When some individuals travel, they seek luxurious accommodations with amenities like champagne, spa treatments, spacious terraces, aromatic scents, stunning views, marble interiors, and plush robes.

But then there are individuals like you.

You may find yourself on websites like Blue Jay Blog, and your travel experiences are far less glamorous.

You might be familiar with the world of hostels, a diverse environment that embodies both the best and most irritating aspects of human nature. It’s a culture that reflects both liberal values of open-mindedness, acceptance, and diversity, while also being a hub of cringeworthy behavior. If Gandhi and the most obnoxious person from your high school had a child, it would be the quintessential hostel inhabitant.

Hostels embody the best and worst of the world simultaneously.

Although each hostel is unique, the types of people passing through tend to share some common characteristics. Let’s delve into 12 typical personalities you’ll likely encounter:

1) The Guitar-Playing Enthusiast

Defining Traits: Intense facial expressions; Self-satisfaction
Duration of Stay: 10 weeks

He went to great lengths to transport his guitar – from squeezing it into the airplane’s overhead bin to carrying it for miles to the hostel. Yet, as he strums those melodious chords on the couch, exuding the ultimate aesthetic vibe, all the effort becomes worthwhile for The Guy Who Plays The Guitar In The Hostel.

2) The Middle-Aged Guy Living Like a Youngster

Defining Traits: Party mode on; Signs of aging
Duration of Stay: 2 weeks

You’ll come across three distinct groups of men in hostels: youthful lads (ages 19-32), mature gents (ages 33-70), and the 38-year-old who’s holding onto his youth by acting like one of the boys. Unconcerned with your judgement, he’s embracing the “dude” vibe, realizing you’re just a passing face in his adventure.

3) The Energetic American Newbies

Defining Traits: Boisterous; Enthusiastic; Eager conversationalists
Duration of Stay: 8 days

These individuals are unmistakable – youthful, wide-eyed, convinced it’s everyone’s debut backpacking venture, not just theirs. Exiting the hostel, they migrate to a nearby eatery, outshouting even the liveliest table present.

4) The Minimalist Wardrobe Packer

Defining Traits: Amicable; Emitting certain scents
Duration of Stay: 6 months

While newbie travelers tend to pack heavily and seasoned travelers opt for light packing, there’s the individual who only brought two sets of garments. You’d never question their presence in the room.

5) The Exclusive Group of Revelers

Defining Traits: Laughter; Recalling previous night’s escapades; Anticipation of upcoming revelries; You’re not on the guest list
Duration of Stay: 5 weeks

They revel in merriment, making the most of their time together, while you watch from afar, yearning to be part of their camaraderie. As you trek to bed solo, their jovial drinking game echoes, reminding you of your solitude in this vast universe.

6) The Accent Mimickers

Defining Traits: Mimicking local accents; Nouveaux pronunciations
Duration of Stay: One month

These individuals thrive globally but excel in Latin America. They don’t visit Buenos Aires, Argentina; it’s Buenos Aye-des, Adhentina to them. Avoiding Nicaragua, they fancy Neecadagua. Their act lacks self-deprecation as they roll off local names with unwavering seriousness.

7) The Lonely Planet Devotees

Defining Traits: Always engrossed in their Lonely Planet guide
Duration of Stay: 15 days

Identify these travelers by the aged appearance of their Lonely Planet, seemingly from the 1930s despite purchasing it recently. Their bond with the guide is intense, intimate, and all-consuming.

8) The Enigmatic Smiling European

Defining Traits: Enigmatic smile; Day-altering gestures
Duration of Stay: 2 months

Let’s move on.

9) The “I Know Everyone Here” Individual

Defining Traits: Addressing staff by their first names
Duration of Stay: 3 months

This person is practically part of the hostel’s inner circle. They’re akin to a staff member, guiding you to facilities, correcting communal items’ placements, and even assisting in mundane hostel tasks.

10) The Cynical European Lone Wolf

Defining Traits: Quiet disdain
Duration of Stay: 4 months

This traveler has seen it all – visiting their 83rd country with nonchalance and minimal interest, they view your excitement with mild contempt, flicking judgmental glances at the guidebook buff and the exuberant American.

11) The Overbearingly Joyful Couple

Defining Traits: Radiating happiness as a unit
Duration of Stay: 2 weeks

Adorable with their matching backpacks and shared experiences, they seem oblivious to the solitary traveler nearby, too engrossed in their public display of affection to notice the lonesome souls around them.

12) The Seasoned Wanderer

Defining Traits: On a first-name basis with the grocery store staff; Reserved regarding personal inquiries
Duration of Their Trip: 2.5 years and counting

Having toned down their adventurous spirit and sightseeing pursuits, this traveler would rather avoid questions about their past life, occupation, family ties, or home country’s laws. Spare them the scrutiny; they prefer to remain enigmatic about their journey.

For updates on our hostel companions’ holiday plans, check out our holiday update.

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