The first step in deciding whether you’re better suited to a hotel or a hostel is to make sure you fully understand the differences between the two. While they’re both popular accommodation options for travelers, and you can find both almost anywhere, there are several key differences between them that you should be aware of. A hostel is a low-cost accommodation option, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s only for backpackers and students on a tight budget. Traditionally, hostels featured a standard style of lodging consisting of a dorm room with bunk beds that could be rented for very cheap prices. Some travelers believe that hostels still only offer dorm-style accommodation, limited facilities, and shared bathrooms. But today, many hostels offer private rooms and private bathrooms for a higher cost. Hostels typically don’t provide as many amenities as hotels do, so even the costs on the upper-end of the hostel world tend to be lower than hotel room costs. RELATED: 10 Of The Best Hostels In Europe Whether you choose to stay in a private room or a dorm, hostels are ultimately forms of low-cost accommodation. On the other hand, hotels are higher-cost accommodation options (though they can still be cost-effective) that typically provide travelers with more amenities, services, and privacy than a standard hostel. As the travel space progresses, the gap between the two is becoming smaller and smaller, with many hostels now offering facilities that were once reserved for hotels only, such as private rooms and bathrooms. The difference between the two types of accommodation is becoming blurrier, so you might find that the only difference between a great hostel and a regular (not luxury) hotel is the cost. RELATED: 20 Photos Of How Backpackers Treat Hostels

Hostels are no longer just for backpackers and travelers on a budget. More and more travelers are choosing to stay in hostels for the experience of it, rather than because it’s often the cheaper option. When trying to decide whether you should book a hostel or a hotel for your next trip, consider the pros and cons of both. One of the pros of hostels, for example, is that they allow you to meet more people. Because of the communal kitchen facilities, planned group activities, and even shared dorm rooms and shared bathrooms, you simply have more opportunity to meet and bond with other travelers. The other obvious pro of a hostel is that it’s typically cheaper than a hotel. Even if you do choose to rent a private room and have your own bathroom, you might find it’s still cheaper than booking a hotel room. Typically, if you do choose to stay in a dorm, the price will be much cheaper than staying in your average hotel. Hostels also give you the chance to cook your own food through communal kitchen facilities, which is something that many hotels don’t offer. The downsides of staying in a hostel are that you may give up your privacy if you’re sleeping in a dorm and sharing a bathroom with 12 other people, and your sleep may be compromised. Some hostels have a party atmosphere that may be difficult to escape, especially if you’re sleeping in a form. The pros of hotels are that they tend to provide more luxury than hostels, they offer more amenities and services (although these may not be free), and they typically (though not always) provide more security. On the flip side, hotels tend to be more expensive than hostels. Hotel guests also don’t have as many opportunities to meet new people, as hotel life tends to be much less communal. It can also be difficult to travel with a large group of people when staying in hotel rooms. RELATED: 10 Things To Never Do When You're A Guest In A Hostel