Stays in Lebanon
When I travel, I usually prefer staying in hostels. This option is not only economical, but as a solo traveler, it also brings many benefits. You get to make acquaintances who can help you when you visit their country or provide you with a contact for your next destination. These acquaintances can make a difference when you feel low during your solo travels. For instance, in Vanadzor, Armenia, I felt low, but the people I met at the hostel helped me feel better.
Staying in hostels also allows you to understand the other culture, their way of life, and their purpose of travel. When I was in Armenia, I learned about Iranians, Russian sanctions, and the impact of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict on Armenians. Additionally, you may meet people with whom you can explore new places and split bills, making your travels more fun and economical.
Lebanon is a small country, and you can reach any farthest part within 2 hours by road. Touristic destinations such as Jounieh, Byblos, Tripoli, Bcharre, Baalbek, and Batroun are located only 30 to 120 minutes away from Beirut. While there are a few hostels in Beirut, in other places, you will need to rely on either Airbnb or use Beirut as your base and come back to the capital.
The Civil War, Beirut Blast, and 2019 Protests are some events that have impacted tourism in the country, causing a decline in the industry. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t travel. You can exercise increased caution while travelling and always follow advisories from the Ministry of External Affairs.
You may want to explore options on CouchSurfing. I stayed with a Taiwanese family in Tokyo for three days, and it was one of the best experiences. Check out Lost in Japan for more information on this.
While Couchsurfing can be a great way to travel, it’s important to understand its limitations and respect your host’s time and energy. Your host may be working or have other commitments, so it’s important to coordinate with them and only come and go when it’s convenient for them. If possible, it’s best to avoid any such limitations unless it’s just for a day.
I prefer booking a hostel that includes breakfast as it is an economical and time-saving option.
Hostels in Beirut
- The Grand Meshmosh Hotel
Best location, superb breakfast and closer to downtown - Hamra Urban Gardens
Good ambience, facilities and lively neighbourhood - The Colony Beirut Hostel
Decent hostel, far from city center