With all of us feeling the fallout of the financial crisis, backpacking isn’t just for college kids anymore. Don’t let the youth hostel tag scare you off; these budget accommodation options are perfect for anyone looking for a cheap place to lay their head.
However adults shouldn’t run headlong into booking their first hostel holiday. There are a few points to consider when backpacking as a grown-up.
While costs are always a consideration, older backpackers shouldn’t pick their hostel on price alone. The quality of the rooms is important, as is the location. Proximity to night clubs and bars is probably less important than it was in your youth, but you’ll probably want to be near public transport for easy sightseeing. Also do your research to ensure you’re not staying in a seedy part of town.
Choosing a private room over a dorm is an important splurge as middle age settles in. You can probably do without the funky smells, rowdy roommates, and all night parties! Not all private rooms are created equally though. Some have ensuites, but many do not. You’ll probably pay an extra $10 a night for your own bathroom, which is enough for a coffee and a pastry each day. What would you rather spend your money on?
A backpacking holiday calls for traveling light, but there are a few extra items older hostel hoppers may wish to bring. That smell that lingers around young backpackers generally comes from skipped showers. Hostels rarely provide shampoos and soaps, so unless you want to join the great unwashed you’ll need to bring your own. A pair of earplugs takes up little space in a suitcase, and ensures those all night binge drinking sessions don’t interrupt your sleep.
Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers.
While you’re there, make sure you take advantage of the hostel kitchen. These are often quiet as young people survive on snacks and cheap take outs. You can create a gourmet feast on a budget with some fresh produce from a local farmer’s market or delicatessen.
And finally, remember that hostel life is all about community. While you might not make lifelong friends, it’s important to smile and strike up conversation. You might even learn about a local gem you haven’t discovered yet!
Tourism Australia’s website Australia.com offers comprehensive advice to travelers looking to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand of the land Down Under. The site helps tourists save money on flights, through deals with budget carrier V Australia.
The website also provides affordable deals on vacation packages, which combine flights, accommodation, and activities to help tourists save cash.
These travel packages are ideal for travelers who want to enjoy some of Australia’s most popular activities. However, those who want to linger in one place a little longer, or stray from the well worn tourist path, should consider the affordable accommodation that Australia’s hostels can provide.
While many are called youth hostels, these inexpensive accommodation options welcome travelers of any age and background. Similarly, many hostels in Australia are known as “backpackers.” However, guests do not need to carry their belongings in a backpack to stay there. In Australia, the term “backpacker” can simply be thought of as “budget traveler.”
Hostel accommodation tends to be basic, but it is typically clean, secure, and conveniently located close to major attractions and public transport. The cheapest rooms are shared, with guests sleeping on bunk beds in dormitory style. However, guests can pay more for the privacy of individual rooms if they prefer. These rooms often have en suite bathrooms too, although this is dependent on the hostel.
Whichever room configuration you opt for, there will be few in-room luxuries although most hostels provide access to television and high-speed Internet in common areas. They also typically have a common kitchen where guests can save cash by preparing their own meals. Perfect if you’re in town on a work or holiday visa for several months.
The most expensive hostels are located in the center of major cities, including Sydney and Melbourne. Many travelers feel it’s worth spending more for the convenience of walking to major attractions and stumbling back after a night of bar hopping. However, you can save some cash by bedding down in the city’s suburban outskirts. You will need to negotiate public transport to see the sights, but many travelers enjoy staying in these quieter neighborhoods. Both options have their advantages, so consider your tastes and budget when making your decision.
Australia Hostels for Budget Travelers
What hostels lack in luxuries they make up for in fun. Some suggest that the “s” in hostel actually stands for social! Most hostels organize regular activities designed to help guests meet fellow travelers from around the world and immerse themselves in local culture. Common activities include barbeques, pub crawls, and even crab races!
If you’re looking for things to do during the day, most Australian hostels can organize that too. Many run their own day tours or have agreements with reputable touring groups. These allow guests to see all the local area has to offer at a reduced rate.
Gone are the days of hostel curfews. Most modern hostels are open 24 hours, and those that aren’t typically allow guests to enter the building after hours using an electronic key. This gives tourists the opportunity the chance to experience Australia’s famous pub culture without worrying about being locked out of their accommodation.
While hostels primarily cater to young tourists and students, they have also become increasingly popular with elderly travelers, known in Australia as “gray nomads,” and families. Children are generally permitted to stay when supervised by a responsible adult, although parents should confirm this with the hostel before checking in.
YHA Australia is the largest hostel network in the country. It boasts hostels in all capital cities and popular regional tourist destinations. If you intend to stay in several YHA hostels, it’s worth becoming a YHA member. Membership starts from $32 a year, and entitles the holder to discounts on YHA accommodation worldwide, international travel insurance, transport, attractions, and more.
BASE has backpacker hostels located down the Australian East Coast. The chain is committed to delivering high-quality accommodation which exceeds backpackers’ expectations of safety and cleanliness. Their clean rooms and fully made-up beds are paired with legendary bars and comfortable common areas.
The affordable prices hostels offer mean they get very busy during peak periods. To avoid disappointment ensure you book your rooms well in advance. Most major hostels are happy to take booking several months before your intended date of arrival in Australia.
Australia.com has many suggestions of tourist activities in Australia, from rocking out in music festivals to catching the big waves at the country’s surf beaches. No matter where your heart, or sense of adventure, takes you there’s bound to be a hostel nearby.
