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Hostels (more commonly referred to as "youth hostels") are a loosely-defined form of guesthouse, generally low-budget compared to other places to sleep. Although often used by youth there is usually no upper age limit.

Table of contents

1 Understand 2 Hostelling International 3 Sailboat Hostels 4 See also 5 Resources

Understand

• Hostels originally provided dormitory-style budget accommodation to travellers, with anywhere from two to dozens of guests sharing a room, depending on its size. However, many hostels now provide private single and double rooms in addition to dormitory accommodation. Shared bathrooms are still the norm. For many hostelers, the opportunity to meet other travelers is part of their appeal.
• Hostels vary widely in their rules and regulations, with certain hostels imposing a curfew (to avoid disturbing other guests, and so they can lock the doors) and others letting you come and go at all hours. This depends on the hostel and its affiliation. Generally, hostels that are part of Hostelling International, for instance, do impose a curfew as well as a limit to the number of days you can stay. Some hostels require guests to help with simple chores such as cleaning or preparing breakfast. Guests may have to provide their own sheets or standard "sleep sack" (a sheet folded over and sewn into a sleeping bag), and usually their own towels.
• Some hostels separate accommodations for men and women (so a couple might have to split up for the night), while others place them together.
• The quality of lodging can vary widely; some hostels are in beautiful historical buildings or well-kept modern facilities, while others are in spartan, aging structures.
• Common facilities include a shared lounge, laundry room, and kitchen.

Hostelling International

Many national hostelling organizations have joined together to form Hostelling International (http://www.hihostels.com/) (formerly International Youth Hostel Federation), which maintains lists of youth hostels around the world and even takes bookings for some online. Affiliated hostels usually offer a certain minimum standard of lodging and a degree of accountability, although usually the largest risk (in terms of theft) is your fellow travellers, not the management.

Note that in some countries, many hostels are not affiliated with HI (eg. Australia). Hostels are less common in North America than in Europe. Particularly in poorer countries, the IYHF network may be very limited and possibly even more expensive than alternative accommodations. Also beware of hidden charges: for example, in Scandinavian countries it is typical to charge extra if you do not provide your own bedding.

Sailboat Hostels

A sailboat hostel is a boat that has been redone for or dedicated to use as a hostel for international backpacker travelers. A sailboat hostel is a great way to see things that would otherwise be inaccessible or too expensive on a shoestring budget. A hostel of this sort should offer their beds at what could be considered a hosteling rate (roughly between $5 and $60 per day, depending on the country).

Sailboat hostels, depending on their size, can accommodate 3 or more people. Generally they would include a breakfast and some general sailing instruction and safety guidelines, as well as activities related to the sea such as snorkeling and surfing, to name only a couple.

While there are several stationary and motor-powered boat hostels, currently there are only a small handful of boats that could be considered sailboat hostels. This is a new kind of adventure, taking the spirit of international backpacker travel to the sea.

See also

• Elderhostel (http://www.elderhostel.org/about/default.asp)

Resources

• GOMIO.COM (http://www.gomio.com/) Find and book hostels. Driven by the European Hostel Cooperation.