Choosing Between Mixed Dorms and Same-Sex Dorms

Travelling through unfamiliar destinations with only a few essentials is probably one of the most culture-intensive experiences you could ever go through. There’s no doubt that doing it all alone is definitely an even bigger step up in terms of being adventurous. For 21st century nomads travelling alone, the need for luxury during travel is something that isn’t exactly on the priority list. This is why dorms and hostels are now the number one option for solo travellers when it comes to accommodation all over the world.

If getting dorms and hostels for your accommodation might not be the most familiar thing for you, the convenience and comfort at only a fraction of a regular night’s stay are qualities that will definitely make setting up base in a dorm a preferred option once you go on that much-needed solo trip. Before you actually book your tickets and reserve your slots at the best dorm in the area, however, it’s important to know the difference between the two common types of dorms: mixed dorms or same-sex dorms.

When travelling alone and staying in a dorm, it’s important to know that interaction is inevitable, and the type of dorm that you choose will determine just how much you’ll actually have to mingle with new people from all walks of life. Whether you’re into meeting new people or your hate or dislike the idea of it entirely, going for a dorm will require you to talk to different people to some extent. However, your choice of dorm will make a difference in just how much you’ll have to interact.

All that you need to know about the two common types of dorms

In order to help you make a better-informed decision as to what type of dorm you should choose, we’ve prepared a basic guide to help you understand both mixed dorms and same-sex dorms, the standard protocol that comes with each, and their respective advantages and disadvantages:

Mixed Dorms

When going for a mixed dorm, the expectation is simple: you’ll be sharing a space with both guys and girls! Although the idea of having to share a space with people from the opposite sex that you don’t know might be standoffish, staying in a mixed dorm has its own set of pros and cons. This makes it an experience best suited for more sociable and open solo travelers. One of the main advantages of being in a mixed dorm is that you get to meet a much wider array of travelers from different backgrounds, origins and lifestyles: an advantage that makes staying in this type of dorm perfect for more sociable folk looking to establish connections across the globe. Other than heightened social interaction, mixed dorms are also much cheaper than standard dorm options, so it’s definitely for anyone on a budget. However, the disadvantages that come with a mixed dorm include having to share a bathroom with both sexes (which could prove troublesome if you’re particular about bathroom hygiene), rowdiness that could affect your comfort in staying, and the constant lack of comfort from having to share a closed space with the opposite sex.

Same-Sex Dorms

Seen by most as a more timid style of accommodation compared to mixed dorms, same-sex dorms are seen as a haven by travelers who want to minimize social interaction and desire to be comfortable as much as possible without having to deal with the awkwardness of staying in the same room as people from the opposite gender. The pros that come with going for same-sex dorms are that it’s easier to sleep in the same area as people you’re not familiar with due to the lack of any unnecessary tension or awkwardness, less noise, and the overall comfort and safety that guests can enjoy during their slumber. On the other hand, the cons of being in a same-sex dorm is that you won’t be able to interact with people as much as you’d like to if you’re more sociable. In addition to that, the price is higher than mixed dorms, there are far less male same-sex dorms, and the number of diverse backgrounds that you’ll encounter will be far less.

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