Hostel life is so much fun and provides a cheap way of seeing different places and interacting with different people. But it does sometimes have its challenges. Here, I give you some helpful tips and links to products that may come in helpful on your travel journey.

1. Toiletry bag

It may seem trivial, but having everything you need for the shared bathroom situation in hostels is essential. Since most shower bags have hooks, they are good for hanging wherever you are and having everything you need to get ready for a day of exploring right at your fingertips. Here are some ideas for toiletry essentials:

1. razor

2. nail clippers

3. tweezer

4. soap

5. lotion/moisturiser

6. Q-tips/earbuds

7. toothbrush

8. toothpaste

9. mouthwash

10. deodorant

11. floss

12. mascara

13. eyeliner

14. eyebrow pencil

15. Liquid foundation

2. Padlock

This one is an essential for me as I travel with my laptop. In most cases you will be able to buy one at the reception desk, but if you take yours with you then you save time and money at check in. Its best to get one with a code to save yourself hassle of accidentally locking the key in the locker or losing it while you are out exploring. Most coded lock allow you to change the code fairly easily

3. Packing cubes

I am on my 3rd set of packing cubes since I started travelling. These are a set of accessories I could not survive without. Using packing cubes while travelling makes it easy to find exactly what you need in tiny hostel rooms quickly, they often come in set so you are able to allocate different sizes to different items based on your needs.

4. Sweater/Jacket

Whether its spring summer fall or winter, this accessory is necessary year round. even in the summer most places are a little chilly at night. Ensure you have a light jacket for those late night walks, so you can be stylish and comfy while living your best travel life

5. Shower slippers

This one should go without saying. The sell them at most hostel reception for a reason. But if you wait to get to the hostel they are probably going to be overpriced.

6. Travel towels

In all honesty it took me a second to get used to not drying off with a fluffy piece of cotton. But travel towels are essential for saving space in your luggage. My preference is to have the set of 3 as they very absorbent, dry quickly and take up very little space plus it saves you the extra $2-6 you would spend at each hostel.

Happy travels!

Visit Hostelworld for some great places to stay on your next trip!