HI Hostels Blog

16 kids and counting? It’s no problem in a groups hostel!

Going on holiday with a supersized family is possible at hostels. Copyright: Channel4
Going on holiday with a supersized family is possible at hostels. Copyright: Channel4

‘16 Kids and Counting’ is one of the surprise TV hits of the spring. Following in the footsteps of families which buck the norm by having supersized broods, the Channel 4 programme has shown that an annual holiday can be difficult to organise and expensive.

But that doesn’t need to be the case. Because when you have a football-team sized family it means in holiday terms you are a group. And being in a group means that you can stay in any one of 200 Hostelling International hostels throughout the world which cater exclusively for big needs and at a discounted price too!

“Hostels can be the perfect solution for large families,” said Sam Newby-Ricci, Groups Sales and Marketing Manager for Hostelling International, “In many cases there is the option to book out the entire hostel so that you can have a home away from home or if you prefer you can book out a dormitory for the kids and mum and dads could have a private room to themselves.”

In many of the hostels which are part of the Quality Assured Hi Hostels Groups scheme, there is the option to also arrange meals. So this means that mums and dads can hang up their aprons and let someone else cook for their clans. And if you think you have to forego luxuries like a swimming pool, think again because there are hostels in sunny climes which have one of these too. And the days are gone when you had to take your own bed linen to a hostel. This is all provided as standard to groups as well as your bath towels.

The Portimau Youth Hostel has a pool - perfect for keeping all those kids happy
The Portimau Youth Hostel has a pool – perfect for keeping all those kids happy

So if you are part of a large family and are thinking about getting away this half term with the kids, why not think about these groups-friendly hostels for a bargain break?

  • Stay in the UK and pray for some sunshine? Why not pack up your bags and visit our hostel in the South Downs? This refurbished 13th century farm is in the right place for letting the little ones run wild in the countryside. Details here>>>
  • A family favourite is Portugal. Renowned for its safe beaches and great weather, our hostel in Portimão on the Algarve has the one thing which all kids crave. A swimming pool. So pack the arm bands and goggles and check out this bargain accommodation here>>>:
  • France is always an easy option when travelling in a large group. Load up the coach and drive yourself to the continent.  If you don’t want to drive too far why not book up our hostel in Boulogne which is just 30km from the ferry port? Close to the beaches and with friendly staff on hand who can organise supersized activities for your family, this is a real home from home. Details here>>>>:
  • Make your money go further by opting for a hostel which is outside the Eurozone. Why not try Croatia. Our hostel in Rijeka is surrounded by a park and a playground and is also near the beach. Check it out here>>>>

Hostelling International has groups friendly hostels in 30 countries. In the majority of cases if you are travelling in a group of more than nine, you will qualify for a groups discount. To find out more about all of the hostels within the quality assured scheme go to www.hihostels.com/groups

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