| Yes! | | | | to find a last-minute vacancy, no matter how many |
| If you are on a tight budget and want to try something | | | | times you have stayed at your favorite hostel. |
| different, consider a hostelling getaway. Nowadays | | | | Before you charge the room deposit to your credit |
| many older adults are joining the ranks of students and | | | | card do some research! |
| backpackers who stay in hostels all over the world. | | | | • Are there guest reviews available online? |
| There are some important details to consider, | | | | • Does the hostel impose a "locked door" curfew? |
| however. | | | | • Do they have maid service? |
| Although the quality and comfort varies widely from | | | | • How often are rooms cleaned? |
| hostel to hostel, you can expect rather sparse | | | | • What is the policy for early check-out? |
| accommodations compared to an inn or hotel. You will | | | | • Does the hostel belong to an organization like |
| probably be sharing sleeping quarters with several | | | | Hostelling International? |
| people, usually of the same gender. Private bathrooms | | | | • Will you be required to leave your passport at |
| are rare. You may have to walk down a hall to reach | | | | the front desk? |
| the bathroom - which may have only a toilet. | | | | • What is the "lights out" policy? |
| You may be required to provide your own bedding | | | | • Is there a 24-hour staff member on premises? |
| and towels. Sometimes linen is included in the nightly | | | | • Is the hostel near downtown and tourist |
| rate. Other times it will be provided for an extra | | | | attractions? |
| charge. Laundry facilities may be available - usually | | | | • How close are public transit and police facilities? |
| coin-operated. | | | | • Is there a medical clinic in the neighborhood? |
| Sometimes breakfast will be included with your hostel | | | | • Can you purchase groceries nearby? |
| package. Some hostels have kitchens where guests | | | | Always be prepared for emergencies. That means |
| can prepare simple meals. | | | | having some extra cash in reserve for unexpected |
| You may be fortunate enough to locate | | | | contingencies. Photocopy your important documents |
| accommodations with free amenities such as: | | | | before you leave - and make sure that the copies are |
| • Complimentary in-city shuttle service | | | | accessible if you need them. |
| • Airport/rail terminal pickup | | | | Somebody back home should have a copy of your |
| • Common area with satellite or cable TV | | | | itinerary, especially if you are making a trip abroad. If |
| • DVD library | | | | possible, establish some "checkpoint times" where you |
| • Internet access and/or guest computer | | | | can call home to let everyone know where (and how) |
| • Safety deposit boxes | | | | you are. Leaving a message via e-mail is also an |
| • Guided tours | | | | excellent option. |
| • Access doors with computer-coded key cards | | | | Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance. |
| Some lodgings require an advance deposit via credit | | | | Does it cover hospital expenses and transport in case |
| card. However, the balance of your stay and any | | | | of serious injury? |
| extra charges may be payable in cash. If you object | | | | There a few more hostelling tips at 111 Travel |
| to carrying cash, make sure that you have a | | | | Directory's hostelling tips page. Please be sure to |
| recognized ATM card. You will get the most favorable | | | | check them out when you have a few minutes. |
| exchange rates from ATM machines, with no extra | | | | If you like meeting people, and you are not afraid of a |
| commission charges. | | | | little adventure, hostelling can be a great getaway. |
| Always reserve a room ahead of time. Do not expect | | | | |