You have your trip all planned out: bags are packed, tickets are booked, but what about accommodation? One of the first questions to consider while planning a trip is “Where do I stay?”. Two popular choices are hotels and hostels, but there are other options for your trip. In this article, we’re bringing some short-stay accommodations for your Eurotrip. Find them out just below.

Hostels

Hostels are a budget-friendly, communal option for backpackers and travelers looking for a place to lay their heads at night. Built around shared spaces, hostels offer an affordable way to spend time around people from all walks of life, and they’re often nestled in ideal locations. Therefore many hostels refer to themselves as youth hostels — these spaces are meant for young people who might not have a lot of money to spend on lodging. Don’t get tripped up on the word ‘youth,’ however, as hostels are usually great options for travelers of all ages. (I’ve met more than one 70-somethings cutting loose and thoroughly enjoying themselves in a hostel environment.)

To keep prices low, hostels feature dorm-style rooms. These rooms can sleep upwards of 20 travelers in bunk-style beds, though most rooms sleep between four and ten. When staying in a hostel, you’re not just sharing a room; you’ll likely share everything, including a bathroom, kitchen, and the sounds and smells of your new friends. For that reason, be sure to bring earplugs and deodorant when sleeping in a hostel.

If you’re the type who isn’t too interested in the noises or aromas of your traveling peers, know that you can book a private room in a hostel. Private rooms afford you a much higher level of solitude than you’d find in a dorm room, so fork out a few extra bucks if you need your own space at the end of the day.

Hotels

You’re likely familiar with hotels, but for the sake of comparison, let’s get into it. A hotel offers short-term stays to travelers of all types. Businesspeople, weary road trippers, spring breakers, and all sorts of other people stay in hotels. But, with a hotel, you get a private room, room service if you want it, and usually a place to park your car. You won’t have to share anything with strangers, including your shower, toilet, your sounds, your smells… This feeling of privacy alone pushes many people to pick a hotel when choosing a place to stay.

When it does come time to pick your hotel, you’ll have options ranging from budget-friendly to outright exorbitant. Hotels offer all manner of stays, including rooms with little more than a bed and television to grand suites with ocean views. Depending on what your trip looks like, a hotel could make much more sense than a hostel, especially if you need quiet and the utmost privacy.

Hostel vs Hotel: Which is Best for You?

Every trip you take will have a unique purpose and feel from the others. If you’re traveling for relaxing or you simply want to avoid loud music, a hotel might be your best option. If you’re looking to connect with like-minded travelers or do yoga on a rooftop with your bunkmate, a hostel might suit your needs.

One type of accommodation might make more sense than the other during your trip, so mix it up and stay wherever your travel instincts are telling you to stay. And remember: you have amazing discounts with you ISIC card when booking hostels or hotels for your Eurotrip. Hotels.com, Booking.com, Hostelclub and many other accommodation services are waiting for you!