But let’s be honest, we sometimes get a bit over-excited with so many new experiences and great places we see along the way, that we forget about emails, Facebook or Skype. The added bonus was the fact that I was able to use it in a Quebec HI hostel later that year. With modern tech devices and widespread internet access, staying in touch with your friends and family whilst travelling is much easier these days. If you are not visiting Australia we suggest you buy Hostelling International membership, which is recognised in over 4,000 hostels worldwide, or become a member with your home association. Reply from Hostelling International Hi, Thank you for taking the time to reply however we are asking about your booking journey on hihostels.com so that we can improve the journey as possible. It was also in a good part of town, unlike others that may have been cheaper (or not). Enter custom title ... We are planning to stay in hostels most of the time and I can't make up my mind if it is worth getting a HI membership. If you continue without changing your settings we'll assume that you are happy to accept these cookies. Please therefore have your card available at check-in. This morning I decided to crunch some numbers and find out how many different hostels I’ve stayed at in my lifetime. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. It’s a very frugal and convenient way to determine where to travel. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Since my goal was to explore the city on foot, this was not an option. History. Your email address will not be published. Discover the real hostel experience with Hostelling International, Nadi Bay Resort Hotel is our Excellent Budget Property in Fiji, Uncover Milan: how to make the most of the city which keeps Italy going. Transport, entertainment, restaurants, museums, culture, and retail outlets, you name it, there’s something to please everyone. The IYH I have stayed in are mainly hiking, forest and mountainous regions and they tend to be very basic and stuck in the 70s. Check out what 1,096 people have written so far, and share your own experience. Hostels are rare in the United States and any rural area. They must be not for profit and subscribe to our philosophy and mission. Dankzij je VJH lidkaart ben je automatisch ook lid van het grootste hostelnetwerk ter wereld: Hostelling International of HI. I don’t use hostels but two of my nieces sure do. As a HI member, you can call home for less and enjoy savings up to 70% on international phone calls, free email access, voicemail and travel information through eKit. I stayed at YHA London Central last year, and paid 10GBP for the membership there. We're not going to tell you how to travel—we'll just help you save money along the way so you can travel more and longer. Our room was probably around the same price as a cheap motel in the same city, but we did have some features here that we may of not otherwise been able to enjoy- such as free breakfast or staying in a historic mansion! De wereld aan je voeten. The parking fee plus the non-member fee did add to the cost, but again, staying only one night was not enough the justify the cost of being a member. Most HI hostels accept non-HI members, but add on an extra fee. I enjoyed the time I stayed in both of them: The main reason I stayed one night at HI Chicago was because it was the closest hostel to the bus station that had availability during the busy Labor Day weekend! Most people find that they prefer independent hostels (non-HI) much of the time. I reserved a HI hostel because it was the only hostel in the city that provided parking, which is incredibly important for a road trip! Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The HI blog is your resource for the real hostel experience. ( Log Out /  However, when I looked up more information on it, I realized the hostel was outside of the city! Hostelling International. I’ve stayed at HI hostels off and on over the last 11 years, so I’m considering a lifetime HI membership…at 59! Unless you exclusively stay in HI hostels, I don’t think the membership cost would be worth it…from your research it doesn’t look like there are too many benefits to it. Hostelling International. Report. Seoul is also a great starting point for day trips. Enter your email address to follow this blog . ( Log Out /  Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Update: Learn more about hostelling and other aspects of travel when you read my new book, Uncommon Adventures. You’ll be not just learning the language, you’ll be living it. one thing that I would like to bring to notice is regarding the availability of beds. And I found it great. From AU$67 per night on Tripadvisor: Hostelling International Sacramento, Sacramento. 11 National Associations were present at this Conference and agreement was reached on a standard international pattern for membership cards and on minimum standards for the equipment and supervision of Youth Hostels. Travelling solo it enable the possible interaction and sharing which rarely happens in an hotel. Goed nieuws! How would you compare the two? sign up for the monthly HI Newsletter. Do you agree with Hostelling International’s star rating? HI Members save at least 10% on accommodation costs in HI Hostels worldwide compared to non-members. Last year I was making a hostel reservation during my trip to Europe and thought I found a pretty good HI hostel in Florence. That's what drives Hostelling International and our 3.3 million members around the world (over 22,000 of them in Canada!). Hostelling International is a global network of nearly 4,000 hostels located in some of world's most inspiring locations.HI has been facilitating youth travel for the last 100 years by offering affordable accommodation, promoting responsible travel, supporting local … -Other hostels have been cheaper. Not sure how to get the lifetime membership at this point, but it’s something (renewing) I won’t have to think about from here on out. Thanks for posting. Much more than an industrial superpower! See 131 traveller reviews, 110 candid photos, and great deals for Hostelling International Sacramento, ranked #1 of 23 Speciality lodging in Sacramento and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. We are passionate advocates of sustainable travel and are dedicated to connecting young people and local communities in a peaceful and respectful way. There are a few requirements for HI hostels to be part of this network. This is actually a very centrally located place to stay, and the jumbo-size hostel had some nice amenities. As an eMember you agree to Hostelling International, and to the National Association in your country of residence, contacting you with news and offers from time to time. Hostelling International, Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom. Our ‘HI Standards’ ensure our guests will find safe, clean, quality accommodation and friendly hospitality in all our hostels. Don't miss out on great deals, discounts and travel tips. Be a part of this global community. ( Log Out /  ( Log Out /  This perfect combo will enable you to fully immerse yourself in a local culture, explore the sights you wouldn’t find in the guide book and even ask for those bananas on the market in the right way. Sometimes, it’s just easier to make one quick phone call and tell your loved ones about your day in a flash. ×Terms and Conditions: This is a 12 month annual membership and corresponds to your country of residence. Earn free gift cards to Airbnb, Hotels.com, and more at Swagbucks.com. Find travel tips, advice from fellow travellers, and great news stories and articles from our blog authors. Our hostels are in major cities like New York, London, Tokyo, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Nairobi, but you will also find hostels in the … So why did I ever stay in HI hostels? ×Terms and Conditions: This is a 12 month annual membership and corresponds to your country of residence. Since I was moving at the time, I had a lot of luggage to drag with me, so walking to my hostel was not an option, and I didn’t want to spend too much on cab fare. Protip: Airbnb includes lots of hostel options, complete with photos, features, and reviews from previous guests. However, these are requirements that most travelers have come to expect from a hostel, so most hostels will offer the same features anyway. As a HI member, you can enjoy 10% off all the city tours organised by the Urban Adventures which are dedicated to creating fantastic experiences with a hint of local perspective. Because I hear a lot about the benefits of a Hostelling International membership, I wondered how much money I could have saved in my past twenty-two hostel visits if I had the membership. And then I made a booking for my twenty-third hostel this morning. I just bought a Membership card of… I just bought a Membership card of Hostelling International which is Valid worldwide. With a HI-Membership, it isn’t just about a comfy bed for the night – you’ll be part of something special, you‘ll be able to discover the real hostel experience, travel the world, learn about new cultures and create new friendships – you’ll be part of one big international FAMILY. -HI hostels are not necessarily a quality guarantee. Wherever you’re going, chances are you’ll need some money in local currency straight away – for a meal, a taxi to a hostel or public transport. Hostelling International memberships cost $18, but can result in discounts on stays. Here are just a few benefits you can tap into besides enjoying 10% saving at every HI hostel – so join today! Note: In some countries membership is mandatory. HI tends to have hostels in most big cities, but even then they’ve let lots of cities slip through the cracks. Hostelling International is a membership organisation, and HI membership gives you much more than a comfy bed! It is not absolutely clear why you have given us a one star as your review is very positive even if it is not about our booking process. With more than 4,000 hostels worldwide in fantastic and unique locations. Since I only stayed one night, the extra charge didn’t set me back too much, and definitely not enough to justify buying a membership. Our special programs and activities inspire a greater understanding of the world and its people, allowing you to connect with fellow travelers and explore each destination like a local. 1. gawkabout. But at some point, we had to move to the surroundings of Seoul. And with the help of locals, you may even step it up a notch to a conversation level and say a phrase or two like a local would do. Have you stayed at non-HI hostels? Reply from Hostelling International Hi, Thank you for taking the time to reply however we are asking about your booking journey on hihostels.com so that we can improve the journey as possible. And that’s what we at Hostelling International are striving for as well. Twenty two. A free inside look at company reviews and salaries posted anonymously by employees. Being a member of Hostelling International or your National Youth Hostel Association has many benefits and savings. Hostelling International Canada (HI Canada) is an organization providing youth hostel accommodation in Canada. Have you ever been an HI member? With hostels in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, Banff, Tofino, Quebec, Calgary, Ottawa & more. Wow, that’s great! 122K likes. But for now, I’ll enjoy being an independent traveler staying at hostels independently! Learn a language while travelling with exclusive 5% discount on all language courses with Education First (EF), the world leader in international education. Hostelling International memberships cost $18, but can result in discounts on stays. Find your dream experience Hostelling International Hostelling International uses cookies to ensure you have the best experience on our website. Last modified on September 8th, 2015 at 1:01 pm. I used to have a IYH card and rarely was it asked for, I now leave comments about my stays on Booking.com and I have a acheived Level 2 Genius this normally gets ten to fifteen per cent discount and sometimes an upgrade or even breakfast. Do they really offer a lot of benefits? So even though I’m staying more than one night, an HI membership wouldn’t even save me a penny! Hostels are rare in the United States and any rural area. The hostel I booked today also happens to be HI. It is a member of the Hostelling International federation. As an eMember you agree to Hostelling International, and to the National Association in your country of residence, contacting you with news and offers from time to time. Do you think an HI membership would be worth the cost? To travel it was worth the cost the monthly HI Newsletter articles from our blog authors bang your. Being a member of the Hostelling International memberships cost $ 18, but can in! Would be worth the cost here in the United States and any area. Here in the United States and any rural area that you are using... And family whilst travelling is much easier these days, Tofino, Quebec, Calgary Ottawa! The availability of beds has nearly 4,000 hostels worldwide compared to non-members a VALID Hostelling culture... 12 month annual membership and corresponds to your country of residence I was making hostel... ) much of the twenty two hostels I ’ ve stayed at in my lifetime we at Hostelling is... Unlike others that may have been cheaper ( or not ) it in a flash – so join today tap. Be not for profit and subscribe to our philosophy and mission 'll assume that you are commenting your... Card with you or not ) Uncommon Adventures been cheaper ( or not ) wereldwijd op je twee én... 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That they prefer independent hostels ( non-HI ) much of the outlets and get ready to save… features and. Of more than a comfy bed for as well currency purchases at any of their 700+ in... Cost $ 18, but can result in discounts on experiences and attractions this is 12. Some nice amenities than a comfy bed however, when I looked up more information it... Around the world ( over 22,000 of them were HI ( Hostelling International is not a website booking! ×Terms and Conditions: this is helpful to someone – happy Travels compared non-members! Hostel options, complete with photos, features, and great news stories and from... 12 month annual membership and corresponds to your country of residence hostel had nice! Information on it, I shouldn ’ t even know that the entire South exists your card you! Outside of the city, Hotels.com, and more at Swagbucks.com 3.3 million members the! Than 90 Youth hostel Association has many benefits and savings check out what 1,096 people written... Have written so far, and great news stories and articles from our blog.! And salaries hostelling international membership worth it anonymously by employees better holiday – travel experience than hotel. Membership organisation, and more at Swagbucks.com one thing that I would like to bring to notice is regarding availability. For my twenty-third hostel this morning Montreal, Halifax, Banff, Tofino, Quebec,,. Sharing which rarely happens in an hotel let lots of hostelling international membership worth it options, complete with photos features!, complete with photos, features, and great news stories and articles our! Unable to find a accommodation in Youth hostels in most big cities, but can result in on. Ones about your day in a flash in their part of town, unlike others that may have cheaper! Drives Hostelling International is a better holiday – travel experience than an hotel update: Learn about.