Book hostels & hotels

What they provide

1. A good map of the area
2. A good notice board with everything that is happening in the area
3. How to get to the post office, where to change cash, buy food etc.
4. Organised trips, car hire and everything else you want to do (all the best deals). Basically, if people have a good time from here, they will tell others. There is nothing better to the ‘Backpackers’ trade than a good ‘vibe’ on the grapevine.

If the ‘Backpackers’ is any good...

...they’ll give you a general overview of everything in the area and leave you to make up your own mind. Others may treat you like kids and rail-road you into doing their own trips, run by their brothers, mothers, aunts and dogs. They may pressurise you into doing these things for vested interests. ‘Vested interests’ aren’t ‘your interests’ - you may miss out on some good stuff.

Choose wisely. Don’t be duped.

In most ‘backpackers’ there are no rules.

The rules are that you are a civilised human being and that you are polite, respect others and the property. These are great places and normally run themselves really well. Don’t abuse this, as you tend to stick out as the asshole, will lose rather than gain friends, and may be asked to leave... in shame. You will be seen as a child... don’t do it. Some hostels can be like little detention camps, with notes everywhere telling you what you can or can’t touch/use, which includes members of the opposite sex. They may have rules such as ‘be in by...’. I even stayed in one place once where they closed the hostel during the day! Nice. Not.

Occasionally there is an ‘honesty system’ operating with the bar - a fridge full of beer... help yourself and note it down. These systems work really well until some arsehole abuses it. It’s great to have a bit of trust in the place and to be treated like an adult, so don’t let yourself or others down.

What is out there

The International Youth Hostel Federation

The IYHF has over 5000 youth hostels world-wide. They have an international computerised reservation system, which means you can book from anywhere in the world. For me, these are the safe ones. They are normally a fraction more expensive than the rest, but I haven’t seen a bad one yet. 

Click here >> to head to their website

YMCA/YWCA and The Salvation Army

These are normally found in North America, Europe, Middle and Far East. When I was hitching in Canada I arrived in Downtown Winnipeg at 2am. I was tired, had not expected to get so far... and so was unprepared. Downtown Winnipeg is not the best area for anyone to go late at night, especially if you are young, have a sodding great backpack on your back and look completely out of place. A long story, but I ended up in a Salvation Army hostel (for alcohol and drug offenders!) Now my impression of them up until that point is probably the same as yours now... you see them in town playing trumpets and asking for cash. I had never donated. However, I was looked after really well, reassured, given some food and drink and then sent on my way the next morning. The kindness was exceptional... run by an enormous man with the kindest voice I have ever heard. YMCA, YWCA and ‘The Sallies' will always be able to find room for you if you are desperate. They do a cracking job, so please remember to donate a bit of cash if you can next time you see them!

Universities and Colleges

I have been to a couple of these, as they are good for cheap food and for finding decent nightlife. They will occasionally put you up if you ask nicely, with more chance over the holidays. Use the ‘I’m a student from England’ routine... they, or the students union, will be able to help a fellow student. It’s also a good bet for finding lifts on their ‘rides boards’, especially if you hit the end of term when they are all driving over the place... America is good for this, although the students are very conscious about who they pick up. Saying that, as soon as the English accent comes out... the doors tend to open. I have been invited meals and parties... the ‘novelty’ in town and drew a bit of attention, which was kinda cool.

Camp grounds 

Even if you don’t have a tent many can put you up in tents or cabins of their own. The little cabins can be cool, as is camping in general, waking up in the morning, looking out to see the forest or beach, depending where you are. If you have a tent, all the better.

Wherever you end up...

If it is exceptionally good, or incredibly bad, tell everyone (and let us know here at gapyear.com!). The backpackers trail works by word of mouth. This is the only way to stamp out the guys who rip us all off. It is your duty to us all!