Choosing a hostel as a woman is a different calculation. Safety, vibe, who else is staying there... it all matters a little more.

But it doesn't mean it should stop you from staying in one, because hostels are still generally very safe spaces. You might just need a little more preparation beforehand.

So, with the help of a friendly badass lady traveller, we put together a guide to the best hostels for women so you don't have to figure it out on your own.

Hostels for Women: What to Look For

The hostel industry has come a long way, but there's still a wide gap between a hostel that's genuinely great for solo female travellers and one that just has a bed and a padlock.

The Broke Backpacker (and its ensemble of badass lady expert contributors) has put together a little guide on what to look for in a hostel when travelling as a woman.

1. Female-Only Dorms

A female-only dorm isn't just about comfort, but rather about sleeping soundly without one eye open. The best hostels offer them as standard, with proper secure storage and decent bathroom access.

2. A Strong Social Vibe (Without the Party Pressure)

The best hostels for women strike a good balance between being social enough that you're not eating dinner alone every night, but not so chaotic that you're dodging drunk strangers at 2am every night.

3. Lockers That Actually Work

Sounds obvious. You'd be surprised how many hostels fail this one. A locker that fits your full backpack, with a proper lock point, is non-negotiable. Only then you can rest.

And there's a full breakdown of the best hostels by region, what questions to ask before you book, and how to spot a red flag from the reviews.

Travel far. Spend less. Live more.​
- The Broke Backpacker