Hostels are the unofficial headquarters of backpackers—cheap beds, shared spaces, and a steady stream of new faces. But with the budget-friendly charm comes a unique set of expectations and unspoken rules.
It’s not a hotel, and treating it like one can turn you into that roommate real fast. Whether it’s your first hostel stay or your fiftieth, a little consideration goes a long way.
To help you blend in like a seasoned traveler (and avoid dirty looks), here’s a list of 16 hostel etiquette rules every backpacker should follow.
Respect Lights-Out Hours
Most dorms settle into quiet mode by late evening, especially when guests have early morning tours or flights. Turning on overhead lights or rummaging through your bag at 2 a.m. isn’t just annoying—it’s flat-out disrespectful.
If you know you’ll be coming in late, pack what you need ahead of time and use your phone’s flashlight sparingly. The goal is to be invisible while others are sleeping.
Everyone appreciates a guest who knows how to be quiet in the dark.
Keep Phone Calls Private
Loud calls in the dorm room—especially video chats—are a major hostel foul. No one wants to hear your travel updates or drama from back home while trying to nap. Step into the hallway, common room, or outside if you need to talk for more than a minute or two.
And yes, that includes using earbuds. Even whispered conversations can be a buzzkill in a shared room.
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Don’t Take Over Shared Bathrooms
Hostel bathrooms are communal, which means you’re not the only one waiting to shower, brush your teeth, or fix your hair. Quick, efficient use keeps things moving and minimizes awkward knocking.
Leave the steam-room spa days for hotels—ten minutes is plenty. And please, clean up after yourself.
No one wants to walk into a sink full of beard trimmings or a soggy towel on the floor.
Label Your Food
Fridge theft is unfortunately a common hostel story, but so are honest mix-ups. Writing your name and check-out date on your groceries reduces confusion and makes it easier for staff to toss expired stuff.
If something’s communal, label it clearly as such. And while we’re here—don’t take food that isn’t yours, even if it’s just a splash of milk.
People notice.
Stay Tidy in Dorms
A little mess is expected in shared rooms, but spreading your belongings across three beds and half the floor isn’t cute. Keep your things compact and organized—packing cubes help a lot.
If you need to reorganize your entire bag, do it during the day when most people are out exploring. Hostel life runs smoother when everyone respects the limited space.
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Be Social, But Not Pushy
Hostels are built for socializing, and chatting with other travelers is part of the charm. But if someone’s clearly not interested—headphones in, book open, one-word answers—it’s best to leave them be.
Likewise, don’t hijack every group conversation or activity. The best hostel guests know how to read the room and strike the right balance between friendly and overbearing.
Don’t Hog the Charging Ports
Outlets are hot property in hostels, especially in older buildings with limited plug space. If you’ve got multiple devices, rotate them or use a charging hub.
Don’t unplug someone else’s stuff to make room for yours. And definitely don’t leave things charging for hours while you’re off on a tour—that’s prime space others could be using.
No Surprise Guests
Your hostel bed is for you—and only you. Bringing strangers into the dorm, whether for a quick chat or an overnight stay, crosses a line in most places.
It’s a safety issue as well as a matter of respect. If you want privacy, book a private room.
The rest of the dorm didn’t sign up for unexpected company.
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Use Headphones
Even the most laid-back traveler gets annoyed by someone blasting music or watching TikTok out loud in a shared space. If you’re listening to anything—music, podcasts, videos—use headphones.
And keep the volume low enough that it doesn’t bleed into the quiet. Hostels aren’t libraries, but they’re not nightclubs either.
Clean the Kitchen After Use
If you cook, you clean—it’s that simple. Leaving dishes in the sink or a greasy stovetop behind isn’t just lazy; it’s guaranteed to tick off the next hungry traveler. Give counters a quick wipe, toss your scraps, and don’t leave half-used ingredients scattered around.
A clean kitchen keeps everyone fed and friendly.
Don’t Treat Dorm Beds Like Living Rooms
Your bed is for sleeping, not for hosting movie nights or snacking on takeout. Crumbs, spills, and smelly leftovers make for a nasty surprise for the cleaning staff—or the next guest using that bunk.
Lounge in the common area instead. It’s what it’s there for, and it keeps sleeping spaces clean and restful.
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Avoid Alarm Clock Offenses
Setting alarms is fine—forgetting to turn them off isn’t. If you’re a heavy sleeper, don’t hit snooze five times while the rest of the dorm wakes up with you. Better yet, use a vibrating alarm or smartwatch that won’t disturb others.
Early risers can still be considerate travelers.
Shower Early if You Have a Morning Departure
Nothing throws off a morning routine like a clogged bathroom queue. If you have an early flight or tour, shower the night before or wake up extra early to avoid hogging the facilities during peak hours.
It’s a small courtesy that makes a big difference in shared living. And nobody wants to fight for sink space at 7 a.m.
Be Mindful of Dorm Room Romance
It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and inconsiderate to be overly affectionate—or worse, physical—in a dorm with other people present. Hostels aren’t the place for private moments unless you’ve booked a private room.
If things are getting cozy, take it outside or book separate space. Respect for roommates comes first.
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Keep Your Voice Down at Night
Whether you’re talking to a bunkmate or returning from a night out, use your indoor voice—or better yet, whisper. Late-night noise travels easily in small rooms, and a single conversation can wake half the dorm.
Drunken giggles and loud goodnights might be normal outside, but inside, they just make enemies.
Follow the Hostel’s House Rules
Every hostel has its own vibe and its own rules—some are strict, some are laid-back. Take a minute to read the posted guidelines and follow them.
Whether it’s quiet hours, shoe rules, or kitchen curfews, they’re there for a reason. Playing by the house rules makes the space better for everyone, and it shows respect to the people keeping it running.
Good Vibes Start with Good Habits
Hostels work best when everyone chips in a little—some awareness here, a little effort there. It’s not about being perfect or hyper-polite, but about living with people you just met in a way that keeps things smooth and comfortable.
Following these unspoken rules doesn’t just make you a better guest—it helps you actually enjoy the shared travel experience. After all, the best hostels are the ones where strangers become friends, not passive-aggressive bunkmates.
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