Hi, I've heard conflicting info on weather I need to have advance reservations for budget motels/private rooms in hostels. I'll be traveling alone in mid /late feb.to march 11. I'd prefer to just wing it, but don't want to end up sleeping in my car.Also, how funky are the single rooms in the hostels? I'm a 45 yr.old woman,and don't have much tolerance for super spatrtan accomodations.Thanks for you help.

Hi Darrell, <BR> <BR>I am assuming you are talking about travelling in Australia. <BR> <BR>I don't think you will need to worry to much about booking ahead for this time period as it is not a school holiday period. <BR> <BR>You will find that the hostel accommodations in general are very basic. A bed and a wardrobe if your lucky and mostly communial bathrooms. <BR> <BR>Cheers

Hi Darrell, <BR>Pick up a copy of "Budget Motels" Reservation Guides at the airport or any Budget Motel!- motels are of a high standard and as the name suggests - a budget price & hundreds of motels throughout Oz & New Zealand. Motels also offer a free reservation service from Motel to Motel so you can be assured of a vacancy when booking. <BR>Have a great trip! <BR>Barb from Boyne Island/Tannum Sands. QLD.

If heading into Melbourne early March, you may have a problem because the Grand Prix is held then. otherwise you should be fine. <BR>Peg.

hi, don't worry about advance reservations. just returned from aus & nz and didn't really need them. the only thing to worry about is when you'll be getting into town. if you are travelling all day, you'll need to consider arriving in a new town before 9pm. seemed like that's when most reception desks close for the night. there are some that are open 24 hours, but noticed that only in the bigger cities.