 What is a hostel?
|
 |
|
A hostel is a place that offers nice and inexpensive sleeps around the world. This is the first lodging source of the independent travelers. So, when you stay in a hostel you have the chance to meet people with the same travel attitudes that you have.
Some provide breakfast or self-catering facilities. Also, make sure to carry your own sheets and pillow cases.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
How many types of hostels are there?
|
| |
|
There are two basic types. The hostels of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) and the Independent hostels. The IYHF has certain set of rules and standards that warrantee almost the same quality level, but the culture is different in every country, so expect some differences.
In other hand, you can find the Independent hostels, whose service might vary even in a wider range. Some of them are excellent and have even better quality standards than the IYHF, or they might be your worst nightmare.
Go to the hostels-links page to see a good collection of hostel links.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
Is there any age limit for hostels?
|
| |
|
No, only in Bavaria, Germany, where age limit is 26.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
How does a Hostel look like?
|
| |
|
Hostels have bunks, about 4 or 6 per room. Sometimes they have large dormitories with 15 beds or so. In some other cases you can find individual rooms with only one or two beds on it, but they are more expensive.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
Are hostels safe for girls?
|
| |
|
Yes, some countries (like Italy) have separated areas for girls and boys. In some others, they just group them by rooms. However, when the hostel is really packed they might ask you if you don't mind to sleep in a mixed room. If this is the case, then just wear some non-provocative pajamas and you will be completely safe.
For tips related to female travel, you can get advise here.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
At what time are hostels closed?
|
| |
|
The hostels of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) close the access to the rooms from - as an example - 11:00 am to 12:30 pm for clean up. They also close the doors at night and you cannot enter to the hostel until the next day. Also, some close the reception from - as another example - 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. So make sure to ask the times and rules on every hostel before your arrival.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
Do I need to make reservations for a hostel?
|
| |
|
Yes, specially in the so called top cities. The hostels from the IYHF have a system called International Booking Network (IBN) that allows you to make reservations electronically, either from your home country or from your current Youth Hostel.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
Do I need a hostel card?
|
| |
|
If you are staying on hostels of the IYHF then the answer is Yes, you can buy it on your home country or when you check in the first time on a hostel. The first choice is always preferred. This card will allow you to have access to the hostels of the IYHF. If you wish to stay on a independent hostel you don't need it, but you can buy a discount card from Hostels of Europe and get better prices.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
|
Are there other lodging choices?
|
| |
|
Yes, these are:
·Camping is a great choice if you are traveling in groups of 5 or more. This is because you will need a car to carry all your camping equipment, and the fixed costs of renting a car are split in a better way.
·Bead & Breakfast are managed directly by the owners, who will give you a room on their house and will serve you a nice breakfast. This is your closer encounter to the real European family, it's like having your temporarily Mom.
·Hotels are a great choice in countries like Spain or Italy, since the price is so low that it can compete with the Youth Hostels themselves. They are easy to find, just walk around the train station and someone will offer you a hotel close to the train station. Or you can ask in the Tourist office in the same train station, which can be time consuming due to the long lines that you have to make.
<go to main FAQ index>
|
