Around the Planet

If you are traveling on a tight budget, and, let’s face it, most of us inveterate travellers have at some time been backpackers, then one of the biggest drains on your finances is going to be accommodation. But fear not – this is where youth hostels come in, and the secret is that you don’t even have to be young to stay in them.

Hostelling International is a non-profit membership organization, and for a modest annual membership fee, ($25 a year in the USA, £16 in the UK), you have more than four thousand hostels in over eighty countries at your disposal.

Youth hostels started out providing cheap accommodation for young travellers, to encourage young people to get to know the countryside, and to visit other countries. However with the increase in popularity of travelling on a shoestring amongst all ages, it is now accepted that the HI hostels are for all budget travellers who want to enjoy the natural environment and see the world. The hostels are especially popular in Europe, Asia and Australia where travelling on limited finances with a pack on your back is often seen as a more authentic way to see the world than by luxury travel.

Most hostels offer a bed in a single-sex dormitory, use of a shared kitchen, and availability of reasonably priced meals. Many hostels also include breakfast in the cost of the overnight stay. The overnight cost is reasonable, and compares well with other alternatives, such as bed and breakfast places.

In France and the USA youth hostels are fairly spartan and austere, though friendly by virtue of the fact that they are full of international travelers. However in Belgium and Holland the hostels are truly outstanding, with smaller rooms available for two people, and friendly bars where you can mix with other people from around the world. Scandinavian hostels are full of enthusiastic outdoor types, and provide a great way of seeing these otherwise rather expensive countries. For those heading for Asia, I can also assert that Japanese youth hostels are good, providing a friendly atmosphere, delicious food and organized activities.

The UK has some hostels in very remote and beautiful parts of the British countryside, such as in the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District, as well as a number of hostels in London and other major cities.

Wherever you go, Hostelling International offers budget accommodation of a guaranteed standard, and a warm welcome.