Hostels?

Aloha Hostel, Paris. France

The most common misconception about traveling is definitely about Hostels. Now if you really are dedicated to traveling and seeing the world, staying in hostels is just part of the deal. Not all hostels are dirty and scary like hollywood tries to sell to us. Most of them are actually pretty nice and well taken care of. There is one right way to go about this. My advice to you all if you are looking for a cheap place to stay on a student budget without the dirtiness would be to check a hostel website for the reviews and satisfaction rate. The basic rule of thumb is as long as it has at least an 80% rate or above, you will be perfectly fine! My friends over at http://www.thehostelgroup.com/travel-community.html have a great travel community set up ready to help aid you in your search for the perfect hostels. Travelers from all over write reviews on the places they have stayed at while traveling. They have reviews and suggestions for every country you could want to travel to. Head on over and see some feedback from yours truly. ;) The main thing I want to stress to you guys is that staying in hostels can be an amazing experience. As long as you do your research and make sure the hostel has good reviews you should be perfectly fine. Most of them offer breakfast (usually cereal, coffee and toast) showers, internet access, walking tours,lockers for your luggage, and even shuttles to the airport. Anything you want to do in the city, all you have to do is ask at the front desk and they will help you out. They are all locals so they know what they're doing. The best part of your stay will definitely be the people you meet along the way. For example, you could be staying in a room with 2 girls from Germany and 1 guy from Italy.

Kinlay House, Dublin. Ireland

How amazing is that? You can connect and exchange traveling stories and advice from all the places you have been to. I have several friends who still keep in contact with those they have met along the way. It's an amazing thing to meet people who share the same passion and desire to travel this world as you do. If you find yourself nervous and unsure of the process, do not worry. Everyone is nervous about their first hostel experience, but you have to just do it. Otherwise you will never know! Take the chance and try something new that will take you out of your comfort zone. It is not a five-star hotel, but if you are truly there to immerse yourself in the culture and history, it doesn't matter where you sleep. As long as its clean and trust-worthy, by all means book it! 

xx, Miranda Lopez