.
In short: you need to start early. (Which, honestly, is why this isn’t my thing😜.)
Who is Couchsurfing / Host A Sister for?
Think of it this way: You’re staying at a friend’s home—not a free hotel.
"You wouldn’t just arrive, shower, sleep, and leave early without interaction. That would be rude. Your host is offering kindness, time, and trust."
These platforms are built on trust and mutual respect. They are safe and meaningful, but not for everyone. And that’s okay.
Finding Hostel & Hotel
🏨 Hostelworld
Hostelworld is one of the industry standards for budget accommodation. It’s been around for decades, offers a wide range of options, and generally features honest reviews. As many travellers suggest, aim for places rated 9.0 or above.
However, I’ve seen multiple Reddit reviews mentioning last-minute cancellations where Hostelworld took no responsibility.
Personally, I’ve rarely used Hostelworld in Europe.
I’ve been using Booking.com for years, and my Genius Level 3 status often gives me discounts or promotions. My advice? Use the platform you’re already comfortable with.
🤯 Which One Should You Choose?(Quick Guide)
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Type | Safety | Stress | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Host A Sister | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | Warm but situational |
| 🛋 Couchsurfing | ⭐⭐⭐ | High | Not my preference |
| 🏨 Hostel/Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Low | Most reliable |
Final thoughts
I don’t Couchsurf. It makes me uneasy—if a host cancels last minute, you’re forced to book expensive accommodation under pressure. You’re also staying in an unfamiliar home, in an unfamiliar country, with someone who holds all the local knowledge. That power imbalance doesn’t sit well with me.
I do stay in hostels, often in female dorms.I’ve stayed in over 10 hostels in the EU, and I’ve never had anything stolen.
Everyone travels differently.
This is simply what works for me.
Hostels I Stayed In (Winter 2024–25)
My booking rule of thumb
I always cross-check reviews across multiple platforms, including Booking.com, Agoda, and Google Maps. There’s no single “best” booking site — patterns matter more than platforms.
🔎 What I prioritise
- ✅ Cleanliness & bathrooms
- ✅ Location (close to city centre / transport)
- ✅ Luggage storage availability
I’m generally not too demanding when it comes to hostels.
As long as the place is clean, I’m comfortable staying in 4–6 bed dorms.
Extra Notes
- Prices can vary significantly between winter and summer seasons.
- If you’re sensitive to noise, hygiene, or ventilation, always read recent reviews (filter by "newest").
- Make good use of review filters — they save a lot of frustration.