More Hostels in the US?

Hi, fellow travelers,

I've been away on both pleasure and then, unfortunately, a family emergency. So it's been a while since I last updated. But I found an interesting article that brings up a point we've probably all realized -- there aren't nearly enough hostels in the USA.

Doug Markham, 50, Houston HI Chairman, talks about hostelling differences between the US and other parts of the world . . . and his own special attachment to hostelling. I think you'll find it thought-provoking.

Despite scarcity here, hostels a hit with Houston travelers abroad

By Harry Shattuck
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Like many travelers just out of college, Doug Markham's first attraction to hostels was the price.

"In my younger days, cost was important - especially traveling in Europe - and staying in hostels allowed me to extend my vacation,'' Markham says. "Plus, hostels are fun; it's a wonderful party atmosphere.''

Now 50 and a successful Houston lawyer, Markham has another motivation.

"People from five or six countries may be staying at a hostel, and at this point in my life the cultural exchange is what I like best,'' he says. "You can talk about music, about politics, about almost anything. You make new friends.

"Often people meet at one hostel, then travel together to the next city. I stayed at a hostel in New Zealand with guests from England and Sweden, and we hiked together to the top of a glacier. There have been so many positive experiences.''

Markham, who has overnighted at about 200 hostels in 85 countries, is now volunteer chairman of the Houston chapter of Hostelling International-USA. The chapter's 600 members from across southeast Texas have access to more than 4,000 HI-sanctioned hostels worldwide.

. . .

While 80,000 Americans - students, seniors and in-betweeners - belong to Hostelling International-USA and embrace the hostel lifestyle during foreign travels, only about 100 independent hostels are scattered throughout the United States. There are none in the Deep South and rural Midwest.

Read the rest of the article here.

I thought the Chicago hostel he mentions sounded quite amazing to I looked into it. Here's what I found out.

Hostelling brings the world to Chicago!

Located in the center of downtown Chicago and in the heart of Chicago’s thriving education district. HI-Chicago is very close to Lake Michigan and within walking distance of Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, the Art Institute, Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Our neighborhood is safe, fun and easy to get to from anywhere in Chicago. Activities from the hostel include free walking tours and excursions throughout the city. You will also receive discounts to many of Chicago's best attractions, including Chicago Architecture Foundation, Bobby's Bike Hike, Sears Tower and Hancock Observatory. The hostel has capacity for 500 guests and facilities include internet access, laundry and friendly staff to help you explore Chicago! We are open to serve you 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

You really couldn't ask for a better location to see Chicago from. And at $31 (plus local and state tax) per person, per night, it's a fantastic bargain. The hostel managers work hard to get discounts for their guests for Chicago sites like Sears Tower, Hancock Observatory, Bobby’s Bike Hike, and Chicago from the Lake boat tours.

Check out their website!

Happy traveling!

Kristi