Backpacking around the USA is a wild experience! It’s one of the most varied countries in the world. You can go from hip mega cities to stunning national parks all within one vacation. 

When it comes to traveling around the USA, huge distances and expensive places to stay mean that it’s not always seen as the most backpacker-friendly destination. However, that shouldn’t put you off as there are always ways. 

Instead of looking at Hiltons (though I hear the Paris kinda is cheap to rent), Sheratons, and Radissons, cast your eyes to the more humble hostel.  And yes, there are some awesome hostels in the USA just waiting welcome you in.

But to say there is a shit load to choose from is an understatement! So, lucky for you, I’ve narrowed down my top hostels across the country. 

I’ve provided my overall top picks and A breakdown of the best hostels by city.  Whether you’re heading to LA, New York, or New Orleans, I’ve got you covered! 

So, let’s get down to business and find the best hostel(s) in the USA for you.

Two girls riding bikes across The Golden Gate Bridge United States of America.
Let’s go through the BEST hostels from across the USA.
Photo: @amandaadraper

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Quick Answer – What are the Best Hostels in the USA

The 5 Best Hostels in the USA

In this article, I’ll break down the best hostels by the most popular places but first, let’s start with the absolute cream of the crop! The ULTIMATE hostels across the whole of the USA. Let’s go…

1. HI New Orleans – Best Overall Hostel in the USA

A legendary hostel in the USA
  • Dorm (mixed): From $25/night
  • Private Room: From $150/night
  • Address: 1028 Canal Street, Downtown New Orleans, New Orleans, LA

So, the hostel that takes the cake for the BEST overall hostel in the United States of America isssssss…. drum roll, please… HI New Orleans!

It’s no surprise that a HI Hostel has topped The Broke Backpacker charts, as they also topped the best hostel network in North America in 2024… and that’s according to HostelWorld users themselves. A pretty impressive feat. Give the staff a good old pat on the back, they are absolutely smashing it.

This hostel is social but not a party hostel. It is a welcoming hostel that makes it easy to meet fellow travelers to explore the city with.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Free breakfast
  • Safe, homely feel
  • Great location (close to Bourbon and the French Quarter)
  • Games area & social vibes

Not only are the vibes high. But the beds are SUPER comfortable and the curtains make it feel like your own little pod. The locker system is very secure, and the bathrooms are clean and private. So, they also do the basics well – which all you hostel goers out there will know, is not always the case.

Due to its bangin’ location (being off Canal Street), it can get a little noisy – so bring some decent earplugs or grab some from the hostel as they offer em’ for freeeeee.

2. HI Los Angeles – Best Hostel in the USA for Solo Travelers

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel
  • Dorm (mixed): From $42/night
  • Private Room: From $122/night
  • Address: 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA

Is it bad to put HI Hostel in twice in a row? Ahhh, but guys I really tried to find another option to keep things spicy but HI is just too bloody good for us backpackers. HI Los Angeles is my top pick for the ULTIMATE stay for solo travelers in the USA.

And why is that you ask? Well, amigos, there are a few reasons why this hostel has topped my chart. Firstly, it’s by the beach… and I love the beach. I’m talking less than five minutes on foot from the pier.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Great location (by the beach)
  • Free breakfast
  • Daily activities
  • Social vibes

The hostel offers up a FREE breakfast and runs daily activities – plus it has a HUGE kitchen (which is ideal if you want to save a few bucks by cooking for yourself). The reason this spot is great for solo travelers is because it’s very social – join the activities or just hang out in the common area, there are loads of opportunities to mix and mingle.

However, it’s also not a party hostel and there is no pressure to get involved. So, if you’re solo traveling and just need a place to chill out and relax, you can also do that here.

3. Auberge NOLA Hostel – New Orleans – Best Cheap Hostel in the USA

the best budget hostel in usa
  • Dorm (mixed): From $25/night
  • Private Room: From $93/night
  • Address: 1628 Carondelet St., New Orleans, LA

Looking to keep your costs down but still have an awesome experience? Look no further than Auberge NOLA Hostel in New Orleans! Not only is it a top cheap American hostel, but you can really let your hair down and party here too.

There are nightly social events which might include anything from bar crawls to BBQs in the outdoor courtyard! When the weather’s not so great, head inside to one of the indoor common areas where you’re sure to find it easy to make new friends and get chatting.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Nightly activities
  • Social feel
  • Great location
  • Party vibes

The staff here are phenomenal and go above and beyond to make sure that everyone is having a great time. They take people out every night to the French Quarter to show off what a good ol’ time in New Orleans looks like.

The location is great (it is close to a street car line) and the area feels safe. But guys, this is a party hostel so keep that in mind when booking. It might not be the spot for you if you’re after an early night.

4. Viajero Miami – Best Party Hostel in the USA

Viajero Miami
  • Dorm (mixed): From $27/night
  • Private Room: From $130/night
  • Address: 1120 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

When it comes to partying in the USA, there’s no better city to do so than Miami. Not only does Viajero Miami host a damn good pre-party but they also provide an epic outdoor swimming pool to soak up the hangovers.

The team at the hostel goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels welcome and included. It’s an awesome place to meet travelers from all over the world and dive head first into the daily social activities.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Social vibes
  • Daily social events
  • On-site bar
  • Co-working space
  • Tropical & vibrant feel

Location-wise, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the beach and Miami’s best nightlife. There is plenty of food, bars, and clubs on your doorstep. However, if you just want to hang out and party at the hostel – you can do that too as there is a bar inside the hostel AND just next door. Enjoy delicious (and affordable) cocktails at the poolside bar.

The dorms are comfortable, chill, and clean – three BIG ticks when it comes to hostels. These guys do the basics well.

5. Green Tortoise Hostel, San Francisco – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in the USA

Green Tortoise Hostel San Francisco
  • Dorm (mixed): From $45/night
  • Private Room: From $124/night
  • Address: 494 Broadway Street, North Beach, San Francisco, CA

We, digital nomads, ask for a few things in life… decent WiFi, a desk to work from, and ideally, to make a few friends along the way! So, fellow nomads, let me introduce to you the BEST hostel for digital nomads in the USA… the Green Tortoise Hostel.

The Green Tortoise has a dedicated coworking space (that you can use for FREE) which is an absolute dream for nomads on the road.

The hostel offers a delicious breakfast spread (again, for FREE) and has a sauna on-site (yep, you guessed it… FREE to use). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sauna at a hostel before, but man, I’m into it. What better way to kick off the work day than a free breaky and de-compress at the end with a sauna?

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Coworking space
  • Free breakfast
  • Sauna on-site
  • Games area

Another cool part about this hostel is the digital arcade area, pool/billiards table, ping pong table, and foosball table – once you clock off, there are so many activities to keep you occupied. The hostel also runs daily events, provides discounts on tours, and runs a family dinner night on Sundays.

If you’re down to get shit done but also have a social time, this hostel is 10/10/


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The Best Hostels in New York

Broadway, Central Park, and Times Square are just a few places to visit in New York. It is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and it’s often the first place on many travelers’ USA itineraries. New York can be frightfully expensive but our chosen hostels will save you money.

These three prove that you don’t have to compromise on quality and style to have an awesome accommodation experience in the city that never sleeps!

NY Moore Hostel

One of the best hostels in America
  • Dorm (mixed): From $63/night
  • Private Room: From $187/night
  • Address: 179 Moore Street, Brooklyn, NY

This loft-style youth hostel in New York is our favorite place to stay in the city that never sleeps! It’s hidden away in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, so you’ll feel like a movie star. To keep your costs down in New York, Moore Hostel offers you a range of freebies, including tea and coffee, movie nights, and yoga classes.

Proof that you don’t need to be on the go all the time to enjoy this crazy city. Don’t want to blow all your budget on a night out in New York? Then just head to one of the hostels EPIC international stand-up comedy nights.

The Local NY

A legendary American hostel
  • Dorm (mixed): From $125/night
  • Address: 13-02 44th Avenue, Long Island City, Queens, NY

For one of the cheapest hostels in New York, look no further than the Local NYC. Staying here means you can enjoy an industrial-style building with floor-to-ceiling windows, giving awesome views of the New York skyline. Want to get a clearer pic? Ditch the windows and head up to the rooftop, where there’s a cool terrace to hang out on.

If you feel like it, why not take up a coffee or a locally-made beer from the bar up there? Traveling solo in the USA and want to make friends? There are movie nights, board games, and wine/beer tastings – so you can bond over a mutual interest!

HI NYC Hostel

An awesome American hostel for solo travellers
  • Dorm (mixed): From $61/night
  • Address: 891 Amsterdam Avenue, Upper West Side, New York, NY

Our third and final New York hostel is one of the most popular in town, with more than 8,000 reviews. It’s one of the best hostels in the USA if you’re looking to make friends during your trip – partly thanks to the largest private outdoor patio in Manhattan! From there, you can enjoy views of the NYC skyline or just the imposing castle shape of the hostel itself.

There are events on pretty much every night here, whether that’s a pool tournament in the billiards room or a big group meal prepared in the 36-burner kitchen!

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The Best Hostels in Boston

Famed for its Irish heritage and iconic place in American history, Boston is one of the East Coast’s truly great cities. If you are spending a few days staying in Boston then check out these epic Boston Hostels.

HI Boston

HI Boston, Boston
  • Dorm (mixed): From $49/night
  • Private Room: From $191/night
  • Address: 19 Stuart Street, Theatre District, Boston, MA

How can this not be the overall best hostel in Boston? They’ve got you covered for all of your travel needs. Close to the subway and located in Boston’s vibrant Chinatown, this hostel is like a cool hangout to meet like-minded Boston backpackers. It’s decorated really stylishly too and they have loads of different room types to choose from.

The staff will help you out with your Boston travel tips and even feed you a big, FREE breakfast which is always tasty. There’s even a coffee bar in the lobby so you can fill up with caffeine and baked snacks.

FOUND Boston Common

FOUND Boston Common
  • Dorm (mixed): From $57/night
  • Private Room: From $154/night
  • Address: 78 Charles Street South, Theatre District, Boston, MA

When searching for hostels in Boston we aren’t so blessed with ample options as we are in other areas of the USA. But don’t worry, fellow backpackers, there is no need to fear. A few options are all we need – as long as they are goodies.

The FOUND is in a bangin’ location, close to Chinatown and Tufts Med stations. There are loads of great restaurants and bars within walking distance – which is very handy considering there is no kitchen at the hostel. So, that’s important to keep in mind when booking… your food bill might start to rack up.

But what the hostel lacks in kitchen space, it makes up for in terms of other communal, social spaces.

The Best Hostels in Portland

Is Portland the hipster capital of the world? It could well be – and it’s a wicked place to visit! For eating out, this city is much cheaper than most major US cities, and there are some natural parks nearby too.

When it comes to hostels in Portland, it’s all about quality over quantity. I’ve included two of the hostels in Portland, but all have excellent review scores and you’re assured of an bangin time.

HI Portland – Northwest

Recommended hostel in the USA
  • Dorm (mixed): From $49/night
  • Private Room: From $101/night
  • Address: 479 Northwest 18th Avenue, Portland, OR

Portland is home to some of the best hostels in the USA, but HI Portland edges the others. Not just according to us either – it came 3rd in the worldwide medium hostel category IN THE WORLD at this year’s Hoscars! It’s got a number of other awards under its belt too, and that’s no surprise really! Start your day with a free breakfast, explore the city, and then come back to enjoy the leafy gardens where you can challenge one of your new pals to a board game.

Weather not so good? You can always just chill in one of the cool common rooms.

KEX Hotel

A top cheap American hostel
  • Dorm (mixed): From $48/night
  • Private Room: From $161/night
  • Address: 100 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR

When it comes to cheap American hostels, HI Portland Hawthrone has to be on your itinerary! You may not be breaking the bank by staying here, but you wouldn’t know! You still get a lot of bang for your buck, including a free breakfast at the on-site restaurant Dóttir.

There are loads of other features too, including a sauna, rooftop terrace, bar, and library! If all that’s not enough, there are regular events too including live music which is sure to be the beginning of a great time in Portland!

The Best Hostels in Los Angeles

If you want all the best things a city can offer, then throw in surfing and hiking too, and you might get something that looks a little like Los Angeles! Oh, and it’s home to the world’s most glamorous movie industry. There are hostels across the city and they’ll give you a slice of the high life for a fraction of the price of a five-star hotel.

Freehand Los Angeles

An Awesome American Hostel
  • Dorm (mixed): From $48/night
  • Private Room: From $148/night
  • Address: 416 West 8th Street, Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

I’ve two words for you. Rooftop pool. That’s just one of the many bonuses you get by staying at one of the best American hostels there is. The view of the LA skyline from said pool is another one. This LA hostel is best suited to travelers who want to enjoy the party lifestyle the city is famous for – there’s often live entertainment and DJs that will make your stay unforgettable.

If all the eating and drinking LA has to offer is catching up with you, then be sure to stop at the fitness center for a workout. :))

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel
  • Dorm (mixed): From $42/night
  • Private Room: From $122/night
  • Address: 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, CA

There’s so much of LA, it might be worth staying in two different places. Spend a few nights in the center, then move out towards the beach for one of the best cheap hostels in the USA – HI Los Angeles Santa Monica. Almost 5,000 reviewers agree that it’s a pretty neat place to stay. Not only is the price of a bed here low, but you get lots of freebies thrown in too.

Enjoy your free breakfast while you decide which free activity to take part in later – it could be a pub crawl, a comedy night, or a tour of Venice Beach! If you don’t want to do the tour as part of a group on foot, rent a bike on-site instead.

Orange Drive Hostel

Recommended American hostel for visiting Hollywood
  • Dorm (mixed): From $45/night
  • Private Room: From $85/night
  • Address: 1764 North Orange Drive, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA

Right in the center of where all the stars live and work in Hollywood, backpackers in the USA can enjoy a traditional home that’s become a hostel. It is within walking distance of the Walk of Fame, The Dolby Theatre, Sunset Boulevard, and a load of other attractions that any self-respecting film buff wouldn’t dream of missing!

It’s not just about movies though – there are ways to meet other travelers aplenty here. Maybe you’ll join a pub crawl or just chill out on the patio over a BBQ!

The Best Hostels in New Orleans

One of the most culturally and historically intriguing cities in the USA, New Orleans has a lot to offer visitors. From the spirit of jazz in the French Quarter, to the grisly history of Madame La Laurie’s house, to Nicholas Cage’s pyramid in a cemetery (don’t ask), there’s something for everyone to do in New Orleans.

HI New Orleans

A legendary hostel in the USA
  • Dorm (mixed): From $25/night
  • Private Room: From $150/night
  • Address: 1028 Canal Street, Downtown New Orleans, New Orleans, LA

You already saw one New Orleans hostel was one of the best hostels in the USA, so you’re going to have to make some tricky choices when you stay in the Big Easy. Allow us to complicate things more with not only our favorite hostel in New Orleans but the best new large hostel in the world in 2024 – HI New Orleans!

That impressive award comes as no surprise when you find out more about this place – the location is pretty much unbeatable in the heart of the French Quarter. You’ll want to set some time aside to enjoy the hostel though – whether that’s for a game of pool or chilling in a cool common room!

India House Backpackers Hostel

One of America's favourite cheap hostels!
  • Dorm (mixed): From $20/night
  • Private Room: From $63/night
  • Address: 124 South Lopez Street, New Orleans, LA

Another great American hostel, backpackers in New Orleans flock here for its low prices, awesome atmosphere, and an endless supply of things to do – including taking a dip in the backyard pool.

There are plenty of floats, so even if you don’t want to swim, you can enjoy sunning yourself on a flamingo float. Perhaps you’ll do that to the backdrop of a jam session, or the tantalizing scents of someone whipping up a delicious meal in the open-air kitchen.

Madame Isabelle’s House in New Orleans

An awesome American hostel for families and couples
  • Dorm (mixed): From $25/night
  • Private Room: From $99/night
  • Address: 1021 Kerlerec ST, New Orleans, LA

There’s no shortage of great hostels in New Orleans and Madame Isabelle’s just makes your choice even harder. I’d say this is a good shout for small groups of friends and couples – as well as the standard dorms you’d expect from a hostel, they do some pretty great private rooms for up to 3 people.

Not that solo travelers shouldn’t consider this place – there are free events pretty much all the time, including beer bong, bike tours, and music crawls.

The Best Hostels in San Francisco

Whilst LA is all about the endless space, the heat, and the glitz, San Francisco is its cooler, cooler, and more compact cousin up the road. Whether you’re in San Francisco to check out the bay, bar hop, or visit Alcatraz, these hostels are a good base.

Green Tortoise Hostel

Green Tortoise Hostel San Francisco
  • Dorm (mixed): From $45/night
  • Private Room: From $124/night
  • Address: 494 Broadway Street, North Beach, San Francisco, CA

The Green Tortoise has a dedicated coworking space (that you can use for FREE) which is an absolute dream for nomads on the road.

The hostel offers a delicious breakfast spread (again, for FREE) and has a sauna on-site (yep, you guessed it… FREE to use). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sauna at a hostel before, but man, I’m into it. What better way to kick off the work day than a free breaky and de-compress at the end with a sauna?

Make the most of your backpacking trip in San Francisco with the tour desk and let the friendly staff let you into insiders’ secrets. There is also a games room on-site & the hostel organizes a heap of activities – it’s easy to mix and mingle with fellow backpackers here.

Samesun San Francisco

Samesun San Francisco
  • Dorm (mixed): From $40/night
  • Private Room: From $148/night
  • Address: 1475 Lombard Street, Marina District, San Francisco, CA

It’s also one of the coolest hostels in San Francisco. Whether you want to relax and chill or be a social butterfly and mingle, this hostel caters for all.

You won’t just find the usual common area – but you’ll have a cool games room to hang out and mix with fellow travelers. The vibes are social but not party, there is no pressure if you feel like just having some you time.

The dorm beds have privacy curtains which make you feel like you’re tucked up in your own hidden abode. My only slight pullback is that there isn’t a full kitchen (just a microwave and fridge)… I do like to save a few bucks by whipping up my own meals. But they do provide a FREE breakfast! So they get big brownie points back there.

The Best Hostels in Miami

Is there anywhere better in the USA to party than at a hostel in Miami? The jury’s out on that… but if you’re not into nightlife, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied!

The golden sand beaches are primed for sunbathing, while the city’s arts and architecture can delight you when the weather’s not so great (but that’s rare). Hostels here will mean you can funnel your lower accommodation costs into beers, cocktails, and food.

Generator Miami

A highly recommended hostel in USA
  • Dorm (mixed): From $27/night
  • Private Room: From $130/night
  • Address: Full hostel address

If you know hostels, you’ll know the name Generator, which boasts some of the coolest and most modern hostels in Europe. It happens to have a branch in Miami too, which is one of the coolest hostels in the USA! There’s space for almost 350 guests here, so you’ll probably find someone milling around the cool social spaces or at either the indoor or outdoor restaurant whatever time of day you’re around. Make sure you take a dip in the swimming pool after a hot and sweaty day exploring the city.

Viajero Miami

Viajero Miami
  • Dorm (mixed): From $27/night
  • Private Room: From $130/night
  • Address: 1120 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL

When you’re staying in Miami, let’s face it, a lot of people want to make sure every single dollar goes towards drinks and partying! Nothing wrong with that, but you’ll need a hostel that understands that!

Not only does this American hostel offer one of the most affordable bed prices in Miami, but it’s got a bar ON-SITE and hosts daily events to mix and mingle with fellow backpackers. The perfect place for pres! Order a cocktail from the bar and hang out poolside while you soak in those Miami vibes, babyyyy!

The Best Hostels in Austin

The capital city of Texas, this city’s popularity is growing year on year. Music fans can rejoice that it’s the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, and if you’re planning to visit SXSW Festival, you’ll have to book a hostel in Austin WELL ahead of time. Repeat, book early if you want to come for SXSW. It’s also got some incredible outdoor attractions nearby which you won’t want to miss.

Firehouse Hostel

A top American hostel for solo travellers
  • Dorm (mixed): From $41/night
  • Private Room: From $124/night
  • Address: 605 Brazos Street, Austin, TX

Right in the heart of Austin, you’ll find the Firehouse Hostel, which used to be the longest-standing fire station in town. It’s the biggest hostel in Texas, so you’ll not have any trouble meeting new people and making friends for your adventures in the Lone Star State.

Of course, there’s the free breakfast but you can also make your own food if you wish in the well-equipped guest kitchen. Long day and you can’t be bothered?

No problem, there’s a bar and restaurant too serving Tex-Mex classics! The lounge also does local beers and hand-made cocktails, which you can enjoy against the backdrop of some live music.

The Best Hostels in Chicago

The last stop on our list is the Windy City. Unless you’re an Italian purist, you’re going to love the deep-pan pizzas here and sports fans will be in heaven too. Although you probably think of skyscrapers when Chicago springs to mind, there are almost 600 parks so you can take advantage of green spaces while you’re here.

HI Chicago, The J. Ira & Nicki Harris Family Hostel

Another awesome American hostel
  • Dorm (mixed): From $40/night
  • Private Room: From $104/night
  • Address: Full hostel address

Not only does this cool Chicago hostel get the thumbs up from us, but from Hostelworld too… and more than 5,000 reviewers! And it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your other half, or as part of a big group, this place can easily suit you.

There are lots of free activity nights that can help you get acquainted with the city and save money at the same time. You’ll be visiting the hottest clubs and jazz bars in the windy city of Chicago! If you’d prefer to do something in the daytime that doesn’t revolve around alcohol, there are meet-ups with free ice cream and snacks!

Freehand Chicago

Up there with the best cheap hostels in USA
  • Dorm (mixed): From $31/night
  • Private Room: From $121/night
  • Address: 19 East Ohio Street, River North, Chicago, IL

You wouldn’t believe it by looking at the photographs, but Freehand Chicago is one of the best cheap hostels in the USA; it doesn’t look like a cheap hostel at all. The classic building dates back to 1927 and it’s been designed by the famous design firm Roman and Williams. Your first stop here should be the Broken Shaker cocktail bar, where you can fuel up delicious food and treat yourself to a tasty cocktail!

Wrigley Hostel

Legendary American hostel for sports lovers
  • Dorm (mixed): From $46/night
  • Private Room: From $187/night
  • Address: 3514 North Sheffield Avenue, Lakeview, Chicago, IL

Last but not least on our list of the best hostels in the USA, here’s the Wrigley Hostel. No, it’s nothing to do with chewing gum, but all you sports fans will know it refers to the historic Wrigley Field Baseball Stadium! So, if you’re coming to catch a game, you sure won’t be disappointed with this place.

Not big into your sport? Not a problem. You can still take advantage of freebies like barbecues and city walking tours, and a free breakfast each morning of your stay. As well as all that, you’re in the most vibrant nightlife district in Chicago, so there are lots of bars and clubs nearby.

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FAQs About Hostels in the USA

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in the USA. If you have any of your own questions, ask me in the comments below 🙂

What to Pack for your USA Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

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Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

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Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting the USA

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to the USA.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on the USA’s Hostels

Well, there are quite a few options in there, eh? I hope that helped you to figure out which hostel(s) are best for you and the trip you’re about to embark on. Each hostel offers a little something different and which is the absolute BEST will completely depend on you and your needs.

If you’re after a mix of it all, a social hostel without the pressure to party, I can’t recommend HI New Orleans enough. It is my favorite hostel in the whoooole country, and that says a lot.

Whichever hostel you end up choosing, I hope you have a bloody incredible time in the USA. It’s a country of magic and madness. Soak it in all in!

The statue of Liberty with the sunsetting behind her. New York, USA United States of America.
Happy travels, amigo!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Looking for more info on traveling to USA?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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