Hostels You Need to Check Out in 2014

I’m a budget traveler, so eating cheap meals of bread and cheese, taking night trains or buses, and walking around the city instead of using a cab if only to save the slightest bit of money. These are all things I consider fun. Of course, backpacking hostels are given for my lifestyle. In the past 7 months, I have stayed in more hostels that I can count in over 20 countries. In that time, I have been in some relaxing dorms, all out party hostels, and some places I would never recommend to anyone. Hostel have only deepened my love of travel.

Backpacking hostels are a major part of my lifestyle; these are best hostels I stayed in 2013.

Hostels are great. Where else in the world can you find people from all races and backgrounds talking, drinking, laughing together, and building friendships while ignoring language barriers. Hostels are also cheap and will save you a great deal of money. Most even have common rooms where you can take a break from sightseeing to check out some more travel blogs.

The Top Backpacking Hostels 2014.

Lub D Siam Rd. Bangkok

Lub’D has won a ton of hostel awards, and one of my favorite backpacking hostels! It is not only my favorite hostel in South East Asia, but the best one of  the top hostels in the world. The staff is friendly; a member of the staff was pouring shots down my throat 2 min after my arrival. However, don’t get the wrong idea. Although people drink at Lub D, it isn’t a party hostel. The building and the design is modern; each room has its own flare. They have a separate movie room for people who just want to take a break from the madness of Kho San Rd. While it is a little far from downtown Bangkok, Siam Road has a lot to offer. You have culture, good food, and coffee shops. The hostel is just in front of the National Stadium BTS (Skytrain) exit.

The Cozyness Downtown, Bucharest Romania

You might not believe this, but the Coyness is extremely errr….cozy, which is always a nice change after being lost in Mongolia. The whole hostel is set up to make you feel like you are relaxing comfortably in a good friend’s living room. This breaks down some of the barriers of a bigger hostel and adds an incredible sociable aspect. The whole time I was there, people were gathered together playing board games, watching movies, and cooking together. Most hostels are great places to make new friends, but the small personal feel of the Coyness has a rare, special feeling. The hostel is also located just a 15 minute walk from the old town of Bucharest so if nightlife is your thing, you are in walking distance. They also offer free bikes to get around the city for daytime sightseeing. It is one of my favorite Europe Hostels.

The Yellow Hostel Rome, Italy

It is no secret that I am in love with Rome, and if you are looking for an exciting, friendly, party your ass off hostel when you are in Rome, I suggest the Yellow. This is one of the craziest party hostels ever, and the best hostel in Rome! I have hazy, yet fond memories of playing beer pong in the basement with the staff and busting a move on their dance floor.

One of my favorite things about the hostel was that the staff partied and hung out with the guests. They were extremely friendly and even invited people out to dinner or to just hang out after they got off work. They also have a kick ass lounge that is great for cooking, catching up with old friends, or making new ones. The Yellow is located just a few minutes from Termini Station in the heart of Rome. Of course, Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And well worth a few days visiting.

Diocletian Palace Hostel Split, Croatia

The coolest thing about Diocletian Palace Hostel is that it is actually in a 1,700 year old roman palace. In less than 100 feet in, you are standing at the center. The palace also has very clean dorms, a couple lounges, and is close to the docks, in case you are going on a sailing tour. Croatia has been one of my favorite countries this year, and the tiny town of Split has a very personal feel to it. The town embraces you as one of its own. I love this hostel and wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else in Split. It is the perfect place to relax before you go sailing around the islands. Staying in hostel after hostel can sometimes be a little overwhelming. However, all these hostels held something special that made them stand out, were affordable, and impressed me. Whether you are any experienced traveler or one your first backpacking trip check  these hostels out.

What do you think? What were some of your favorite hostels!?