Hostelling is a great way to travel if you are on a tight budget. Popular with college students who tour Europe, hostelling offers low budget and low luxury accommodations for those that don't mind bunking up and sharing with other travelers. This method of travel can offer adventure and the chance to meet different people but is not for everyone. It's great for the solo traveler or group of young people but families with small children and couples who want a romantic vacation should spring for more private accommodation's. Most hostels are set up as dormitory style rooms, with a number of bunk beds arranged throughout the room.

Although hostelling is a very informal way to travel, you do need to make reservations especially during the summer. It used to be you could just drop in and be accommodated, but this method of travel is becoming more popular and some hostels can be booked for months during popular tourist seasons. Better to call ahead than to be left out in the cold! The main appeal of staying at hostels, of course, is the price. The nightly rate for a hostel rarely rises above $25 or $30 per night, with most hostel accommodations costing far less. With the average hotel room hovering around $100 to $150 in many locations, it is easy to see why hostels are becoming so popular.