Becoming a flashpacker

I may still be on a budget when travelling solo, but I have found my sweet spot – the flashpacker hostel. These fancy hostels usually offer a convenient location, spacious bathrooms, trendy common areas, clean kitchens, and all your creature comforts. Think privacy curtain around your bunk bed, individual power sockets, lockers, a bed light and neatly made, comfortable beds. No more top bunk bed wars with fitted sheets. No more mattresses with tired loose springs digging into your back, requiring a decent massage upon check-out. Wherever I can book small or female dorms in flashpacker-style accommodation, I will.

It’s all about the vibe

When travelling solo, I love the communal vibe and ambience a hostel affords. You can hardly walk into a hotel bar and converse with a stranger unless you’re a Bond girl. Most hostels focus on creating social lubrication through pub crawls, meal nights and walking tours. These activities are great for solo travellers to break the ice with others.

Hostels are easier for meeting people from all walks of life. Sometimes after sightseeing for a whole day and feeling like you have barely spoken to humanity, it’s nice to talk to someone in your own language or get help to beat your Duolingo streak with a native speaker. You can engage in general chat, trade travel tips, or, if all goes well, decide to embark on an adventure together.

Doing something with your new hostel buddy can be great for your depleting bank balance and enhance your time in a destination. Being a decision-maker 24/7 can often be overwhelming, so having someone be a think tank and provide brain relief on what to see and do next is a merrymaker. Be open: say yes and tag along for the ride.

I must admit, I don’t always want to be social, find a new BBF or engage in the stock-standard backpacker small talk (“Where are you from? How long have you been travelling? Where are you headed next?”) every time I check into a hostel. But it’s great to have the option to socialise without pressure. Over the years, I have made great connections and formed lifelong friendships with some dorm mates.

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The payoff

The trade-off of not having my own space has permitted me to channel those funds elsewhere. Instead of paying for hotel accommodation that I consider an expensive cloakroom – I’m just there to sleep and shower – I am spending that money on experiences: tours, extending my holiday or putting it towards the next trip.

Hostels generally attract young people due to their low costs and overall experience. Still, I have shared rooms with senior globetrotters retaining a youthful spirit and continuing to tick off their bucket lists. And one day, I’m sure I’ll join them.