Hostels in Venice
Being single and traveling alone most of the time gives me options to stay in places whatever is best in any situation. If I had to, I could go to all types of places. I could basically adapt to conditions like camping, pulling out my sleeping bag and spread in a waiting shed, stay in the airport, arbergues, cabins, camper vans. Over the past few years since Covid times, things have changed. Travelers have avoided crowded places and didn’t mind shelling out extra expense to stay in private places.
I understand the concerns of not getting infected at this time. However, many travelers still opt to stay in hostels. A risk getting Covid is still high. You know, the coming in and out of people makes things uncertain. I myself dared to stay in these places when I went to Spain again from California. The idea of staying there just to sleep and not linger around in a shared room is still a risk in many ways. I had to cross my fingers that nothing would happen. Luckily, I stayed in places with a huge lobby and not eager to socialize and keeping social distancing as much as possible.
Then, I got comfortable doing this, because nothing happened. There were scary moments when I noticed a college girl staying in bed for a long time and coughing. Then, I also heard another guy, requested to be moved because he wasn’t feeling well. Such situations could put one in an uncomfortable position. Well, there is no escape really no matter what you do. Even staying in hotels, there is also risk, because you’ve got to go common places and restaurants. When it hits you, it hits you.
When I went to Venice, I opted to go for hostels, because of the proximity to the main station of Mestre. Mestre is a major transportation hub, especially for those traveling to Venice. The Venezia Mestre railway station is one of the busiest in Italy, serving as a gateway for travelers heading to the historic city of Venice. Hostels also promote activities to draw in young people like a night of dancing. Coming back from the center of Venice, you get to see young people gather together mingling. Luckily, I was sharing a huge room with only one roommate.
Going to hostels at your age? The thought that I’m too old for this and have no business going there. However, I’ve come across people my age or even older in such places. I had come into conversations with one of them and found out that he liked these places, because he liked the energy around him. You run into sorts of people and some of them are interesting, he said. I also was tabled with guys from Australia and Norway and shared travel experience together. I tabled with college girls from Oregon for breakfast and recovering from hangover from last night’s party. So, you encounter all sorts of people and engage to all types of conversation.
Then, after a long breakfast, it was time to go Venice historic center again. I also joined a free tour and met a German guy that I met at breakfast time.
Although going to hostels is a risk of getting Covid, it is still a great option to meet people from all walks of life. I like hostels that have big lobbies and kitchens that you can cook or utilities that you prepare and save your food and the one in Mestre meets all my needs.
Staying in hostels offers several advantages, including:
Cost-Effective: Hostels are generally much cheaper than hotels, making them ideal for budget travelers, students, and backpackers.
Social Opportunities: Hostels are known for their social atmosphere. They often have common areas where you can meet and interact with other travelers, which can lead to new friendships and travel companions.
Cultural Exchange: Staying in hostels allows for cultural exchange as you meet people from different parts of the world, providing a richer travel experience.
Shared Facilities: Many hostels offer shared kitchens and communal areas where you can cook your meals and hang out, which can save money on dining and create a community feel.
Organized Activities: Hostels often organize group activities, tours, and events, making it easy to explore the local area and participate in unique experiences without the hassle of planning.
Local Tips: Hostel staff are usually well-informed about the local area and can provide valuable tips and recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and sights to see.
Flexibility: Hostels often offer more flexible check-in and check-out times, as well as lenient cancellation policies, which can be convenient for spontaneous travelers.
Diverse Accommodation Options: Hostels typically offer a range of accommodation types, from private rooms to dormitory beds, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Location: Hostels are often located in central or popular areas, providing easy access to key attractions and public transportation.
Security: Modern hostels often provide secure storage for valuables, individual lockers, and 24-hour reception, ensuring a safe stay for guests.
Overall, hostels provide an affordable, social, and flexible option for travelers looking to explore new places while meeting people from around the world.