see it that way because repairing these buildings can be costly, almost prohibitive. Best bet: look for a building with the correct zoning. . Have you got a common room for people to intermingle? Do you have a communal kitchen? Have you get some outdoor space around your hostel so folks don't have to stay inside supping tea in those hot sticky summer months? What about parking space? Establishing your hostel in a business centre of a town or city is usually a good bet, and if there's another hostel nearby, you can benefit from the overflow of that hostel. Make sure your hostel is better than the other one. the former Samesun Hostel, Vancouver, BC Many folks who have used hostels want to start their own. Financing can be a real barrier to fulfilling that dream. You'll need a friendly banker and a good business plan. The latter is most challenging but many economic development councils in your community will give you good advice. In addition, try the Business Development Bank or the local college and see if they have business plan St. John River Valley near Fredericton, NB advice. Sometimes a student can help you (he may need credits for school) and you could work it out with him/her. Consult other new hostel owners; they'd be glad to share information. Know that many hostellers are from overseas (a good 50-60%) and that contrary to public perception, few hostellers hitch-hike (less than 1%). Know that guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Rough