Hostels are known for providing affordable accommodation for travelers from all over the world. But aside from having a comfortable bed to sleep in, hostels offer a unique social experience. One of the best ways to bond with fellow travelers is by playing games in the common areas. Here are some fun, social game ideas to play in hostel common rooms that are sure to break the ice and create new friendships.
Dice Games
Dice games are a popular choice because of their accessibility and ease of play, requiring only a few basic materials, such as dice and a surface to roll them on, so they can easily be played in a hostel common room! From games such as Yahtzee and Farkle to Sic Bo, there are plenty of options offering a diverse range of gameplay experiences.
Sic Bo is a popular Chinese dice game that is easy to learn and can accommodate a large number of players, making it a perfect option for a group of travelers. You only need a roll-up Sic Bo travel mat and the requisite three dice. The game is played with three dice, and the objective is to predict the outcome of the dice roll. Players place their bets on a table that displays various betting options, and the dealer rolls the dice. Before getting started, take a look at this complete guide to playing Sic Bo.
Card Games
If you’re looking for a way to socialise at a hostel, you won’t need more than a pack of cards. Card games such as President, Blackjack and Poker are always a hit in hostel common spaces as they require minimal equipment and can be played with a large group of people. Blackjack is a simple card game that is played between the dealer and the players. The objective of the game is to have a hand value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without going over.
In Poker, the objective of the game is to have the best hand at the end of the game. Each player is dealt five cards, and they can choose to fold (quit the game), bet (place a wager), or call (match a bet). The game can be played with various rules and variations, requiring some skill and strategy to win. If you’re looking to create a tense and exciting atmosphere amongst your new group of friends, you can’t go wrong with a game of poker. If you really want to get ahead of your competitors, read up on some poker-playing tips beforehand.
Quizzes
Quizzes are a great way to test your knowledge and have fun with new friends. Hostel residents can create their quizzes on various topics, such as movies, music, history, or geography. Given that hostel guests tend to come from a diverse range of places, you could suggest that each participant writes 5 to 10 questions based on their own countries and cultures. Like that, everyone will learn something new whilst having fun at the same time! Alternatively, there are plenty of quiz sites where you can find ready-to-go questions.
Playing games is a great way to break the ice and bond with fellow travelers. These games require minimal equipment, making them easy to set up and play. So, the next time you find yourself in a hostel, don’t hesitate to suggest a game or two in the common room and see how quickly you can create a memorable and enjoyable experience.