Meeting People at Hostels

[hockeyman1]

From what I've been reading, it seems that Hostels provide for a great opportunity to meet people. My question is vague, but once you meet these people, how do you go about when it comes to hanging out. Do most people tend to stay in the city and then say hey lets visit city2 tomorrow, or do most people tend to stay in the same city/country for a while?

I'm just wondering, because if I meet some people over there, and they want to visit another city, I want to plan for that option....buying a Eurorail Ticket for all of the countries, opposed to not having one at all.

[marc873]

I prefer hostels with a bar in them.... Great way to just sit down, have a beer and start talking... That is usually how I end up packing before I go to bed and going somewhere new with people I just met... Makes for the best adventures... I find that most hostels, travelers want to talk to travelers... Just go for it and have a fucking blast!!!!

[Elizabeth]

Welcome to Tpunk! Any specific travel plans yet?

Even if the hostel doesn't have a bar, just grab some beers and offer them up to some friendly looking people in the common room. Backpackers love free alcohol. I have never traveled with other travelers to a next city but I hear it happens. I must be weird haha. But its really really easy to meet other travelers. You'll get into the groove. And picking up a Eurail pass is always a great deal if you plan on visiting a lot of countries.

[hockeyman1]

The plans are still up in the air. It's a must that I visit Germany since I speak German and have an interest in the culture. I'd like to hit up Denmark and and Norway as well, but it's not a big deal if I don't visit those countries.

I'm looking at spending two weeks in Europe, perhaps three depending on the money. Because my time frame is so limited, I'm thinking it'd be best to keep it to a few countries so I'd have the time to enjoy each of them.

At this point, I'm looking at traveling alone. A friend of mine as expressed interest in coming along with me. He speaks Russian, so that could be of much assistance. But for now, I'm going alone.

I enjoy meeting people, and would consider myself outgoing. Therefore, that's the reason I was asking about meeting people at the hostels. If I meet some wonderful friends (incl. hot women ), then I'd be up for traveling with them, granted they don't mind.

Random question of interest: Are hook-ups common at hostels?

[Elizabeth]

In that case, you should look at the Eurail Selectpass. You can get Germany and 2 neighboring countries.

As far as hookups go, if you want it...it will happen.

[expatben]

I've never travelled to another city with backpackers-had an offer to travel to Prague but I had just arrived in Berlin and had a DB rail pass and wanted to explore to Germany. Funny enough I met them in the common room of a hostel talking about holidays in different countries. I tend to hang back and observe the conversation first and then after a while join in and make introductions etc. Hostel folk tend to be a friendly bunch.
My fav places in Germany-as its somewhere you want to visit are Berlin and Leipzig.
Also welcome to TPunk we're a friendly folk to

[stewy88]

For Sweden and Norway it isn't really necessary. On the other hand, knowing a few phrases will probably impress the locals which can't hurt.

The Scandinavian countries have amazing levels of English because they learn it at school from a young age. Generally most young people speak it at a very high level. In actual fact I went to school in Norway when I was younger. Can't see the language barrier posing any problems really.

[hockeyman1]

One more random, quick question. I plan on visiting in May. Do I need to book hostels, get plane tickets, and insurance now? I'm betting on the Euro falling against the US dollar, and thinking it might be cheaper to wait it out.

[Dig]

I wouldn't bother waiting on the dollar for just a 5 month wait. I think it would be more important to research your trip and start booking what needs booking. Start looking for plane tickets now. Start researching hostels now. Things do get booked and tickets will go up.