Hostel Stay! They are definitely cheaper than hotel or Homestay. But what else should you expect from them? I say don’t expect anything and just come with an open head. In the hostel, you will definitely get a roommate or travel friends but on the other hand, you will have to share your space too. And if you have a nick for Luxury and comfort- then forget Hostel stay. The term Luxury and Comfort are only dedicated to Hotels and Homestay.

Last week, I traveled to Tehri Dam in Uttrakhand, India and planned to stay in the hostel. It was my first hostel stay experience as a traveler and I will say, not a pleasant one. I found that even the small things were compromised.  The only good part was that I had to share my room only with dear husband.

The hostel was situated on the hill top and seemed good from outside. After seeing the room I was like why I didn’t go through some of the posts on must carry essentials for Hostel stay. Anyways as we all know, one learns from his/her personal experience and this was a learning phase for me. I learned after staying; that you have to be mentally as well as physically prepared for sharing room, washroom, dining area and sometimes toiletries too. And there are certain essentials which one must carry to avoid discomfort.

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So, here I am compiling the list of must carry essentials for Hostel Stay. I prefer traveling light so all the recommendations are written; keeping that in mind.

1. Toilet kit & Toiletries

This one goes to the most important category for hostel stay. Make for yourself or buy readily available travel kit with a hanging hook; as many times hostel washrooms or rooms lack shelves.

The essential for the kit should be

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Bathing soap
• Hand wash / Hand Sanitizer
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Deodorant
• Small hand towel
• Comb/ Hairbrush
• Earbuds
• Shaving cream & razor
• Sanitary Napkins

Rest one can add to this list according to his usage.

2. Bed Sheet/ Bed Liner

Carry a light single or double bed liner to avoid sleeping on semi cleaned or unclean bed sheets. Cotton ones look and are good but they occupy a lot of space too. So, if you are backpacking choose microfiber travel sheets. They roll well and fit easily in small space.

3. Towel

Hostels usually don’t provide bathing or hand towels and if they do, they are semi clean. Some even charge separately for them.  So always, remember to carry a decent size towel for yourself. Microfiber travel towels are good for backpackers as well as regular travelers. These are made up of highly absorbent material so dries you well as well as dry up quickly. Further, these towels come in various sizes like medium, large and extra large.

4. Flip Flops

Washrooms and shower of Hostels are never clean. To avoid getting your feet dirty with those bacteria’s; always bath or use washroom wearing flip flops.

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5. Padlocks / Locks

Always carry one or two robust metal locks to keep your valuables safe in the hostel wardrobes or lockers. I personally feel the combination locks are much better than the key locks as chances of losing key is zero and your valuables are safe till the time you remember the combination.

6. Travel Adapter

Buy yourself a Universal adapter which can work with all your gadgets. This will help you to avoid carrying and misplacing multiple chargers. Also while purchasing check that your adapter acts as a converter and surge protector to avoid blowing a fuse in your valuable gadgets.

7. Torch or Head Lamp

A Torch or Head Lamp is required on your list to avoid turning the light on when your sharing buddies are in deep sleep in your room. It too helps you out for reading a book if you a night book lover.

8. Snacks and Eateries

Don’t expect that you can order anything at any time and it will be served to you. There is a fixed menu and timings for each meal. So, it is better to carry few snacks and eateries for munching in between. Also keep a pack of ready to cook noodles, tea bags and coffee sachets for the in between hunger cramps and skipped meals.

9. First Aid Kit

This is what I recommend and should be must for each traveler; whether you are staying in hostel, hotel or Homestay. The basic first aid kit (in small size) should contain

• saline
• 2-3 band aids
• Bandage
• sprain ointment
• bandage
• Dettol
• Alcohol swab
• Cotton
• Gloves
• Scissor

Additionally, you can also add to it basic medicine for pain, vomit, and diarrhea.

10. Ear Plugs and Eye Mask

These ear plugs will help and save you from listening to snoring melodious singers to cacophonous when you share your room with multiple roomies.

Eye Mask will help in blocking the day as well as night light into your eyes if you like sleeping in a pitch dark.

11. Your Hobby

There is nothing much to do except long chats and walks. So always carry your book, laptop, cards, camera or anything you like spending time with.

This is what I could gather and learn from my experience. If anything else you feel is missing, please comment below.

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 And the most important is functional travel backpack, required for packing all these items. So choose the one which fits for you.