‘The horror – 14 alarms in the morning’: backpacker hostels evolve as young people seek privacy over packed dorms (opens in new tab)

Out with wild parties, in with soft lighting and wellness centres. Welcome to the new age of backpackingGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGrungy hostel rooms crammed with bunk beds, shared mouldy bathrooms and rat-infested kitchens were once accepted as the price of cheap travel.And there are still plenty of hostels keeping that grimy tradition alive, if online reviews are anything to go by. Continue reading...