Most industry insiders are predicting that this year more people will be jetting off on city breaks, inter-railing round Europe and generally heading off traveling in greater numbers than ever before. And they’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the sheer range of excellent accommodation options out there.

Hostels

The number of backpackers hostels and independent youth hostels has surged in response to increased demand for cheap accommodation, as a result of a radical overhaul from the travel industry in the last five years, or so.

The package holiday for so long a staple of summer holidays has become chronically unfashionable, as people increasingly looked to move away from the uniformity that they promoted. And the conventional high street travel agent is feeling the pinch, as people increasingly found they could cut out the middle man and make their own arrangements online.

In light of this, people had to find some form of affordable accommodation on their holidays. And the answer came increasingly from the ranks of the independent youth hostels and backpackers hostels.

Hardly a new concept youth hostels have been around for years now the necessary tweaks really started to be made back in the late 90s. In retrospect, it’s hard to see which came first, the great accommodation or the booking sites that drive them. It goes without saying that there couldn’t be one without the other.

But with the internet, and a series of sites who allowed their customers to ‘rate’ hostels came a greater awareness of what travelers actually wanted and needed. Now well-stocked kitchens or cool communal areas boasting libraries filled with travel guides and DVDs, prove the rule rather than the exception.

And just as the hostels have gained in popularity (and quality), so too has the rest of the budget accommodation sector begun to take notice of the numbers of people, and offering an ever-improving service for less than you’d think.

Cheap hotels

The cheap hotel market, so long, seemingly, a slightly complacent force reluctant to really compete on price and relying on their hotel status, has started to really square up to its competitors. Increasingly, owners of small hotels are setting aside a quota of rooms online for the budget traveler, safe in the knowledge that they will be snapped up.

What’s more many small hotels have realized that they can turn their size into a significant advantage. Global travelers are increasingly looking for a sense of uniqueness, of individuality. It’s this desire that has inspired the rise of the boutique hotel, a concept which the cheaper end of the hotel market has embraced.

And there are times when even the most ardent backpacker or roving student traveler wants freshly pressed sheets, a hot shower to themselves and a good night’s sleep. Oh, and perhaps a mini bar

Bed & Breakfasts

Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses have also experienced a real resurgence in popularity in recent years. Both generally define themselves as ‘homey’ and comfortable with an emphasis on personal service rather than luxury. And their renewed popularity has come as a result of these values being increasingly in demand by footsore travelers.

Like the cheap hotel market they have responded well to a shift in the market, and the recent rise of boutique hotels by radically improving their service.

Apartments

Hovering somewhere between the service provided by a backpackers hostel (with a kitchen and lounge area as a general rule) and a hotel (you don’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else) renting an apartment has become a viable alternative to the usual cheap hotelB&Bhostel options. The hotels sector has even responded to the demand for apartment-style accommodation with the growth of aparthotels.

The apartment concept can be a winning one, particularly for those traveling in groups or those looking to stay in a town or city for more than a few days. Groups can really fill out an apartment and make it somewhere that they’ll genuinely look forward to coming back to at the end of a long day’s sightseeing, whilst long-stayers can settle in and spread out more than they could in a cheap hotel or hostel.

All in all, things have rarely looked as rosy for travelers with a budget.

Hostels are a great alternative to hotels. They are getting easier and easier to find all over the world and most are available year round. Hostels available for short-term accommodation are a very popular for backpackers. Typically you will be offered a bed in a room with several people but private rooms are becoming more popular. Hostels are less expensive to run and in turn a lot less expensive to stay in.

When choosing a hostel, consider the type of environment that is most suitable for you. Though curfews and daytime lockouts are becoming less and less usual in order to suit today’s guests, some hostels still have them. If you are planning on partying or staying out late and you happen to book a hostel with a curfew you may get left out in the cold. But if you’re not planning on staying out late it might be best to choose a hostel with a curfew in order to weed out drunken roommates that could disturb your sleep in the middle of the night. Another advantage to staying in a hostel is the freedom to go explore, if you won’t make it back for a night a simple call to the owner ensures your bed for the rest of your reserved stay.

The cost difference between a hotel and a hostel is a big one. For example, one hostel in Paris costs $23 a night where a cheap hotel room costs $70. In less developed countries, like Ecuador, hostels start around $12 a night. Many hostels also offer discounts on local attractions for staying with them. Because the price difference is phenomenal it is important to shop around and get the best deal for your money.

Traveling alone is not recommended while staying in a hostel because of the potential dangers. If you are traveling in a large group, staying in a co-ed dormitory probably is not a problem, but if you are traveling in pairs, a private room will best suit your needs. Its also important to be aware of the possibility of theft. Keep your belongings locked up when sharing a common living space. Hostels will not take responsibility for your lost or stolen items. On the positive side, most guests are usually just as concerned about their belongings rather than being interested in stealing yours.

Meeting people is easy when staying in a hostel, especially if you’re staying in a dormitory. A hostel is a great place to experience cultural diversity and to meet very interesting people. Some hostels have bars incorporated and make it even easier to get to know your temporary neighbor. The front desk will also have information about surrounding activities where you will likely find tourists like yourself. Most people who stay in a hostel are between the ages of 18 and 26. A lot of them are backpackers and most of the others are simply tourists, along for the ride. Some travelers stay for extended periods of time, maybe a couple of months, to enjoy the new environment.

Hostels are generally located in bigger cities all over the world. The most popular are scattered through out Europe. Its easy to find and book hostels online. Hosteling International is a non profit organization that is famous for their hostels through out Australia and New Zealand. Usually most popular vacation spots have a hostel near by. When booking a reservation online, directions to the hostel are readily available as well as a phone number to call for additional questions. The atmosphere of hostels is generally relaxing and enjoyable. Instead of spending a fortune on a hotel on a short vacation, extend your stay and save money by staying in a hostel.