Hostels - So much more than cheap accommodation.

If you're new to travelling or are looking for budget accommodation, the best place to start is with a hostel.

A hostel provides much more than accommodation; it's a social space. Hotels are hardly friendly places, while hostels are buzzing with life.

In a hostel, everyone you met is on a different journey, and they are full of the joys of travelling. And forget any preconceptions you may have of what hostel accommodation may look like: Yes, some have dorms and shared washrooms - there's people who would say this is the whole point - but many also offer superb value rooms as well as great facilities.

And you find hostels everywhere ! So if you plan to really see the world, you can guarantee to find a hostel in New York or New Delhi or remote places along your route that are much less 'touristy' destinations.

Plan carefully and search wisely, that's our advice. When booking a hostel, look for ones that can help you to secure your gear. Once settled, chat with other people staying in the hostel - you'll glean valuable local information - and before you know it, you've new friends - perhaps even partners to join you on the next leg of your adventure?