When traveling, one of the biggest expenses is staying somewhere to catch some zzz’s. For most people this is the budget killer. But you can stay at a relatively safe place on the cheap. What I recommend is Hostelling International, or HI for short. (http://www.hihostels.com) These hostels are located all over Europe as well as the world, and usually for the hostel to get the HI accreditation certain standards have to be meet. While some hostels are nicer than others, they offer a bed and a small continental breakfast ranging anywhere between 20 to 40 plus dollars per night.

If you would like to have your own room or a room with another person prices go up. When I was backpacking by myself, I always went with the cheapest option, which meant that I would be in a room with several other girls. This was a great way to meet new people, get their travel experience and possibly see the sights with them. In Rome, the HI hostel had gym size rooms. So I was in a room with about 30 other girls. This can have its disadvantages, but in this case I met some really nice Australians. We spent the week together exploring all the cracks and crevasses of Rome.

While all HI locations can be found on the internet, if you plan on traveling for a few weeks to a few months I highly recommend the Lonely Planet guidebook. These are the best guidebooks that I have found for backpackers, and list all the hostels that one can find in a particular area (HI as well as private ones). While I don’t agree with everything the Lonely Planet has to say, it does give many helpful hints for travelers. You as a traveler also have the option to contribute to the next addition of the book, if you found something great, some secret hideaway or found something in the book that is no longer correct.

But getting back to youth hostels. If you do plan on staying in one, I highly recommend you bring a combination lock. This allows you to lock up your belongings so nothing disappears on you. Out of all the youth hostels that I stayed at, the only thing that was ever stolen from me was a tub of toothpaste that I left out on my bed. The way I look at it, if a person stole my toothpaste, that person needed my toothpaste more than I did!

You should also look in getting a HI membership card. While this card costs $28 dollars, it does give you discounts on HI hostels. Some HI hostels require that you purchase this card before they let you stay there. If you’re looking to book a hostel, you can pre-book the specific dates on the website with a credit card.

When I was backpacking I never pre-booked and just showed up the day that I wanted to spend the night. I always found an empty bed, but there was a chance that I would not get a bed. I never pre-booked, because I liked to have flexibility in my backpacking schedule. If I liked a city and wanted to stay another day, I just let the person at the HI counter know that I wanted to stay another night. If I did not like a city, or saw and did everything I wanted too, then it was time to move on.

Speaking of moving on…when backpacking it is important to pack light! It took me at least 2 backpacking trips to learn that I really did not need all those clothes. Everyday clothes like t-shirts, jeans, underwear, socks, and 2 good pairs of shoes is all you really need.

What is good about the HI facilities is that many of them have washing machines. On the internet you can find what different types of facilities they have before you arrive. Some serve dinner at night (for an extra cost), have internet services, and I have stayed at one that even had a swimming pool!

It is important that you check ahead to see rules of each individual hostel. Some have a specific time where you need to check in by. Others might have a nightly curfew. And some kick you out of bed by 7a.m.

If you’re backpacking either alone or together I highly recommend you hostel. It’s not only affordable but you have the chance to meet other hostellers. Getting to know people from around the world is an unforgettable experience. Have fun hostelling!

If you have a travel question and would like Krista to answer it, feel free to e-mail Krista at editoral@uwmpost.edu

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