The youth hostel movement was initiated by Richard Schirrman, a German schoolteacher,
he would offer to take some of his pupils with him on a short trip out of town, to visit
the countryside or some place new to the students. As in his way of thinking, clean air,
and getting to know nature would aid them to gain a sound mind, thus, improve
their overall self. From this simple concept, the entire hostelling idea came in to being,
well, more or less that is how it was. This idea quickly spread from Germany to many of its
neighboring nations, and soon it became to what it is now a days, a world renowned place for
accommodation for budget travelers to stay without breaking the penny bank, and having more
to spend for their travels. The original perception was to have a hosteller to be mobile
by his or her own manner, for example by bike or even on his or her own two feet.
Today there are no age restrictions and few rules. As a matter of fact there is an active
"Elder hostel" movement. HI - AYH offers many services and programs for senior hostellers.
The owner of the hostel or manager wants to provide the three S's: shelter, shower and
security. Typically the spaced is shared: the bedroom (dormitory), the kitchen, and the
bathrooms. Commonly you will find bunk beds. In general the hostelling population does not
mind sharing space and privacy should not be an issue.
Hostellers usually have there own bath towels. It is also a good idea to travel with a sleep
sheet. This a type of sleeping sack - required by Hostelling International locations. If not
bring a large sheet. These can be used as bed linen in a pinch. Many places offer bed linens
some free and some for a small one time fee. Even though many hostellers travel with sleeping
bags some hostels don't permit them for sanitary reasons.
It is best not to have preconceptions about a hostel. Wait and be surprised. And keep in mind that you are not paying for a five star
hotel, so don't expect one. Many hostels will not accept local residents. They will sometimes limit their guests to
various groups. For example, some hostels only take international travelers: to check in you
must have a passport and, perhaps, an outgoing ticket to prove you are traveling. One of the
reasons for this is that the aim is to provide low-accommodations for international travelers,
if not respected the aim is defeated. Some places require American hostellers to prove their
travel status by showing travel documents, passport, etc.
If you have never stayed in a hostel be prepared for the following:
- To keep costs down services and hours are limited.
- It is impossible generalize about one place, all hostels are different.
- You loose privacy but you are rewarded with meeting people from all over the world.
If you enjoy meeting new people, you will enjoy your hostelling experience.
- Some hostels are small with limited staff. Do not knock at the manager's door at
late hours unless there is a problem. A hostel is a place where respect and consideration go along way.
- Many hostellers will be able to meet, and be involved with people from all over the world, and perhaps the
world's opinions may change for the better because of the understanding that this place is not that big and we
all have to stay here. So we should do the best we can, this also applies to the world not just where you are
laying your head for the evening.
- Most hostels are not located in the "high rent" districts. Many are situated in minority communities,
which are normally safe and have their own charms.
- Even though you may be used to more privacy than a hostel has to offer, let yourself be taken by the atmosphere and just be yourself.
One thing to think about is a hotel may have a better bed, but a hostel will always provide you with the chance to experience others
who are seeing a country from the inside out, and not the outside looking in.
The basic understanding of hostels or hostelling for that matter is that, it is an
inexpensive method of accommodation, through which people from all walks of life and
backgrounds can come together and interact at a common place, and learn something
from one another. This is main difference between regular hotels/motels and hostels.
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