Question: What about HI and youth hostels associations?
Answer: Heard youth hostels horror stories - belongings being stolen, crummy conditions, etc.? Doesn't have to be so! Youth hostels are overall much safer and cleaner than your mother believes (hostels and bedbugs are not really a problem, for instance). Youth hostel associations exist -- sorta like AAA for hostels. Let's talk about hostel associations - if you'd like to read some comprehensive info about staying in youth hostels first, check this out:
Hostelling International
According to their website, "Hostelling International is the brand name of the not-for-profit organisation the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) and its member Youth Hostel Associations. Our name is your reassurance of good quality budget accommodation that you can trust - simply look for the blue triangle sign." HI operates 90 youth hostel associations in over 80 countries, operating more than 4000 HI youth hostels.HI conducts periodic surprise inspections of member hostels, just like AAA, to check cleanliness, security (locker availability), comfort (ensuring that clean sheets are available for rent) and privacy (showers and toilets). For a fee (usually around $35), you can become an HI member and book online as well as get discounts where available. You don't have to be a member to check out HI hostels on the site, though - phone numbers, addresses, prices, room types, etc. - and make your own reservation. You can buy an HI membership at an HI youth hostel front desk, too.
- Youth Hostel FAQ
- Photos - HI Youth Hostel Example
- Photos - YHA Youth Hostel Australia Example
