Not all of those who wander are lost.

Travel can get expensive– especially when travelling solo. Between flight ticket costs, luggage fees, spending cash and finding a place to crash– money can get tight, and you may find yourself searching for an affordable and safe place in the city to lay your head to rest.

Solo travel can also sometimes get lonely- for some, solo travel serves as a time of reflection, relaxation, a time to look introspectively and listen to ones' intuition, however; travel is so much more than the experience itself and is shaped more by the people you meet and experiences you share than the places you see.

Wonder where you can get a taste of both of these experiences? Look no further– we’ve compiled a list of 6 of the best affordable hostel stays in the world where you can not only have a bed to crash on for the night but also meet other travellers and enjoy a party or two along the way! Hostels and communal accommodations often get a bad rap but rest assured, these top picks are some of the best, most innovative, safe and social places to enjoy the city on a dime!

Kabul - Barcelona, Spain

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An institution for communal lodging in the city. Lively, fun and vivacious, full of parties and people who love to party– you don’t come to Kabul for the sleep. The building houses several communal halls and living spaces to socialize with other travellers, a bar and a pool room. Kabul offers a small nightly first come, first serve dinner- so get it while it lasts! The fun and social energy of the place makes it easy to get to know and meet other people and you are sure to find a group of people to play some cards or watch a movie with. If you came to Barcelona to experience the night and party life then Kabul is the place for you!
- What’s included?
  - Free Wifi
  - Free Breakfast and Dinner
  - Game Room and Bar
  - 24-hour check-in
  - Nightly group activities
  - Laid-back and fun atmosphere

The Beehive - Rome, Italy

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Run by a husband and wife duo, The Beehive is a cut-above any average hostel in Rome– and offers so much more than a basic place to rest. The Beehive offers both shared and private rooms, communal socializing spaces, a garden courtyard and serves vegetarian delights out of a small cafe in the downstairs portion of the hostel as well as hosts weekly family-style dinners and cooking classes. They thrive on a community mentality and are known not only for their safe and laid-back energy but also for their world-class and personal activities and tours that they offer their guests. Come one, come all– The beehive is a safe haven and place of solace and relaxation in the middle of the busy city of Roma.
- What’s included?
  - Free Wifi
  - Self-serve laundry services
  - Air-Conditioning
  - Family dinner and cooking lessons
  - Dorm and private rooms
  - Walking distance to city sights

Nomads - Queenstown, New Zealand

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Another institution in terms of community lodging and well known within the back-packing traveller world. Safe, clean, and spacious rooms- what more could you ask for? This specific location has a restaurant-sized communal kitchen where you can whip up some delicious meals, impress someone with your cooking skills or better yet or watch someone make you dinner (ha!)
Each room comes equipped with full-sized beds, air conditioning and complimentary tv services. Head downstairs to the large living room and get to know the other travellers and make connections to last a lifetime! Unlike most of the hostels on this list, however, there is no bar at Nomads so you will have to catch the legendary $10 Bar Crawl they host every night and then maybe try your luck during the Sunday quiz night.
- What’s included?
  - Free Wifi
  - Sauna
  - Baggage and bike storage
  - Free breakfast
  - Horseback riding
  - Hiking

Gallery Hostel - Porto, Portugal

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Did you come to Porto solo to suss out the art scene? Look no further than Gallery- a communal lodging space located in the heart of Porto’s art district where each room is named after an iconic Portuguese artist. The hostel is just steps away from the downtown core and dozens of local galleries, cafes and bistros, museums, monuments and gardens. Gallery offers shared and private rooms and has a lounge bar, movie theatre, library and open kitchen and breakfast area– so rest assured, you will never be bored and will have many opportunities to connect with local and international travellers.
- What’s included?
  - Free Wifi
  - Game room and lounge
  - Gift shop
  - Housekeeping
  - Nightly dinners
  - Free drinks

Rocking J’s - Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

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Located right on Salsa Brava Beach, Rocking J’s is the perfect choice for solo backpackers who want to be steps away from the water. There is a wide variety of cheap and affordable lodging options at the villa– shared or private rooms or opt for a simple swinging hammock to lay your head to rest. Rocking J’s has a fun, social and laid-back atmosphere, offering arts and crafts, painting and nightly party activities to its guests. They serve dinner nightly and host beach BBQs and parties in front of the resort/hostel. Whether you’re a party animal or simply looking for a place of solace and relaxation out by the water Rocking J’s is the place to be.
- What’s included?
  - Free parking
  - Free Wifi
  - Bar and lounge
  - Beach
  - Pet friendly
  - Fun parties

Stay safe, courteous and most importantly have fun, travellers!

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