Imagine a world where the borders are open, and everyone is travelling again. Cheap flight? Book it! A mountain? Climb it! The ocean? Surf it! A tequila shot? Take it!
Cooped-up travellers will be like kids in a candy store, jumping headfirst into every new adventure.
Speaking of adventure, why don’t you check out these top-rated hostels for your future travel plans? They won’t break the bank and will give you the sense of community that you’ve been missing.
To get you dreaming of your post-pandemic trip, we’ve rounded up a list of the best hostels from all over the world. We LOVE that some of these offer remote work options. Now the burning question is… which kind of hostel suits your personality best?
1. The Social Butterfly
Begadang, Gili Air, Indonesia
Did you know that Begadang translates to “staying up all night talking”? No wonder it’s easy to make friends (or a pillow talk mate) at this Big Kid Paradise. They do movie nights under the stars with free popcorn, host volleyball and badminton tournaments, and offer scuba diving lesson deals. The beach is only 150 metres away! Begadang is amazing for solo travellers looking to make connections and share cool travel stories.
- Price: $17 – 70 CAD/night
- Location: Gili Air, Indonesia
Book Begadang hostel on Hostelworld
2. The Community Helper
La Bicicleta Hostal, Managua, Nicaragua
If you want to work nomadically, get to know the locals, and read a book in peace, this is the place to go! La Bicicleta is a small hostel with good vibes and warm fuzzy hospitality. After two devasting hurricanes and the effects of COVID-19, the hostel partnered up with local businesses to fundraise for water filters, helping 3300 families get access to fresh drinking water. Karma points for sure!
- Price: $18 – 80 CAD/night
- Location: Managua, Nicaragua
- Book La Bicicleta Hostel on Hostelworld
3. The Social Impact Guru
Hostel da Vila, Ilhabela, Brazil
Forts aren’t just for kids! If you’re tired of your same old queen-size bed, try something new: a glamping tent, a treehouse, a tipi, a dome, a hippie van, or even a sailboat! The owners of this hostel are big on teaching their guests about the small island rainforest lifestyle and Caiçara culture. Look out for two happy young surfers chasing waves; the hostel buys their equipment and sponsors them to travel for competitions, which inspires other children to follow their dreams. Surf’s up!
- Price: $18 – 80 CAD/night
- Location: Ilhabela, Brazil
- Book Hostel da Vila on Hostelworld
4. The Sustainability Wonderkind
Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers, Kilifi, Kenya
Your easy, breezy, and beautiful oasis awaits. This eco-friendly hostel in Kenya is where tree-lovers unite, and friends turn into family. Permaculture gardens, eco-toilets, bamboo showers for everyone! You can chill by the pool or swim at the private Kilifi creek beach. There are many tucked away spots to do remote work with their complimentary WIFI.
- Price: $19 – 48 CAD/night
- Location: Kilifi, Kenya
- Book Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers on Hostelworld
5. The Mountain Hobbit
The Black Sheep Hostel, Killarney, Ireland
What came first: the chicken or the egg? If you stay long enough, you’ll uncover the secret! Make yourself at home with free-range chickens, a dog, and friendly travellers. The hosts will help you organize trips to Kerry, lead guided mountain walks, and serve up the number one roasted coffee in town. It’s only a short walk from Killarney National Park.
- Price: $42 – 138 CAD/night
- Location: Kilifi, Kenya
- Book The Black Sheep Hostel on Hostelworld
6. The Networking Whiz
Draper Startup House For Entrepreneurs Koramangala, Bangalore, India
It’s basically a Think-Tank with comfy beds. If you love to talk big business ideas with strangers, you’ll have no problem finding inspiration for your ventures here and maybe a debate or two! The Startup House welcomes entrepreneurs from all over the globe and has a mission to enable 1 million more by 2030. They have a large co-working space and are close to the restaurants and shops of Bangalore.
- Price: $12 – 30 CAD/night
- Location: Bangalore, India
- Book Draper Startup House on Hostelworld
7. The Innovation Master
BUNK Hostel Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
We can see ourselves lingering at the restaurant bar drinking too many martinis and making friends here. Affordable luxury at its finest! Because it was once a church in the city’s heart, the hostel is surrounded by things to do and sights to see. After a night of sleeping in a modern pod, you can rent bikes, catch a train ride nearby, or plop down on a cozy couch to catch up on your work activities.
- Price: $37 – 170 CAD/night
- Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Book Bunk Hostel Utrecht on Hostelworld
8. The Light Packer
The Prime Spot Backpacker’s Hostel, Lima, Peru
If you’ve got a fun personality and a toothbrush, you’re in good company at this friendly hostel. The owners backpacked for 10 years and then set up The Prime Spot for fellow travellers to mix and mingle. Neighbouring villages were hit especially hard during the pandemic, so the hostel stepped up to the plate with their “Staying with a Purpose” initiative–working with volunteer guests to provide aid and essential food supplies. We want to be around these kinds of people!
- Price: $12 – 37 CAD/night
- Location: Lima, Peru
- Book The Prime Spot Backpacker’s Hostel on Hostelworld
9. The Style Officianato
Los Patios Hostel, Medellin, Colombia
Has anyone referred to your style as “Urban Tropical”? Probably not, but if so, we’re totally jealous. If this is the aesthetic you’re going for, you’ll love this funky upscale hostel. It’s set in the heart of Colombia’s second-largest city, surrounded by lush greenery. Whether you’re here to work (hello, sleek co-working spaces and free WIFI!) or to play (hi, ping-pong tables, PS4, and pool table!) There’s even an on-site Spanish school to up your cool factor.
- Price: $16 – 71 CAD/night
- Location: Medellin, Colombia
- Book Los Patios Hostel on Hostelworld
Hostels are THE place to mingle with travellers and open your mind to new perspectives. We’ve had some of our best travel experiences staying in hostels (and heard the most amazing stories).
