A video capturing a budget-conscious traveler’s grim lodging experience has gone viral on Instagram.
The video, posted by @fiona.strack, captures a series of bleak scenes from a venue she describes as “not sure if it was a hostel, a dog shelter, or a prison.”
Text overlaid on the video reads: “When you budget backpacked a little too hard.”
In the clip, which has garnered more than 28.5 million views since it was shared on June 23, the traveler pans over dimly lit rooms, a floor-level sleeping setup, and an uninviting, empty toilet. At one point, she is seen securing herself behind a gate inside what appears to be a partitioned bunk or enclosure.
Despite the stark imagery, the poster highlights what was included in the low nightly rate. The caption reads: “still not sure if it was a hostel, a dog shelter, or a prison. but hey, 6€ [around $7] a night and I had Wi-Fi, electricity, a fan and a clean towel.”
There are greater economic pressures in the travel industry. A 2025 report published by Cloudbeds, a hospitality management platform, found that the hostel sector is grappling with surging demand and persistent high costs in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, which analyzed data from 2,300 hostels across 62 countries and nearly 11 million bookings made between 2022 and 2024, noted that, while growth began to stabilize in 2024, affordability remains a pressing concern.
“By 2024, growth began to level off, but costs remained high,” the report stated. “In 2025, these conditions are expected to persist, compounded by increasing price sensitivity among travelers and an ongoing labor crisis—putting even greater pressure on profitability.”
The report said that 2025 would be the “year of optimizing performance,” pushing hostel operators to improve operations and guest experiences amid challenging market conditions.
‘May This Never Ever Find Me’
The tone of the viral post, a mix of disbelief and dark humor, resonated widely among Instagram users who either empathized or expressed incredulity.
“Been there done that so many times and my mind is just going ‘don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry,'” wrote user @thatmidwesternmom.
Others, such as @pluri.potency, expressed clear boundaries, saying: “may this never ever find me.”
For many, the conditions crossed a line. User @lavodnas was among those who prioritized comfort and security over savings, saying: “I am so glad that my level of ‘budget hotels‘ are four stars and up. I’m not compromising safety, a good night’s rest, a private bathroom and shower, and room service just to save a few bucks.”
Some users found the situation relatable or even defensible. “Honestly when I travel I’m BARELY in my hotel room apart to recharge and sleep so as long as I got wifi and a roof and a bed I’m chilling,” posted @lia_.christine.
Another commenter, @misses.abi.m, noted the safety aspect, writing: “I’d actually feel safe in the fact I’m locked in.”
Others took a more pragmatic view. “Honestly it seems all right, dorm beds with walls and looks clean, power socket etc … bathroom could be better yes but otherwise … for 6€ [$7] that’s a really good deal,” commented @jeeeahn.
Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via Instagram. This video has not been independently verified.
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