Typically, the choice to stay at a hostel is driven by budget rather than by desire. (After all, who among us wouldn't choose a five-star hotel if money were no object?)

But ballin' on a budget doesn't have to mean putting your life at risk (or at the very least, your hygiene) by sleeping somewhere sketchy.

Because, while these hostels are as wallet-friendly as they come, they're also cool enough to be worthy of your hard-earned vacation days.

So throw caution to the wind, tell your boss you quit – okay, maybe just ask for time off – and ditch your cubicle in favor of a bunk abroad. At least for a little while.

Here are 18 hostels from around the world that will give you a serious case of wanderlust.

1. Lucky Lake Hostel

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Starting at €25

Book a brightly-painted private trailer just 30 minutes from Amsterdam's city center. They also have cabins with mixed and single-gender dorms if that’s more your style.

Images via Hostel World.