I Ditched Hotels and Cash for 11 Days: Here's What Nobody Tells You About Hostels, Airbnbs & Going Cashless

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A 10-year travel veteran’s first experiment with budget accommodation and plastic money across New York, Las Vegas, and Toronto

The Setup: Breaking My Own Rules

I’ve been traveling internationally for a decade. In those ten years, I’d developed comfortable patterns: stay in mid-range hotels with private bathrooms, always carry cash for emergencies, keep a safe distance from my comfort zone but never completely abandon it.

Then came my 11-day, 3-city North American adventure, and I decided to throw all those rules out the window.

For the first time ever, I:

Stayed in a hostel (6-bed dorm, bunk beds, shared bathrooms)
Booked Airbnbs (private rooms but shared facilities)
Went completely cashless (not a single cent in physical money for 11 days)

Why the sudden change? Simple: I wanted to challenge myself, save money, and experience travel the way millions of budget-conscious travelers do. What I discovered surprised me, taught me, and occasionally made me uncomfortable—in all the right ways.

Here’s everything nobody tells you about ditching traditional accommodation and cash.

Part 1: My First Hostel Experience (New York)

The Booking: Location, Location, Location

I booked my New York hostel through Agoda.com after extensive research. My priorities were:

1. Prime Location I chose a hostel near Queens Plaza for strategic reasons:

Two subway stations: one behind the building, one in front
Bus stop directly in front of the hostel
Located right beside the main road
Close proximity to Manhattan

The location was non-negotiable. When you’re staying in budget accommodation, convenient transportation access becomes even more critical. Every minute spent commuting eats into your exploration time.

2. Reviews Analysis I didn’t just read the star ratings—I dove deep:

Read at least 50 recent reviews
Looked for patterns in complaints (one bad review about noise? Could be bad luck. Ten reviews mentioning noise? Red flag.)
Checked reviews from solo travelers specifically
Noted what experienced hostel-goers appreciated

3. Google Maps Verification Critical step: I pulled up the exact address on Google Maps, switched to Street View, and virtually “walked” around the neighborhood. This helps you:

Verify the hostel actually exists at that address
Check the neighborhood vibe
Spot nearby amenities (restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies)
Identify potential safety concerns

The Room: 6 Beds, 5 Strangers, Zero Privacy

Walking into my first hostel dorm room was surreal. Six bunk beds crammed into a space smaller than most hotel bathrooms I’d stayed in. My assigned bed: a top bunk near the window.

The Setup:

6 beds total (I had 5 roommates at various times)
One small locker per person
Shared bathroom down the hall
Shared toilet (separate from bathroom)
A small common area with basic kitchen facilities

My Roommates: Luck was on my side—all my roommates were from first-world countries (Germany, Malaysia, Australia, Canada). They were:

Respectful of quiet hours
Clean with shared spaces
Friendly but not invasive
Experienced hostel travelers who knew the unwritten rules

Security: The Padlock Investment

The hostel provided lockers but not locks—a common practice. My first task: buy a padlock from a nearby store ($8).

What went in my locker:

Passport (never leave this lying around)
Backup credit cards
Extra cash (for emergencies)
My laptop
Valuable electronics when not in use

What I kept with me:

One credit card
Phone
Small amount of daily money
Hotel key card

Pro tip: Get a TSA-approved combination lock rather than a key lock. You can’t lose a combination, and TSA locks allow hostel staff to access in emergencies without cutting your lock.

The Bathroom Dance: Timing is Everything

Sharing a bathroom with strangers requires strategy. Here’s what I learned:

Shower Timing:

6:00-7:00 AM: Busy (early birds heading out)
7:00-9:00 AM: VERY busy (everyone getting ready)
2:00-5:00 PM: Quietest time (most people are out exploring)
10:00-11:00 PM: Busy again (people returning from dinners)
After midnight: Quiet but you risk waking others

I adjusted my schedule to shower around 3 PM or just before midnight. Zero wait times.

Bathroom Etiquette Essentials:

Keep showers under 10 minutes
Wipe down surfaces after use
Never leave personal items behind
Bring flip-flops (those floors see a lot of traffic)
Use a toiletry caddy to carry everything in one trip

Sleep Quality: Managing the Unexpected

Sleeping in a room with 5 strangers is… an experience.

Challenges I faced:

Snoring: My German roommate sounded like a freight train. Earplugs became my best friend.
Different schedules: Someone’s always coming in late or leaving early. The rustling of backpacks at 5 AM is loud.
Light sensitivity: People checking phones at night. I brought an eye mask.
Temperature control: The Malaysian roommate liked it at 24°C. I like it at 18°C. Compromise was necessary.

My sleep kit:

Good quality earplugs (not cheap foam ones)
Sleep mask
My own pillow cover (because you never know)
A small clip-on reading light (so I didn’t bother others)

The Noise Factor: Living on a Main Road

The hostel’s prime location had a downside: traffic noise. Being right beside the main road meant constant car sounds, sirens, and general NYC noise.

At 5 AM, when I was writing my travel notes, the street sounds were relentless. But here’s the thing: you adapt. By day three, my brain had learned to filter it as white noise.

Cost Analysis: The Bottom Line

Hostel cost: Approximately $35-45 per night Comparable private hotel room in that location: $150-250 per night

Savings over 3 nights: ~$345-615

That’s enough to cover an observation deck visit, a nice dinner, or a show. For budget travelers, it’s a game-changer.

Part 2: Airbnb Experiences (Las Vegas & Toronto)

After three nights in a hostel, I upgraded to Airbnbs in Las Vegas and Toronto. These offered a middle ground: private sleeping space but shared facilities.

Las Vegas Airbnb: Desert Comfort

What I got:

Private bedroom with a real bed (after bunk beds, this felt luxurious)
Shared bathroom (just with the host)
Shared kitchen access
Living room access
Excellent location near the Strip

Booking Strategy: Like the hostel, I obsessed over details:

Read every single review (not just the first page)
Checked host response rate and time (hosts who respond quickly are usually more attentive)
Looked at check-in process (self check-in vs. meeting host)
Verified location on Google Maps AND checked walking distances to attractions
Read cancellation policy carefully

The Experience: My Vegas Airbnb host was rarely home, which gave me unexpected privacy. The shared bathroom situation was actually better than the hostel—only two people using it, and we naturally developed a rhythm.

Cost: ~$60-70 per night vs. $120-200 for Vegas hotels

Toronto Airbnb: Canadian Hospitality

What I got:

Private room
Shared bathroom and toilet
Kitchen privileges
Laundry access (this was huge after a week of travel)
A local host with great recommendations

The Host Factor: My Toronto Airbnb host was friendly without being intrusive—the perfect balance. She:

Left a welcome note with WiFi password and house rules
Provided local recommendations (led me to an amazing Jordanian restaurant)
Respected my privacy
Was available for questions but didn’t hover

This is what makes or breaks an Airbnb experience. You’re not just renting space; you’re entering someone’s home.

Cost: ~$55-65 per night vs. $130-180 for Toronto hotels

Airbnb vs. Hostel: The Key Differences

Aspect	Hostel	Airbnb
Privacy	Minimal (shared room)	Moderate (private room)
Social	High (meet travelers)	Low (mostly solo)
Cleanliness Control	Variable (depends on roommates)	Better (fewer people)
Kitchen Access	Basic/communal	Often full access
Local Insights	From other travelers	From host (if friendly)
Flexibility	Structured (check-in times, rules)	Often more flexible
Cost	Cheapest option	Middle ground

Part 3: Going Completely Cashless

This was perhaps my biggest experiment: spending 11 days without touching a single physical currency note or coin.

The Setup: Cards Only

I carried:

Primary credit card: For all transactions
Backup credit card: In my locked hostel locker
Debit card: Emergency access to my account

That’s it. Zero cash. Not even a $20 bill “just in case.”

How It Worked: NFC Payment Revolution

The Technology: NFC (Near Field Communication) payment made everything seamless:

Tap card on reader
Transaction approved in seconds
No PIN required for purchases under $100 (usually)
Digital receipt option (less paper clutter)

Where I Used It:

Subway systems: NYC, Toronto (just tap and go)
Buses: Vegas, Toronto public transit
Restaurants: From food trucks to fine dining
Coffee shops: Starbucks, local cafes
Grocery stores: Quick snacks and supplies
Uber/Uber Eats: Linked to card, zero cash interaction
Tourist attractions: Tickets, souvenirs
Airport lounges: All meals and drinks
Hotels/Hostels: Final bills and incidentals

The Advantages: Why I Loved It

1. No Mental Math No converting exchange rates in your head, no calculating tips manually (though I still checked the suggested tip amounts). Just tap and done.

2. Perfect Expense Tracking Every single transaction appeared in my banking app. At the end of the trip, I knew exactly where every dollar went. No mystery expenses, no “where did that $50 go?”

3. No Bulk in Wallet My wallet was slim—just cards and ID. No thick stack of bills, no heavy coins weighing down my pockets. After walking 10+ miles daily, every ounce matters.

4. No Currency Exchange Hassles No lines at currency exchange counters, no comparing rates, no leftover foreign currency to convert back. My bank handled conversion automatically at competitive rates.

5. Safety If I lost my card, one phone call cancels it. If I lost cash, it’s gone forever. Cards offer fraud protection; cash doesn’t.

6. Speed Transactions were lightning-fast. Tap, beep, done. In busy NYC subway stations during rush hour, this matters.

The Disadvantages: Reality Check

1. Technology Dependence If your card gets declined (happened once due to suspected fraud), you’re stuck until you resolve it. I had to call my bank from a Starbucks using their WiFi.

2. Tipping Complications Some service scenarios still expect cash tips:

Hotel housekeeping (though you can leave a note with card for them to charge)
Street performers
Some food delivery scenarios

I felt slightly awkward explaining I don’t carry cash.

3. Small Vendor Issues A few places I encountered:

“Card minimum $10” (forced me to buy more than I wanted)
One food cart that was cash-only (I couldn’t eat there)
Tips jars that only accepted cash

4. International Transaction Fees My bank charged 2.5% foreign transaction fees on every purchase. Over 11 days, this added up—roughly $50-60 extra. Some credit cards waive these fees; mine didn’t.

5. No “Emergency Backup” If all my cards failed simultaneously (unlikely but possible), I’d have been in trouble. In retrospect, keeping $100-200 cash would’ve been smart.

6. Privacy Concerns Every transaction leaves a digital trail. Your bank and credit card company know exactly where you were and what you bought. For some, this privacy loss matters.

The Verdict: Would I Go Cashless Again?

90% yes, with modifications.

Next time, I’d:

Carry $100-200 in emergency cash (hidden separately)
Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Have two different card networks (Visa AND Mastercard) as backup
Notify my bank of all travel dates to prevent fraud blocks

But the convenience, safety, and expense tracking benefits are worth it. Cashless travel is the future.

Part 4: Practical Guide for First-Timers

Hostel Booking Checklist

Before booking:

[ ] Check location on Google Maps (safety and convenience)
[ ] Read minimum 30 recent reviews
[ ] Verify transportation access (subway, bus stops)
[ ] Check cancellation policy
[ ] Look for female-only or age-restricted dorms if preferred
[ ] Confirm locker availability
[ ] Read about bed assignment (some let you choose, some assign randomly)
[ ] Check bathroom ratio (1 bathroom per how many beds?)

What to pack for hostels:

[ ] Padlock (combination preferred)
[ ] Earplugs (quality ones)
[ ] Eye mask
[ ] Flip-flops/shower shoes
[ ] Toiletry caddy
[ ] Microfiber towel (dries fast)
[ ] Clothesline/clips (for drying items)
[ ] Headlamp/clip light
[ ] Power strip (outlets are scarce)

Hostel Etiquette:

Be quiet during sleeping hours (usually 10 PM – 7 AM)
Use headphones, always
Don’t turn on main lights at night (use personal light)
Set silent alarms (vibration only)
Pack your bag the night before if leaving early
Clean up after yourself in kitchen
Don’t monopolize bathroom
Respect marked spaces (don’t put your stuff on others’ beds)

Airbnb Booking Checklist

Before booking:

[ ] Read ALL reviews, especially negative ones
[ ] Check host response rate (above 90%)
[ ] Check host response time (under 24 hours ideal)
[ ] Verify exact location (some listings have approximate locations only)
[ ] Read house rules carefully
[ ] Understand check-in process
[ ] Check cancellation policy
[ ] Look at host’s other listings (are they professional hosts?)
[ ] Google the address to check neighborhood

Red flags to watch:

⚠️ Too-good-to-be-true pricing
⚠️ No reviews or very few reviews
⚠️ Host doesn’t respond to messages before booking
⚠️ Blurry or obviously fake photos
⚠️ Vague or overly restrictive house rules
⚠️ Recent negative reviews mentioning cleanliness or safety

Communication tips:

Message the host before booking with questions
Clarify check-in time and procedure
Ask about neighborhood safety
Inquire about kitchen/laundry access
Confirm WiFi password access method

Going Cashless Checklist

Before your trip:

[ ] Notify your bank of travel dates and locations
[ ] Check foreign transaction fees on your cards
[ ] Enable international transactions if blocked
[ ] Set up mobile banking app
[ ] Add backup payment methods to Uber, food delivery apps
[ ] Save bank’s international helpline number
[ ] Take photo of your cards (both sides, store securely)
[ ] Check card expiration dates

During your trip:

[ ] Check balance daily
[ ] Monitor for unusual transactions
[ ] Keep cards in different locations (one in wallet, one in hostel locker)
[ ] Use hotel/hostel safe when available
[ ] Have digital copies of cards stored securely (encrypted app or email)

Emergency backup plan:

[ ] Keep one backup card separate from primary wallet
[ ] Have at least two different card networks (Visa, Mastercard)
[ ] Know how to contact your bank internationally
[ ] Have a trusted person back home who can wire money if needed

Part 5: Cost Comparison Breakdown

New York (3 nights)

Option	Cost	Notes
Budget Hotel	$450-600	Private room, private bathroom
Mid-Range Hotel	$600-900	Better location, amenities
Hostel (My Choice)	$105-135	Shared room, shared bathroom
Savings	$345-765	Reinvested in experiences

Las Vegas (3 nights)

Option	Cost	Notes
Budget Hotel	$360-600	Strip-adjacent, no frills
Mid-Range Hotel	$600-900	On Strip, decent location
Airbnb (My Choice)	$180-210	Private room, near Strip
Savings	$180-690	Used for shows and tours

Toronto (4 nights)

Option	Cost	Notes
Budget Hotel	$520-720	Farther from downtown
Mid-Range Hotel	$720-1000	Downtown, convenient
Airbnb (My Choice)	$220-260	Private room, good location
Savings	$300-740	Covered Niagara Falls tour

Total Trip Savings

Traditional hotel accommodation: $1,330 – $2,500
My accommodation (hostel + Airbnbs): $505 – $605
Total saved: $825 – $1,895

That’s enough money to cover:

All my observation deck visits
Helicopter tour in Vegas
Niagara Falls day trip
Several nice dinners
Airport lounge access

Part 6: The Unexpected Benefits

Beyond saving money, this experiment taught me valuable lessons:

1. You Meet People in Hostels

My hostel roommates:

The German recommended a great restaurant in Brooklyn
The Malaysian joined me for my first morning in NYC
The Australian gave me tips about Toronto (his home city)

In hotels, you might exchange pleasantries in an elevator. In hostels, you exchange stories and sometimes become temporary travel buddies.

2. Airbnb Hosts Are Local Experts

My Toronto host:

Recommended the best time to visit St. Lawrence Market
Warned me about transit delays due to F1 race prep
Suggested a shortcut to the CN Tower

This insider knowledge is worth its weight in gold.

3. You Learn to Pack Smarter

When you have one locker and limited bed space, you can’t overpack. I learned:

Roll clothes, don’t fold
Wear clothes twice before washing
Bring multipurpose items only
Digital books instead of physical
One pair of shoes

This mindset stuck with me even after returning to hotel stays.

4. You Appreciate Small Luxuries More

After 3 nights on a hostel bunk bed, my Airbnb’s regular bed felt like a five-star hotel. After sharing a bathroom with 10+ people, having just one other person felt luxurious.

Travel helps you recalibrate your gratitude.

5. Cashless Living is Freeing

Not carrying cash eliminated:

Worry about pickpockets
Stress about exchange rates
Counting and recounting money
Finding ATMs
Managing leftover foreign currency

The mental lightness was unexpected but welcome.

Part 7: When NOT to Choose These Options

Skip Hostels If:

❌ You’re a very light sleeper
Even with earplugs, hostel noise might be too much. I saw people checking out after one night because they couldn’t handle it.

❌ You have lots of valuables
One small locker isn’t enough for expensive camera equipment, laptops, and electronics. Consider the theft risk.

❌ You need routine
Hostels are chaotic. Shower times vary, noise levels fluctuate, roommates change. If you need consistency, pay for a private room.

❌ You value privacy highly
Someone will see you in pajamas. Someone will hear you on phone calls. Someone will watch you pack. Privacy is minimal.

❌ You’re traveling with a partner
Unless you book a private room in a hostel, you’ll be separated into gender-specific dorms. Not ideal for couples.

Skip Airbnbs If:

❌ You want hotel services
No room service, no daily housekeeping, no concierge, no front desk for emergencies at 2 AM.

❌ You need guaranteed amenities
Hotels have backup plans. Airbnb WiFi fails? You might be out of luck. AC breaks? Host might take days to fix it.

❌ You’re uncomfortable in others’ homes
Some people find it stressful to live by someone else’s rules (no shoes indoors, quiet after 10 PM, specific trash protocols).

❌ You want flexibility
Hotel check-in is usually flexible. Airbnb check-in times are often rigid. Late arrival? Could be problematic.

Stay Cashless If:

✅ You’re visiting developed countries with widespread card acceptance
✅ You’re comfortable with technology and mobile banking
✅ You have good credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
✅ You have reliable backup cards

Carry Cash If:

❌ Visiting rural areas where cards aren’t widely accepted
❌ Going to developing countries with limited digital infrastructure
❌ Your bank charges high fees for international transactions
❌ You don’t trust technology fully

Part 8: Common Questions Answered

“Aren’t hostels dangerous?”

Not inherently. I felt completely safe because:

I chose well-reviewed hostels in good neighborhoods
I used the locker religiously
I kept valuables with me during the day
The hostel had 24/7 reception and security cameras

Theft happens in hotels too. Common sense applies everywhere.

“What if I don’t get along with roommates?”

Most hostels allow you to change rooms if there’s a serious issue. In my case, all roommates were respectful. The hostel culture self-selects for generally courteous people.

If someone is genuinely disruptive (playing loud music, being rude), speak to reception. They’ll intervene.

“How do you shower in shared bathrooms?”

With strategy and speed:

Gather all items before going (toiletry caddy is essential)
Wear flip-flops always
Keep shower under 10 minutes
Dry off partially in shower stall
Finish dressing in your room

It becomes routine after day one.

“What if my card gets stolen or lost?”

This is why you need backup cards stored separately. I kept:

Primary card in my wallet (with me always)
Backup card in hostel locker
Bank’s international number in my phone

If card #1 was lost, I’d call bank immediately to cancel, then use card #2.

“Do Airbnb hosts watch you?”

Good hosts respect boundaries. They provide space without hovering. If a host makes you uncomfortable:

Document it
Report to Airbnb
Leave a review warning others
Request a refund if it’s serious

This is rare but hosts are rated for a reason—check reviews.

“How do you tip without cash?”

Restaurants: Add to card payment
Uber/Lyft: Add in app
Housekeeping: Some hotels let you charge tips to room
Coffee shops: Most have tip options on card reader

It’s not perfect, but it works.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Absolutely.

This experiment saved me roughly $1,500, connected me with interesting people, taught me flexibility, and proved I can adapt to discomfort.

Would I do it again? Yes, but with refinements:

Hostels: Perfect for solo travel in expensive cities. I’d do 2-3 nights maximum, then upgrade to private room.
Airbnbs: Great middle ground. I’d continue using them for trips longer than 5 days.
Cashless: I’m converted. Future trips will be 95% cashless with small emergency cash reserve.

The biggest takeaway: Your accommodation doesn’t make your trip; your experiences do.

I’d rather sleep on a bunk bed and fly in a helicopter over Vegas than sleep in a fancy hotel and skip the helicopter. I’d rather stay in an Airbnb and see Niagara Falls than stay in a four-star hotel and have no budget left for tours.

Travel is about priorities. Know yours, and plan accordingly.

Resources & Links

Want to read about the specific adventures from this trip?

📖 Complete Journey: 11 Days, 3 Cities, Infinite Memories
The full overview of my North American adventure

🗽 New York: Round Two in the Big Apple
Three observation decks, hostel life, and rediscovering NYC

🎰 Las Vegas: What Gets Written About
The Sphere, helicopter rides, Airbnb experience, and cashless transactions

🍁 Toronto: First-Timer’s Love Affair
First snowfall, Airbnb hosting, CN Tower, and going cashless in Canada

Have you tried hostels, Airbnbs, or going cashless? Share your experiences in the comments below! I’d love to hear what worked (or didn’t work) for you.

Happy travels, and may your adventures be rich in experiences even when you’re saving money! 🌍✈️💳

I Ditched Hotels and Cash for 11 Days: Here’s What Nobody Tells You About Hostels, Airbnbs & Going Cashless