10 Must-Have Items for Budget Travelers

As a broke college student who is dedicated to affordable travel, I have stayed in various hostels. Some great and some, well, not so great. To be honest, hostels can make or break any trip. Yes, they are cheap and it's easy to meet others, especially as a solo traveler. However, they can also be loud, dirty, and in rare cases, feel unsafe. Below, I've listed ten must-haves for staying in a hostel, making any stay more enjoyable and allowing you to relax a bit more.

  1. Pillowcase:

You might be thinking, why would I need this? Most hostels provide bedding, but in my experience, it's often questionable. Sometimes it won't fully fit the pillow, and trust me, most of the time, the pillows in hostels should have been burned years ago. Having a pillowcase on hand also gives peace of mind because you will know you're lying your head down on something clean. Plus, if you're like me and maintain a skincare routine while traveling, knowing that you won't be laying down on a dirty pillow is one less thing to worry about.

2. Hanging Toiletry Bag:

This has saved my life multiple times during my stays. You'll never know what type of shower will be provided. Often, it's just a small stall, with a showerhead and nothing else. However, you can usually count on a shower curtain rod or the edge of the door to hang the bag from.

   3. Flip-Flops or Jandals:

Hostels are not always the cleanest places. With so many people coming and going and the bathrooms being a shared space, it's often difficult to keep things clean. Showers are the perfect place for bacteria and who knows what else. The last thing you want to ruin your travels is a toe fungus. Flip-flops are also great for going to the beach or pool, providing double use, especially if you're traveling with only a carry-on. Bonus tip: consider buying Jandals, as they are super comfy and will last much longer than dollar store flip-flops.

4. Travel Towel:

Packing a regular-sized towel is not practical. They are often bulky, taking up too much space, and difficult to clean, especially if you're washing your clothes in a sink. That's why I opt for a travel towel. Depending on the type you purchase, the towel can also be quick-drying. I would also recommend purchasing a larger size or bringing two in case you find yourself at the beach.

5. Padlock:

These are a must-have when staying at any hostel. With so many people coming and going, you never know who will be in the room. Having a few locks to keep your things secure will give you peace of mind. Often, hostels will also have lockers, but they may not always come with locks. If you're like me and bring your laptop or other electronic devices to work, having a place to keep them secure is a must.

6. Fanny Pack:

Another item for security is a fanny pack. They come in handy for several reasons. First, for just the general travel days, having your passport and bank cards close to you is always the best option. I've also taken to sleeping with it at night, keeping my phone inside. I only started doing this in the past year. For some, this may seem excessive, but after having my phone stolen from me when it was lying directly next to me on my bed has made me more cautious. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

7. Ear Plugs / Sleeping Mask:

If you want to get a good night's sleep in any hostel, then ear plugs and a sleeping mask are a must. Most hostels will have quiet hours, but it's common for people to come and go throughout the night, turning the light on and off. If you're a light sleeper like me, then you will not regret keeping these handy. They're also great for those long overnight buses.

8. Power Bank:

All hostels will have outlets, but this doesn't mean that they will always be available. In most cases, you could have one by your bed, but there's no guarantee. Having a power bank to charge your phone at night makes things easier. I would recommend purchasing a power bank that has multiple USB ports in case you have two things to charge at once. They are also great for those long days of exploring, as you never know if you'll need a quick charge for your phone or other devices.

9. Packing Cubes:

Whether you're traveling out of a suitcase or a backpack, packing cubes are a necessity. They allow you to stay organized while also optimizing space in your bag. Especially if you're a carry-on-only packer, these will save your life. Bonus tip: buy the packing cubes with a mesh side. Being able to see what you have packed inside each one will save you from going through each individual cube when looking for a specific item.

10. Cutlery and Tupperware:

Okay, just hear me out. This may seem odd, but I cannot tell you how many times having a knife, fork, and small container has come in handy. If you're on a budget, most likely you will cook in the hostel's kitchen. Having a container to keep the food in is another hostel hack. To save extra, I also pack a lunch on my exploring days. Having a little container and a small cutlery set will do the trick. I cannot tell you how often a knife has come in handy when eating fresh fruit from the market or assembling a sandwich by the riverbank!

Bonus Tip! You will need a sense of adventure:

I get it; what I just described in this blog will not appeal to everyone. Hostels often have a reputation for being unkempt and loud places. More often than not, there is some truth to this. However, they also offer so much more, especially if you're a solo traveler. I have met some incredible people at hostels and have made friends who I still keep in touch with. 

Hostels also provide that budget option, which is a must for most backpackers. Along with that, there's the option of having a kitchen to cook in and a space to hang out, which is always a plus. I would encourage you to allow your adventurous side to come out and book a stay at a hostel. Especially if you have never done it before, you never know the adventure it will bring.


~A Fellow Wanderer~

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