Earth day just passed and it got me thinking more about eco-friendly or sustainable accommodation options. Not only are these hostels sustainable but they’re also great if you’re travelling on a budget! Let’s get into it.
Why Give Hostels a Try?
I’ve said it once and I’ll continue to say it until more people decide to give hostels a chance! Hostels are the BEST but it’s normal to be a little hesitant about staying a hostel, especially if you’re new to travel. If you’re not quite sure about sharing a room with others or being in that type of environment, here are a few reasons why you should try it – at least once.
- The most sustainable option – Even if it’s not a ‘sustainable’ hostel, staying in a dorm room at a hostel is one of the most eco-friendly accommodation options. That’s because when a few people share a room and don’t need individual rooms for themselves, they share electricity and less land and materials are needed to house more people.
- You’ll meet SO many people – Hostels are great for meeting other travellers. If you’re travelling alone, it’s one of the best (if not THE best) way to make friends. If you’re travelling with someone else but still want to make friends, you could always share a private dorm at a hostel.
- Save money on accommodation – Forget about spending over $100 per night! Use the money you save on your stay to do more activities or travel to new countries.
Villa Viva, Cape Town
Nightly rate for an 8 bed dorm = ~$18 USD
Villa Viva is a guest house in Cape Town, South Africa. They have many different types of rooms including private rooms, lofts and one male and female dorm. I stayed at Villa Viva for a few weeks during my time in Cape Town and got to know all about their sustainable features.
The guest house is run by an NGO – Viva con Agua that work to provide clean water for all through various water projects. A portion of your stay at Villa Viva goes directly to these water projects. They also have solar panels throughout the property, grow their own fruits and vegetables in the back garden and are continually working on community projects throughout Cape Town.
The property feels very homey, has a pool to use on hot summer days and spectacular views of Table Mountain!
Urban Garden Hostel, Lisbon
Nightly rate for a 6 bed dorm = ~$29 USD
Portugal is up there for one of my favourite destinations and Lisbon has SO much to offer! No matter what you’re looking to experience during your time in Lisbon, the Urban Garden Hostel staff will help you organize everything.
Their green initiatives include an extensive recycling program, energy efficient appliances and lightbulbs and using recycled materials for construction projects.
Read my Portugal Backpacking Itinerary here!
Serenity Eco Guesthouse, Canggu
Nightly rate for a 4 bed dorm = ~$10 USD
This might be my favourite of all the eco hostels we’re covering! If the price wasn’t enough to sell you, Serenity Eco Guesthouse is just a two minute walk from the beach. They also offer meditation, yoga, massages and have their very own permaculture garden.
I can’t forget to mention that they have a beautiful pool and a vegan breakfast buffet is included with your stay. Solo travellers especially loved this hostel and took note of the fact that the building is made from recycled materials.
Want more Bali content? Read my Luxury Bali Backpacking Itinerary ($50/day) here!
El Rio Hostel, Santa Marta
Nightly rate for an 8 bed dorm = ~$14 USD
If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, you need to add this eco hostel to your list of places to stay! It’s a great option for digital nomads, as they feature a co-working space and outdoor terrace. The hostel is also located just outside Tayrona National Nature Park so there’s plenty to do. From tubing to hiking, yoga, paddle boarding and everything in between – you can’t go wrong.
The hostel is home to the El Rio Foundation that works closely with the local community to provide sports and English lessons, environmental education, among other programs. If you can only choose one of these eco hostels to visit, I’d go with this one!
Ecomama, Amsterdam
Ecomama can be found in the heart of Amsterdam and has a wide range of room options to choose from. The hostel has many communal spaces, swinging chairs and a teepee tent if you want to stay in for a movie night.
In terms of sustainability, they use fair-trade materials, are focused on recycling waste and 1 euro from each night you stay is donated to Niños de Guatemala, that is working to provide disadvantaged children with an education.
Would You Stay at These Eco Hostels?
Which one of these eco hostels piqued your interest? I can’t wait to stay at the ones I’ve yet to visit and look out for other sustainable accommodation options. I’ll be back next week with another blog but in the meantime I’ll be sharing daily travel tips on my Instagram and TikTok!
Cheers,
Amy xx
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