Hostels

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Hostels

Hostels are like Hotels’ teenage brother or sister: with a slightly worse wardrobe and less disposable income they still seem to be having more fun and take a greater joy in simple pleasures.

Hostels are destination numero uno for the backpacker, the budget traveller or, often, the solo traveller. They range from privately owned concerns, to mini chains or larger associations (like the Youth Hostel Association).

Cheap accommodation

In many countries they are are often run by religious institutions so don’t expect a dizzying nightlife in them! They are probably of most use in the more pricey western world where hotels can be prohibitively expensive.

With mass cross-continental backpacking, hostels are usually home to a younger clientele. And accommodation usually spans large, cheap dormitory style rooms for 4 people upwards to some private accommodation as well.

But even for the budget price some hostels really are superb places to stay. Some go all out by providing bars, cooked meals, first rate accommodation, organised trips and tours and even some swanky extras. Some hostels on Australia’s East coast have swimming pools and organised fun and games for their guests too.

Meet new best friends

They are therefore great places to meet people, to have a drink and have fun, without the airs and graces of some hotels. But with budgets tight, don’t expect all the above from every hostel. Some really are run on basic lines, which is perfect if you just want a bed for the night, but lacking if you are looking for more of an experience.

Security in hostels is usually very good, but it would be wise to take extra care of your possessions in dormitory rooms. Also, with communal living quarters comes communal washing facilities - sometimes leaving much to be desired.

There are literally thousands of hostels worldwide to choose from. The best place to start looking is in a guidebook if you have one, which have a good eye for good value and quality and will have sifted through the hostel trough to bring you the best there is in a particular town or region.

Use our search above to find the best hostels online

A lot of hostels now have their own websites too, so you can check their accommodation and prices and book directly too, which is useful. Comparison websites built on user reviews are another excellent way of sorting out the good hostel from the bad, but always keep in mind that some reviews are less objective than others...

Staying in a good hostel can be an immensely rewarding experience and cost effective experience, so it pays to look around. Good luck!