How To Save Money on Accommodations by Hostelling

Backpackers and students have known about hostels for generations. Nowadays, the differences between hostels and hotels are diminishing. Many adults, including those with families, save money by staying in these cheap accommodations.

Modern establishments often provide many unexpected extras like:

Shuttle service to and from airports, railway terminals, etc.;
Comfortable guest 'common areas' with cable or satellite TV;
DVD players and extensive DVD libraries;
High-speed Internet access - free or at a price;
Safety deposit boxes for guests' possessions;
Guided city tours;
Building or guestroom access doors with computer key-cards;
Private rooms and private bathrooms.
Many of these amenities are what you might expect from a high-class hotel. However, accommodations do differ.

Check carefully before you book your hostel.

You may have to share sleeping facilities with several other people. Night quarters might vary from a couple of people per room to dorm rooms with several sets of bunk beds.
Facilities may not be coed. Shared sleeping rooms are often restricted to same-sex guests. In this case, adult couples traveling together will not be able to stay in the same room.
Private bathrooms are uncommon. It is usual to share bathroom facilities with other guests. There may be a bathroom in the sleeping room, or down the hall, and the 'bathroom' may consist of toilet(s) only.
You may have to supply your own linens. This includes bed linens, towels, and washcloths. If you are traveling abroad, be sure to pack bathroom linens (especially washcloths) even for hotel lodgings. Some hotels in other countries do not provide them.
A hostel may not have laundry facilities. If it does, you will probably have to do your own laundry in coin-operated machines. Be sure to exchange some cash for an appropriate supply of coins.
Sometimes a hostel will provide breakfast. It may be part of the price. Alternatively, there is often a guest kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals.
Many hostels do not accept credit cards. If booking online, a credit card is required to make your reservation. However, onsite services often require cash payment.
A few useful tips:

Beware of 'party' hostels if traveling with a family. Some hostels cater to young adults with a noisy party atmosphere that may last well into the wee hours of the morning.
Be sure to advance-book your hostel room. Although you might be lucky enough to find a vacant bed at the last minute, you could just as easily discover that there are no rooms available.
Check for online guest reviews before you make a reservation. Unless you are familiar with a particular hostel, do some research to find out what other guests have to say about the rooms.
Find out if the hostel belongs to a recognized organization. Groups like Hostelling International provide a certain degree of assurance that the accommodations will meet quality guidelines.
Purchase travel insurance. If you pay in advance with certain credit cards, you may automatically get travel insurance through your credit card company. Read the fine print. If necessary, purchase extra insurance to cover contingencies such as extended hospitalization and emergency transport.
Always carry an internationally recognized ATM card. You will not have to worry about being mugged because you are carrying excessive quantities of cash. You will also get the best currency exchange rates from an ATM machine.
Photocopy or scan your important documents before you leave home. You can leave photocopies with a friend or relative. Alternatively, upload scanned documents to a secure online e-mail address so that your copies are readily available to you via the Internet. If you lose your passport or ID, replacement will be much simpler and faster with this information at hand.
Be sure that someone back home has a copy of your itinerary. Arrange to get in touch at regular intervals. Establish a procedure to follow if you do not keep a certain contact deadline.
If you approach hostelling in an organized manner and do your research, you can save money - and have a great travel experience!