| Europeans have known for years the joys of staying | | | | supply the hostel with plenty of discount coupons for |
| at Hostels for a fun and inexpensive way to stretch | | | | restaurants, bike rentals, museums and local attractions. |
| their travel dollars. After decades of popularity in | | | | It is important to understand what hostels will and won't |
| Europe, hostelling has become the newest travel | | | | provide so you know what to expect before you get |
| craze in America. | | | | there. While only some hostels provide breakfast, they |
| For those who do not know what a hostel is; by | | | | usually all have food storage and refrigeration available |
| definition, a Hostel is a supervised, inexpensive lodging | | | | so you can bring your own food. Most American |
| place for travelers. You can buy a private room or a | | | | hostels provide linens, while many European hostels do |
| bed in a dormitory. Living areas are shared. There is | | | | not. There could be free Wi-Fi for your laptop and/or a |
| usually a live-in owner or house manager to help when | | | | house computer to check your email. If you are |
| you need it. It is a wonderful alternative to more | | | | traveling by car, make sure parking is available. If you |
| expensive hotels and motels. | | | | need a ride to or from the airport, they can usually find |
| Hostelling started in Germany to give city kids a | | | | transportation for you. Most hostels have websites, so |
| chance to see the countryside. Soon hostels spread | | | | check the internet to see their rates and amenities |
| across Europe gaining in popularity with young people | | | | before you make a reservation. |
| as a safe way to have a bed, shower plus security as | | | | Here's an example of what a hostel is like. Let's say |
| they backpacked through Europe. Staying at a hostel | | | | you always wanted to visit Saint Augustine, Florida. It is |
| was a great way to meet other young people from | | | | the Oldest City in the United States and there is a lot |
| around the world. Making new friends was easy, since | | | | to see. Instead of a hotel, you decide to stay at the |
| travelers stayed in dormitory rooms in bunk beds, | | | | largest Hostel there. You can make reservations online, |
| sharing the kitchen, living areas and bathrooms. Hostels | | | | call or take your chances by dropping by. Check-in |
| began to spring up in the United States as Americans | | | | hours can run up to 8:00 PM. Check in consists of filling |
| who enjoyed their European hostel experience brought | | | | out a registration and waiver form and paying for the |
| the idea home. | | | | nights you plan to stay (cash and credit cards are |
| Today's hostels are no longer just for the young. Most | | | | accepted). Hostel Rules are posted so you know what |
| hostels give travelers a choice of private rooms with | | | | is expected of you. |
| or without a private bath, or a bunk bed in a dormitory | | | | After check in, the on-site manager gives you a tour |
| sharing a bath. Dormitory rooms can be female only, | | | | of the hostel that includes instructions on how to use |
| male only or mixed. As a result, families with children, | | | | the keypad door locks (no keys to lose), where to find |
| singles, couples and retirees have all discovered | | | | your linens, (they provide linens including a towel, wash |
| hostels as a great way to stretch their travel budget. | | | | cloth, sheets and blankets) where to store your food, |
| Some hostels specialize in providing travel services | | | | how to use the appliances and what bed or private |
| just for seniors. "Elder Hostels" have become very | | | | room you are assigned to. Note: they will usually have |
| popular with seniors on a fixed income who want to | | | | the bed made for you if you reserve in advance. He |
| travel, learn and socialize. | | | | will explain there is free coffee and tea in the guest |
| In today's tough economy, our travel budgets have | | | | kitchen, free billiards in the pool room, free Wi-Fi in all |
| decreased along with our bank accounts and | | | | the rooms, a house computer and cable TV, home |
| retirement accounts. Hostels give travelers a chance | | | | theater system and surround sound in the living room. |
| to get away for a few days or take that family | | | | Plus, guests can use the house phone for free calls |
| vacation without 'breaking the bank". While prices vary | | | | within the United States and coin laundry is available. |
| from place to place and season to season, dormitory | | | | Smoking is only allowed on the back deck and |
| beds typically cost from $15 to $22.00 per night, and | | | | covered front porch. Parking is available on-site as well |
| private rooms range from $30.00 to $60.00 and up per | | | | as nearby, there is a convenience store next door and |
| night, depending on the room and number of people in | | | | they can usually find you a ride back to the airport for |
| the group. Reservations are recommended, but most | | | | a small fee. He will introduce you to other guests and |
| hostels welcome walk-in traffic. | | | | let you know what is going on downtown and how |
| When you think about what you do on vacation, are | | | | easy it is to get there. He will offer you a free coupon |
| you normally looking for an interesting city, attraction or | | | | book with discounts for restaurants, museums and |
| beach to enjoy? Do you plan to fill your days exploring, | | | | local sightseeing. At that point you are free to enjoy |
| shopping, eating and having fun? At night are you tired | | | | your visit and the hostel. You can sightsee, mingle with |
| and just need a safe, clean, quiet and comfortable | | | | guests, play pool or just relax. The manager is usually |
| place to sleep? Then hostelling is for you. | | | | around or just a phone call away if you need anything. |
| American hostels must be licensed in their state and | | | | As you can see, a Hostel is like staying with friends or |
| provide security locks in all the rooms. Hostels are | | | | family, much more personal than a hotel or motel. It is |
| usually located in residential areas within walking | | | | that feeling of being with friends and of course the |
| distance to the area attractions. When you stay at a | | | | tremendous savings that has made hostels the cheap |
| hostel, other guests, neighbors and employees are | | | | travel alternative and the latest travel craze in |
| happy to fill you in on the best places to see and great | | | | America. |
| places to eat. Best of all, local businesses will typically | | | | |