Backpackers stay at hostels for many reasons.  Sometimes, it’s simply one of those dirt-cheap-just-need-a-pillow-to-plunk-my-head-for-six-hours situations.  But most of the time, it’s also because hostels are friendly to the backpacker lifestyle and offer a loosely-connected family of similar people with similar passions.  Backpackers don’t opt for hostels as a place to hermit out away from other people; they opt for hostels as a place to invite this family-feel of global community.

For when you’re missing friends or family back home, here are some hostels that will offer you the home-away-from-home experience.

Fishguard, Wales – Hamilton Backpackers

Hamilton Backpacker's Lodge in Fishguard, Wales offers an intimate setting in an incredibe scenery.

One of the unique options offered at Hamilton Backpackers Lodge is that you have the choice to rent the entire house affordably. So if you’re traveling in a pack, this would be a great way to keep everyone together and tight-knit while on the road.  But no worries if not, you can also reserve just a bed or room like any other hostel.

With a maximum of 10 backpackers in the house per night, Hamilton Backpackers is certainly an intimate experience, and gives everyone an opportunity to form connections with other guests as individuals.  The community kitchen, outside patio, and picnic table leading to a garden with a covered area and hammocks further creates the casual, kick-back atmosphere to relax and enjoy the landscapes with other guests.

Fishguard is also known as one of the sunniest cities in Britain as well as a quiet, friendly, local gem that has yet (knock on wood!) to be stripped of character or overrun by tourists.  Secluded beaches and a low crime rate keep your stress levels at a happy non-existence.  Being situated in the middle of the Pembrokeshire National Park makes the common backpacker a happy camper.  Hike the rugged coasts, rocky cliffs, sprawling valleys, and towering mountains, or search the sea to spot a dolphin or stumble upon the Strumble Head lighthouse, and experience the magic of Wales’s wilderness!

Berlin, Germany – Grand Hostel Berlin

Built in 1874 and equipped with a Library-Bar, Grand Hostel Berlin adds a vintage flair to the family-feel atmosphere.

When in Germany, why not do as the Germans do and bond at the bar over a brew?

But really, ignoring the Dr. Seuss-style rhyme, there’s some deeper validity in the suggestion. The practice of social drinking stretches far back in human history, and is a tradition withheld by countless cultures all over the world. It encourages us to lower our walls and helps us to push aside our inhibitions and engage in a bit more open, genuine discussion.  And if you have a few too many – the more the merrier! Everyone feels a little friendlier when your cheeks are flushed from alcohol and you’re clanking mugs in cheers with all of your new bar friends. Are you looking for booking a hostel in Berlin, the german capital? Check out Grand Hostel Berlin!

The hostel Grand Hostel Berlin offers their own Library-Bar to tap into this long-celebrated custom. With the hulking wall of book shelves, velvet armchairs, disco ball, and swanky bar-stool chairs, the ambiance is equally set for deep conversation or late-night drinking.  You can also check out the local bar scene by tagging along for one of their Friday night Bar Tours around three different suburbs and at least four different bars. Nothing like a shot of Jägermeister to loosen up!

In addition, no bunk-beds means no nightmares of bunks collapsing and you getting squashed in your sleep; it also means no bed frame creaking or shaking every time the backpacker in the other bunk shifts in their sleep. And try a sandwich, Panini, or some traditional German food from the hostel “Grandwich Bar” when you finally roll out of a comfortable bed and good night’s sleep, how’s that for comfort food?

Barcelona, Spain – Be Hostels Downtown Barcelona

One of the advantages about staying in Be Hostels in Barcelona, Spain is that there are four separate Be Hostels in various Barcelona locations. Thus whichever Be hostel you end up choosing, you are guaranteed to find the same cool atmosphere and comfortable accommodation; the only real decision to be made is which one fits your interests most!

Equipped with fat, 25cm thick mattresses (definitely more to love!) twenty-four hour hot water, a fully-equipped kitchen, and air conditioning, there’s reason to relax at Be Hostels.  If you’re looking to get a tan and take a dive in the clear blue Atlantic waters, choose to stay at Be Dream next to the beach.  If you want to be in the center of the action, choose to stay at Be Ramblas next to Las Ramblas.  If you want to be close to some of the best clubs and alternative bars in the nightlife scene, stay at Be Sound.  And finally, for the bohemian and colorful sorts, stay at Be Mar.