How to Find Hostels in North America

You'll find lots of hostels to choose from as you travel across the United States and Canada, whether you're in a major destination city or a small community. Even in the most popular destinations, hostel accommodations should cost no more than $25 per night.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Backpack Lock
• Hostel Guides
• Travel Guides
• Bedsheets
• Towels
• Towels
• Backpacks
• Sleeping Bags
• Towels

1. Plan your itinerary so that you know when and for how long you will need hostel accommodations. Start planning early, but remember that not all hostels accept advance reservations.

2. Contact Hostelling International (HI) for current listings of member hostels in the cities or towns that you plan to visit (hihostels.org).

3. Check out other reputable hosteling organizations such as Backpackers Hostels or Hostel Americas, or search for independent hostels in the area you plan to visit. Try destination-specific Web sites or directories or go to your local library and search telephone directories.

4. Find out whether or not you will need to buy a membership to stay at specific hostels. Hosteling associations offer membership deals. For instance, with a membership with HI, you'll receive a free copy of "Hostelling North America: The Official Guide to Hostels in Canada and the United States," as well as discounted rates for attractions, dining, and most HI hostels.

5. Find out how many beds are available at the hostels you are considering and learn what sorts of sleeping and living arrangements are offered. Are there dormitories? Are coed or private family rooms available? Are guests expected to help out with chores? Is there a curfew? Does the hostel have a kitchen? Is breakfast provided? If you are traveling during hot weather, you might also want to ask about fans or air conditioning.

6. Find out what you need to bring with you. Will you need a sleep sheet? Are sleeping bags allowed? Should you bring your own towel? Remember that hostel accommodations are usually very basic.

7. Talk to people who have stayed at hostels in your destination; get hints about which hostels are cleanest, safest and most ideally located.

8. Call in advance to find out if the hostel of your choice accepts reservations or requires a deposit. Find out when you will be able to check in and what rules or penalties apply to cancellations. You may be able to make reservations by e-mail in some cases.

Tips & Warnings

• HI is the American branch of IYHF. The HI card gets you into all IYHF hostels.
• Contact tourist boards in the areas you plan to visit before your trip - they can send you free information about your destinations, which will help you choose hostels that are convenient to the attractions you plan to visit.
• Make your own hosteling sleep sheet by sewing two bedsheets (single/twin) together. Sew along one side and the bottom, then halfway up the other side (leaving enough space for you to get in and out).
• Remember that you don't have to be a youth to stay in a hostel. Hostels are open to people of all age groups, and many senior citizens use them as a fun and affordable alternative to motels and hotels.
• If you aren't able to reserve a room in advance at the hostel of your choice, plan to arrive in town very early on the first day you need lodging. Many hostels in popular locations fill up by mid-morning, with new guests checking in as soon as other people check out.
• Some hostels have a lockout period during the day. Find out in advance if this is the case, especially if an afternoon siesta is part of your routine.