When I started budget travelling, the cheapest stay options were always hostels. But when I downloaded and booked through Hostelworld, my experience totally changed. It’s not always about the affordability of the stay, but also about the community, locality, and neighborhood.

If you are looking for more than just a visit to a tourist hotspot, I recommend Hostelworld. You will receive stories, be part of a spontaneous plan, and have an unforgettable experience.  

Here are 10 hidden gems to explore with Hostelworld (I loved it! You will too!)

1. Ljubljana, Slovenia – Europe’s Fairytale Secret

Tourists heading to Europe often go directly to Paris or Rome, whereas I happened to arrive in Ljubljana by accident. I am very thankful that I did.

When I booked my stay through Hostelworld, I found a very comfortable hostel near the river. Within hours of checking in, they organized a walking tour for me to join.

Some great things to know about Ljubljana are

• It is walkable and charming.
• It is much cheaper to travel there than in most of Western Europe.
• It is a very good place for solo travelers.

Tip: When booking hostels on Hostelworld, filter by “high-rated hostels” and “great-location hostels” to stay close to the old town.

2. Porto, Portugal – Affordable Europe Done Right

Porto is the more fun, artistic cousin of Lisbon, with its colorful streets, beautifully tiled buildings, and renowned Port Wine.

The thing I liked most about Porto was that, through Hostelworld, I found great social hostels with large rooftop terraces overlooking the Douro River, where I met travelers from 5 different countries.

If you’re looking for:

• Affordable places to stay in Porto
• The best hostels in all of Portugal
• Social hostels anywhere in Europe

Use Hostelworld to easily compare reviews, costs, and all of the amenities!

3. Oaxaca, Mexico – Culture, Food & Community

The state of Oaxaca impressed me for its hospitality, both for its people and its climate.

Stay that I had booked via Hostelworld had many amenities available to the guests, including

• Free breakfast
• Cooking classes
• Tours to nearby towns.

4. Budapest, Hungary – Beyond the Party Scene

There are definitely ruin pubs in Budapest, but there is much more to do in addition to going to a ruin pub.

My experience at a boutique-style hostel listed on Hostelworld included activities such as visiting a thermal bath and watching the sunset over the Danube.

When:

• You read detailed reviews
• Check traveler photos
• Compare the hostels’ ratings

You can avoid any party hostel types you are not interested in.

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand – Slow Travel Heaven

Chiang Mai is a great place for both digital nomads and backpackers to find out. I used Hostelworld’s search function to find a hostel that was off the beaten path, had decent Wi-Fi, and offered co-working areas. I worked during the day and participated in the street food tours organized by other people at my hostel.

6. Kraków, Poland – Europe Without the Price Tag

A vacation in Krakow is like going back in time to the Middle Ages of Europe (without going broke!).

The great thing about the way Hostelworld does business is that it’s extremely transparent about its pricing. You won’t have any more surprises, just real, honest prices and useful reviews.

If you’re looking for a budget way to travel within Europe, be sure to consider Krakow on your list.

7. Medellín, Colombia – Reinvented & Inspiring

My whole outlook was warped by Medellin. Using Hostelworld, I found well-reviewed, safe Hostels in the El Poblado area (a vibrant, safe neighborhood in Medellin, Colombia). 

The Hostel I stayed at hosted Spanish Classes and Salsa Nights, which helped me make friends easily. The thorough Safety Reviews on Hostelworld were very important to solo female travelers (like me on my trip).

8. Hoi An, Vietnam – Lantern-Lit Magic

At night, Hoi An has a magical quality.

I rented a bicycle from my hostel and enjoyed the rice paddies at dawn and the beaches in the early evening.

There are many places in Vietnam for budget accommodation, but the site Hostelworld guarantees the following:

• Cleanliness
• Verified feedback
• Prime placement

Having that much peace of mind is truly priceless.

9. Seville, Spain – Underrated Spanish Charm

Everyone goes to Barcelona, but not me. I went to Seville instead.

I found a beautiful house that had been turned into a hostel through Hostelworld that had been wonderfully restored (in the Andalusian style). It was an amazing place with breakfast in the courtyard, flamenco shows at night, and sunsets from the roof.

If you’re looking for little-known places in Spain, this is a good starting point.

10. Tbilisi, Georgia – Europe’s Rising Star

Tbilisi is a place where an artistic, raw vibe meets welcoming locals. There are countless hostels that show up on Hostelworld for very low prices, many of which feel like boutique-style guest houses.

This city is great for those looking for:

• Unique travel experiences
• Budget travel options in Europe
• Great examples of local culture

Why I Always Book Through Hostelworld

Why has Hostelworld stayed as my first choice over the years of traveling? Here are a few reasons why! 

1. Real Reviews

No deception; however, those who have traveled will leave honest, descriptive reports that allow you to make educated choices based on facts.

2. Simple Search Filters

Depending on what you prefer, you can use the easy search feature to find:

• Female dorms
• Private bedrooms
• Party hostels
• Less noisy establishments
• Included breakfast.

3. Budget Friendly & Transparency in Rates

Hostelworld caters to experienced budget travelers, backpackers, and solo wanderers.

4. World Wide Options

The variety of hostel options is endless, from Europe to Southeast Asia to across South America. There are hostels available to fit any budget or need.

5. Travel Community Connection

The majority of hostels listed on the Hostelworld network offer a range of activities, including local city tours, bar hopping, cooking classes, and plenty of fun and laughter on your adventure. This is where the best experiences happen!!

Using The Hostelworld App to Discover Unique Hostels

Here’s my method:

• I filter by average score of at least an 8.5
• I read at least five most recent reviews for each property
• I read through the Accurate Neighborhood Description
• I compare the facilities offered by each property
• I look at photos taken by guests

This process has been successful for me every single time.

Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Not Just Cheaper

Traveling to me means much more than checking items off my bucket list—I enjoy having conversations with people while I’m preparing meals in a shared kitchen, watching the sunset with people I have only just met on top of a building, and getting to know a city through experiences beyond what is normally found in a guidebook.

When I need to find a place to stay, Hostelworld helps me book accommodations and experiences.

If you are preparing for your next trip and are looking for

• Affordable lodging
• Safe and fun hostel accommodations
• Unique destinations from all parts of the world
• A hassle-free booking process

I recommend checking Hostelworld before making any bookings. You may find your favorite city is not the one you see on Instagram but rather one suggested by someone in the accommodations’ common room. That will make for the best story.

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