Europeans have known for years the joys of staying in hostels as a fun and cheap way to stretch their travel dollars. After decades of popularity in Europe, hostelling has become the new travel craze in the United States.
For those who do not know what a hostel is; By definition, a hostel is a place of affordable, supervised accommodation for travellers. You can buy a private room or a bed in a dorm. The living areas are shared. There is usually a resident owner or house manager to help you when you need it. It is a wonderful alternative to more expensive hotels and motels.
Hostelling started in Germany to give city kids a chance to see the countryside. Soon, hostels spread across Europe and gained popularity among young people as a safe way to have a bed, shower plus security while backpacking Europe. Staying in a hostel was a great way to meet other young people from all over the world. Making new friends was easy, as travelers stayed in shared bunk rooms, sharing kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Hostels began to spring up in the United States when Americans who enjoyed their European hostel experience brought the idea home.
Today’s hostels are no longer just for young people. Most hostels offer travelers the option of private rooms with or without a private bathroom, or a bunk bed in a dorm that shares a bathroom. Shared rooms can be female-only, male-only, or mixed. As a result, families with children, singles, couples, and retirees have found hostels to be a great way to stretch their travel budget. Some shelters specialize in providing travel services for seniors only. “Senior Shelters” have become very popular among seniors on fixed incomes who want to travel, learn, and socialize.
In today’s tough economy, our travel budgets have decreased along with our bank accounts and retirement accounts. Hostels give travelers the opportunity to get away for a few days or take that family vacation without “breaking the bank.” they range from $30.00 to $60.00 and up per night, depending on the room and the number of people in the group.
When you think about what you do on vacation, do you usually look for an interesting city, an attraction or a beach to enjoy? Do you plan to fill your days exploring, shopping, eating and having fun? Are you tired at night and just need a safe, clean, quiet and comfortable place to sleep? Then hostelling is for you.
American hostels must be licensed in their state and provide security locks on all rooms. Hostels are often located in residential areas within walking distance of area attractions. When you stay at a hostel, other guests, neighbors, and employees will be happy to tell you about the best places to see and great places to eat. Best of all, local businesses often provide the hostel with many discount coupons for restaurants, bike rentals, museums, and local attractions.
It’s important to understand what hostels do and don’t offer so you know what to expect before you get there. While only a few hostels provide breakfast, they generally all have food storage and refrigeration available so you can bring your own food. Most US hostels provide bedding, while many European hostels do not. There could be free Wi-Fi for your laptop and/or a computer at home to check your emails. If you are traveling by car, make sure parking is available. If you need a ride to or from the airport, they can usually find transportation for you. Most hostels have websites, so check the internet for their rates and services before making a reservation.
Here is an example of what a hostel looks like. Let’s say you’ve always wanted to visit Saint Augustine, Florida. It is the oldest city in the United States and there is much to see. Instead of a hotel, you decide to stay in the biggest hostel there. You can make reservations online, call, or take your chances by stopping by. Check-in hours may be extended until 8:00 pm Check-in consists of filling out a registration and waiver form and paying for the nights you plan to stay (cash and credit cards accepted). Hostel rules are posted so you know what is expected of you.
After check-in, the on-site manager gives you a tour of the hostel including instructions on how to use the keypad door locks (no keys to lose), where to find your bedding (they provide bedding including a towel, wash cloth, sheets, and blankets) where to store food, how to use appliances, and which bed or private room you are assigned. Note: they will usually make your bed for you if you book in advance. He will explain that there is free coffee and tea in the kitchen for guests, free billiards in the pool room, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, a computer in the house and cable TV, home theater and surround sound In the living room. Additionally, guests can use the house phone to make free calls within the United States, and self-service laundry is available.
Smoking is only allowed on the rear deck and covered front porch. Parking is available on-site and nearby, there’s a convenience store next door, and they can usually find it to take you back to the airport for a small fee. He will introduce you to other guests and let you know what’s going on downtown and how easy it is to get there. He will offer you a free coupon book with discounts for local restaurants, museums and sightseeing. At that time you are free to enjoy your visit and the hostel. You can sightsee, mingle with guests, play pool, or just relax. The manager is usually close by or just a phone call away if he needs anything.
As you can see, a hostel is like staying with friends or family, much more personal than a hotel or motel. It’s that feeling of being with friends and of course the tremendous savings that has made hostels the cheap travel alternative and the latest travel craze in America.