Travel on the Cheap - Hostelling
© Heather Buettner
I know a lot of fairly intrepid people, who love to travel, but since I’m in my twenties and most of those friends are also in their twenties, they can’t always fit an exotic holiday into their budget. Hence, the beauty of ‘hostelling’ (v. to travel with no particular destination in mind, creating all-night slumber parties with new friends in designated areas along the way). How does this relate specifically to women? Let me explain. For those of us seeking to add a bit of adventure to our lives and explore our world a bit more, hostelling can provide a wonderful opportunity to meet other travellers, make some new friends, maybe find a travel companion, and sleep on fairly clean sheets for a small fraction of what you’d pay in a hotel.
Most big cities have youth hostels. But you don’t necessarily have to be a ‘youth’ to stay there. Just be willing to give up some privacy and share a bathroom. The rewards can be huge.
I live in Pennsylvania at the moment, and New York is three hours away. Which is fairly close, but it makes for a long day if you don’t stay overnight. I go up fairly regularly and stay in the Big Apple Hostel on 45th street just off of Times Square. I get a safe location with 24 hour access and clean linen for only $33/night. Compare that to most hotels in that area…if you spend less than $200/night you’re getting a bargain.
Last weekend I shared a room with some lovely girls from England. We chatted a bit about places I knew, and what they were up to, and hopefully we’ll keep in touch. The first time I was in London I stayed in a hostel in Earl’s Court where the rooms weren’t segregated, and met a lovely South African named Hubert that I still keep in touch with years later.
Yeah, you have to share a room (dorm style, four or eight to a room, most are segregated), and a bathroom. Yeah, you might get in a room with someone who snores. But chances are you’ll meet some wonderful people and have an adventure doing it. All on a budget. Can’t be beat, really.
