Hostels Welcoming Post-COVID Visitors

Hostels are not for everyone! They are a unique type of accommodation that is based on community and sharing.These are the two concepts that hooked me on hostel-travel when I was traveling solo in Ireland a few years ago. And during COVID-19 these are the very concepts that have caused issues for hostel owners. But they are changing with the times, and some are pivoting into new models of operation.

I loved the idea that I could share sleeping quarters and kitchens with other travelers. It gave me a chance to meet people in a safe environment and share stories and tips about the locales that I was visiting. One young woman I bunked with in Killarney gave me dozens of tips on what to see in the area. And anyone that was in the kitchen while a young father was teaching his high-school son how to cook chicken got a free cooking lesson while they prepared their dinner.

But today because of COVID-19, those same benefits have turned into drawbacks of hostel travel. Owners and mangers have had to adjust their offerings as countries around the world are lifting travel restrictions and four months of self-isolation is starting to give many of us wanderlust.

Because I am in the twilight stage of my life (potentially at higher risk from the Corona-virus), I put my planned travel to and hostel stays in Prague, and Vienna “on-hold” until next year. In the meantime, I was happy to read a number of articles on how the hostel industry is pivoting to new social-distancing models such as: 50-60% occupancy, improved cleaning/sanitizing, and creative social activities – that will  allow people to meet and share with less risk.

For a summary of the promising news for reopening and rebuilding the hostel economy, read my blog about How Hostels Are Surviving COVID-19.

Are you planning a trip with a hostel-stay this year? What precautions are you taking?