The 7 Types of Backpackers You'll Meet At Any Hostel

To put it simply, hostels are amazing places. After all, where else will you find people from all over the world, in one single location? In saying that though, with so many cultures in one building there's bound to be some interesting encounters.. Here's just a few of the people you'll meet:

1. The 'Expert Backpacker'

You can identify an Expert Backpacker from their lack of luggage and their unique aroma. The aroma usually arising from the fact they only bought 2 sets of clothes on a 3 month trip. You'll often find them washing their clothes in the bathroom sink or scouring the free food section in the kitchen. They are resourceful people and full of knowledge. If you can deal with the occasional smell, they are great people to room with. Chris, I'm talking about you.

2. The 'Ghost'

The Ghost is a backpacker who spends every possible second away from the hostel. If it wasn't for their backpack by the bed, it would be easy to believe they were never there in the first place. They won't be in their bed when you go to sleep and same goes for when you wake up. They only sign they were there is the ruffled sheets on the bed. If you're lucky enough to share a room with one of these people, consider it a discounted private room.

3. The 'Messy One'

The Messy One is roommate you don't want to share a room with, let alone a bathroom. The Messy One will have the entire contents of their suitcase spread across the bedroom floor and bathroom counter. Besides the contents of their suitcase, they will leave clumps of hair, puddles of water and towels on every available surface. You will be constantly pushing their stuff out of the way in order to go about your business. The only plus side with the 'Messy One' is free access to their body wash when you run out of yours. Backpacker hack 101...

4. The 'Golden Oldie'

The Golden Oldie is a traveller who is well over the age of 40 but pretends to be in their early 20's. The Golden Oldies are full of useful travelling tips, but be aware they can also nag you like your own mother. You'll often find them hanging around the bar "chilling" with the younger crowd or the complete opposite... In bed by 7pm. Don't be alarmed if you hear them snoring or waking up at 6am... It's just who they are. They are definitely not the worst people to share a room with.

5. The 'Chatterbox'

Consider the 'Chatterbox' as 'Fog Horns'' very close relative. Whilst they don't make random, useless noise, they do however chatter incessantly and continuously about anything and everything. Trust me, you'll be lucky to get a word in. If you're unfortunate to share a room with a chatterbox, prepare to either talk late into the night like a preteen at a sleepover or come across as rude and unapproachable. Sometimes you can't win

6. The 'Fog Horn'

The Fog Horn will come and go at all hours of the day. But don't worry, you won't miss them coming and going, because you'll hear them. You could be in the next town over... And you'd still hear them. Whether they use a hairdryer at 5am in the morning or decide to make their bed at 2am after partying all night, they'll no doubt wake you with the unmistakable sound of their people.

And lastly...

7. The 'Instant Best Friends'

These people are diamonds amongst coal. You don't have to worry about them waking you up at night because they have the courtesy to be quiet if they come in late. You won't have to worry about them making a mess because they value organisation, just as much as you do. You'll often find with the Instant Best Friend is that they share the same interests and wish to explore the same places you do. It makes it easy and fun to hang out with someone new in a foreign town. Remember though, while the time you spend together may be short, you'll have priceless memories and you'll be friends for years to come.

So there we have it, 7 different people you'll meet, in every single hostel. How many have you met on your travels?