10 Essentials for Your Hostel Packing List

Hostels are the perfect place to stay if you’re traveling solo, on a budget, or just want a unique experience in your travels. Even if you’re not up for staying in a dorm with other people, many hostels offer private rooms so that you can still get the hostel experience while also having a place to yourself.

My first hostel experience was at Safestay Holland Park in London. I had a great time, though there were a few things I left off my packing list that would’ve made the stay so much better.

Planning a stay in a hostel and wondering what to pack? Here are my top ten essentials to add to your hostel packing list!

1. A Travel Towel and Washcloth

This is SO SO important for staying at a hostel. Most hostels don’t provide towels like a hotel would, or if they do have them, you either have to pay to rent one or buy one. Save your money by bringing one with you!

My favorite travel towel is the Relefree Microfiber Travel Towel, and it also comes with a smaller towel that can be used as a washcloth! The microfiber material helps it dry much faster and it rolls up super small so that it doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase.

The best part? It’s affordable! Certain colors are $13.99, while others are $14.99

2. A Padlock and a Luggage Lock

Most hostels will provide you with a locker for your belongings, but they probably won’t provide a padlock. Again, they’ll most likely have one available to rent, but you’re much better off bringing your own.

I have a couple of these Master Lock padlocks. I like these because they feel sturdy and you can set your own combination to something that’ll be easy for you to remember.

In addition to the locker, many hostels have cages that fit a standard size suitcase, so I would recommend bringing two locks just in case!

3. Breathe Right Nasal Strips

In a hostel dorm, you might be sleeping in a room with several other people. And trust me, no one likes a snorer.

Apparently I only snore when I’m sick or really drunk, but I like to keep Breathe Right Nasal Strips on hand just in case.

These drug-free strips somehow hold your nasal passages open to keep you from snoring. I always bring them with me to hostels – I don’t want to be the most hated person in the dorm, and loud snoring would earn you that award!

4. Earplugs

You might not be the dorm snorer, but chances are someone will be. Stick a pair of earplugs in your bag to help make sure you get a good (and quiet!) night’s sleep.

I like Lullies Ear Plugs – they’re reusable and noise-canceling, so they’re perfect for a hostel!

5. A Flashlight

Much like a snorer, no one in a hostel likes it when people turn on the light in the middle of the night.

If you’re going to be getting in late to the dorm, it’s always handy to have a flashlight. That way, you can have a light source without having to disrupt your dorm-mates.

I have one similar to this, which is very small and doesn’t take up much room in your luggage. Your phone flashlight works great too!

6. A Sleep Mask

The bad part about hostels? Not everyone will be considerate enough to bring a flashlight. Be prepared for sleeping with the lights on by bringing a sleep mask!

7. Headphones

Sometimes while traveling, it’s nice to have a relaxing day where you rest and watch Netflix. If you’re staying in a hostel, do your dorm-mates a favor and bring along a pair of headphones so that you can enjoy your show without disturbing others.

Nice headphones are always a great investment, and I’ve been eyeing these Bose Wireless Headphones. They’re a bit out of my budget though, so the wired version may have to do!

If you’re just wanting a pair of cheap, decent quality earphones, I really like the JVC Marshmallow Earbuds. Best of all, they’re less than $14!

8. Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are my FAVORITE travel accessory, even when I’m not staying in a hostel. Whether you’re bringing along a carry-on suitcase or a checked bag, packing cubes are so helpful for keeping things organized. Plus, it’s nice not having to dig through your suitcase trying to find one thing.

I have this set in purple, and I LOVE them. When I travel, I use a separate bag for tops, bottoms, underwear, toiletries, etc. so that I can easily grab the bag I need when I’m looking for something.

These are so handy in a hostel because it makes it much easier to keep your stuff organized, which can be hard when you’re sharing a room with so many other people!

9. A Laundry Bag

This is another of my travel must-haves. It’s no fun when your dirty, smelly clothes get mixed in with your clean ones. Keep them in a laundry bag so that they’re separate and easy to find if you get a chance to do laundry!

10. Shower Shoes

Shower shoes are a MUST when staying in a hostel – a nasty case of foot fungus would really put a damper on a trip!

My favorite shower shoes are my Birkenstock Madrid EVA Sandals. These lightweight rubber sandals come in tons of colors – I love mine in black! The best part? They’re cute and comfortable enough to wear out as well! Having double-purpose shower shoes really helps save room in your suitcase.

Birkenstock also has EVA Arizona Sandals and EVA Gizeh Sandals that can be used as shower shoes. The Arizona ones are unisex too!

Do you have any must-haves on your hostel packing list? Make sure to let me know!

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