As a solo traveler, I wouldn't have anyone to split the Airbnb or hotel cost with. In a hostel, I just pay for my one bed.
Hostels have a bad reputation, and often it's not deserved... if you have earbuds and an eye mask, it's not that bad.
I've paid less than $15 a night for last-minute hostels in Costa Rica... This is much less than I'd pay for a hotel.
Hostels increasingly have been installing individual curtains round each bed, too, so that you can block off the noise and light at night.
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