Hostel Etiquette for First-Time Travellers: Tips, Tales & Unwritten Rules

Written by Ben - a 26 year-old Welsh backpacker who’s spent more time in hostels than he has at home in the last 3 years.

When I first landed in Southeast Asia with a backpack bigger than me and absolutely no clue what I was doing, I thought hostel life would be an instant social dream. And sure - sometimes it is midnight beers and deep convos with new best friends from across the globe.

But other times? It’s sulking because the room smells funny, and figuring out how to politely claim a bottom bunk (or top, if you’re weird like me and don’t like people sitting on your bed to do their shoes up).

After three years of living in Sydney, travelling up Australia’s east coast, and backpacking through Central America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, I’ve learned that hostel life is a bit of an art. Here are some tips for first-time travellers looking to feel at home in a shared space.

What Is Hostel Etiquette, Really?

Hostel etiquette isn’t about strict rules, it’s more about respecting those around you like a family. You’re sharing space with people from all over the world, and the little things you do (or don’t do) can make all the difference.

Hostel Sleeping Tips:

Everyone’s got different plans - some are up for sunrise hikes, others crawl in from nightclubs at 3am. But these should ensure you're getting s good nights sleep and not annoying anyone else!

• Pack your gear the night before if you’ve got an early start, and let others know! "Sorry, it's me with the 6am flight tomorrow, I'll be as quiet as possible.." goes a long way. 

• Use a torch app instead of flicking on the overhead light - duh. 

• Eye mask and ear plugs !! Classic but solid advice. 

Hostel Kitchen Nightmares
I once made five days’ worth of veggie curry with just a rice cooker and a confused Canadian watching me. Cooking in hostels is part survival, part social experiment- and it can be surprisingly fun.

• Host a “pasta night” with your dorm mates or trade recipes from your home country.

• Start a communal spice shelf - leave behind what you’re not using and try something new someone else left behind (you’ll be amazed what people donate).

• Bring a speaker and turn dinner time into a party. That way, if you’re using the last clean spoon? Hopefully people are in a better mood to wait for it.

Making Friends:
I used to feel low-key stressed if I didn’t bond instantly with people in my dorm. The truth? Not every hostel stay turns into a friendship montage.

• Say yes to one small event (movie night, walking tour, etc) and go from there! 

• Ask “Where are you off to next?” - it’s the ultimate conversation starter.

• Take your time. I’ve made some of my closest friends weeks into a trip, not on day one.

 Hostel Safety Essentials

It’s the small things that make you feel like a pro:

• Bring a power board extension from your home country if you’re travelling with lots of home plugs! Or pick one up in a local shop if not. 

• Always bring a padlock (most hostels provide lockers, but not locks).

• Keep your valuables close, but don’t stress - most travellers are more interested in your food than your passport.

Packing tips
Nobody expects perfection, but keeping your space / bag organised makes life easier.

• Keep a “go-bag” for showers or overnight trips (toothbrush, towel, flip flops).

• Stash your dirty laundry in a compression packing cube.

Meeting People in Hostels

Whether it’s a trivia night or a walking tour, try one group event - it’s a low-stakes way to connect. But no pressure. Some nights are solo Netflix and instant noodles, and that’s valid too. My top tips for making meaningful connections if you are struggling:

• Buy a pack of cards, and either teach (or learn) a game from someone you just met.

• Suggest sharing the cost of petrol or a car hire to explore further afield together!

• Talk to the staff, most hostels I have stayed in have staff who are also at some stage in their travels!

Final Thoughts 

Hostel life isn’t just about where you sleep - it’s about the people, the energy, and those unexpected moments that become stories. And if it feels weird at first? That’s normal. Be kind, stay curious, and give yourself space to adjust.

If you’re staying at Pad Hostel—come say hi, join the walk, or grab a spot at movie night. You never know who you’ll meet. ✌️

How to Survive Hostels as a High-Maintenance Girl

Written by Lily - A 24 year-old backpacker who refuses to conform to backpacker standards.

Let’s get one thing straight: just because you’re travelling the world doesn’t mean you have to give up what makes you, well -  you. Yes, I’ve shared dorms with strangers, showered with just a bucket of water, and survived 36 hour bus rides - but I’ve also managed to keep up my skincare routine, keep the mani - pedi relatively fresh, and even pull off a bouncy (ish) blow-dry without a salon in sight. 

So if you're a little high-maintenance (no shame!) and wondering how you’re supposed to thrive in hostels, let me tell you: it can be done. Here are my top tips for keeping things cute, clean, and comfortable away from home.

1. Simplify your routine
I love a lotion and a potion. Do I need them all while travelling? Probably not. Before a trip, I streamline my holy grail products and keep my essentials in travel-size bottles.

Things I never skimp on: good quality conditioner, hydrating serum, and SPF. The rest is a bonus if it fits. 

2. Clever storage!

A hanging shower bag so you’re not juggling serums on the edge of a questionable sink. It also ensures you never leave your good stuff in the shared showers, because it WILL go missing ... *cough* Olaplex *cough* ... 

A clear and square liquids bag means you can go straight through airport security with hand luggage, and see all your essentials without digging around for them.

3. Bring a Tiny Gel Nail Kit
One of my favourite (and most unexpected) hacks: I brought a mini gel nail kit from Amazon with me, and it’s been a hit. It’s small, charges by USB, and I’ve done my nails in hostels, cafes, even on night trains.
Bonus: it’s a fab way to make friends or start a hostel side hustle!

4. Flip-Flops Are Non-Negotiable
I will not set foot in a shared bathroom barefoot. Ever. Pack a cheap pair of rubber flip-flops and keep them handy for showers, hostel kitchens, and those late-night dashes to the loo. 

 5. Combat Bad Smells Like a Pro
Let’s be real, some dorms can smell. Don't despair though!

• A little essential oil roller on your pillow at night makes a bunk bed smell a little nicer.

• A Vicks sniffer stick - weirdly life-changing in stinky buses or rooms. Plus you can play it off by saying you've just got a blocked nose. 

 5. Heatless Curls 
My overnight curlers have seen more sunrises than I have. Perfect for long bus rides or flights -just pop them in before bed (or boarding), and you’ll wake up looking like you actually tried. If you're anything like me, a good hair day is just a good day, so this hack is definitely one of my favs. 

 6. Your Own Pillowcase
Silk or cotton, whatever you use at home is what I would recommend. It weighs nothing, folds up tiny, and saves your hair and skin. Whether you’re in a $12 dorm or anywhere with questionable linens, your own pillowcase instantly upgrades the experience - you know its clean and it feels like a little luxury at the end of a long travel day.

Hopefully this list has helped you realise that being a *little* high-maintenance and travelling the world in hostels are not mutually exclusive. You can take my word that as someone who's seen all ends of the hostel spectrum, Pad Hostel gets my seal of approval for hostels I recommend to travellers who need their little luxuries. 

Weekend Markets in Sydney Every Traveller Should Visit

Written by Michael - a manager here at Pad, and a Sydney Local.

There’s no better way to feel like a local than wandering through one of Sydney’s colourful weekend markets. Whether you’re hunting for vintage clothes, local snacks, or quirky gifts, these markets are a backpacker’s dream.

1. Glebe Markets (Saturdays)
A haven for vintage fashion, handmade jewellery, and live music. Bring cash and comfy shoes—you’ll want to spend hours browsing. don't worry, there are heaps of food and drink stalls if you need a mid-market pick me up!

2. Bondi Farmers Market (Saturdays) + Bondi Markets (Sundays)
Saturdays are all about local produce and gourmet snacks, while Sundays are perfect for vintage finds, art, and beachy Sydney attire.

3. Paddington Markets (Saturdays)
Creative vibes and high-quality stalls make this one of Sydney’s most popular markets. Great for gifts and Sydney memorabilia that's different from the norm.

4. The Rocks Markets (Weekends)
Right by Circular Quay, these markets mix artisan stalls with unbeatable views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

5. Surry Hills Markets (1st Saturday of every month)
Expect a lively mix of vintage fashion, handmade jewellery, pre-loved books, unique art, and quirky homewares. Located just a short walk from Pad Hostel, these markets should be on your itinerary! 

Like the sound of it? Find all these markets, and so much more, on our handy Google Map Guide.