Hostels are more than just a place to sleep—they’re the heart of unforgettable travel experiences. From local tours to unique cultural activities, hostels offer some of the best ways to explore a destination. But despite this, many travelers miss out on amazing activities simply because they don’t know what’s available.
The Disconnect: Why Travelers Aren’t Booking Hostel Activities
Our research reveals a major gap between how travelers want to discover activities and how hostels actually promote them.
- 62% of travelers who have never booked an activity say it’s because they either didn’t know it was available or the hostel didn’t offer it.
- 87.5% of travelers say they would be more likely to attend activities if they could see them in an app before they arrive.
Most travelers rely on hostel signs and staff recommendations to find activities, yet their search habits tell a different story:
- 70% of travelers look on Google for things to do.
- But 83% find out through signs on hostel walls, 67.5% from staff, and 45% from word of mouth.
There’s a clear mismatch—travelers want information online, yet most hostels still rely on offline methods to promote their events.
What Makes Travelers More Likely to Join Activities?
For hostel guests, three key factors influence whether they book an experience:
- A unique activity they can’t get elsewhere.
- Knowing in advance what’s available.
- Seeing who else is going.
Travelers want to plan ahead, but without easy access to activity details, they often miss out or choose external tour agencies instead.
The Solution: Bring Hostel Activities Online with SocialStay
- Make activities visible in advance, helping guests plan ahead.
- Showcase events online, reaching travelers before they book.
- Let guests see who else is attending, making activities more social and appealing.
Hostels that make their events easy to find and book will boost participation, increase bookings, and create unforgettable guest experiences.