7 types of people you meet in hostels

Having stayed at least 6 hostels in Europe and 5 in South America (and counting!), you inevitably start to categorise people into certain types (aka stereotype them). Of course I am generalising when I do this, so do take it lightly with no offence. Perhaps you might even find it funny or agree with me. Also I must say that a vast majority of the backpackers I meet in hostels are normal, awesome travellers who just want to see the world like me and you and I often end up spending time with them! The ones below are just more pronounced caricatures, or backpacker traits you get to know after being in the same dorm with them.

1. The Dorm Noisemakers — Disturbers of must needed rest, they are the main reason why 16 bed mixed dorms are often avoided to minimise the chance of listening to them all night. There are Snorers, Talkers (shouting suddenly can be quite alarming) and the Bed Thrashers. The Thrashers are less alarming than the Talkers — they become a nuisance only if the hostel bunk beds are old and creaky. Every turn and movement (especially on the upper bunk) then become a seismic activity to be felt especially for the person on the lower bunk.
2. The Noisy/Inconsiderate Packer — This one is something I personally get a little annoyed about, mainly because it can be avoided. If you know you are leaving really early the next day, or coming in in the middle of the night, do not slam your luggage and plastic bags around or zip/unzip things so loudly at 4am in the morning! I find this more of a noob behaviour though — there were some really ninja backpackers who packed and left without me even realizing.
3. The Seasoned Male Traveller — Someone who’s been on the road for more than a year or so, they have seen and done almost all (I envy their freedom!). Most of the time they have good stories to share (e.g. being woken up in the middle of the night by an old, saggy Irishman) which would have made for good fodder if they had kept a blog. While they are helpful and fun to be with, some are also looking for short-term flings to have some company while on the road, which I find slightly tricky.
4. The Lounger, or Long-term Resident — The ones who do not seem to be in a hurry to get out to do things or sightsee, they are the ones with the luxury of time to simply chill and be indoors at the hostel using its facilities. Often they are with a book, or else just surfing and sometimes they are there because they are too lazy or physically weak to go out.
5. The Adventurer — The opposite of the Lounger, the Adventurer comes and goes in a flash (staying maybe one or two nights, sometimes even a few hours) because they are on a whirlwind tour of a few weeks, and are going on tours and sightseeing almost every day with hardly any downtime, so expect them to get out of the door at 830am and not be back till after 1030pm.
6. The Grumpy Loner — This is one of the least common, but once in a while you’ll come across someone who seem to be in a really bad mood, or seem to hate the idea of travelling but does it anyway. Making small talk with them is like pulling teeth, and their vibe or what they say just projects negativity (e.g. the food here is shit, I can make this at home).
7. The Cheapskate — While most backpackers try to live economically, occasionally you’d meet someone who seems to make cheap travelling a sport by getting by with as little as possible. To most of us, that is no way to travel because sometimes you just have to spend the money in order to gain access to certain experiences and necessities. What is the point of coming all the way out here and then torturing yourself by walking for 3 hours instead of taking the bus, or eating cheap street or market food all the time (at the risk of food poisoning too)? Every word from the Cheapskate’s mouth is also always about how expensive everything is. Even more so if the person is a (brief) travelling companion and tries to guilt trip you into being a cheapskate too.

And so there you go! Are there any more types you’ll suggest for me to add onto the list, or any type in particular that you agree strongly with? Comment and let me know.