Stays

Where is the best place to stay?

Hostels, hotels, or Airbnbs: let’s figure out which stay suits your vibe (and your wallet) while you’re out exploring the world.

Hostels

Perfect for budget travellers and solo adventurers, hostels offer a social atmosphere where meeting people is almost guaranteed, think group dinners, pub crawls, and new friends from around the world. Dorm rooms are the most affordable option, but many hostels now offer private rooms too. Just be ready for shared bathrooms, a bit less privacy, and the occasional snorer. Bonus: lots of hostels have tours, activities, and local tips you won’t get anywhere else.

Hotels

The reliable, comfortable classic. Hotels are ideal if you’re craving privacy, a comfy bed, and amenities like room service or a pool. They’re often more expensive, but you’re paying for convenience, especially in big cities or near major landmarks. Great for shorter stays, relaxing after long travel days, or when you just need a guaranteed good night’s sleep.

Airbnb

Whether you want a cozy spare room, a chic apartment, or an entire house, Airbnbs offer flexibility. They’re perfect for longer stays, feeling like a local, or splitting costs with friends. Many come with kitchens, laundry, and extra space, a lifesaver for extended trips. Just keep an eye on cleaning fees, cancellation policies, and whether you’re renting from a local or a full-on rental business (for a more authentic experience).

What do I prefer?

When it comes to where I stay, I tend to mix things up. I love hostels for the atmosphere, they’re unbeatable when it comes to meeting people, making connections, and finding tours or activities through the hostel itself. Sometimes, you even stumble into work opportunities. That said, I also like to treat myself to a hotel stay for a few nights when I’ve been hopping between hostels. It’s a chance to reset, recharge, and have some quiet time to reflect, plan, and catch up on proper rest. When I’m traveling with friends, though, Airbnb is usually my top pick. It can be surprisingly affordable when you split the cost, sometimes even cheaper than a hostel. Plus, staying in a local apartment or home feels more authentic, it lets you experience the culture and rhythm of a city on a whole different level.

What I recommend

When it comes to picking where to stay, I think it all comes down to your budget and who you’re traveling with. For budget-friendly trips, hostels are the way to go, they’re social, affordable, and perfect for solo travellers, especially women, thanks to female-only dorm options and built-in communities that make meeting people easy. If you’ve got a bit more to spend or just want a break from the shared space vibe, hotels are a great splurge for comfort and privacy. For small groups (3-4 people), Airbnb is a solid middle ground, you get more space, often for less money per person than a hostel, and a cozy, home-like vibe. If you’re rolling with a bigger crew (6+), definitely look into renting a full Airbnb or even a small villa. Splitting the cost usually makes it super affordable, and having a space to yourselves is way more fun (and less chaotic) than trying to coordinate multiple rooms or hostel dorms.