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Viewing Budget Hostels: What They Are and Where to Find ThemBudget Hostels: What They Are and Where to Find Them
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Instead of staying in expensive hotels on your next trip, why not consider hostelling? Hostels are dormitory-style budget accommodations for travelers that help keep your money where it belongs - in your pocket. Read on for more information. By Thomas Carroll Hostels are budget accommodations for travelers. They offer an excellent alternative to the traditional motel or hotel, and they exist in most parts of the world for the traveler who wants to hostel stomp and save tons of cash to travel for longer periods. Usually hostels have several bunk beds in each room. Instead of renting one room to one or two people like hotels do, hostels rent a room to four or more people and may therefore offer a substantial discount. Where a hotel might offer a room for two people at $80 a night or more, a hostel can rent a room to eight people for $10 a night each, and still make as much money as a traditional hotel, sometimes more. The cost of hostels in the U.S. averages from $8 and $25 per night. In other countries (depending on where you go) hostels can be as cheap as $2 to $3 per night. Hostels range from the basics of a room and bath, to huge buildings that include kitchens, Internet service, recreation rooms, televisions, gyms, and libraries. Some hostels offer free breakfast and the occasional party or tour. Lockers or deposit boxes are available to store your valuables - but bring your own lock. When a hostel offers free Internet and breakfast, you'll save even more money than just on a place to stay. If a kitchen is available, you can cook your own meals instead of going out to eat, which helps tremendously in keeping your money where it belongs - in your pocket. If you want to meet other travelers and get travel information, hostels are the way to go. Message boards are posted with notes from travelers looking for companions or selling plane and bus tickets. Transportation deals, flyers from other hostels, tour groups, and other useful information is also posted. If you are looking for something to do in the city you are visiting, you can ask the staff for suggestions. They are usually very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. The downside to some hostels is the regulations they have for the visitor. Most hostels require an out-of-state ID (in the USA) or a passport. Sometimes, a bus or plane ticket must be shown to prove that you are traveling, and an extra dollar or two may be charged to rent blankets and a towel. Some travelers prefer to bring their own towels and a 'sleep sheet.' This is simply a folded sheet that is sewn together on one side, somewhat like a sleeping bag. Occasionally, chores are assigned to offset a few of the costs of running the hostel. Curfews and other rules may affect any party plans that you might have. However, most hostels do not have many rules, as these rules tend to steer independent travelers in other directions. Hostels are available worldwide in almost every big city and in several small cities. They are especially valuable in expensive countries like the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan. Do a keyword search for 'hostels' in your favorite search engine. You will find several resources that list virtually every hostel in the world. In most cases, you can book your hostel in advance online. Hostels can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars every time you travel. So the next time you are planning a vacation on a budget, be sure to give hostelling some serious consideration. About the Author: Thomas Carroll shows how to travel the world for $1,000 a month or less, and how to get paid for it on his website - LoneWolfAdventure.net. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) |
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