We backpackers should adhere to staying in the modest accommodation. I used to stay in youth hostels. And most probably I will keep on staying in youth hostels wherever I go traveling in the future. This post determines to bring you the differences in between youth hostels and traditional hotels as well as convinces you to stay in one in your upcoming trip.
So, what a hostel is? Hostels are budget orientated accommodation providing overnight lodging to backpackers. The concept of youth hostel was first created in 1912 by Alex Schirrmann under German Youth Movement which encouraged young people back then to concentrate on outdoor activities. Alex Schirrmann then set up the first youth Hostel in the world in the name of Altena Castle in Germany. His idea has spread rapidly worldwide and resulted in the founding of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF) in 1932 in Amsterdam. It later changed its name to Hostelling International. Today, Hostelling International has more than 90 different national youth hostel associations as members. The organization also runs over 4,500 youth hostels worldwide.
Hostelling International
What are the differences in between a youth hostel and a traditional hotel, you may ask. Youth hostels run by Hostelling International promote cultural exchange, conservation of the environment, love and care of the nature and simple but quality living, among others. They are not hotels because hostels tend to be more budget orientated and do not have the same level of formality as hotels. Many hostels also have programs to share books, DVDs and other items. Unlike hotels, youth hostels encourage guests to socialize with each other. One evidence is the dormitory room commonly found in any youth hostel.
Stay tuned for I will share with you next the 2 biggest portals providing online bookings for hostels and budget accommodations worldwide!
The What A Hostel Is? by The Backpackers Place, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Tags: backpacker, cheap accommodation, trip
Great information. I knew that the first hostel was in Germany but not where and who opened it.
If you like to watch some introduction videos about “What a hostel is” find them on: Hostel Video Guide.
On hostelvideoguide.com you can explore hostel videos from around the world. Check out your destination and where you are staying before you leave for your trip.
Happy travelling.