| Frequently Asked Questions |
|
What are hostels?
|
|
Hostels are essentially a form of accommodation cater to those travelling on a budget, but many also have facilities for groups, families and those with special needs. In the past they have been forms of accommodation unlike any other, with dormitories sleeping up to 20 people and one shower/bathroom to accommodate all these guests. This is no longer the case - most hostels listed on Hostelseurope.com have private and ensuite facilities as well as shared.
|
Do I need to be a member to use your site or stay at one of your hostels?
|
|
No, you don't need to be a member of any youth hostel organisation to stay at any of the hostels listed on Hostelseurope.com. You also do not need to be a member to use the Hostelseurope.com site, though we do offer HOE Membership as an option for users that wish to make savings on multiple bookings.
|
How big are hostel dormitories?
|
|
Dormitories range in size from hostel to hostel. They range from those with 4 beds to larger dorms which can accommodate up to 20 guests and can be either mixed or single-sex dorms. They usually have bunk-beds, but can sometimes contain both bunk beds and single beds. Smaller dorms normally have single beds only.
|
Do hostels have private rooms/bathrooms?
|
|
Many hostels have private single, twin and double rooms. Often these will have private bathrooms which are located inside the room and comprise of a toilet, washbasin and shower. These rooms are known as 'ensuite' rooms which is derived from a French word meaning 'in the suite'.
|
What facilities do hostels offer?
|
|
The majority of hostels have fully equipped kitchens where you can prepare your food, while in more recent times some hostels even have their own cafés, restaurants and bars. Other facilities many hostels offer include free breakfasts, internet access, common rooms which usually have TVs along with laundry facilities and free linen. Check the hostel microsites for a full list of an individual hostel's facilities.
|
Will my valuables be secure in hostel dormitories?
|
|
Almost all hostels offer security lockers either free of charge or for a small fee to ensure guests staying in dorms can lock up their valuables. These lockers can be found in the rooms themselves or in a designated area somewhere else in the hostel.
|
Do hostels have curfews?
|
|
Some hostels still have curfews or lockouts, although this is becoming less common in recent years. Check a hostels individual 'microsite' for details.
|
Do I need a passport and visa to get into any European countries?
|
You must have a valid passport to enter all European countries. In many cases, country's immigration laws require your passport to be at least 6 months old and valid for 3 months after the date of entry. You should also bring two photocopies of your passport (the pages including your photo) in case you are unlucky enough to lose it. To be able to access a copy of your passport at all times, scan a copy of it and email it to yourself.
Natives of the EU countries, New Zealand, USA and Canada don't need visas for most European countries, although this is not always the case. Contact your local embassy/consulate for the country you are visiting to ensure you are fully aware of the entry requirements.
|
What do I need to pack?
|
Along with your passport, you should also have some other form of photo ID, a copy of your travel insurance details, your flight details/tickets, medication and prescriptions (if necessary), eyeglass prescription (again, if necessary), and your contact details in the case of an emergency.
Whatever else you bring, make sure you pack light. Research has shown that in many cases travellers only use approximately 70% of what they pack. Most things which you may forget can be bought on your travels, but there are still some essentials which you shouldn't travel without. These include a light waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a sleeping bag and sheet (in case the hostel doesn't provide a cover or sheets), a small torch, an adaptor for the country(s) you are travelling to, a small padlock (some security lockers don't have locks to close them securely) a slim money belt and small towels.
|
Do I need vaccinations for any European countries?
|
|
No, there are no European countries which require you to get any vaccinations before travelling.
|
What are health services like in Europe?
|
|
Medical services are excellent all over Europe and can be found without any difficulty, unless you are in a very rural area.
|
How easy is it to travel around Europe?
|
|
Travelling around Europe is now easier than it has ever been. An extremely efficient train network has meant 'inter-railing' has become one of the most popular ways to travel around the continent, while buses travel to all those destinations which are unreachable by train. Hitching is not recommended on safety alone.
|
Is it easy to change foreign currency?
|
Changing foreign currency and travellers cheques can be done in banks all over Europe, as well as many post offices. In more recent years it is possible to change money in hostels also.
The most convenient way to acquire money in a foreign currency is at bank machines. Once your bank card and the bank machine you are taking money from both have the 'Cirrus' logo, you should be able to get money from them without any hassle.
|
Is it possible to make a booking for a large group?
|
|
Yes, at www.hostelgroupbookings.com you can make confirmed online bookings
for groups of more than 9 people. For groups or more than 20 people you can
send an online request directly to the hostel of your choice.
|