HI Hostels Blog

How to see the City of Light on a budget

Paris is on practically every traveller’s to-do list and the city welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Along with being known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris does have a reputation for being a bit

Free things to do in Helsinki

Helsinki, as well as the whole of Finland, has a reputation as an expensive destination. But if you know where to look, you can find and do a lot of fun and interesting things without spending a single euro.Helsinki, as

Slovenia: a valley of adventures

Anja Turk, who works at Hostelling International, Slovenia, takes us along on her adventure through the country – starting with a car breakdown!
Anja Turk, who works at Hostelling International, Slovenia, takes us along on her adventure through the country

Places to be seen this Halloween

Halloween has come a long way since the Celts celebrated the date as a transition from summer to winter. This year, don’t limit yourself to dressing up in a tacky costume, carving a wonky smile onto a pumpkin, and answering

How to have a cheap family holiday to Germany

In these tight economic times, it seems almost ludicrous that a working family would actually have the means to take a vacation, let alone one to Germany, the beating economic heart of Europe.In these tight economic times, it seems almost

7 things NOT to pack for your hostel stay

Whether you’re at a small, intimate hostel or one with hundreds of beds, space is valuable. If you’re staying in hostels, you should pack light so that you can always be ready for the next adventure. Do your bit to

Sleep for Peace with HI-USA

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21. The General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people. To

The HI guide to Oktoberfest

Get ready for over two weeks of lederhosen-wearing men, barmaids trussed up in dirndls enthusiastically serving up frothy steins of Bavarian beer, traditional German food and oom-pah bands all from the atmospheric confines of a hop-scented beer tent.Get ready for

Autumn festivals in Ireland

Whether your great-aunt Maeve is Irish, you’ve always wanted to experience Irish culture, or you just want to head over for the ‘craic’ (fun), this year is the time to head over to Ireland. With so many events happening this