Is Hostel Life Still for Me? How I Travel Now That I'm 30
- The Anxious Passport
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
I used to think hostels were just a phase - something you outgrow when you hit your late 20s. And in some ways, I have outgrown certain parts: the drinking games, the 16 bed dorms, the awkward 2 am bunk climbs after someone's big night out.
But heres the truth: I still love hostels, I just love them differently now. And while i'd much rather opt for a private hotel room or airbnb, hostels still have many things to offer.
If you're in your 30s and wondering whether hostel travel still fits the person you've become - this one is for you
The Vibe Has to Match My Energy Now
When I was younger, I booked hostels based on price, and while price is a good reason to pick a hostel especially when traveling on a budget, the vibe can really make or break your trip, at least for me that is.
What I mean by booking based on Vibe:
No party Hostels ( unless there's a quiet section far, far away)
No chaotic 20 person dorms
And absolutely no hostels that blast music in the common room all throughout the night into the AM.
Keep in mind these are my preferences, Ive never really been much of a big party girl, and its absolutely okay if you thrive on this type of environment, I just don't.
Instead, I look for:
Boutique or eco hostels
Female only or 4 bed dorms
Places with cozy communal areas and strong tea game
Because these day, my version of fun is staying up late journaling or chatting under fairy lights with one or two strangers who actually get it.
I Don't Want to Drink Every Night ( Or Explain Why I'm Not)
In Many hostels, drinking culture is very much alive and well, and I've had my fair share of bar crawls and all nighters. Now I'm much more selective about when - and if - I drink.
And I've learned: You don't need to drink to connect. You don't need to go out to feel included. And you definitely don't need to explain yourself.
I've had more meaningful connections over sleepy breakfast chats or cooking pasta in the communal kitchen than I ever did shouting over bar music.
Making Friends Looks Different Now
When I was younger, I felt pressure to meet everyone. Now? I'm happy to meet one or two people I really vibe with.
I'm No longer interested in forced conversations. i'm interested in:
People who also love slow mornings
Fellow solo travelers with interesting stories and quiet confidence
conversations that go beyond "Where are you from?" and "Where are you going next?"
And honestly? When I'm not in the mood to talk, I don't.
Privacy is No Longer a Luxury - It's a Non- Negotiable
Sleep Matters. Alone time matters. Feeling Safe and grounded matters.
That's why I:
Book private rooms or 4 bed dorms whenever I can
Pack a sarong to hang on my bunk for a little privacy
Treat myself to a hotel once in a while if my social battery is running low
I've learned to listen to my needs instead of pushing through. Travel is supposed to restore me not drain me. Obviously this shouldn't apply to everything, you should still be trying to get outside your comfort zones, That doesn't mean for every single moment of your time though.
Hostel Travel at 30 is about Intention, Not FOMO
In my 20s, I didn't want to miss out. I said yes to everything. Now, i travel with more intention - and more Honesty.
I know when to say no to the night out
I know when to say yes to the quiet walk alone
I know that choosing to stay in once in a while isn't " wasting a night" - It's choosing peace.
Final Thoughts: It's Not About Age- It's About Alignment
If you're 30 ( or 40 or 50) and still want to stay in hostels - do it.
Just stay in your kind of hostel
You don't need to prove anything. You don't need to fit anyone's version of what a "real traveler" looks like. You just need to feel comfortable, Safe, and Inspired.
Whether that's in a bunk bed in Byron Bay or a private room in Lisbon - trust that you know what you need now.
Because here's the secret no one tells you: The older you get, the better you travel.
Couldn’t relate to this more!! 🩷