I’m a big fan of staying in hostels when I travel, but if there was one thing I could avoid from the experience, it would be the hostel bathrooms. If you’re staying in a dorm with a shared bathroom, they can be particularly bad: eight people fighting over the shower and taking one or two a day – that’s a bunch of backpackers washing their grime in the same place as you.
Sadly, hostel toilets are a necessary evil when it comes to traveling on a budget. Here’s how to survive them.
Wear flip flops in the shower
Showers can be really nasty in hostels, and catching foot fungus is common. You don’t want to walk all over the shower floor when you don’t know who’s been doing the same thing before you. Make sure to take your flip-flops to the shower and wear them while you’re there. Your feet with thanks.
Shower quickly and be patient
Peak shower times at shelters include 8-10 am and 6-8 pm. If you are showering at this time, you will want to do it as quickly as possible to avoid angering your sleepers. If you’re a fan of long, hot showers, wait until rush hour. You also won’t make friends if you use all the hot water.
Likewise, if everyone in your bedroom wants to shower at the same time as you, be patient. You can’t expect to be able to shower whenever you want when you have other people to think about.
Take your towel and clothes there with you
It sounds like common sense, but you will be surprised how many people are not used to sharing a shower and accidentally forget to take their towel and clothes to the bathroom. I have done it several times! And as fun as it is having to call someone to bring your things for you, or try to dry yourself with toilet paper, it’s best to bring everything you need there.
Find out what type of travel towel is best for traveling!
Don’t leave your things there after you leave
Just as you shouldn’t forget to take your things with you, you shouldn’t forget to take them out either. Budget travelers stay in hostels and are always looking for ways to save money. Leave your shampoo or shower gel in the bathroom one morning, and it will run out at night. Keep an eye on your things and don’t leave them where other people can use them.
Note: We believe that shelters are very safe places and things of real value are rarely stolen.
Buy a bag to hang toiletries
A hanging bag for your travel toiletries can be incredibly useful when using the hostel bathrooms. It keeps all your things in one place to prevent you from leaving anything behind, it keeps everything dry because you don’t have to put anything on the floor, and it keeps everything organized in your backpack. As a bonus, you can also use the hook on the bag to prevent your clothes and towel from touching the floor.
