Youth Hostels were devised to provide cheap accommodation to young people who wanted to travel and appreciate nature. From their humble beginnings in a German schoolroom in 1907 there are now over 5000 youth hostels around the world in over 150 countries. Millions of people stay at youth hostels every year, but maybe you think a hostel isn t right for you. I m too old to go to a youth hostel. These are the only hostels in the world which still have an official age limit.
Youth hostels everywhere else accommodate people of all ages.
People who are not members of any hostelling association can still stay at youth hostels, although in the busy seasons, when rooms are scarcer, priority will be given to members. Rates are slightly cheaper for members. Membership brings with it other benefits, including entitlement to discounts on select local services and attractions. If you re not sure how much hostelling you ll be doing, and whether the up front membership fee will be worth it, you can opt to join gradually by collecting stamps on a membership card. Each time you stay at a hostel and pay the extra rate you are entitled to a stamp.