We are traveling Europe this spring and we are on a budget. We were just wondering if anyone had any tips about the best places to go in France, Spain and Austria, and some good hostels that we could find there at a good price?! Very open itinerary at the moment. Just need general ideas. Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Sarah, You might find it helpful to have a look at THIS website. I tend to use HI properties more than independent Hostels, as the facilities are fairly consistent at all locations, and they're well run. I'm sure they'll have one or more properties in each of the locations you'll be visiting. Having a membership (very inexpensive) will provide preferred booking and slightly better rates. They tend to attract lots of school groups so the atmosphere can be a bit "chaotic" at times, but I don't find that to be a problem. I've found that HI Hostels are not party Hostels, but have a good atmosphere. A Sleepsack is usually provided in the cost of the room, but be sure to bring a Towel and a robust Padlock for the Lockers - nothing too large but good quality, preferably with "heel & toe" locking (ask a Locksmith if you need further information). Don't use a cheap luggage Lock on Lockers. Happy travels
Posted by
Pittsburgh
33 posts
When I travelled I always stayed in hostels and found that hostelworld.com and hostels.com were most helpful. Try searching cities you're interested in and seeing if there are high rated hostels in them. Sometimes I would structure my itinerary based on whether there was a good hostel someplace or not. I also found that most of the ratings were pretty accurate. My advice - look for ones that are easily accessible (in walking distance) to the main sites and have less rules for check in/out times. I only have some experience with Austrian hostels; the ones I stayed in which are members of Hostelling International were all quite nice, rather sterile, but have stricter timing for check in/out. I also stayed at Yoho Salzburg which is pretty decent, but very busy and louder.
Posted by
partout
71 posts
hi Sarah,
I've stayed at hostels all over Europe. Hostelworld.com is the website I found most useful, and there are tons of reviews. You can also book your room/bed on that site. Because there are so many hostels out there and you may not know if the one you choose is a 'party' hostel, or a quiet one that attracts older guests, I use the Let's Go guidebooks (they also have a website). I find their hostel reviews to be spot-on usually. I'm not sure of your age or if you are backpacking, but you may also want to check out Rough Guide's Europe on a Budget (I know, I should be recommending Rick Steves books on his website, but this book is aimed specifically at budget travelers). Just an FYI, there are not many hostels in Paris, so if you want to stay in the city center you'll probably have to get a cheap hotel.