Read this before staying in a hostel
Hey Freaking Nomads,
When I first started traveling full-time, I thought hostels were going to be the perfect answer: cheap, social, and full of people who “get it.”
And honestly, some of my favorite memories did happen in hostels.
I met incredible people, joined last-minute adventures, and laughed until my stomach hurt in common rooms I barely knew existed the day before.
But what no one really tells you is that hostels can sometimes be... a lot.
Sharing rooms with strangers means late-night arrivals, snorers (so many snorers!), people packing at 5 a.m., and almost zero personal space.
If you're trying to take calls, focus on work, or just carve out a quiet moment for yourself, it can honestly feel overwhelming.
It’s exhausting. And if you're not careful, it can totally burn you out.
If you’re considering staying in a hostel while working remotely, here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way):
Get a private room if you can.
Even just a basic private room — nothing fancy — can make a huge difference when you're working. You’ll have a door you can close, a bed that's yours (without the fear of waking up your bunkmates with a 6 a.m. call), and a tiny little pocket of calm in the chaos. It’s also easier to keep a semi-regular work schedule when you can actually sleep properly.
Check if there’s an actual workspace.
Some hostels are starting to offer coworking areas, even if it’s just a few desks and good Wi-Fi tucked in a quiet room.
This is GOLD when you have meetings or deep work to do. If there’s no coworking space, at least check if they have enough chill common areas — otherwise, you’ll end up working from your bed or a noisy kitchen, which gets old really fast.
Pick "quiet" hostels.
You can usually tell by reading between the lines of the reviews.
If people are raving about the bar crawls or the "wild parties," maybe rethink it.
If they mention fast Wi-Fi, peaceful vibes, or friendly but calm atmospheres, that's usually a green flag for digital nomads. You don't have to kill the vibe, just match it to what you need right now.
Set boundaries early.
You’ll meet amazing people — and they’ll always want to go out "just for one drink" (Which turns into five.)
It’s okay to say, “Hey, I have a work call early tomorrow, but maybe another night!”
If you don’t protect your schedule and energy, no one else will. Trust me, you’ll be a better friend, a better traveler, and a much happier nomad if you honor your own needs first.
Bring your survival kit.
Earplugs, a good sleep mask, a portable laptop stand, noise-canceling headphones... these tiny things can save you.
You might not always find the perfect work setup or the perfect sleep situation, but you can create little bubbles of comfort anywhere you go.
Hostels can absolutely be part of your nomad experience, just make sure you’re choosing the right one for where you are right now in your journey.
Sometimes you need adventure. Sometimes you need rest. Both are valid.
Sending you a big hug,
Irene
🗞️ What's new in the nomad world
- Croatia wants digital nomads to stick around, and they’re making it very tempting. The country has just updated its visa program, offering longer stays, family perks, and easier freelancing opportunities. If you’ve been eyeing the Adriatic coast, this is your sign to go for it!
Irene Wang
👀 What else...
- Chiang Mai's cafe scene is legendary, but finding actually laptop-friendly spots? That's another story. After 3 years of testing, we’ve put together a list of the best places to work with reliable WiFi, power outlets, and good coffee (because let's be honest, that's the holy trinity).
Tim Vaughan-Spencer
- Meanwhile in Porto, our local writer rediscovered her hometown through the lens of a nomad. She explains why this Portuguese city might just win you over, with coworking spaces by the ocean, €10 lunch deals, and tips for making friends when you’re new in town.
Sara Vieira
- And if your backpack’s looking a little worse for wear, we’ve been testing the Columbia Trek 28L for two years. It’s been through grocery runs, hiking trips, and daily commutes. Here’s our honest take on whether it’s really worth the investment.
Veronica Maureen
✨ Our favorite nomad quote for this week
"The journey itself is my home." – Matsuo Basho
💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you
Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:
- YouTube Thumbnail Designer at Metics Media
- Crypto Newsletter Editor and Writer at Tokenmetrics
- People Operations Associate at The Luminos Fund
- Media Designer at Flex
- Web Designer (Framer) at Contra
- Senior iOS Engineer at Tabby
💡A resource you might like
This week, we are excited to share Nomadlio, a project by fellow nomad Yair Cohen who recently went viral on Reddit. It’s a 100% free alternative to NomadList, built specifically for digital nomads who are tired of the chaos and just want to get moving. That's what you can do with it:
- Find remote work-friendly destinations and transport in one place
- Instantly check visa requirements, cost of living, and internet speed data for your next destination
- Tailored for location-independent travelers, so it skips the touristy fluff and focuses on what actually matters for remote work and real life abroad.
Feel free to check it out and feel free to give him some love! ❤️
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📚 Want more digital nomad guides? Read our articles on all things nomad, including travel tips, budgeting & finance, legal and taxes, community, productivity and more.
💖 Join our Freaking Nomads Hub! Discover & review digital nomad places, track your countries and connect with like-minded people who are nomading just like you — sign up for free here.
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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋
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