Hostel

From ArticleWorld


Hostels are establishments that provide boarding and lodging to travelers usually on a temporary basis and at low costs. Hostels are often more specifically supervised, inexpensive lodging places for travelers. These are low cost overnight staying places for the back-pack tourists who like to travel but are on only a shoe string budget. Another point in favor of hostels is their ubiquitous presence. Hostels of some standing may be found in every nook and cranny of the world

History

The hostel as an institution has existed for a very long time, the presence of the earliest being traced to a German school teacher. Richard Schirrmann would take his students out of the claustrophobic atmosphere of the coal mining town to a nearby forest to commune with nature. This, very soon developed into an International Peace movement with hostels becoming the focal point of the change. The original belief followed the principle of walking or cycling to the hostel. This ethic along with certain age restrictions is no longer exercised.

Layout

Most hostels offer dormitory style rooms with separate quarters for men and women. Many hostels may also offer rooms for a couple or a family. The essence of hostelling is its communal nature. This translates into sharing of all the space: the dormitories, the kitchen and the bathrooms. The beds are bunk beds, and it is better to shed modesty if going to stay in a hostel. For sanitation purposes, many hostellers prefer to use their own towels and their own sheets; in most places blankets are available at a little extra cost.

The philosophy

Hostels have proven to be particularly encouraging to travelers needing outdoor activities (the back packers). The best aspect of hostels is that they provide a stage for multicultural enlightenment. The hostellers get to mix more with each other than traditional hotel guests do. The free exchange of ideas and ideologies is basic to building good international relations.