Youth Hostels

[jean]

Could anyone give some information about the service that you get at the youth hostels. I have just completed John O'Groats-Land's End and I would like to know the average cost of the youth hostels and if you get breakfast, and if you can have a private room and so on, because if I were to do it again, I would like to go cheaper. Thanks a lot.

[Andy Tallis]

Cost is between £10-"20 a night in Englenad and Wales I think and average is about £14-£15 in my experience. I generally find smaller ones have friendlier service and are easier to get into (i.e. not always full.) Usually friendly staff and good self catering facilities or many do meals (not usually included in price but reasonably cheap.) You can often rent your own room but I prefer being in a dorm.

It's a great way to travel.

Oh - and many have drying rooms and washing machines.

Can always look on the website (www.yha.org.uk I think)

[Tim]

worth looking at the posts on the on the road section of this forum under yha closed for the winter

[sportyman531]

SYHA Hostels start at £10.50 pppn in the smaller ones, it's more expensive in the cities. As a general rule they don't do catering, Stirling has a cafeteria but when I stayed there in October 2003 it was closed. Membership is only £6 pa, much cheaper than the YHA. Have a look at www.syha.org.uk

[jean]

Thanks a lot, I have had a look, looks interesting.

[Helen]

Don't waste your dosh on Hostel meals! Think of the sacks of pasta and goodies you can buy to cook in the self-catering kitchen instead! I always ask if there's a microwave if I want a quick meal.
Other advantage of Hostelling, is there's almost always a bike shed, though beware in cities and lock them up well.

[gar]

Helen has the most extraordinary disciplined way of doing things which could not be more economical.

Anybody thinking of doing that journey with her would be lucky indeed! No hostel food; stick to the kitchen. I find it next to impossible to buy the food in the shop before I get there... so I just fall prey to the Hostel managers' charms.

[Helen]

Gar - if I had the money, I'd never cook again! As it is, I have to make a little go a long, long way, which is why I can tell you all about supermarkets and picnicking in several countries, but know diddly about eating out! I hardly bother learning the "restaurant" section in Berlitz phrasebooks. I don't begrudge anyone who can afford to treat themselves, though. Bon appetit!

[Andy Tallis]

When I was touring Scandinavia last spring my Mum seemed to tell me to eat out about every time I called her, but I stuck to my pasta mostly. A few nice people did buy/give me good food though.
It just leaves more to spend on the bike and other kit, and means you're secure against finding out late that the hostel is self catering only.
I know someone who (many many years ago when he was young and working as a chef in Edinburgh) ran out of money when touring. He had the choice between staying overnight in Carlisle hostel and starving or eating and riding overnight back to Edinburgh, without lights. He chose the latter.

[gar]

I can't afford it Helene. I just succumb... then I have to go home sooner!