Cheap Cruising

Hostels aren’t just for young people. They’re for any savvy traveler that wants, clean, safe, no frills accommodations.  As with any aspect, of cheap travel the key is research, research, research.

#1
Where do you want to stay?
Determine what part of the city you’d like to stay. When traveling on a budget, being near public transportation is a must. I doubt you have money to splurge on cabs or even van service.  Go to the city’s public transportation site and where the hostel falls.

#2
What’s your price point?
Most hostel booking sites also book budget hotels. That can get a little pricey. Decide what your drop dead price is per night and try and stick with it.

#3
Check out the ratings
Look at several different sites like Hostel Bookers and Hostelz.com and read the reviews. That will give you sense of the atmosphere. Is the hostel noisy? A party hostel? Clean? Travelers from all over the world can help you figure it out.

#4
Figure out what the rate includes
Many hostels only offer dorm like accommodations. Some don’t include towels or linen. Find out what you are paying for. It might be worth a little extra so you don’t have to haul bedsheets all over Europe.

#5
Understand what you are paying for
Hostels are dorm-like accommodations. More than likely you’ll have to walk down the hall to take a shower. Private rooms might not be an option.  You might need to be a member of an organization to book a hostel.  There are fees associated with these organizations but they also offer a number of benefits.  Hostelling International and Youth Hostel Association are two such organizations.

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