THEY'VE TAKEN THE "YOUTH" OUT OF YOUTH HOSTELLING

The concept of "hostelling" was started in Germany in 1907 by a school teacher who wanted to give his students a chance to explore the countryside. To do this he developed a network of simple accommodations. The movement soon spread across Europe and in 1932 the International Youth Hostel Federation was founded to set standards for hostel and to promote hostelling. Today, Hostelling International is the world's largest accommodation provider with over 5000 hostels in 70 countries. Each year over 45 million guests take advantage of this network of safe, clean, affordable accommodation in both shared and private rooms. Hostel guests can stay in castles in Italy, convents in Ireland, beach houses in Australia, and ski lodges in Canada.

Hostelling International is a non-profit association promoting culturally and environmentally sensitive travel for people of all ages. Today, only hostels in Bavaria, Germany restrict access for those over 26. Everywhere else in the world guests of all ages are welcome. Hostels have evolved over the years and now provide many more services as well as a range of accommodation options. Many offer tours and organised activities designed to help guests experience the physical and cultural environment of the area. A few of the amenities available include guest kitchens for cooking your own meals, restaurants/cafes, games rooms, libraries, laundry facilities, bicycle rentals, internet kiosks and TV lounges. For those planning a walking tour some hostels are located near popular walking and hiking routes.

Most hostels can provide private as well as dormitory style accommodation. Many hostels will provide for families, where a family can have a private room for a slightly higher fee. In the dorms, dividers provide guests with greater privacy and lockers are available to ensure personal security. Due to the popularity of hostels it is now possible to make reservations internationally by phone, fax or email. Most require a credit card number or a pre-paid deposit for the first night. Members have access to the International Booking network for assured accommodation with instant confirmation.

The actual cost of overnight accommodation averages $18. In urban areas hostels are typically more expensive (e.g. London $48, Paris $40). In most countries a valid Hostel International membership card is not required, but non-members can expect to pay an additional 35% for each night's stay. A Hostel International membership card costs $35.00 (incl. GST), and can now be purchased locally at The Traveller's Tale 526 Cliffe Avenue. A number of things to remember if you are planning to use hostels, all hostels offer security lock-up for personal items so it is a good idea to bring your own combination or padlock. Most hostels provide blankets and pillows and require guests to use sleep sheets. Sleep sheets have a pocket to cover the pillow and a flap to protect the blanket. The majority of Hostels prohibit the use of personal sleeping bags for hygienic reasons.

If you are considering this form of travel we will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have, please contact us at 250-703-0168. A useful website is: hihostels.com