Deciding on where to stay is an important part of planning for a vacation as it will highly influence how you will perceive your travel destination. First, you have to choose what kind of an establishment you want to stay in. Consider what you want to get from your time abroad. Sure hotels are luxurious, but you might want to think about staying in a hostel as they often provide things that hotels don't.

We have gathered a list of all the things you might miss out on if you choose to stay in a hotel. You will spend your time (and money) more wisely and bring home a whole lot of memories that you cannot make in a hotel.

20 Bargain Prices That Enable Travelers To Splash Out On Things That Matter

Let's start with the most obvious one. Hostels are significantly cheaper than hotels. If you are the kind of a person who does not spend much time resting in a room while traveling, might as well head to a hostel and treat yourself to a nice dinner with the money you save.

19 It Is The Friendship Hub

Meeting new people is one of the most exciting things about traveling. When you are in a hostel, making friends feels organic and easy. Having someone to talk to is a great way to unwind, especially if you are a solo traveler. Sometimes, you even make friends for life.

18 Feeling Like Cooking?

Hostels always have kitchens that welcome travelers who want to cook something for themselves. Not only is it a great way to save a few bucks, but you also have a chance to make your favorite comfort food in case you get homesick or just want to unwind a bit.

17 Feeling Like Someone Cooking Especially For You?

When you don't want to cook but you're also sick of eating out, you can sign up for the hostel's dinner. The food usually resembles home cooking, it comes with a bargain price and you have a chance to eat in company. Consider signing up at the reception.

16 Common Rooms Will Make You Feel Right At Home

Hotel lobbies are generally impersonal and it is hard to completely relax. It is hard to imagine chilling in sweatpants in a setting like that. Common rooms in hostels, on the other hand, offer a homey vibe, people lounge on couches as if they were home.

15 Staff Is Way More Wholesome Than In Hotels

Staff in hostels tends to be more laid back and friendly. Some might find them unprofessional compared to the hotel experience, but rest assured they care about their guests more than the hotel staff does. They will likely start small-talking with you and try to get to know you.

14 When Lonely, Look For The Hostel Pet

When we travel, we can get lonely and tired. When you have no one to talk to or you want to get a break from people, hostels often have a pet lounging in their outdoor area. They will happily chill with you and help you recharge your batteries.

13 A Bookworm's Paradise

In hostels, you can usually find libraries and not two are the same. People come and go, and with them, books. When you are finished with your book, simply exchange it for another one from the library and you are all set to go.

12 Transport, Tours, Information: Someone Will Help You

Do you need help with something? You can ask fellow travelers or staff for advice, tips, information, and guidelines about almost anything. There is a sense of companionship you will not encounter in hotels; while they will give you information, they will not personalize it especially for you.

11 They Happily Share Free Food

The flow of people, coming and going through hostels is huge and it moves fast. People tend to leave behind some food they don't want or can't pack and you can find those items in the kitchen's "free food" shelf. Get creative and make a meal free of charge!

10 When Booked Out, They Offer Alternatives

When hotels are full, they apologize and send you on your way. In hostels, they sometimes let you crash in their hammock, you can pitch a tent, or they make inquiries for you in other hostels. The rules are not so formal, and there is room for improvisation.

9 You Are Not Reduced To Profit But Recognized As A Fellow Human

When you come to a good hostel, you will feel appreciated and seen. Each hostel has a unique atmosphere and those with an exceptional one will make you want to stay forever - they want to get to know you and won't take your money in return.

8 Let's Go Out: Good Time Guaranteed!

Most hostels invite their guests out with them or at least encourage guests to go out together. They will show you the city's best nightlife. You won't have to approach any strangers; start a conversation based on the fact you are staying at the same hostel.

7 Educational Content Right At The Hostel's Doorstep

Good hostels offer educational content, such as free walking tours. The ones that do not offer it will refer you to a great source of information. Hostels also host travelogues where you can get inspiration and start planning the next trip.

6 Get The Best Tips From The Locals Easily

When you stay in hotels, authentic contact with the locals is hard to make as you close yourself in the safety of your own room. In hostels, the staff is happy to get to know people from different countries, it makes them feel like they're in travel mode themselves.

5 Talking To People Broadens Your Horizons

People rarely encounter people with a mindset significantly different from their own. In a hostel, that is easy. The experience is sometimes irritating, but mostly, it is mind-opening and humbling. Through debating with others, we can learn a great deal about ourselves.

4 Entertainment Options Are Endless: Karaoke, Video Games and Dinner Parties

Every hostel has its own view of what is fun and they will try to get you to join. Karaoke, video games, dance nights, day-trips ... The options are endless. Hostels are an essential part of your journey's narrative. Make sure to live your life to the fullest.

3 They Can Offer You A Job

You are running out of money, you love traveling and you don't want to go home yet, what are you going to do? Sometimes, hostels offer nice travelers a job working at the reception or cleaning rooms. We highly recommend it for all hostel enthusiasts!

2 Hostels Offer All Kinds Of Sleeping Arrangements

The common prejudice against hostels not being private enough is unjustified. Sure, you can sleep in 8- or 10-bed dorms, but they also provide private rooms and 4-bed dorms, which is perfect for traveling with friends. Some people actually prefer sharing a room with many people.

1 It Is An Independent Art Space

Many hostels charm travelers with its interior design, grafitti, and other artistic elements. They are a space that encourages creativity and many (alternative) artists get to leave their mark on the hostel's walls. Sometimes they look for artists; consider asking at the reception if you are one.