Youth hostels?

[GoErin]

Has anyone here ever used youth hostels as a way to save money when traveling? My son and I want to go to Scotland and I want to keep costs as low as possible. Thanks for any experiences, tips, etc.

Erin

[3tbear]

GoErin, my DH and I stayed at one last year when we went to Boston, Massachusetts. The only thing, was that in Boston our hostel cost just a little under what a hotel would have charged us 'cause we got one with a private bathroom, most of the time they are shared in the hall. I think the ones in Europe are much cheaper to stay at. If you're looking for a fancy room, then a youth hostel is not for you. The one we stayed in was very basic. You get a bed, you can bring your own sheets, or rent them, depending on what that particular youth hostel offers so it's best to phone ahead about those things. We didn't want to share a room so we got a private room, especially since I forgot to bring a nightgown. Some hostels have curfews, it's best to check about that too. I have friends in Belgium and that's the only way they travel. They have 2 children so for them it's much cheaper that way. The hostel we stayed at did not have parking for their guests, another thing you should inquire about. We had to park on the street which had meters and keep feeding the meters 'til 6pm I believe it was, then after that time you wouldn't get a parking ticket.

If you're looking for inexpensive hotels, I always buy the Fodor's guide books to Europe. You can get hotels in there for around $55.00 a night in Paris, France for instance. They are few, but they do exist. I don't know about the area you wish to travel to, but there are thrift guide books for all areas of Europe at our local book store.


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[freesurfer]

I"ve never heard of this.

[beffie]

I've heard of them, actually have seen documentary type shows about them. Sounds like a "cheap" way to travel, and if I ever had the chance to travel around Europe, staying at youth hostels, I would jump at it! Like 3tbear said; they are basic...

I've been told by many people that when you travel, especially abroad, the best way to experience the local area/culture would be to stay at little locally ran establishments... this would be a good chance to really see what the "local s" are like.

[bbouma]

I dont know if you are familiar with Rick Steves. He does travel documentaries specializing in Europe. I LOVE him. Anyways, he highly recommends staying in youth hostels as a great way to meet other travelers, and it is a great way to save costs. Depending on where you go, you might be staying in anywhere from a castle to a college dormitory. I highly recommend his website. There may be some more information on hostels. I just watched the one that had did on Great Britain, which included Scotland. (I rented it from my library) If you can borrow that, I would highly recommend it. Here is the website. Hope you can find some neat information on it.

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By the way, have fun in Scotland. I am envious!!


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[rafala]

did youth hostels when i did my semester abroad in college. they are great. one suggestion i have though is make sure you have a fanny pack and keep your money and passport in there and on you at all times!!! many of the hostels i stayed in were large rooms with bunk beds so when you are out people can go through your things. I dont know how much it happens but you dont want to find out

have a great trip and enjoy the hostelling experience.

karen

[cata5]

See, Erin? Every subject brings out great replies from the members here! The show I saw was the one bbouma mentioned. I would definitely check into that.

Let us know how it goes!

[kingssingers]

I've stayed at quite a few hostels on my 3 trips to England. I highly recommend the YHA hostels. In Scotland, they're SYHA, [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] .

Independent (non-YHA/SYHA) hostels can vary wildly in quality. I stayed at the Backpackers Hostel in Oxford cos I needed to take the EARLY train to York and this one was right by the train station. Absolutely shoddy! On the other hand, the St. Christopher's hostels are pretty nice, though they can get loud, as they're geared toward the 18-35 age group.

In some areas, you might be able to get a nice B&B that's comparable to or even cheaper than hostel beds. On my first England trip, I got a room at a B&B in Salisbury - in-room TV, shared bathroom (only 2 other people were staying there, so no biggie), cooked breakfast - BOY, do they KNOW how to do breakfast there! Place was on the edge of Salisbury Cathedral close, and only £15 a night.

If you need any help, let me know! I've got a very meager budget travel site going ... [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] . Enjoy your trip!


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[3tbear]

I love Rick Steeves too, his travel shows are just the best! He has books out too.

[chendric126]

I'm studying abroad right now and I'm about to embark on my 3-week travel break in Europe. I'll be staying in hostels for almost the entire trip so I'll report back to you and let you know how it goes.