Seniors Hostel, Too

Comments! A Senior Hosteller Speaks Out!

2007-06-25T16:02:00.000-04:00

Hi, fellow travelers,

I really appreciate the comments readers make on my blog. Thank you, those of you who have taken the time to comment!

But since this blog doesn't automatically show the comments people make on my posts, you may not have seen this one unless you clicked on it. Since it's a great testimony to the concept of seniors hostelling, I'm posting it here because I think all my senior readers may benefit from this person's experience and advice.

Thanks Waiata, for your words!

waiata dawn davies said...: I am a life member of the Youth Hostel Association and have watched the movement develop from stark dormitories where guests helped with the cleaning before checking out each morning.

I grew up during World War 11. Only servicemen could travel overseas and have adventures, so sixteen years ago, on retiring from a lifetime of teaching and raising boys, I decided to travel before I grew too old to enjoy the experience. With the help of the IYH book 'The Great O.E.' I planned my itinerary and bought a round the world ticket. My stay at home friends prophesied all sorts of disasters and they were very, very wrong.

In Melbourne I booked a bed in the Youth Hostel at Perth.Both Hostels were clean comfortable and friendly. In Britain I stayed in Stratford upon Avon in a beautiful old house with rabbits on its lawn, then I spent several days in Edinburgh,before going on to Loch Lomond, Bristol,and Llandudno. I was able to get off the tour bus wherever I felt like stopping and find a Youth Hostel. It was easy.

In Europe I toured through Belgium, Germany, Italy and France. Only in Germany was I too old to stay in a Youth Hostel.

The nicest thing about it all was the kindness young hostellers showed to me. In San Gimignano, Italy (magical place)I tramped around with two Australian and a Canadian girl, exploring far more than I would have alone.The attitude to us oldies seemed to be 'we're going sightseeing, or out for a meal, would you like to come along?'These young folk have become good friends.

It was a magical journey and there were often people my own age travelling about and enjoying the informailty of hostel life.

Over the next fifteen years I had opportunities to join guided tours to Turkey and Greece, Russia and Scandinavia and Northern Italy. These tours were well organised and good value, but now I have reached my 82nd year and am slowing down, I can't trudge throungh miles of museums and cathedrals, I need to go at a slower pace. So later on this year I am planning another trip. To Crete, to Liverpool, then across to the States, ending with a month long stay in San Francisco. I find YHA and other services for elderly people wonderfully helpful.

Any 'oldies' out there who are doubtful about touring on their own should not hesitate.

Planning a trip begins sometimes a year before. To get the most out of touring you need to be fit. Get your blood pressure checked and lose weight! When I am at my normal weight I feel better, have more energy, and I don't need to make as many toilet stops as when I am fat! And I don't snore as loudly which makes sharing a dormitory more pleasant for the others. Pack non iron clothes and invest in a good pair of trainers. Study 'The Great O.E.' for it's wealth of practical information, and buy the wonderful little books which tell you about Youth Hostels in the countries you plan to visit.

Travelling is more fun than vegetating in a rest home, and it's probably cheaper.

Great post, Waiata! All you other senior hostellers out there. Tell us your experiences!

Happy traveling,

Kristi

technorati tags: senior+travel, search+hostels, hostels

Want a Beach, Mountains or City Vacation? Find Three-In-One!

2007-06-25T13:48:00.000-04:00

Hi, fellow travelers,

It's been a while since I updated this page. But ah! summer is upon us and it's time to find some interesting hostels to visit. Where do you want to go? The beach? The mountains? Some never-visited city?

Let's see what we can dig up today that will whet your travel appetite.

The beach is always a summer favorite. So how about a cool Canadian beach? I've discovered HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach Hostel in British Columbia. It's a summer-only hostel and only 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. So you can combine the beach vacation with seeing an exciting and fun city.

Since this is a Hostelling International hostel, it is a little cheaper if you're a member. And it's a great idea to join HI anyway, as they have a lot of great hostels around the world. That'll cost you only $18/year if you're over 55 and join in the US. For US membership click here and for other nationalities click here.

Here's a little of what the hostel folks say about their facility:

We have a great licensed cafe on site, open for breakfast and dinner and run by a congenial host. We also have a large guest kitchen, TV room, on-site Internet access, laundry facilities, sports equipment and bike rentals. We provide all linens and towels (and a duvet), and lockers in a very safe and secure environment. With almost unlimited parking, Jericho remains the place to be for those who don't need to be in the thick of things to have a good time.

They also offer sports and activities like Erik's Lynn Forest and Canyon Tour: Mentioned in "Lonely Planet" as one of Vancouver's best, this classic walking tour includes:

sightseeing in the downtown core including Chinatown and Gastown
the beautiful Lynn Canyon-with its waterfalls and suspension bridge
serenely wooded trails
lunch at the edge of a beautiful crystal clear river
water lots of water (rivers, fountains, waterfalls and the ocean!)

This full day tour is only $11.99 CAD, which includes all public bus transportation, the ferry boat and our professional guide. A better bargain will be hard to find anywhere!

Private rooms for 2 at Jericho Beach are $63/night for members and $71 for non-members. That's Canadian dollars, so works out a little less in US dollars (59/66).

And Vancouver! What a fabulous city! Surrounded on three sides by water and the Coast Mountain Range on the fourth, it's a scenic wonderland. You'll find ocean kayaking or boat cruises for the less-adventurous, garden and city tours, even a rain forest.

The third largest city in Canada, it has museums and world-class shopping and dining. Visit the following link for great discounts:
100 Days of Summer

Whether you're dreaming about beaches, exciting cities or peaceful, cool mountains, you can't beat Vancouver at Jericho Beach Hostel. Book it from the search window on this page.

Happy traveling!

Kristi

technorati tags: senior+travel, Canadian+travel, search+hostels, hostels

More Hostels in the US?

2007-03-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

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

A Romantic Hostel?

2007-01-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

Today The Today Show featured some romantic get-aways for Valentine's Day. They were in Monterey, California, Miami, Florida, Mexico and Quebec City and they were "inexpensive" ($200+/night).

Well not everyone finds $200+/night actually "inexpensive," right?

We all know hostels are truly inexpensive, but romantic? Not likely!

So I set out to find some romantic hostels, if they actually exist. First I looked at some of my previous posts. How about Salzburg?

Well I found this gorgeous hostel with private double bed rooms available February 13-16 where a couple can stay for all three nights for a total of $290.26, breakfast included!

Here's the description:

The SALLERHOF chosen as best overall international inn in the best of BEDANDBREAKFAST awards 2004 and also for 2005

We can book the Sound of Music tour or other tours for you. Tickets are available here and tour buses pick up every morning at the front door.

Sallerhof guesthouse is just 4 miles south of old town Salzburg, 1 mile from the motorway exit Salzburg Sued, 7 miles from the airport Salzburg and 5 miles from the railway station (Hauptbahnhof Salzburg - HBF Salzburg)

Our family-run pension has 35 beds in luxurious rooms furnished with care and attention. Our regular clients are drawn back by the individual atmosphere and the personal attention we pay to our guests. We even provide you with bicycles for exploring the beautiful surroundings and nearby attractions. We have our own free parking spaces so that you can enjoy your peaceful and relaxing stay in Salzburg to the full..

You will be treated to a hearty breakfast buffet with local produce and homemade specialities. For lunch and dinner there are many restaurants within 3 minutes walking distance, and you can bring each day to a close with a glass of wine on the patio in our peacefully situated garden.

Bus number 25 goes from Groedig to the historic city of Salzburg and to the railway station and back every 20 minutes - a 30 minutes ride for 1.80 Euro. The last bus runs at 23:00 from Salzburg. The next bus stop is a 2 minute walking distance. By taxi it's a 15-minute ride 14.- Euro.

Our non-smoking rooms have modern furnishings and all the features you need: a balcony, bath or shower, hair-dryer and satellite TV. You will feel right at home when you stay with us.

Salzburg not an option?
How about Miami Beach, then? I found tge Clay Hotel in South Beach availablefor those 3 nights for a total of $325! Here's what the owners say:

The Lonely Planet guidebook calls us 'the most beautiful hostel in America'. Another guidebook, 'Hostels USA' awarded us its top billing of four stars, naming us one of the best big city hostels. We believe that's because of our great room rates, terrific Mediterranean ambiance, and location in the heart of South Beach.

We're also near world famous Ocean Drive, and next to one of the most beautiful beaches you'll find anywhere. Please note that all of our rates include taxes & linen, air conditioning, satellite TV, refrigerators and telephones.

And then, well there's even a hostel in Monterey! Take a look at The Del Monte Beach Inn where a couple can stay those same 3 nights for a total of $165 + tax!!

It is classicly distinguished in design as well as character. We host a continental break fast from 8 until 10 on the antique buffet. Hot muffins are served with the fruit of your choice. After breakfast take a leisurely stroll to Downtown Monterey, cross Del Monte Avenue to scout the Monterey Bay's shore, or just relax along the banks of Lake El Estero.
Each guest room has comfortable beds with crisp linen and the rooms are decorated with fresh flowers. All rooms have sinks and share antique bathrooms with claw-foot tubs. Some rooms feature a kitchenette and private bathrooms.

Enjoy the best the Peninsula has to offer. A recreational bike and walking trail along the bay connects the Inn with old historic Monterey, Fishermen's Wharf, the Marina, Cannery Row, the Aquarium, tide pools and Maritime Museum. The Inn is just steps from the beautiful Del Monte Beach where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Monterey Bay.
There is an endless list of things to do -- enjoy the magnificent 17-Mile Drive of Pebble Beach, legendary Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley's ranches and vineyards, Point Lobos State Park, inspirational Big Sur and, of course, some of the best golf courses in the world.

I don't know about you, but why spend $290 a night when you can enjoy the same beautiful and romantic get-away for one third to one half that for 3 nights?

I found all these great hostels through the search panel in the left sidebar. They're all available for February 13 - 16, 2007. And there's loads more. Try it out -- anywhere you'd like to take your sweetheart next month -- you might be surprised by what you find!

Romantic hostels? You bet!

Happy traveling!

Kristi

technorati tags:romantic+getaway, senior+travel, European+travel, search+hostels, hostels

Enchanting Salzburg in Winter

2006-12-21T23:22:00.000-05:00

Imagine the fairytale village of Salzburg, Austria--where "The Sound of Music" was filmed--in winter! How about spending Christmas or New Year's there?

Check out this link to a slideshow of Salzburg at Christmas.

Believe it or not, there are several hostels in Salzburg, including a couple "more-hotel-like" ones that are really quite lovely, but still inexpensive.

Salzburg--in the preAlps--never shuts down regardless of the season. It's cold and snowy in the winter, but frostily beautiful! If you are a skier, you might want to take the snow shuttle up into the mountains. Even if you don't want to ski, you can still ride the shuttle. There are other options, from tobogganing to snow-shoeing to just plain walking in the winter wonderland.

The "Original Sound of Music Tour" is available every day for $35.00/adult. It's a wonderful ride with breathtaking views of the landscape where the opening scenes were filmed, while you listen to the original Sound of Music soundtrack. An English-speaking guide shows you the highlights of the film and the historical and architectural landmarks in the city, as well as a part of the picturesque lake district. It takes about 4 hours.

There are other tours you can take, like a full-day excursion along the Salzach river valley past many of Austria's ski resorts. Near Schladming, location of the 1982 ski World Championships, the tour ascends to the "Steirische Ramsau" 1000 m above sea level at the base of one of the Alpine glacier massives--the Dachstein. In the village there's time for a stroll in the frosty fresh air and lunch in one of the local inns. Then you'll hear the jingle of sleighbells calling you to the sleighs, lined up across the field to take you on an amazing winter sleighride! A stop for refreshments is made along the way, and while the horses rest, you can try some Austrian specialties. The trip, approximately 8 hours long, is available December 26, 28, 30 and 31.

You can explore all the Salzburg hostels using the search panel on this site, but I've picked out my favorite for the money. It is Haus-Lindner, a beautiful country house at the edge of the city. Here's what the owner says about it:

Our building is located north, opposite the city on a sunny mountain slope. From our panorama terrace you will enjoy the view over Salzburg and the wonderful mountains. The rooms are stylish and very comfortable, partly with balcony. Our bathrooms only include shower facilities. The newly arranged breakfast room serves also as a TV/Sat room as well as a lounge. Excellent breakfast, too!

We have parking for your car in front of the building. If you book the Sound of Music Tour at House Lindner, you are treated to the movie. The tour bus stops every morning at the house.

The beds at Haus-Lindner start at $23.36. Taxes and breakfast are included. And how about that view! Pretty impressive, no?

Salzburg is also the "city of Mozart." Mozart Week is January 26 through February 4, 2007. It includes a performance of Mozart's own arrangement of Handel's Messiah and a behind-the-scenes exhibit of the life and times of Mozart.

Besides music and tours, Salzburg's "old city" is delightful and you simply won't have the time to visit all of its elegant palaces, Baroque churches, lively theaters and fascinating museums.

Happy traveling!

Kristi

A Reader's Questions Answered

2006-11-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

Hi Travelers,

? ? ? Had a question from a reader who wanted to understand more about hostels, especially those for elders, and how feasible it might be to plan a European trip around them. I started out to answer the email, then decided there may be others who'd like a bit of a "refresher course" on this subject.

So here's my email-turned-post on the subject.

I'm not an expert, but I'll try to answer your questions.

As I'm sure you know, hostels started out as youth hostels and catered mainly to traveling students. They offered large dormitory-style rooms and there were a great many rules, age limits, curfews, and a long part of the day when you couldn't be in the hostel (lock-out time).

All that has changed, and there are only a few countries where hostels are limited to youth. Now almost all hostels are open to adults of all ages and some allow children, so whole families can use them.

Rooms have changed greatly and while hostels still include dormitories (which may be male, female or mixed rooms), these dorms generally have fewer beds to a room, and many hostels now have private and semi-private rooms, some with bathrooms in the room (ensuite) and some with shared bathrooms. Some have actual apartment units.

As a rule, there are kitchens that guests may use, lockers or locked rooms where things may be stored, no lock-out times or curfews, and various recreational facilities. Instead of the old fashioned "warden," modern hostel owners and staff are, by and large, friendly, helpful people who can offer all kinds of information and tips.

� � � � �

Now, as to "elder" hostels, there really aren't any that I know of per se. You have probably heard of "Elderhostel," but that is actually an organization that arranges full-service trips for seniors that usually include educational components. These trips are excellent, but too expensive for many people, and they are very structured. Here's a link to their website if you'd like more information about it.

But most hostels simply now include adults of all ages. Some are more friendly to seniors than others with more small or private rooms, elevators and wheelchair-friendly accesses, and quieter atmospheres. The best hostels for seniors have good public transportation or parking areas nearby as walking is often a concern.

BTW, there are definitely hostels out there that are known as "party hostels" which would most likely not be of interest to the mature traveler!

Modern hostels are still inexpensive compared to hotels, (and many seem more like small hotels) and the over-50s travelers who want to see the world and meet lots of different people while holding to a small budget, can find hostel accomodations very suitable.

People who are used to luxury travel, however, must realize that hosteling is not luxury travel. It's simple but adequate, clean, inexpensive and fun. And there are hostels all over the world--in an amazing array of different buildings and styles, often with fascinating histories, making them much more interesting than ordinary motels.

� � � � �

The best way to find out if there are hostels you would like to visit in the places you want to go is to explore them through the link on the left sidebar of my site. Just put a city, a country or a hostel name in the search line and click. Each result gives you loads of information about the individual hostel, its rates and what it has to offer.

Some have their own websites you can visit to learn even more. Others are part of a type of chain, in that the owners have other hostels in other cities, as well. They won't be all alike, but the management should be consistent.

My reader's query asked about taking a trip that includes parts of Germany, Italy and the Greek Isles. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? In fact the resources to explore the hostel possibilites are all right there in that search panel. For instance I found:

The Sunshine Apartments (private double ensuite $39.65/person/night) in Baden Baden in the Black Forest Region of Germany

and the Summer Lodge in Maleme ($20.51/person/night) on Crete in
the Greek Isles.

And check out Rome just two posts down. These are just quickly-found examples from my search panel. You can research a lot more in the full search results.

If you'd like a bookful of European hostels with first person reviews, scroll down the page to my Resources post or click here for Paul Karr's great book on hostels in European Cities. Why not use the Amazon search panel in my Resources post to find books on Greece that include hostels?

I hope I've given you a start to discovering how hostels might be just the ticket for your next great trip!

Happy traveling!

Kristi

technorati tags:senior+travel, European+travel, search+hostels, hostels

How About a Funky Florida Hostel this Winter?

2006-11-27T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hi Travelers,

Ever been to the Florida Everglades? It's a wonderful place to see and experience. We visited not long ago and were thrilled to see how well the alligators have recovered from their previous endangered status.

Alligators have lately posed something of a problem due to proliferation in more built-up areas. But the Everglades is where they truly belong and can be enjoyed in their natural habitat.

They are joined by crocodiles (can you tell the difference?**) among 50 other species of reptiles, 45 species of mammals and 350 species of birds including my favorite, the weird, but delightful anhingas that settle in the scrub trees along the sloughs to dry their wings after diving for fish.

**Here's the answer.

And it's warm and sunny in South Florida while much of the US moves into winter.

I found this great little totally funky hostel where you can have a private room for two for $50 a night. It's called Everglades International Hostel. Here's how it's introduced on their website:

"A friendly laid-back atmosphere and an ideal location for day-tripping all of South Florida's attractions like the Everglades National Park, the Keys and Miami are just the tip of what makes our hostel so special... whimsical tropical gardens, internet access, free calls anywhere in the US, large-screen movie room, fully equipped kitchen, free all-you-can-eat make-it-yourself pancakes, free street parking, laundry facilities and all this with no curfew or lock out!"

I think this picture says it all, don't you? To get the full effect, you really need to explore the facilities link on the site.

The website is great--lots of links to tours, places to see and things to do, including bike tours, canoe tours, the odd coral castle--hey--even sky-diving if you up for it (I'm definitely not!).

Here's their home page link: Everglades

But if you decide to book it, I'd sure appreciate it if you'd use my link through Hostel World on the left sidebar. ;-)

Happy traveling!

Kristi

technorati tags:senior+travel, Florida+Everglades, Florida+travel, hostels

Accessible Rome

2006-11-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

Hi Travelers,

Recognize that wonderful fountain on the right? Yep, it's the famouis Trevi Fountain. You sit in front of it or on the wall and throw a coin over your shoulder into the water.

It's supposed to insure your return to Rome. I tried it a few years ago and haven't got back there again--not yet--but I haven't given up the idea!

My theme today is "Accessible Rome." There's a hostel in Rome with great value for money and facilities that is wheelchair-friendly. Plus Camping Roma has all types of accommodation to suit every budget, from shared house tents to private/shared cabins (twins and triples) with ensuites.

It has facilities such as regular theme parties, swimming pool, bbqs, jacuzzis, big screen TV, superfriendly staff, the best restaurant and pizzeria, and a poolside bar.

They have the usual things including internet access, laundry, 24hr security and luggage storage.

Accomodation types of particular interest include:

� Mixed/shared dormitory (triples) with an ensuite. These are modern, comfortable sized rooms that sleep 3 people and come with their own shower and toilet, heater, air conditioning, fridge, storage space, bedding and electrical outlets and

� Private twins with an ensuite. Modern, comfortable rooms that sleep 2 people and come with their own shower, toilet, storage space, bedding, heating, air conditioning and electrical outlets. Individuals can only book a private bed as a twin.

Plus Camping Roma is a short private shuttle bus ride from the Vatican and well connected with public transport from the front gate into town and the metro.Plus Camping Roma also offers a transfer service for Ciampino airport for €10 per person and Fiumicino airport for €9 per person.

They can send you off in the right direction with maps, tickets and excursions around the eternal city and they pride themselves on their reputation for providing clean, comfortable and safe accommodation with additional locations: Plus Camping Michelangelo in Florence and Plus Camping Alba D'Oro in Venice.

Some traveler reviews:

"For value this is awesome. The cabins were brilliant and the staff ever so friendly and helpful. It's very safe and secure." Hostelworld customer, Australia.

"Plus Camping Roma is the best hostel/camping in Rome. You can't beat the price and amenities offered." Hostelworld customer, USA

Just put Plus Camping Roma in my hostel search box and check it out.

And . . .
I came across this article that should be useful to any wheelchair users bound for Rome. Below is the opening paragraph of Mary Murphy-Hanson's article on wheelchair travel and accessibility in Rome.

Click on the link at the bottom for her really thorough guide.

Enjoy!

Kristi

"Accessible Rome"

Several years ago I became confined to a wheelchair for most of my day. Like most people in wheelchairs I have varying degrees of 'ability'. While I can climb a few stairs, or walk a short distance, the marathon that is known as touring Rome far exceeds my capabilities. I also couldn't give up my passion for Rome. So I went to Rome in a wheelchair. Conquering Rome in a wheelchair!

Slow Travel Italy - Accessible Rome, wheelchair travel, disabilities, accessibility

technorati tags:senior+travel, wheelchair+travel, accessible+Rome, hostels

Now! Search For And Book Your Hostels Here.

2006-10-16T21:35:00.000-04:00

Hi, fellow travelers,

I'm very excited to tell you that you can now search for and book hostels right from this blog!

On the left side right below the title, you'll see a search block provided by Hostelworld. You can use it to find hostels by city, country or hostel name. And when you find one you like, you can book it right there.

I'm excited about this because using this search tool will enable you to discover what the hostels in any country or city you are interested in are like. You can see pictures, find out where they are and what's near to them, see directions and get all the prices for various types of rooms.

I hope you enjoy poking around in the hostels to see what might suit you.

You can also search for tours in cities or countries you might like to consider in your trip.

There's a lot for me to do to make my booking page nicer, and I plan to improve it. But that will take me a while, so I didn't want to wait till I have it looking classier for you to be able to use it.

Happy traveling!

Kristi

technorati tags: seniors+hostel , hosteling, hostelling, seniors+travel

Sun Hotel Hostel in Cairo, Egypt

2006-09-28T22:03:00.000-04:00

In March we spent 10 days in Egypt. It was one of my absolute favorite trips. I don't know about you, but Egypt was always a place I wanted to see, but never believed I would.

It turned out to be everything I'd imagined and more. Here we are in front of the Great Pyramid in Giza. (That's me in the green shirt.) As you can see, the pyramids at Giza have a rough bumpy apprearance. They were once covered with smooth limestone, topped by a cap of pure gold.

Years later, the limestone was stripped to use in building other things. (Not much doubt about what happened to the gold! ;-) ) Now you can see the massive individual stones the pyramids are built with. It's truly awesome to imagine how these huge granite pieces were put in place.

In Cairo, of course, you must not miss the Egyptian Museum (left). That's where many of the world famous treasures of King Tutankamun are kept. You can't take pictures inside, but I'll tell you, it is incredible how much gold-covered furniture there was in that tomb. Numerous beds, tables, chairs--everything imaginable that King Tut might need in the afterlife.

The smaller items are separated in a an enclosed room inside glass cases--hundreds of items. One fascinating thing about that display is that guides are no longer permitted to go inside the room. They talk too much, you see! Truthfully. In fact, as you pass through the room gazing into the cases at all the gold, you aren't allowed to talk at all. That's to protect the treasures from the excess carbon dioxide talking generates.

Maybe I'll share some more of our trip and pictures in a future post, but here's some info about a terrific hostel in Cairo, right down the street from the Egyptian Museum. It's called Sun Hotel. Here's a blurb from their website:

Sun Hotel opened ten years ago. We wanted to show the rest of the world the new generation of hostels and hotels here in Egypt. Our guests have been happy with the results of our hard work during these last years.

We offer clean, comfortable rooms for the budget-minded traveller be they alone or part of families or large and small groups. The Sun Hotel not only caters for individual travellers but also for people on adventure tours too. This has made the Sun Hotel an ideal place for backpackers and budget travelers to exchange travel ideas that can help your money go further....

In addition to the Sun Hotel's fame for its friendly atmosphere and hospitality, it has the No.1 location in Cairo. Situated on Talaat Harb, probably the best shopping street in Cairo, it is also just off Meedan Tareer, the home of the Egyptian Museum. Here you will also find the Metro to get you around Cairo as well as many restaurants and tea and shisha cafes.

So if you are thinking of traveling to Cairo as a backpacker or budget traveller, we are sure you will find the Sun Hotel has every thing you need, and that it exceeds its fame and popularity.

Here's their link: Sun Hotel Hostel in Cairo, Egypt

The hostel is wheelchair -friendly and has an elevator. Amazingly, the rate for a double room with a private bath is only $24.00! With a shared bathroom, it's $12.00 for two people.

You would love Egypt. The people are incredibly friendly and helpful and you'll want to take heaps of pictures. Check out the link at the top of this page. You can download Google's great photo editor and organizer--Picasa. It's really easy to use and absolutely free.

Okay. I couldn't resist showing you just one more photo. This is from the boat crusing down the Nile. Gliding down the river in total silence . . .

Stopping along the way to visit wonderful temples and marvelous giant sculptures . . .

Snooping amongst the tombs in the Valley of the Kings . . .

Fabulous.

Happy traveling,

Kristi

technorati tags:Egypt+travel , seniors+hostel , hosteling, hostelling, seniors+travel, Cairo+hostel

Time for Some Resources

2006-09-10T21:46:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone,

My purpose in this blog is to highlight interesting hostels I learn about and to discuss all kinds of related things. I don't claim to be an expert, but am just learning and exploring like all of you.

But so many people have been asking how to find hostels in specific countries, I decided to give you some resources to check out on your own.

The first two guides are for hostels in North America.

There are not nearly as many hostels in the "New World" as there are in the "Old," so the following guides are great for anyone who wants to spend some serious travel time in the US and/or Canada to have:

1. Hostels U.S.A., 6th: The Only Comprehensive, Unofficial, Opinionated Guide
by Paul Karr

With candid descriptions and at-a-glance ratings for everything from cleanliness to party potential, this comprehensive guide gives budget-minded travelers all they need to know about hostels in the U.S. and Canada.

Paul Karr has done a lot of hosteling and has written an entire series of guides. Unfortunately, some of them haven't been updated for several years, but this one was published this year. It's definitely worth a good look.

"A hip, humorous, irreverent guidebook that 'nails it' when it comes to evaluating the whole hostel experience."
--Independent Publisher

"This is the only guide of its type that rates the hostels it describes."
--Library Journal

Or try this one:

2. Great Hostels USA

Reviewer: Nathan Perry "fungi_13" (Salt Lake City, Utah)
"I have never found a travel book that I have fallen in love with within two seconds of looking at it. Everything about the book hits you so quickly and efficiently. It's style, the pictures, the nice, glossy pages... all I can say is wow! Like a good journalist, she never keeps any information from you. It has nearby attractins, whether it's good for 30-year-olds or 50-year-olds, any caveats to beware of. I want to travel just to see the hostels for heaven's sake! She makes them look so good in the book."

Europe is full of wonderful hostels found in fascinating buildings from castles to historical houses to modern townhouses.

Here's a new guide from experienced hosteller Paul Karr that provides a candid look inside over 200 hostels in thirty-two European cities, including Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, and Vienna. Easy-to-read icons and at-a-glance ratings make choosing the right hostel a breeze.

Hostels European Cities

Or for an even more thorough look at European hostels, get this one:

Official International Youth Hostels Guide to Europe

Of course, you may just want to search to see everything that's available. You can do that right here:

Next time, I'd like to talk about some of the membership organizations you might like to try out.

See you then.

Happy traveling!

Kristi

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel

Your First Trip Abroad? How to Plan It Here . . .

2006-08-07T15:21:00.000-04:00

Hostelling International has a great program to help travelers who want to go abroad, but have little or no experience, get geared up for it.

The LA program is just past, but explains the sort of programs HI sponsors.

Check out the program below.

Programs for Travelers
World Travel 101

Los Angeles/Santa Monica
World Travel 101 Budget Travel Workshops are geared toward the first-time traveler planning a trip abroad! They are resource workshops and admission is $5 for HI-members and $10 for non-members. All workshops are held at the HI Travel Centre in Santa Monica and begin at 11 a.m. The HI Travel Centre is located at 1434 Second Street, Santa Monica (between Santa Monica Blvd. & Broadway) directly across the street from a city parking structure. Please call 310-393-3413 to reserve or for more information.

Workshops are subject to change or cancellation without notice - please call ahead to confirm.

The HI Travel Centre is located at:

1434 Second Street
Santa Monica, CA
90401
Phone: (310) 393-3413.

Dates and agendas for programs are:

Date

August 5

Workshop

Europe

HI also sponsors . . .

Local educational and cultural tours.

Want a local view of an American city, or how about soaking up the city's culture? Volunteer guides at HI-USA hostels share their neighborhoods, local stories, and tips for the best meals and deals.

Get a New Yorkers view of Manhattan on a special full-day walking tour sponsored by HI-New York, see the inside of The Pentagon in Washington DC with a U.S. military guide, or feel like a native in Seattle as you watch the sunset on the ferry to Bainbridge Island.

Get a special guided tour of the new J. Paul Getty Museum outside of Los Angeles, enjoy a free day at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, experience the history and architecture of Chicago with a volunteer guide, or travel to all corners of San Francisco to see murals emphasizing the local culture.

Take a look at special tours you can get through other HI hostels in US cities through these links back to the site.

HI-Boston
HI-Chicago
HI-Los Angeles/Santa Monica
HI-New York
HI-San Diego, Downtown
HI-San Francisco, Downtown
HI-San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf
HI-Seattle
HI-Washington DC

Find more programs at the following HI-USA hostels:

Santa Cruz, California
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, trip+planning, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel

Neill-Wycik Summer Hotel -- a sort of hostel

2006-08-02T22:06:00.000-04:00

I came across this delightful place in beautiful downtown Toronto. It's a "not-quite-but-almost-a-hostel" that's bound to pleae 55+ travelers.

They have rooms with 2 twins for about $56.00 US or a double bed for about $62.00. The double rooms are apparently large with great views of the city.

Then, of course, there is a common kitchen and lounge, and a lovely outdoor patio on the 23rd floor that overlooks the downtown.

The Summer Hotel occupies approximately 15 floors of our 22 story building. There are 4 hotel apartment units on each floor. Within each unit you'll find 4 or 5 private bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen/common lounge area. It's a great way for a guest to meet new people, yet maintain bedroom privacy. It's also convenient for chaperoning large groups.

Our Front Desk and Concierge services are available 24 hours a day. If you need directions to attractions or assistance planning a day trip, our staff is there to help. Guests are welcome to check-in any time after 4:00 pm. Check-out time is 10:00 am. Our Cafe is open from 7:00 to 1:00 pm every day. Be sure to sample our Traditional Canadian Breakfast.

Being a guest at Neill-Wycik means you can have all Toronto has to offer at your front door, and still have some money in your pocket to enjoy it.

- Outstanding Service

- Great Location

- Affordable Rates

- Friendly and Helpful Staff

Neill-Wycik is your best choice for value in downtown Toronto. Hope to see you soon!

See it all here.

technorati tags:seniors+hostel, Toronto+budget+hotel, seniors+travel

2006-07-20T17:33:00.000-04:00

There's a site run by Blue Cross/blue Shield of Massachusetts called HealthyMe! In their area on seniors , they cover some interesting stuff about traveling. And, believe it or not there's an article recommending hosteling for seniors.

Here's part of it . . .

The hostel experience

How can you travel the world on a limited budget, have a comfortable place to sleep each night, and still have money left over for meals and sightseeing? The answer: Stay in a youth hostel. (The term youth hostel is actually outdated, because few hostels have age restrictions anymore.) Hostels attract all sorts of people, and not only because they are inexpensive. Staying in a hostel is a great way to meet people and to discover intriguing places and sights completely off the beaten path . . .

Read the rest here

Just thought you might like to see that everyone's jumping on the bandwagon--even health care folk!

Get back soon.

Kristi

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel

Globetrotting To Britain Anytime Soon?

2006-07-17T11:09:00.000-04:00

The Globetrotter Inn London
Ashlar Court, Ravenscourt Gardens, Hammersmith

Photo of Globetrotter Inn London

This is the hostel mentioned in smartertravel.com in the last post. I checked it out and noted some interesting +'s there. Such as:

Double and twin rooms with bathrooms
Wheelchair-friendly room
3 separate TV lounges and a big-screen movie room
24-hour reception
Elevator (lift)
A restaurant and a mini-supermarket
Gym
Travel desk

I noted a couple recent reviews from over-41-year old visitors:

Nationality: Australia Stayed: July 2006 Gender: Female Age 41+
Trip Type: Weekend

Rating:
Character 100%
Security 100%:
Location 80%
Staff 100%
Fun 80%
Cleanliness 100%
Average 93%

Nationality: USA Stayed: June 2006 Gender: Couple Age : 41+
Trip Type: Vacation

Comments:This hostel provided many services on site, an internet cafe, washers & dryers, a little store, a bar. We could also purchase tickets for the tube and many sight seeing attractions. Breakfast was also provided.

Rating:
Character 100%
Security 100%
Location 100%
Staff 100%
Fun 100%
Cleanliness 100%
Average 100%

Globetrotter Inn London London England - Hostel Reviews & Ratings

Below is an up-to-the-minute description from Hostelworld

The Globetrotter Inn London is a brand new hostel situated in Hammersmith.
Globetrotter is a laid back, friendly, fun, clean, comfortable, modern and secure hostel with clued-up staff a fantastic bar and a great central location. What more do you want?

Read the rest of the info here:

There's also a Globetrotter Inn in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Click here:

So maybe a trip to the British Isles is in your future? Why not?

Kristi

technorati tags:seniors+hostel, hosteling, hostelling, seniors+travel, London+hostel

European Hostels For Seniors?

2006-07-17T07:45:00.000-04:00

I found this Q&A in SmarterTravel.com. Although it's from last November, the info is still relevant and points out a growing trend. This can only bode well for us mature travelers!

The writer also comments on what she considers to be the best hostel-booking site and explains why.

Here's the question and a bit of the answer. Click over to see the rest.

Dear Editor,

I am planning a six-week tour of Europe next summer and would like to stay in hostels to save money. Are there hostels that cater to senior travelers? - R.J.

Dear Reader,

I'm not aware of any hostel in Europe that caters solely to seniors, but in recent years many hostels have made an effort to appeal to sophisticated budget travelers who seek comfort and privacy in addition to cheap rates. While the majority of hostel guests are still young, more and more mature travelers are joining their ranks.

Read the rest of the answer here:

Are there hostels in Europe that cater to senior travelers?

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel

How and What to Pack for Hosteling

2006-07-14T10:23:00.000-04:00

Good straightforward article here from eHow.com I'm including it in its entirety (since eHow lets you do that), but check the license at the bottom if you copy it. ;-)

It's not specifically for seniors, it applies to all hostelers, but perhaps we seniors need to reminded of these tips most since we're mostly used to traditional vacation-packing.

I especially like tip #3. It reminds me of when I went to the International Girl Scout Round-Up in Colorado in 1959. We all took "swaps" that represented our region to trade with girls from all over the world. It was one of the neatest things about Round-Up. I kept those swaps in a box for nearly 4 decades!

I created a link for all you ex-girl scouts (and I bet there are a lot of you visiting a blog like this!) to the G.S. Round-Up Reunion happening the end of this month.

Hmmm . . . sounds like fun.

International Girl Scout Round-Up

How to Pack for Hosteling - eHow.com

If you plan to stay at hostels anywhere in the world, it's a good idea to carry as little as possible with you. Never bring more than you can comfortably carry by yourself.

	Steps:
1.	Get a sturdy bag - preferably a backpack or convertible travel pack - that you can wear or carry comfortably. Remember that you may have to walk or take public transit to your hostel.

2.	Pack slightly less than you think you'll need - you can always do laundry if necessary. Leave behind clothes or shoes that you aren't sure you will wear.

3.	Bring along a few tiny, lightweight souvenirs to give to people you meet on your travels. These could be postcards from your hometown or tiny lapel pins with your country or state flag.

4.	Bring clothes that don't need ironing or dry cleaning. Choose items that don't wrinkle easily or show stains. (Leave the white linen shorts at home.)

5.	Make sure every item of clothing you pack can be worn with at least two other items. This step will allow you to mix and match outfits without packing too much.

6.	Roll your clothes instead of folding them. This step will mean fewer creases and more usable space. Tuck small items inside your shoes.

7.	Put liquid toiletries, such as bottled shampoo or perfume, inside a zip-lock bag, just in case a container splits or cracks. In general, it's a good idea to decant toiletries into small containers, depending on the length of your trip and your destination. (Remember that you can buy the basics just about everywhere.)

8.	Pack a small address book, so that you can exchange contact information with any new friends you make while hosteling.

9.	Bring a few miscellaneous essentials: a needle and thread, a set of utensils (plastic or metal), a few safety pins, a length of string or cord (for an impromptu clothesline or to tie things to your backpack) and some extra zip-lock bags. Pack a travel-sized container of sanitizing soap, if you have room.

	Tips:
	Bring a Swiss army knife or similar multipurpose tool. Even if you use just the corkscrew or can opener, you'll be glad you brought it.

	Use empty 35mm film canisters to hold change or small items of jewelry.

	Pack a small zip-lock bag or sample-sized box of laundry detergent for visits to the Laundromat. If you bring a small bag of white soap powder, be sure to label it clearly!


	Warnings:
	Don't bring anything you can't live without. Leave expensive or meaningful jewelry at home and wear a money belt or security pouch under your clothing. While most hostel guests are honest travelers just like you, the occasional pickpocket or scam artist may try to take advantage of the communal living and sleeping situation.

	Label your bag clearly on the inside as well as the outside, just in case the external luggage tag gets torn off or lost in transit.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 License.

Enjoy . . . and get packin'!

Kristi

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, travel, hostel, how+to+pack, girl+scouts, girl+Scout+round-up

Hostel Sleepover - Cameraderie Draws All Ages

2006-07-12T20:42:00.000-04:00

Hostel Sleepover

With a mix of ages and nationalities, the least expensive lodging can also be the most fun.

Came across this interesting article by Ellen Perlman in The Washington Post.

"We hoof the couple of miles from the Harpers Ferry train station to a white-shingled house on a hill in Knoxville, Md., just across the Potomac River. Wet from the rain, we let ourselves in the front door.The sight of a crackling fire in the stone fireplace is a welcome surprise. Women are busy in the kitchen cooking burritos. People read on the living room couches. We wander through, smiling and saying hello. Never saw these people before in our lives."

Hostel Sleepover

What is hosteling really all about? Budget travel? No, that rather misses the point, don't you think? These quotes get it right, I believe.

"Hostels draw young budget travelers . . . But tourists of all ages are attracted by their air of camaraderie and international exchange."

Friendliness and a little bit of irony . . .

"Anda Samson, 23, and her parents visiting from Holland.The Samsons are veteran hostelers, drawn, they said, by the friendly atmosphere. I'd packed a book, but it remained untouched that night. We talked and laughed for hours. I mentioned a favorite Dutch cookie I'd tasted in the Netherlands years ago. Anda left the room and came back with a package of those very cookies brought by her parents. Funny, this kind of thing just doesn't happen to me at the Hilton."

The article goes on to quote Barbara Yates, manager of Angie's Guest Cottage Hostel in Virginia Beach. Here's what she had to say about hosteling today. It's exactly what this blog is all about. ;-)

"You stay at a hostel because you want to stay someplace interesting. Youth hostels used to be for youths, but now it's common to see people in their sixties and seventies mingling with the young folk. Seeing those intrepid souls inspired Yates's mother, at 68, to join her daughter on a hosteling trip through England, Ireland and Scotland." I can see her now, climbing into the upper bunk." Yates said.

Click on over to the Post and read the whole article. It'll warm your heart.

Hostel Sleepover

Kinda makes you want to get packed and on your way, doesn't it?

Later . . .

Kristi

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel

Your Identity and Your Money - Are They Safe When You Travel?

2006-07-10T00:10:00.000-04:00

We think a lot about the cost of our trips and plan well so we can afford them (including seeking out good hostels that will help us cut expenses).

But we don't always plan as carefully for keeping our wealth and well-being intact. And there are some really simple things we can do to make sure we don't end up in a fix, so to speak.

Decide which credit card or cards to use and then make photocopies of the front and back of each one. Write the phone number to call if your card is lost or stolen on the copy of each card.

Then clean all the rest out of your wallet and leave them at home.

Copy your debit card if you plan to use ATMs. Write down your bank's customer service number, too.

Using your ATM card is easy almost everywhere in the world, now, and it avoids carrying large amounts of cash and the inconvenience of traveler's checks.

If you are carrying a passport, make a copy of the identifying pages of it, and write down the State Department's travel emergency telephone number 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778). With your passport number and information you will be able to get an emergency passport at the nearest American Consular office.

Bring the copies of everything with you. Don't put them in your luggage (in case your luggage gets separated from you!).

When you get to your destination, put the copies in a safe, if available. If you must carry them with you, keep them separate from the originals, lest you lose both. A small purse you hang from your neck under your clothes or a belt bag will work.

Here's something new to help keep theives out of your purse: It's Alarming.

Travel smart!

Kristi

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel , money+safety

Colonial House Inn Cape Cod

2006-07-09T23:21:00.000-04:00

If you're sweltering in the southern US (or anywhere) why not plan a trip to this fabulous country inn in the heart of Cape Cod. It was available even tonight when I checked.

Two can stay for around $130/night, but wait, that includes a full breakfast and dinner! The facility's public spaces are all handicap-accessible as are some of the rooms.

Beautiful, air-conditioned rooms so close to the sea, lovely shops and art galleries and wonderful seafood!

I found this great senior hostel at BootsnAll Travel.

Check here for all the details of Colonial House Inn.

More soon . . .

Kristi

Flickr: Upload photos

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel, cape+cod

What Is Hosteling, Anyway?

2006-07-08T21:49:00.000-04:00

Hi folks. Kristi here . . .

I just read an article over at BootsnAll Travel about the meaning of "hosteling." Have you stayed in a hostel . . . or have you hosteled? Good question.

Consider this:

"For starters, there's something we need to make clear: "Staying in a hostel", and "to hostel" (as a verb, an action) or "hosteling" aren't the same thing. You can stay anywhere. You can stay in a hotel, in a train station, the bog, it doesn't matter. Staying somewhere means nothing more than having for the night a place to leave your things, bathe, sleep, and maybe catch a meal. That's it."

And I really like their definition of hosteling. It might seem more related to "youth hosteling" at first glance, but if you really think about it, I'll wager you'll see how true it is for us over-50's, -60's and -70's, too. Okay, why not the over-80's as well?

Check it out here . . .

www.bootsnall.com/hostels/why.shtml

After you've read the article, let me know what you think. ;-)

Kristi

technorati tags:seniors+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel

Hello Travel-Loving Seniors

2006-07-08T17:57:00.000-04:00

I'm looking forward to sharing information with you on what I've learned (and am learning) about hostels seniors love and how to find them. I hope you'll share your experiences, too.

Talk soon . . .

Kristi

technorati tags:rs+hostels, hosteling, hostelling, senior+travel