Budget Accommodation Options
Hostels
Hostels are found all over the world, offering shared accommodation to independent travellers. In my experience they tend to be friendly places, with people of different nationalities exchanging travel tales from their journeys so far.
You simply pay for a bed for the night and get use of the facilities until you check out. Rooms are usually single sex dormitory style with bunk beds. Most hostels have rooms to sleep 4-6 people as a minimum, with some of the larger rooms sleeping around 12 persons.
Some hostels also offer double or twin-bedded rooms, often for not much more than the price of two dormitory beds.
Hostel facilities do vary, however most have shared bathrooms, a common room and kitchen as a minimum. Many also have facilities like a TV lounge, Internet access, or a bar. One hostel I stayed in even had a communal guitar!
Hostels: Frequently Asked Questions
- How old do I have to be to stay in a hostel?
There are no age limits in order to stay in hostels
- Do I have to be a member?
No. Although many hostels are affiliated with budget travel organisations, membership is not a requirement.
- Do I have book in advance?
All hostels will sell beds to those who walk in off the street, however booking is recommended for popular hostels which fill their beds quickly.