What’s Your Hostelling Personality?

The Bed-Dweller

This person never leaves their bunk. They might tell you they're sick, exhausted, or say nothing at all, but they're more likely living at the hostel or simply enjoy reading brooding Hemingway novels about the city you're in more than talking to anyone in it.

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The Ghost Bunkmate

They're never there, but their stuff is everywhere. They must have a lot of faith in the strangers around them, because they pass up using a locker—the contents of their luggage are instead always splashed across their bed. That's the only sign of their existence that you'll see.

The Tenant

They're living in the hostel for an undetermined amount of time, and judge everyone for disrupting their space—a 16-bed dorm.

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The Touchy Couple

They booked two beds because they had to, but they're always sharing one and making the rest of the room uncomfortable with PDA. They might be on a budget honeymoon or a lengthy backpacking trip. Either way, you learn a lot about them by overhearing their arguments and soul-baring makeups.

The Cook

If you're fortunate enough to be staying at a hostel with 'The Cook', never leave. This solo traveler spends a lot of time in the kitchen making oversized meals, and shares with everyone else just to have someone to talk to. If (like me) the way to your heart is through your stomach, this person is always your friend.

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The Party Animals

This group is usually responsible for all the alcohol and food left out in the kitchen. Erasmus or American students abroad, they rarely make it back to their bed before dawn, waking everyone up as they struggle into their top bunks. They'll invite you out, but whether or not you join them they're sure to keep things entertaining.

The Family

The center of the looming question: 'Are kids allowed here?' Many hostels don't allow for anyone under 18, but the occasional kid-friendly hostel will be home to a family—hopefully in their own private dorm. The parents are likely former backpackers who refuse to utilize hotels, and their kids will bogart the common room board games whenever they're around. Who can blame them?

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The Drifter

Their stay was up last night, but they're posted up in the common room living out of their suitcase until someone tells them otherwise … or until a bed opens up, whichever comes first.

The Snobby World Traveler

You have no idea what this person is doing there because all of your interactions revolve around them lecturing you about how awful he or she thinks Americans are. Their primary purpose in life seems to be drifting from city to city, and as self-righteous and condescending as you think they are, you're kind of jealous of their lifestyle.

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The Backpackers

They probably smell, but will share their protein bars and some pretty awesome travel stories if you let them.

What hostel personalities did we miss? Share in the comments.

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• 10 Hostels Too Upscale to Believe
• 7 Ways You're Throwing Money Away While Traveling
• The Best Student Travel Discounts and Where to Find Them

Associate Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning a new adventure. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_.