Accommodations on a Budget

Now that you've saved 50% on your international flight to Paris and you're planning to backpack across Europe for a month, staying in a hotel each night can definitely become too pricey very quickly. One affordable option is staying in hostels throughout your journey.

A hostel is usually comprised of dormitory style accommodations, which may have private or shared bedrooms, and shared washrooms, kitchens and general living areas.

Some people hear the word hostel and they're immediately turned off while others might consider it an adventure. Have you ever stayed in a hostel before? Or would you?

Just like most travelers are different, hostels are just as unique. Some hostels are well kept modern facilities while others are crumbling old buildings that you'd need a strong stomach to stay in.

One caution when it comes to hostels: don't bring anything valuable and especially don't leave valuable objects around while your not there as there have been many cases of theft. Have you ever had any experience with this?