If circumstances allow, you really should spend a year a studying abroad. We’ve talked before about how travel makes you a more open-minded and empathetic person. Given the state of politics across the whole of the western world at the moment, these are character traits that are more important than ever.
One of the biggest perks to spending a year abroad — besides the copious amounts of beer, duh — is the opportunity to explore a new corner of the world. Hitting all of central Europe would take years if you had to fly back-and-forth from the U.S. between countries. Spending a year in, say, Berlin means you’re striking distance to Amsterdam, Prague, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Munich, Vienna, Paris, Brussels, Luxembourg, and so much more.
We asked the team at Hostelworld to help us devise a list of the best hostels around –places where you’re sure to meet some new travel buddies, sip some excellent beer, and explore whatever corner of the world you find yourself in while studying abroad.
SIR TOBY’S HOSTEL — Prague, Czech Republic
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Oh, Prague. It’s a city full of some of the world’s best beer, fairy-tale architecture, comfort food, and population that knows how to f*cking party. St. Toby’s takes up a whole building right in the city center — providing the perfect base for roaming the cobbled backstreets of Prague, searching out that perfect sklep (Czech dive bar).
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HOSTEL De PASSAGE — Bruges, Belgium
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Belgium is probably best known for its pommes frites, beer, haute cuisine, and forests where history was made during world wars. And, beer, did we mention beer? Hostel de Passage offers the best of Belgium — with an iconic cafe in an iconic Belgian city. A must for anyone spending time in the country.
MIMHOSTEL — Porto, Portugal
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Porto is a city of discovery. In the old days, Europe set out to conquer the world from the port. Now it’s more a place of winding alleys and hidden cafes and bars awaiting your patronage. Mimhostel is hostel of great repute — the food offered is delectable and the atmosphere of traveler camaraderie is high.
Best of all, the vibe is friendly — don’t be surprised if you met your traveling buddy here.
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THE SWANKY MINT — Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia is a land of mind-blowing food, wine, and natural beauty that also just happens to be the backdrop for one of the biggest TV shows of the moment, Game of Thrones. The Swanky Mint not only wins for having the best name, but it’s the perfect base in Croatia’s capital for reaching out into the rest of the country (and the Balkans) for a deep exploration of the region.
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KADIR’S TREEHOUSE — Olympus, Turkey
Turkey is an ancient land with a modern edge that offers endless picturesque beaches and tremendous mountains to explore. Oh, and the food is goddamn exquisite. Kadir’s Treehouse delivers on its name. It’s a giant treehouse in Olympus (the ancient Greek city of Lycia) with cats, dogs, and chickens roaming freely amongst the guests.
Just don’t get too attached to any of the chickens, you’ll likely be eating them for dinner.
MET A SPACE POD — Singapore
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Have you ever stayed in a pod? It’s a trippy experience that melds the feeling of being adrift in space with being buried six-feet under. Met A Space Pod is a well lit space to save some cash in a high end city with arguably some of the best food on the entire planet. Plus you can always show your moon-dwelling grandkids your Instagrams of that time you stayed in a space pod in Singapore.
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ADVENTURE QUEENSTOWN HOSTEL — Queenstown, New Zealand
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Queenstown is the perfect jumping off point to explore the jaw-dropping wonders of New Zealand. It’s so beautiful and laid back that, who knows, maybe you’ll end up staying forever. Adventure Queenstown Hostel is one of those hostels that just does everything spot on. The parties, the food, the atmosphere are all tuned perfectly to having a great time, meeting new people, and plotting adventure.
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HOSTEL FORESTAL — Santiago, Chile
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Chile is a long and varied country with high plains, a seemingly endless chain of mountains, and a sea coast that rivals any other in natural beauty. Hostel Forestal in Santiago offers the perfect central point to meet fellow travelers, knock back a beer or ten, and delve into what Chile has to offer the weary wanderluster.
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EL VIAJERO CARTAGENA HOSTEL — Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is an old city full of wonder. The old fort, the winding alleys, the El Carib vibes all make this a city a destination that’s worth every second spent on a plane. El Viajero Cartagena Hostel provides the perfect sanctuary amongst the hustle and bustle of one of Columbia’s greatest and most visited cities.
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Thinking of taking a trip? Check out some of our recent Uproxx Travel destination guides:
Scotland — A Visual Tour
Key West — The Perfect Post-Election Escape
Costa Rica — A Chance To Live The Pura Vida Life
Ecuador — One Of The Most Ecologically Diverse Countries On Earth
Cleveland — A City Adjusts To Sudden ‘Coolness’
Visit: #TheMadOnes — Our interview series with wanderers, rebels, punks, and vagabonds.
Need to save up?
What’s The Best Way To Save For Your Dream Trip?
How Much Does A RTW Trip Actually Cost?
And of course…
How To Know When You’re Ready For The Trip of a Lifetime
