How to transform your hostel bathroom into a personal spa

Backpacking and staying in hostels has so much going for it. You’ll get a comfortable bed at a price that allows you to spend your money on delicious street food and unforgettable experiences. You’ll make friends for life. And you can let your hair down at wild hostel parties. But when you are used to having access to a whole suite of beauty products in your bathroom cupboard, you might have a bit of a shock when you have to pack all of your beauty essentials into your small backpack. And instead of having your own private bath, you’ll most likely be sharing a bathroom area and shower in your hostel.

There’s no doubt that you will get used to having a stripped down beauty regimen, but sometimes you just need to pamper yourself. Fortunately for you, we’re giving you the inside track on how to transform your shared hostel bathroom into your own personal spa. Here’s everything you need to know…

Coconut oil is your friend

Taking a big tub of coconut oil with you from home is not necessary because it can be found in most places in the world. The great thing about this magical substance is that it can be used in so many ways. Slather yourself head to toe in coconut oil after a shower and your skin will feel soft and moisturised (plus, coconut oil has some natural UV protection. You can mix it with some sugar from the hostel kitchen to create an exfoliating scrub. And you can put it in your hair overnight as a conditioning hair mask. If there is one beauty product you need on the road, this is the one.

Give yourself a massage

One of the most luxurious things you can do in a spa is have a massage. But you don’t need a qualified massage therapist to transport you to a place of relaxed bliss – you can give yourself a massage! If you have been exploring a new bustling city and your head is pounding at the end of the day, try out this head massage for size. Place your thumbs gently on your temples, and move them around gently in a circular motion. Gradually increase the pressure and move your fingers across your hairline so that you are moving the whole of your hairline and scalp. This will make you feel relaxed and ready to flop into your hostel bed.

Travel with tea lights

Okay, we know that you need to pack as lightly as possible, but tea lights are tiny, and you will only need to use them while you are in the bathroom, so they should last for a time. They are also easy to pick up in most places. Last thing at night when you are washing your face and applying moisturiser, simply dim the lights in the bathroom and light a tea light. If the candle is scented – even better. You will instantly forget that you are sharing a bathroom with 12 other people and that you have your own private oasis.

Steam your face

What do you have access to in a hostel that will cost you absolutely nothing but can provide you with amazing beauty benefits? Steam! Simply boil some water, and place it in a basin when it is boiling hot. Place your face over the water and then drape a towel over your head to lock the steam in. This will open your pores, allowing you to then wipe your face and remove any dirt that is lodged deep down in your skin. Afterwards, splash your face with cold water to tighten the skin again.

The magic of tea

You’ve probably enjoyed a cup of tea with your breakfast in a hostel, but have you ever thought of using them on your hair and skin? If not, think again! Simply place some cold, wet teabags on your puffy eyes and you’ll notice a dramatic improvement – this is because caffeine shrinks blood vessels. But the benefits of tea don’t end there. Brew some black tea, allow it to cool, and rinse your hair with the liquid, and you will find that your hair is left looking much shinier. The moral of the story is – grab a few extra teabags at your hostel breakfast!

Grab oatmeal at the breakfast table

If you are in a hostel that serves up oatmeal or porridge in the morning time, make sure that you take a few extra spoonfuls of oats as these can be used to exfoliate your skin. When you are out in the elements all day and exposed to pollution, it’s really important to remove the dirt and dead layers of skin, but expensive beauty products are not necessary. Simply mix your oatmeal with a little bit of milk until it has formed a paste. You can add some honey too, which softens the skin, but it’s not necessary. Spread the mixture on your skin, let in dry for twenty minutes and then splash it off with warm water. Your skin will feel soft like a baby’s bum afterwards.

And there you have it! You have no excuses not to have a decadent spa experience – even when you are staying in hostels. With these treatments and the joy that hosteling brings, you’re bound to look healthier than ever before!

What are your top tips for keeping groomed on the road?

Thanks to rpavich, and Pascal for the excellent pictures from Flickr. Please note they were under Creative Commons Licence at time of publishing.