pam
Full Travel Member
Posts: 35
|
Post by pam on Aug 26, 2002 9:06:16 GMT -5
while researching about hostels and budget travels in europe, i notice many places suggesting various types of hostel memberships, etc. is there anyone in particular which most hostels use, or just many different types of hostel membership cards? any suggestions on the best card...? ty  |
|
|
|
Post by Kim on Aug 26, 2002 13:51:12 GMT -5
There is really two main cards, the Hostelling International Card, which is for HI and IYHA hostels and the Hostels of Europe card, which is good for participating independant hostels.
Basically, you will pay extra to stay at the HI hostels without their card. If you are planning on staying at a few of these, it's worth it to buy the card. The Hi and IYHA hostels tend to be a bit more mellow with school groups.
The Hostels of Europe card is a savings card-you can stay at the hostels without paying extra and it will save you 10-15% at participating hostels (there is quite a few of them).
We got our moneys worth for the Hostels of Europe card as we were travelling a long time, but for short trips I don't think it would be worth it.
The Hi hostel card, if you are only planning on staying at one or two of their hostels, give it a miss.
Honestly, you will be fine without any of the memberships but if you buy one, make it the HI as it can add up paying extra if you stay at a few.
Kim
|
|
pam
Full Travel Member
Posts: 35
|
Post by pam on Aug 27, 2002 2:02:31 GMT -5
Oh alright...since I'm going mainly to study I really don't think it is necessary eh? Considering I'll kinda be going everywhere for only two nights....and all in different kinds of hostels! Anyway thanks for your post  |
|
|
|
Post by nitsansh on Aug 27, 2002 9:31:45 GMT -5
If you'll go to HI hostel without a card, they'll give you a "guest card", on which you stick one stamp for each night you stay. Once you get 6 stamps, the card is as good as an original HI card.
So unless you're sure to stay 6 nights in HI hostels, don't buy this card before you go.
|
|
|
|
Post by nitsansh on Aug 27, 2002 9:38:37 GMT -5
Another note: The HI card is valid for a calendar year. A card you buy now will expire in 4 months, on December 31st.
|
|
pam
Full Travel Member
Posts: 35
|
Post by pam on Aug 28, 2002 2:00:54 GMT -5
okay...the 6 stamps thing was good to know, merci! i cant get over how helpful and informative you guys are, hopefully when i get back from europe i'll have some experience with this stuff  |
|
|
|
Post by Cat on Aug 28, 2002 13:42:04 GMT -5
Nitsansh, are you sure about the expiration date?
I bought a HI card a year ago and it was valid up to a year after the issuing date. So, if I'd buy that card now, I should be able to use it till August 28th 2003.
|
|
|
|
Post by nitsansh on Aug 28, 2002 14:08:51 GMT -5
Your info is more recent than mine, so I guess you're right...
That was the case the last time I bought a hostels card, back in 1990... there's no expiry date on it, just the year...
|
|
snorkelman
Senior Travel Member
Travel Guru
Posts: 220
|
Post by snorkelman on Sept 5, 2002 8:00:03 GMT -5
The last time that I bought one of those dumb cards was in 1991. Waste of cash. I have never bought one since. Keep in mind that you probably will not always be staying in an HI hostel. There are plenty of independent hostels, B&B and cheap hotels. sometimes your plans will fall through or change. Unless you have everything cut in stone and all nights already reserved at HI hostels, you should assume that you will not always sleep at that type of hostel.
The only reason that you will ever get turned away os if you are too old (mainly just in Germany) and if the hostel is full. Other than that, you just pay a few bucks more and you can stay at the hostels that require the card. I personally find that I rarely stay at these kind of places, so the cards are not worth it for me. If you head to Eastern Europe and you do not travel solo, then you will rarely stay in a hostel, because you will eb able to afford cheap hotels, pensiones, private rooms and B&B's.
|
|
