I will be in Israel next month on vacation. I am staying mostly in youth hostels in the male dorms because that was what's in my budget. I am in my early 20's, and I have tried to research and book the safest and cleanest places possible. However, I'm slightly nervous about staying in a dorm full of guys I don't know. Is there anything I should be aware of? Obviously, I know to be polite and considerate of the other people. Have any of you stayed in a single sex dorm, specifically a male one? How do I keep myself and my belongings safe, especially while I am asleep?

Also, I am curious about dorm ettiquette. For example, is it alright to sleep in my underwear in a same sex dorm or should I be more conservative? What about other things, like how open people may be regarding sexuality (such as, how do I say this politely, "pleasing one's self") or bodily functions? I've heard stories about guys bringing in girls to the dorm and doing things, and I hope that isn't something I should expect. How "open" are these environments, and what should be my attitude regarding these issues? I know these are sensitive questions and I'm not trying to be offensive, but I honestly would like to know before I go on vacation and don't know who else to ask.

Thank you so much.
Zachary

Obviously I havent stayed in all man dorms - but I have stayed in dorms - usually mixed sex ones. They are a lot of fun in the main and a really good way to meet people. However there are down sides - snoring for instance - take earplugs. People coming back late (drunk) from a night out and crashing around, people getting up early to leave and yes people having company in their beds does happen - but that didnt happen too often.
If you get back late have a torch handy. If you are going early, pack the night before - THE most irritating thing was people packing at 6am with loads of plastic bags in their pack aaaaaargh!!
As far as valuables, often the dorm door is always open or left open and you dont get a key - but I guess this differs country to country - keep your valuables with you during the day or in the safe. By night I stuck my pack under the bed but often there are bunk beds so anywhere you can. At night I put my moneybelt inside my pillowcase. Really its all based on trust and seemed to work just fine everywhere I went. My pack wasnt lockable and quite often had my things left just on my bed during the day. Some places had rucksack lockers you could rent. You could get a pacsafe eg: http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_r ... tail&id=11 if you prefer more security.

Just go with an open mind and try not to let other peoples wonderful array of habits irritate you too much - or if they do just move dorms! I met some great travelling companions.

Try to get smaller sized dorms if you can, I found 6 bedders ok but sometimes stayed in 12-15 bedders - man thats hectic!! LOL

Sorry - cant help you with the delicate man bodily functions Q's - but not that I noticed in any of my dorms!!!

First of all, welcome to BootsnAll, Zachary.

In my hostel experience (keeping in mind I have not been to Israel), male dorms have been completely fine. Depending on the hostel you may be able to choose a 4-8 bed dorm over the large room with many more beds. That may make you feel more at ease. Unless you are an incredibly heavy sleeper your stuff is going to be safe enough while you're actually in the dorm. You can also sleep with your passport/moneybelt/ipod. If you're concerned about leaving it while you shower or go out for the day, you might consider something like a PacSafe. Some hostels also have lockers or locked areas where you can leave the valuable stuff when you don't need it.

As far as the behaviour of the other guests, remember that most people there are just like you. They're probably not going to want to have anyone see them jerk off or have to listen to anyone else doing it either Same probably goes for sex with someone else (unless they've read this) Farting and burping? Who knows? I'd think you'll be fine sleeping in your underwear as long as it's not a thong, but you'll be able to judge your level of comfort very quickly once you're there.

There's always a chance that some of the guys there will want to party and may come back to the dorm late, loud & drunk. Ear plugs can help, but if you're in a room with 10+ guys, it's never going to be a totally quiet place. If you're able to choose a bed away from the door/bathroom, that'll be slightly better.

Sleeping in a dorm is never going to be a perfect night's sleep, but if you go in there with the mindset that it might be noisy & a little uncomfortable at times, after the first night or two you'll figure out your comfort level and how to keep your stuff safe.

Also, I am curious about dorm ettiquette. For example, is it alright to sleep in my underwear in a same sex dorm or should I be more conservative? What about other things, like how open people may be regarding sexuality (such as, how do I say this politely, "pleasing one's self") or bodily functions? I've heard stories about guys bringing in girls to the dorm and doing things, and I hope that isn't something I should expect. How "open" are these environments, and what should be my attitude regarding these issues? I know these are sensitive questions and I'm not trying to be offensive, but I honestly would like to know before I go on vacation and don't know who else to ask.

People don't really care what you sleep in, so long as its under the covers. If you wear tighty-whiteys, though, put some shorts on before you get out of bed in the morning.

We've had a rather extensive discussion about masturbating on the road. End result - in a large enough dorm, there's probably someone wanking. In smaller dorms, it's less likely, but if you spend enough nights in a hostel, you'll probably hear something. If they're being more or less discreet, just ignore it...if not then call them on it and tell them to get a (private) room. With natural functions...burping, farting, snoring, etc...the etiquette is to ignore such things, wear earplugs or request a room change if it's a problem. You'll never be 100% snore-free, but there's some people that you just can't sleep through. I find 4-6 beds is the limit after which you're pretty much guaranteed to have a loud sleeper or late night partier...try to stick to a smaller room if you can.

I've never done the single-sex dorm thing, but I can't imagine it being any different than a mixed dorm. Keep your valuables out of sight at night, and either in a locker or with you during the day. Hostel theft (of anything more valuable than your dinner) is pretty rare, but avoid open temptation. You'll probably lose more things just through missing them while packing...never bring something that is irreplaceable or if it would ruin your trip to lose it.