One in 4 People Plan Their Vacations on Instagram, So Here Are Some Gorgeous Hostels (Yes, Hostels!)

published Aug 14, 2019
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Credit: Daniel Kim Photography/Stocksy

If you went on vacation but didn’t post pics to Instagram, did you really go on vacation? It’s cool visiting Reykjavik and all, but if you didn’t Instagram Story your time at the hot springs, you may as well have stayed home. Just kidding—but there’s a lot to be said for traveling to picturesque locations and documenting it on your social feed.

In fact, according to new research from the ‘Evolution of the Hostel Traveller’ report put together by Hostelworld, almost a quarter of travelers choose where they vacation based on how Instagrammable it is. And 40 percent of backpackers say the best part of their travel adventures is all the beautiful landscapes.

Credit: Top to Bottom: @juliaaskorb, @maloupts

Thinking about booking your next trip based on the pretty views? These are the most Instagrammable hostels in 2019.

1. 248 Street Hostel, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

From bars surrounded by pools, to vintage motorbikes propped up against vibrant murals in the lobby, centrally-located hostel 248 Street is a favorite for travelers looking for good food, drinks, and a high-energy scene. 

2. Selina La Fortuna, Costa Rica

There’s something for everyone at Selina La Fortuna: Horseback riding, yoga, hiking, paddle boarding, trips to the hot springs, and more. And with authentic tents adorned with string lights, you really can’t take a bad pic.

3. USA Hostels Ocean Beach, San Diego, USA

Ocean Beach is truly one of the coolest parts of San Diego—and even more laid back, if you can even imagine. This tie-dye-painted hostel offers guests yoga classes and hosts regular ping-pong tournaments and bonfires. Surrounding the area are all kinds of great eats, bars, and most importantly, the beach. 

4. Rio Elemento Hostel, Minca, Colombia

Known for their hammocks and lush, green views, Rio Elemento has a pool, bar, and beautiful hiking spots. You can even book a treehouse(!!!) if you’re feeling like really being one with nature.

5. Gili Meno Eco Hostel, Gili Meno, Indonesia 

Stay at Gili Meno Eco Hostel, and you’ll get to sleep in a serene bamboo bungalow right on the beach. Go snorkeling, horseback riding, enjoy drinks at the Shanti-Shanti beach bar, or just chill out in this secluded, pretty spot. 

6. Calle 11 Hostel, Santa Marta, Colombia

According to Hostelworld, Calle 11 was an abandoned cartel villa before it was renovated and turned into a hostel. The opulent architecture makes guests feel like they’re staying in a mansion—one that has a pool, movies, happy hour, and is only a 3-minute walk away from the beach.

7. El Rio Hostel, Santa Marta, Colombia

Be the social media queen of the jungle at the El Rio Hostel in Santa Marta. Guests can spend the night in comfy hammocks, play ping-pong, volleyball, a bar, and more. With the beach nearby, and a river you can go tubing on (one blogger calls it the “booze cruise”), you’ll be taking endless #nofilter pics. 

8. Travelers Oasis, Cairns, Queensland

This Australian hostel is perfect for those who just want to do some heavy duty R&R. Travelers Oasis offers a peaceful pool, hammocks, and music. Plus, guests get free WiFi, so Instagram your gorgeous trip all day, every day.

9. Selina Nosara, Costa Rica 

Selina Nosara is the perfect spot if you’re looking to unwind and enjoy beautiful sceneries in the middle of the jungle. Guests love that the rooms (and bathrooms, especially) are super spacious—plus, the hostel offers a kitchen, theater room, and mini library. If you need to stretch your legs, take a yoga lesson. Want to hit the beach? Playa Guiones is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

10. Combo Venezia, Venice, Italy 

Calling all history buffs: This hostel is a renovated 12th-century monastery which features a bar, restaurant, and (free!) WiFi. Travelers love how quiet the space is, and how close it is to many Venetian landmarks. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re there for the site-seeing, but want to relax somewhere peaceful (and okay, take a selfie or two against some beautiful backdrops).