Don't fear Hostels

So you want to get away for the summer. Maybe a city break or a beach holiday with friends, or for the adventurous a spot of inter railing. You've got a tight budget, so naturally the flights are booked with Easyjet. But then it comes to accommodation. As much as you'd like to go to the 5 star luxury hotel, let's be honest on your budget it's never going to happen. You can't be bothered to lug a tent around the airports and you're not up to trying couch surfing. So you settle on the youth hostel. And although many people get nervous about the thought of sleeping in a dorm with strangers from all around the world or don't like the fact that they might have to buy their own breakfast, there really isn't anything to fear about staying in hostels. In fact there's a lot to look forward to.

What's great about hostels is that they're all completely different. Unlike hotel chains, where everything is standardized and impersonal, each hostel has it's own quirks. Some may be art hostels  showcasing work from local artists, some maybe converted churches,banks, caves, schools or even prisons. The variety of hostels on offer means you can find exactly what you're looking for, whether you want a standard bed in a room or something a little more unusual. Staying somewhere that little bit different makes your trip even more memorable. Lets be honest your'e not going to rave about the amazing white room you had at the Holiday Inn now are you?

You could be staying here.

Also they are obviously  great value, but it's not just about getting a cheap bed for the night. Hostels provide a lot more than that. Most hostels offer free wifi, laundry facilities, free linen and housekeeping, kitchen and cooking facilities, a common/games room, meaning the amount you get for your money will make you think twice about a "cheap" stay at a Premier Inn. Most even have a bar or restaurant or cafe, which is the perfect place to meet other travellers. Some hostels, particularly those in big cities or aimed at young travellers, organise a range of soical events such as bar crawls and music nights, so if you so wish you can have the Malia lifestyle whilst in Berlin, Budapest or Bangkok. And you wont spend a fortune shelling out for fish-bowls either. And for those of you who love to cool down with a swim after a hard day's sightseeing or sun lounger hogging, then you don't need to miss out either, as many hostels have swimming pools, sun decks and even saunas. Basically there isn't anything you'd find in a hotel that a hostel can't replicate just as well. Except perhaps those little chocolates on your pillow.

Here.

Although the main thing that puts people off staying in hostels is the thought of sharing a dorm with strangers, this can be the best part of staying there.  This is the easiest way to meet people whilst travelling and acquire instant travelling companions and life long friends from all over the world. A friend of mine recently went on holiday to Munich by himself and within an hour or so of checking in had made several friends to hang around with, who were experienced travellers, so  knew all the best places to go. And although not everyone will be your cup of tea, and you might meet a few oddballs, you'll definitely meet some memorable characters, and discover different outlooks on living. Hey you might even find a few pen pals or future holiday companions. Even those who aren't social butterflies will soon open up and share travel stories with the harem pant wearing rastafarian on bunk two. Hostels make holidays an experience, rather than just a getaway.

Or even here. ( yes, these are all real hostels)

So next time you're craving a trip away, but don't think you've got the money for an all-inclusive blow out in Spain, consider the humble youth hostel and you may see you've got more than enough money for  that holiday you desperately need.

5 Tips for Youth Hostelling

1. Use general hostel search engines to compare prices and explore your options. I recommend  Hostelworld.com, as not only does it have a huge database, but all hostels are reviewed by travellers and rated out of 100 on aspects such as cleanliness, security and location, so you can find exactly what you're looking for. 

2. Check what is provided before you go. Some provide bed linen and towels for free, some don'

t. If you're doing a long trip and visiting several destinations stick a towel and sleeping bag in your backpack so you're flexible. 

3. Take a bike lock or a padlock with you for hostel lockers if you're staying in a dorm. Most should have padlocks, but it's good to be prepared just in case.

4. If you need transport from the airport email your hostel before your stay. A lot of city hostels will provide a cheap shuttle service if you let them know in advance. 

5. Make use of the staff on reception. With many hostels the staff are travellers and backpackers themselves, so will be able to give you tips on the best and cheapest places to go. Some hostels can also provide discounts on local restaurants and tourist attractions.