When staying at a hostel, you’ll need a lightweight, quick-drying towel, a secure padlock for lockers, travel-sized toiletries, and a reusable water bottle to stay comfortable and organized. Bring a compact travel pillow, earplugs, and a sleep mask for better rest, plus a power bank and international adapter for your devices. Keep hand sanitizer and reef-safe sunscreen for hygiene and sun protection, and store important documents in a secure pouch. For more details, you’ll find thorough recommendations just ahead.
Whether you’re planning a short city stay or an extended backpacking trip, knowing exactly what to bring to a hostel can greatly improve your experience. Hostels typically offer only basic accommodation, so you’ll need to pack the right essentials to guarantee comfort and security.
Start with a lightweight, quick-drying towel, since most hostels don’t supply them. A padlock is necessary for securing your belongings in shared rooms or lockers, which reduces the risk of theft. Carry hand sanitizer and sun protection, including reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm with SPF, to maintain hygiene and guard against sun exposure during excursions. Always keep your travel documents—passport, ID, and travel insurance—easily accessible in a secure pouch.
Pack a quick-dry towel, padlock, sun protection, and keep your travel documents secure for a smooth hostel experience.
To improve sleeping conditions, bring a sleeping bag liner for an extra layer of cleanliness and comfort on hostel beds. A compact travel pillow supports your neck, while earplugs and an eye mask help block out noise and light, both of which are common in shared rooms. If you’re sensitive to disturbances, using both earplugs and an eye mask is effective.
For hygiene, pack travel-sized toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. A hair wrap towel is useful if you have long hair, while tweezers and pocket nail clippers address grooming needs. Multi-purpose soap such as Dr. Bronner’s is convenient for both personal washing and laundry. If your hostel offers lockers in a range of sizes, having a universal lock that fits most of them can save you hassle and money.
You’ll also want technology for convenience and safety. Take a portable charger and power bank to keep devices charged, and a travel adapter for international plugs. If you carry electronics, locks for your laptop or tablet add an extra layer of security.
Your clothing should be versatile and quick-drying. Bring a sustainable travel backpack for efficient organization, rain gear for unpredictable weather, and warm layers if you’ll encounter cooler climates. Packing cubes are especially useful for keeping your belongings organized and making it easy to access what you need in a shared room environment.
For food and hydration, a reusable water bottle, portable coffee mug, and food containers help reduce waste and keep you fueled. A spork or multi-tool and snacks are practical for meals on the go. Remember to embrace the communal atmosphere of hostels by being open to sharing meals and kitchen space with fellow travelers.
Finally, consider a guidebook, map, entertainment options, laundry supplies, earbuds, and a first aid kit. These items guarantee you’re prepared for unexpected situations and maximize your hostel stay’s comfort and safety.
