Hostels

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The term hostel has evolved over the last few years. Traditional hostels were known for their meager accommodations, designed for poverty-stricken students and younger travelers trying to stretch a buck. Yet today they have much more to offer the modern adventure seeker.

You can find holes-in-the-wall in any major city, but many hostels are far more refined than you think. Don't rule them out - if you can share a bathroom, you can travel in hostels.

Many locations have options to bunk with multiple guests or offer private rooms. I stayed at a hostel in New York that was safe, clean, and my friend and I had a room to ourselves with no additional cost because of extra vacancies.

On the other hand, you can't always rely on that kind of privacy. If you're willing to surrender a little comfort it's much more affordable to travel abroad with the help of hostels. Ideal candidates are couples, singles, or friends without younger travelers. Hosteling with children is definitely not a wise idea.

Your best bet to find reliable locations is word of mouth combined with these databases:

• Hostels.com
  By far the most comprehensive list of hostels searchable by destination and price. Hostels.com will book rooms for you at no cost. Plus get the inside scoop on each location with pictures and user ratings. With reviews on each city and area activities, Hostels.com is a great bet for budget travelers.
• HostelWorld.com
  Download the HostelWorld.com iPhone app for mobile access to hostel searches. Search over 20,000 hostels and budget hotels worldwide to find the perfect fit for your location and pocketbook.
• GuideForEurope.com
  Hosteling requires a healthy level of spontaneity from travelers. Being able to troubleshoot and take last minute changes in stride is essential. Take advantage of these tips from GuideForEurope.com for backpackers heading across the continent.

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