Are you a traveler, digital nomad or backpacker who has had some confusing or frustrating experiences at lodges and hostels? Understanding the way these establishments operate can improve your experiences with them.
How Do Backpacker Lodges Thrive?
Though cheaper than hotels and resorts, like any other business a hostel’s ultimate goal is to make money. To do this, they offer attractive facilities and services, and create a welcoming atmosphere. They target a specific demographic – typically young travelers between the ages of 20 and 25 according to an article published by Wyse Travel Confederation.
This age group tends to be more active and willing to spend money on tours and activities, which helps generate additional revenue in the form of commissions – for the establishment. They also offer optional catering services and bar facilities which appeal to their target market.
How do Backpacker Lodges Maintain their In-Demand Status?
Julian Freudenhammer, Pexels – Backpacker lodges also offer catering services and bar facilities.
By keeping the right crowd.
This means keeping out the “riff raff” and often limiting access to locals. Whether the establishment is in the middle of the city or in the desert, lodge owners generally prefer foreign guests. Their reasons: They are more likely to fit in, follow the rules, pay on time, and spend money.
This often means kicking out people who do not fit in (because they are rude, unhygienic and or sponge off the other guests among other things – or just don’t fit in) under the auspices of them (the unwanted character) having committed some infraction, or telling them that they (the hostel) are fully booked.
Side note: Coming from the industry I can tell you now beyond any measure of doubt that girls travel more than guys (Vox backs me up on this). As such, respectable hostels where females don’t feel threatened will be packed to the rafters with girls – word of this gets out, attracts guys and next thing you know you have an “atmosphere”.
What Does It Mean to “Fit in” at a Backpacker Lodge?
It’s all about getting along with the staff and other guests. If the staff don’t like you, it can be difficult to have a good experience at the lodge. It’s important to remember that not everyone is on holiday. As is the case with many hostels, their staff work long hours and receive little time off, are there to earn a living and deserve respect for their hard work.
While getting along with the staff is not a silver bullet it is a good starting point because should two or more of them decide they do not like you it is a sentiment that can quickly spread and where you will really feel it is, let’s say if you get into and altercation with another guest – if the sentiment has traveled up the ladder to management – if not you only, you also will be asked to leave.
With that said, just because the bartender does not respond to you with the enthusiasm you expect, it does not mean that he does not like you. He is probably weary.
In General…
Fitting into a Hostel is not too difficult – most people are in a good mood and looking to have a good time. Just remember to be respectful of the staff and other guests, and be aware of the culture and expectations of the establishment. By following these tips, you can be sure you will have a positive experience at your next backpacker lodge or hostel.